County development position to be discussed
Discussion and decisions will be made April 5 by Marion County Commission regarding the county economic development position. The discussion will begin at 11:20 a.m., with 40 minutes scheduled for the topic.
Susan Robson, county attorney, will be asked to present her findings at the April 12 commission meeting regarding liquor-by-the-drink and Sunday beer sales.
In Monday's meeting, the commission approved drafts of five appeal form letters to be used for solid waste appeals.
"The number of appeals compared to last year has been reduced to at least half," reported Carol Maggard, county clerk.
Approximately 50 to 75 appeals have been made this year regarding solid waste charges made to all property owners in Marion County.
Michele Abbott-Becker, director of communications and emergency management, reported to the commission there was a "stumbling block" regarding the 911 radio project.
Originally, Western Wireless was willing to let the county use a building to house the necessary equipment for the radios. The wireless company now has rescinded its decision and the county will need to provide its own building.
Abbott-Becker said specific requirements for the building include the building being made of concrete or forged steel to withstand the weather or any damage caused by the tower.
The building needs to be a minimum of eight feet by six feet with heating and air conditioning.
Abbott-Becker said the consultant for the project suggested finding an existing building and moving it to the site.
Leroy Wetta, commission chairman, asked if a concrete storm shelter could be used.
"It wouldn't need to be heated or air conditioned being underground," said Wetta. "It would certainly stand up to the weather."
Abbott-Becker is going to check into that, as well as funding options. She said typically grants do not cover buildings or furniture.
The site is two miles west of Marion on 190th.
Commissioners approved the expense of having an architectural film installed on the front windows and door of the county health office.
Jan Moffitt, health department administrator, said the existing awning is in need of repair at a cost of $785 or replaced for $1,260. The awning is 10 years old, which is the typical life span for a cloth awning.
Two offices are located next to the front windows and get hot from the sun. The coating on the glass will reflect the heat and reduce the cooling expense in the summer.
Moffitt presented a bid of $1,300 from Matt's Detail Shop of Newton for the installation of solar guard window coating. The coating will be installed Sunday.
The county road and bridge department will remove the awning prior to the window treatment installation.
David Brazil, county planning and zoning administrator and transfer station manager, presented a bid for replacement of an air compressor at the transfer station.
Commission approved the bid of $739 from Marion Auto Supply.
Brazil also presented monthly expense reports for February.
Total expenses for the transfer station were $24,277, planning and zoning $2,410, and environmental health $2,752.
Total tonnage received at the transfer station for February was 435 tons with a year-to-date total of 961 tons.
In other business:
— Gerald Kelsey, road and bridge superintendent, and Jim Herzet, road supervisor, presented a fuel bid. Commission approved the bid from Cardie Oil Company for 6,000 gallons of diesel fuel and 2,000 gallons of unleaded fuel for a total price of $10,372.
The five-year bridge replacement plan is due April 21, reported Kelsey. A bridge at Durham is being replaced at the present time with three others already on the list and two more to be added. A second bridge will be completed yet this year with the others within the next five years.
Ritchie Paving of Wichita was awarded the bid for millings at $3 per ton, which includes delivery.
— Mike Wederski of Juvenile Justice Authority, recommended and commission approved the reappointment of Demitry Evancho and the new appointment of Sandy Berg to the board.
Due to a possible lawsuit of JJA board members, Wederski said the question has been raised which entity is ultimately responsible if there was money paid due to a lawsuit.
County attorney Robson will be asked to contact appropriate parties to discuss the options and Marion County's responsibility.
Wederski suggested a representative from each county commission meet and discuss the options. Once the options are discussed, the interlocal agreement will need to be updated, said Wederski.
— Commission approved two resolutions. A mutual aid resolution is necessary in accordance with the county's emergency plan. The plan states there is a resolution in place but none was located.
Hazardous material cleanup resolution supports the state's statute requiring the entity who spilled the hazardous materials be responsible to pay for the cleanup.
— Commission approved a resolution proclaiming April as fair housing month. The notice will run in the Marion County Record only.
The next commission meeting will be at 9 a.m. March 31.
