Marion approves county strategic plan
Enterprise Zone designation
is an important component
The Marion City Commission on Monday approved the countywide strategic plan.
Economic development director Susan Cooper said the city relies on the plan for its Enterprise Zone designation, which creates state-based incentives for business.
"These are things like sales tax exemptions and other incentives," Cooper explained.
The county plan was last updated in 1999 and must be updated every three years.
"Since Marion's population is over 2,000, the county is required to ask the city for its support," Cooper explained.
In return, the city must agree to waive commercial building permit fees.
The city's fee for a commercial remodel is $5, while the fee is $10 for new construction. So far this year, fees for both have only amounted to $35.
"We're not giving up a great deal of revenue by waiving these fees," Cooper said.
Other reports
City Administrator Dave Mayfield reported the final inspection of the Marion City Library had been completed and with the exception of the landscaper, the majority of sub-contractors had been paid.
"Everything is okay except the landscape," he said. "We'll hold a small portion of the final payment for that. It will probably be next spring before we totally resolve that issue."
Victor Buckner asked for permission to burn what was left of a barn structure he had cleaned up on Ashley Drive. Buckner said he had removed the tires, would remove the tin, and the only debris left would be wood.
Mayfield told commissioners they would have to grant an exemption because city ordinance does not allow burning.
City Attorney Dan Baldwin recommended commissioners give Thad Meierhoff, fire chief, the discretion to make the decision.
Mayfield reported the city had received a dividend check from its insurance carrier, EMC, in the amount of $498.34. The check is the city's proportionate share of the Kansas Municipal Utilities Group Insurance program.
"This is the first check we've received in a while," he said. "Over 400 cities participate in this."
Harvey Sanders, director of public utilities, reported city crews were continuing to check Christmas lights and would begin hanging decorations on poles next week and placing figurines in the park.
He also noted crews were readying city vehicles for winter, several utility customers had been disconnected, and rock had been hauled to the park, various alleys, and streets.
"We've got a lot of potholes with all this rain," Sanders said.
Janet Marler, librarian, reported she met Wednesday with Head Start children. Also members of the Marion High School sophomore class had visited the facility, and the library had a display during the Women's Wellness Workshop in Marion "which generated a lot of interest," she said.
Marler also noted approximately 10 people had visited the library as a direct result of a presentation she gave earlier at Tabor College.
The commission approved warrants totaling $15,850.69 and payroll in the amount of $20,647.47.
* Mayfield noted the next meeting will be at 4 p.m. Tuesday instead of the regular Monday date due to the Veterans' Day holiday.
