Improvements under way at Hilltop Manor
Back when Hilltop Manor was built in 1971, if residents wanted carpeting they had to pay for the installation themselves.
"They also had to provide their own window air conditioning unit," Bud Pierce, Marion Housing Authority member, told Marion City Commissioners Monday.
Pierce said the facility has 26 one-bedroom apartments and two two-bedroom apartments. The facility is full with six on a waiting list.
When the facility was built in 1971, residents had to furnish their own carpet if they wanted it, as well as their own window air conditioner unit. Over the years, central air was installed, and now the Housing Authority is in the process of installing carpet in all apartments.
Other improvements have consisted of repairing emergency call systems, installing phone lines and jacks to the bedrooms, electrical outlets for cordless phones, ceiling fans in the living rooms, a dedicated electrical line for microwaves, and others.
The housing authority also is installing eight new refrigerators and eight new ranges in apartments, carbon monoxide detectors in all apartments, and direct wiring smoke alarms.
In the future, the housing authority would like to put in a few more two-bedroom apartments, and create a storm shelter for residents.
"We feel some type of storm shelter is necessary. Nothing is available there," Pierce said.
Municipal auditorium
Bob Brookens said the new black stage curtain was exactly what was needed at the city auditorium, and a new mid-curtain also was a welcome addition.
"The adults who use the theater appreciated your support and the new curtains," he said.
"We put off any coverings on the back stairways until 2003," Brookens said.
He noted the stairs running from the basement to the back of the stage were painted concrete and "by their nature, treacherous."
Brookens said he would like to see the stairs carpeted to cushion any fall an individual might have, but noted the cleaning maintenance on the stairway carpeting might be time prohibitive.
A rubber tread substance would be a more cost effective means than a metal grid, Brookens said. An estimate for the rubber tread or vinyl product obtained last year was $1,600, he said.
Commissioners told him to get some estimates for the various stairway materials and bring that information back. Mayfield said a close look at the budget would be needed before a decision could be made.
Brookens said sometime in the future it would be good to add two to four additional lights, but noted the school district might have plans to pay for that. However, before new lights could be installed, a new electrical line may be necessary, he said.
In other matters:
— Commissioners approved a vendor license for Schwan's Home Service, Inc.
— Approved the January financial statement and the January investment and collateral report.
— Approved warrants amounting to $23,174.70, and payroll amounting to $22,570.62.
— Heard from Economic Development Director Susan Cooper that a groundbreaking ceremony will be held for the new marble company when the snow is gone.
— Heard from Librarian Janet Marler that 25 attended a program on birds, and the 2003 ornament will feature the county courthouse. The library also will receive grant money for new computers in the children's area, and a memorial had been set up for the late Gerry Berg.
