City purchases two new police vehicles
By ROWENA PLETT
Staff writer
Marion Police Chief Josh Whitwell and city administrator David Mayfield persuaded Marion City Council members Monday to approve the purchase of two new police vehicles.
The Chevrolet Impalas will be acquired through the Kansas Highway Patrol Partners Program for $17,877 each.
Whitwell argued that the new vehicles could last twice as long as used vehicles and would be warranted, saving the city money. Mayfield said the budget will provide for the purchases if no more police vehicles are purchased in the next four years.
County commissioner Randy Dallke requested a letter from the city regarding property at the south end of the industrial park which could be used as a jail site. He asked them to let commissioners know if they are interested in selling the property or in providing utilities in exchange for the property.
All agreed that any contract that would be signed would take effect only if the November bond issue passes.
Casey Case reported that Brad Seacat of Seacat Hardware is donating lumber for a new press box for Field B at Marion Baseball Complex. That's where the 12-and-under Cal Ripken regional baseball tournament will be played in July. Case said volunteers will build the box.
He asked the city council to help fund new restrooms at the ball diamond.
"These improvements will continue to last for the next 20-30 years," he said.
Marion Economic development director Jami Williams reported receiving news that Marion has received the community development block grant for which the city applied. The amount of the grant is not known at this time. Williams said the money will be used for street improvements on Eisenhower and North Cedar.
Angela Lange reported more than $3,000 was raised this past weekend for the park improvement fund. She said the project needs an additional $12,500 by the end of February to proceed with ordering equipment.
Lange was granted permission to ask residents to voluntarily "round-off" their water bills, with the extra going to the park improvement project.
Board actions included:
— a lease agreement of $500 per month with Crossroads Wireless for space for equipment on the water tower. The Oklahoma City-based company is building a nationwide network. Its shareholders are rural telephone companies.
— payment to Hett Construction Co. of $2,828 for work on the Cardie Oil building.
— appointment to the cemetery board of Bud Hannaford, Forrest Smith, and Rosse Case for three-year terms.
— approval of warrants totaling $247,602.40 and payroll of $26,728.22.
The board met in executive session with Mayfield and Williams regarding the economic development director position.
