Housing project, day care seeks support
Staff reporter
Marion Chamber of Commerce members were asked to support two proposed community projects.
David Mayfield, Marion city administrator, presented information Friday for a proposed housing incentive program and community day-care center.
Community leaders recently met to discuss two community projects that could be completed as part of the city's strategic plan.
Members of the strategic planning committee are Mayfield, Martin Tice, Jim Hefley, Jami Williams, and Margo Yates.
"Our goal was to quit talking about it and get something done," Mayfield said.
Mayfield informed business owners in attendance that the City of Hesston has implemented a housing program to encourage new housing construction with $20,000 set aside to be used as incentives.
The City of Hesston will give 20 $1,000 cash bonuses to individuals who build new houses within the city limits.
Eligible homes must be site-built of modular construction according to the city's building codes.
Several banks within the city also are participating by waiving appraisal fees if the homes are financed with those institutions.
A local heating and plumbing contractor will provide a free tub/shower combination, upgrade to standard color fixtures, or 10-year parts and labor warranty on a heating and air conditioning unit.
The individuals also will receive a one-month free membership to the local wellness center, up to 100 square yards of carpet from a local carpet store, a one-year newspaper subscription, $150 in chamber bucks, and other items from local merchants.
The incentives will be on a first come, first served basis.
Mayfield asked for a show of hands from the 40-plus members in attendance and had nearly all raise their hands.
Since the Hesston program was implemented, 10 new homes have been built.
The proposed incentive program will be presented to Marion City Commission for consideration if there is sufficient participation from local business owners.
Mayfield said Hefley had contacted local banks to ask for their participation.
Those wanting to participate are encouraged to contact Mayfield at the city office.
Nadine Iseli of Central Park Antique Emporium, said she would be willing to participate by providing welcome baskets to new residents.
Kevin Fruechting of Tampa State Bank, asked if the city was willing to establish a new housing addition to accommodate new homes.
Mayfield responded there were sufficient vacant lots available throughout the city with sewer, water, and electricity already in place. He added he was aware of at least 20 locations suitable for new homes.
"This only will work if businesses are willing to participate," Mayfield said.
Community day-care project
Williams, president of Marion Chamber of Commerce, said businesses suffer when employees' child care providers are ill or on vacation and unable to care for the children.
"Businesses need to invest in a day-care center," Williams said.
She said the committee will recommend the city purchase the former State of Kansas Social and Rehabilitative Services building at Main and Cedar streets. Employees of the day-care would be city employees.
"Local businesses could cover start-up costs and some overhead expenses," said Williams. The group will apply for grants to cover the expenses for some required remodeling.
"The facility will never be closed due to illness or vacations," Williams said.
The group also has had contact with some in-home child-care providers. The ones who have been contacted are in favor of the concept. The providers could be given opportunities to be employees of the facility or they could continue with in-home day-care services.
Williams said she wanted local businesses to let her know if they want to participate with a monetary donation.
A feasibility study will be conducted to determine the needs of the community. Also state licensing guidelines will dictate the maximum number of children for the available space, and outside playground requirements.
Jennifer Gaines of Marion Assisted Living, asked if the facility also will provide a pre-school program. She indicated that it was difficult for parents to take off from work to transport their child from a day-care to a pre-school. Williams said it will depend on the findings of the study and if sufficient space was available.
Day-care services would be available to any child and extended hours of operation may be considered.
Qualifications of the director and employees will indicate the type of licensing, said Williams. An apartment is located above the ground floor of the building and could be utilized by the director.
In other chamber business:
— Mayfield reported county commissioner Dan Holub has completed and submitted an application for the county to have a coal-fired generator plant located in the county.
Two sites were determined by Mayfield and Holub that met the requirements set out by Westar Energy, Inc.
Fruechting asked if the city could participate in locating the plant within city limits. Mayfield said he wasn't sure of the land requirements but was sure it would be a minimum of several hundred acres.
— Mayfield reported there were untrue rumors about the city declining an offer from a retail business to locate in Marion.
Mayfield read a letter dated August 2004, requesting the company, Braum's, consider locating to Marion. The company indicated that it would locate in communities with a minimum population of 5,000 residents and at the present time was not opening any new stores.
— A walking trail within the city limits continues to run into snags. Yates reported on the behalf of Casey Case that permission from Central Kansas Conservancy still had not been secured in using the former railroad track.
— Marion residents are reminded to submit claims for damages to appliances, computers, and other equipment due to voltage problems caused by faulty Westar Energy, Inc., equipment.
All claims will be gathered by city personnel and presented to Westar Energy, Inc. as a group.
— Smoke detectors are available for local and area residents. Applications are available at the city office.
— Six resumes have been received by the city for an economic development director position. The position will be advertised for two additional weeks.
A public work session is planned with the city commission following the weekly commission meeting on Sept. 6.
