Concessions will be allowed at county lake
Search continues for lake superintendent
Staff reporter
With the absence of a county lake superintendent, concerns have been expressed regarding concessions and supplies at the county lake, particularly during the Memorial Day weekend.
Marion County Commissioner Dan Holub suggested Monday that the county allow volunteers to operate the former bait and retail shop during the first major camping weekend of the season.
Former lake superintendent Dale Snelling retired at the end of April and a replacement has not been hired. Until one is secured, volunteers have offered to open the retail portion of the lake office during that busy weekend. Proceeds from the sales would be used for lake improvements. The volunteer group would be responsible for purchasing and selling of the retail items.
Holub also commented that he wasn't sure if he supported a county-based bait and tackle business when there was a privately-owned business near Marion Reservoir.
He continued that with the closing of Marion Municipal Pool this summer while a new indoor pool is constructed, maybe the county could provide a metal building near the county lake swimming area for additional concessions not offered at the lake office.
Holub suggested non-profit organizations and school groups could take turns operating the concessions. To settle disputes of who could operate the stand during holidays, Holub suggested the lake volunteers do it.
Commission chairman Randy Dallke said there might be a need for concessions this summer but maybe not after the new pool in Marion was open. He then wondered if a metal building company could provide a building to the county for several months and then it could be removed.
Commissioner Bob Hein said there was a contractor in Hillsboro who provided a building at the sports complex. In return he asked that his sign be displayed on the building.
The consensus of the commission was to have the building a minimum of 10x10-foot.
More information will be gathered and presented at a future meeting.
In other lake business:
— The commission approved a request from Helen Beckham regarding future use of a small, stone building located west of the lake office. Beckham asked, through a letter, that the commission allow a Civilian Conservation Corps and Marion County Park and Lake museum. Photographs and letters from CCC workers and memorabilia could be displayed.
Formerly the building was used as a pigeon coop and storage.
Dallke asked if the proposed use would interfere with lake operations. The commission said it would not.
"I think we need to go ahead and let them do it," Hein said.
The commission approved the request as long as the group had sufficient funds to operate the facility.
— The search continues for a new superintendent.
Offers were made to two candidates but both were declined — one because of the pay and another because of the applicant's current situation.
Later in the meeting, the commission entered a five-minute executive session to discuss the position. When the meeting reconvened the commission decided to advertise the position for a few weeks and have added to the description that business experience was preferred.
The position will be open until filled.
— The commission received notification from Kansas Department of Agriculture that a dam inspection will be conducted between May 1 and April 30, 2008. The commission will receive a written report within 60 days after the inspection.
