Council may allow larger buildings
Marion City Council was asked Monday to consider increasing the size of accessory buildings in residential areas.
Currently the city ordinance allows up to an 800-square-foot building. City officials have noted requests for larger buildings and suggested allowing up to 1,200 square feet, which would be larger than some houses.
Marion Mayor Mary Olson said the city attorney needed to make revisions to the ordinance. The council will review the request and amended ordinance at the next meeting.
In other business:
— Marion County Commissioner Dan Holub asked the council if the county trucks could use Main Street/U.S.-256 to U.S.-77.
By rerouting the trucks, the county could save $1,700-2,000 per year by going through town instead of around. The council approved the request.
— The council approved the placement of a 150-foot water tower at Marion Municipal Airport as long as the Federal Aviation Administration approves the location.
Marion County Improvement District #2 wants a 100,000-gallon water tower closer to the lake for improved pressure for fire protection and to accommodate additional full-time residents.
— Marion Chamber of Commerce Secretary Margo Yates reported she has been assembling and distributing bags with information about local businesses to the two lakes, and working with area councils and organizations.
She and Judy Christiansen are working with Florence to help organize an antique show on the same day as Marion's Art in the Park and Hillsboro's Arts and Crafts Show.
The council gave verbal approval for Yates to place a 32-inch, 400-pound concrete rhinoceros at Central Park.
— The purchase of a commercial mower was approved for $5,000 from Deer Trail Implement of Marion. The price included a trade-in allowance of $2,150 for the used mower.
Other bids were presented from Straub International and Seacat Do-it-Best.
— The council discussed electricity at Liberty Park, and approved the re-appointment of Christian Pedersen to the recreation commission for four years, April investment and collateral report and March financial statement, and budgeted transfers.
— There was a 30-minute executive session to discuss trade secrets and a 40-minute executive session for personnel.
Concerns about the city administrator's job performance were expressed by Olson at the April 30 meeting, not the April 23 meeting as stated in the May 9 edition of the Marion County Record.
The next council meeting is at 5:30 p.m. June 4 in the city building.
