County asked to rescind Sunday beer sales decision
Warren Kreutziger, owner of Canada Bait and Tackle, addressed the Marion County Commission Monday regarding the decision not to permit Sunday beer sales in the county. The decision was made at a previous meeting.
Kreutziger was surprised and disappointed, he said, with the commission's decision.
"I have to pay for the inventory, I'm open anyway," said Kreutziger. "I'm paying taxes seven days a week."
Commission chairman Leroy Wetta told Kreutziger Sunday beer sales would put pressure on cities within the county to do the same as the county.
Commissioner Howard Collett supported Wetta's comments and added it would be breaking new ground.
"If the cities want to do this, we'll follow their lead," said Collett.
Kreutziger said he has had only positive comments from customers regarding Sunday beer sales. Collett reported the opposite.
"I have had comments from people who oppose it (Sunday beers sales)," said Collett. "I don't think it will make a big difference on tax revenue."
Commissioner Bob Hein questioned the impact the additional day of beer sales would have on the economy.
Kreutziger said the only way to get some of the out-of-county and out-of-state tax money is through Sunday beer sales.
The commission reiterated the decision would not be rescinded.
"Until the cities take the lead, we're not doing anything, as far as I'm concerned," said Collett.
Michele Abbott-Becker, communications and emergency management director, told the commission House Bill 153 regarding wireless taxes had passed.
Fifty cents a month will be collected from each cell phone owner with 25 cents being returned to the county. Abbott-Becker said the funds are to be used for wireless 911 upgrades.
The remaining 25 cents will go in to a grant fund to be awarded to counties with populations of less than 75,000 residents.
Abbott-Becker also reported the storm shelter building proposed for use at the communications tower can be modified to suit the county's needs.
Emergency communication statistics for March were distributed. In March, 2,859 emergency calls were received by the county, an increase of more than 500 calls from March 2003.
A total of 4,045 incoming and outgoing calls were noted for March.
In other business:
— The commission approved the bid from Suffield Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing for repairs and improvements at the county jail.
Owner DuWayne Suffield attended the meeting to clarify the bid he had previously submitted.
Suffield's bid will replace cast iron pipe, pipe fitting and fences on drains and vents, repair valve leak in toilet, and replace ceilings. The bid amount was $4,335.
Ralph Kreutziger of Hett Construction attended a previous commission meeting to discuss the submitted bid from Hett Construction. The bid amount was $9,240.
Suffield said he could start the project in a week and it probably would take two days to complete.
— Demitry Evancho submitted a written resignation from Eighth Judicial District Community Advisory Board due to an employment change.
— Treasurer Jeannine Bateman requested and received a 15-minute executive session to discuss personnel. County clerk Carol Maggard also was in attendance.
When the meeting reconvened, Bateman announced the resignation of Judy Houdyshell of the vehicle department. A replacement will be hired and changes are anticipated in the treasurer's office to better utilize space and employees, said Bateman.
— A five-year bridge replacement plan was approved by the commission. The plan is a Kansas Department of Transportation requirement.
— A transport fuel bid from Cardie Oil Company was approved totaling $11,297.
Due to the occurrence of one Marion County vendor being the only fuel bidder, the question was asked if out-of-county bids should be solicited. No decisions were made.
— David Brazil, zoning administrator, environment health and transfer station director, distributed monthly expense information. The departments under Brazil's supervision are within budgetary expenses.
Brazil requested and received a 10-minute executive session to discuss personnel in the health department and transfer station.
The meeting reconvened with Brazil given authorization to submit job description updates to the county's job classification committee for wage information.
— The commission signed a letter of support from Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging regarding low income housing.
The commission will meet at 9 a.m. Monday in the courthouse.
