City plans to raze abandoned house
Staff reporter
Time has run out for the owners of the property at 201 N. Freeborn, Marion, to fix up their home.
On Monday, Marion City Commission instructed city attorney Dan Baldwin to provide a resolution at its next meeting to proceed with the demolition of the abandoned property.
Donald and Helen Marques Jr., owners of record, had 120 days that began April 18 to complete necessary improvements to the structure to meet city building code requirements.
An agreement was signed by the owners to complete specific upgrades by specific dates; none had been made.
City building inspector Marty Fredrickson reported he had inspected the property Monday and found no progress.
Baldwin said there were no lien holders of record.
The resolution will be published in the July edition of the Marion County Record, the city's official newspaper, as a public notice.
Demolition will not commence until after Aug. 1.
In other business:
— Ammonia will be added to the city's drinking water beginning Monday.
As part of the city's water treatment plant upgrade, the necessary equipment was installed this week. But due to an annual inspection and repair of the city's large water tower, the city decided to postpone the addition of ammonia until after the inspection.
During the water tower inspection, which was scheduled for today (Wednesday), it is imperative the tower be full of water for the process.
City administrator David Mayfield said the city's drinking water will be out of compliance with EPA standards again for this next quarter. Notices will be sent to residents.
— The commission approved a $75,818 wire transfer from the city's bond and interest fund to UMB National Bank for refunding of the general obligation revenue bonds.
— Warrants for $34,757 and payroll for $28,240 were approved.
— Mayfield and city treasurer Angela Lange recently attended a meeting regarding the application for Community Development Block Grants. Application is being considered for a new fire truck.
— Public utilities superintendent Harvey Sanders reported crews have begun removing old asphalt from three blocks of Lawrence Street, repaired two water leaks, and assisted at the fire at Hett's Repair.
— Mayor Martin Tice commended local and area fire departments, law enforcement, and city crews for their efforts Sunday morning when Hett's Repair building burned.
The next commission meeting will be at 4 p.m. Tuesday instead of Monday due to the July 4 holiday. The meeting will be held in the city building.
