Fireworks ordinance discussed
Mayor Mary Olson told Marion City Council Monday evening that at each council meeting she was going to ask the council to discuss specific topics.
The first topic was a review of the city's fireworks ordinance. Councilman Bill Holdeman said he was not in favor of allowing people to discharge fireworks seven days ahead of July 4.
The ordinance was adjusted last year so the sale of fireworks were the same days as discharging. City economic development director Jami Williams commented that from a fund-raising point of view, it was advantageous for more days for sales and discharging.
Last year there were three fireworks stands with the city receiving a sales tax from those sales. Williams said when she was involved with a fund-raiser several years ago, that stand had $40,000 to $60,000 in sales.
Councilman Stacey Collett suggested other cities be canvassed.
No decisions were made.
Other discussion topics were:
— Olson asked if PrairieLand Partners wanted to use part of the undeveloped industrial park site for demonstrations of their equipment as was done last year. City officials will check with the business.
— Could the city's speculative building be rented? Since there hasn't been any lease activity on the building, Olson asked if it could be rented on a month-to-month basis.
— Concerns were expressed by Olson regarding the condition of sidewalks, cemetery charges, building permit fees, the city's purchasing policy, and the sale of city equipment that no longer was needed.
— Handicapped parking areas also need attention, Olson said, with better designation.
— During the public forum, Holdeman asked if an alley north of Casey's General Store, between North Freeborn and Roosevelt streets could be cut down to allow for drainage. He said whenever it rains, two yards directly north of Casey's fill with water and is slow to drain. City officials will check it out.
