City wants to finalize interlocal agreement with Hillsboro
Agreement will be for feasibility study for wholesale water district
Staff reporter
The City of Marion is wanting to finalize an interlocal agreement between Marion and Hillsboro.
The agreement will enable the two cities to participate in a feasibility study for the creation of a wholesale water district. With this agreement, grant funds may be applied for and possibly obtained to fund the study.
David Mayfield, city administrator, told the commissioners the agreement was on the Hillsboro City Council agenda for Tuesday.
Poor Internet service, provided by Tri-County Telephone, was a topic of discussion by the council and city employees. The city library is continuing to have inconsistent service.
Janet Marler, librarian, and a library patron reported their frustration with the service and would like to see it remedied.
Police chief Michel Soyez told the commission the "down time" of the Internet service cost the city money. Due to the poor service, steps to complete the city's website have been delayed.
A Tri-County Telephone representative was on the agenda but did not appear at the meeting.
The commission instructed Mayfield to contact the representative and ask him to attend the next meeting to address their concerns.
In other business:
— Bud Pierce, chairman of the Marion Housing Authority, presented an annual report. The authority oversees the operations of Hilltop Manor.
There are 26 one-bedroom and two two-bedroom apartments. Currently there is one one-bedroom apartment vacant. Seven individuals are on the waiting list for apartments.
The authority board members are Pierce; Charles Heerey, vice chairman; Harold Conyers, ground chairman; Ralph Kreutziger, inventory chairman; and Jean Case. The executive director is Shirley Carlson, the activities director is Daleen Tharp, and Jim Fruechting is the maintenance director.
Pierce reported the authority board would like to have a handicapped-accessible storm shelter constructed at an approximate cost of $36,500.
"We're a little short of funds for that," said Pierce.
Mayfield asked Pierce the amount of funds needed to fund the project. Pierce answered an additional $10,000 would be needed. Mayfield and Pierce will discuss the funding options.
With the 2003 capital improvement funds, the front apartment doors will be replaced.
— Harvey Sanders, director of public utilities, presented a written report. He reported temporary water service is being provided to Case and Son Insurance and Hannaford Title and Abstract on Main Street.
A frozen water line, on the city's property, has prevented the two businesses from obtaining water.
— Soyez reported Infinitec, the company hired to design the city's website, has provided a user name and password.
— Marler submitted a written library report.
— Becky Makovec, utility billing clerk, submitted and commission approved the January utility billing tie-out.
— Mayfield reported he will be attending this week the second phase of a grant writing school in Emporia.
— City offices will be closed Friday for remodeling purposes. Employees will be working and answering the telephone, said Mayfield.
— Linda Holub, city clerk, will be attending a two-day training class for government accounting in Wichita.
— Warrants in the amount of $140,116 were approved.
The next commission meeting will be at 4 p.m. Monday in the city building.
