Commission hears report on Chingawassa
Marion City Commission was told Monday that Chingawassa Days are again being planned for June 4 and 5.
Gene Winkler, steering committee chairman for the event, thanked the city for its assistance with the event.
"We tried to do more of the manual work ourselves last year," said Winkler. He said he hoped it was less of a burden for the city workers.
Last year was a successful year, said Winkler, because the event "didn't lose money."
Committee members are Winkler, Mike Powers, Sharon Kelsey, Margo Yates, Dave Crofoot, Susan Cooper, Chris Costello, Jan Helmer, Jandee Moore, Dave Hett, Roger Schwab, and Randy Kelsey.
Bruce Skiles had served on the committee since the event began and has now resigned. Replacing Skiles is Mark Grout.
A band contract has been signed, said Winkler, but he could not divulge the name of the band.
The Friday night format may be changed.
"In the past, there was karaoke and a band," said Winkler. "We may do something different." A comedian or magician has been discussed as well as a band for teens.
Winkler said the committee always is looking for new acts.
"We don't like to keep acts for more than two years," said Winkler.
The producer for the Saturday night band is assisting the committee with Friday night entertainment.
Jim Crofoot, commissioner, said the city appreciates the Chingawassa Days committee.
"The city appreciates all of the hard work the committee puts in the events," said Crofoot.
Action items:
Commissioners approved appointments to various boards.
Jean Case will complete Randee Loomis' term on the Marion Housing Authority board. The three-year term is from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2007.
Eloise Mueller, mayor, asked if some of the appointments could be set up to begin and expire at the same time. David Mayfield, administrator, said some of the appointments could.
Christian Pedersen was appointed to the Marion Recreation Commission to complete Jeff Cady's unexpired term. His term is effective through July, 2007.
Jim Hefley was appointed to a four-year term on the Marion Economic Development Advisory Board. Crofoot was appointed to a one-year term as the commission representative.
Warrants in the amount of $26,265 and payroll in the amount of $23,238.64 were approved.
Other business:
— Mayfield attended the first of three sessions of grant writing. The school is taught by Oklahoma University professor Dr. Don Udell and sponsored by the Flint Hills Resource Conservation and Development council.
— Mayfield said the task force for the county economic development job description will meet at 1 p.m. Wednesday. Mayfield is a member of the task force and plans to attend the meeting.
— Harvey Sanders, director of public utilities, submitted a written report. He said that residents have commented on the tree trimming by the city.
"People have been gracious and complimentary of the job being done," said Sanders.
North Cedar Street has been completed. South Freeborn and Roosevelt will be the next streets. The trimming will allow larger vehicles, city and commercial, to drive on the streets without rubbing the tree limbs.
— Michel Soyez, police chief, and Janet Marler, librarian, submitted a written reports.
The next commission meeting will be at 4 p.m. Monday at the city building.
