Marion approves zoning change for local bank
Decision will allow Tampa State Bank to utilize land
Staff writer
The Marion City Commission approved a zoning ordinance Monday that will allow the Tampa State Bank to utilize property north of their Marion bank location.
The bank plans to use the property to build a structure to house re-possessed vehicles, other bank storage, and provide an area for employee parking, explained Susan Cooper, Marion economic development director. The ordinance changes the zoning at 118 N. Freeborn from low density residential to general commercial. The Marion Planning Commission approved the zoning change 5-0 during its Dec. 30 meeting.
Currently, Cooper said, an older mobile home with an attached structure is located on the property. Tampa State Bank plans to purchase the property, contingent on the zoning change approval. The existing mobile home would be removed and a painted, metal structure would be constructed at the rear of the property. The 40x75-ft. structure will be used for bank storage.
Activity at the location will probably be limited to banking hours.
Cooper reported several nearby residents attended the planning commission public hearing, and expressed concerns about drainage and lighting. Cooper said the city building inspector would require a site plan that addressed drainage issues, and ensure that water did not drain on adjoining property owners' land.
Concerning what type of lighting would be used, Mickey Lundy, bank vice president, said it probably would consist of a motion, security light.
Lundy also told commissioners the bank was agreeable to constructing a fence separating the property from the residential area next to it if the neighbors felt it was necessary.
"Our zoning requirements don't require a fence be installed for a general commercial area," Cooper explained. "They would need a fence if they planned outside storage."
Commissioners felt the razing of the older structure and the planned bank use of the property was a positive step. Cooper agreed, "That area is conducive to general commercial use," she said.
Planning Commission
The commission approved the following appointments to the Marion Planning Commission for 2003:
Re-appointed Sally Hannaford to a one-year-term and Alan Kruse to a three-year-term.
Cooper also said member Doug Sharp asked to be replaced because of a scheduling conflict on the third Monday of each month, when the planning commission meets. The commission accepted Cooper's recommendation that Roger Schwab be appointed to a one-year-term to fill Sharp's slot. In addition to Hannaford, Kruse, and Schwab, other planning commission members include Feebie Holdeman, Mickey Lundy, Jackie Crofoot, and Brice Goebel.
In a related action, the commission approved the following appointments to the Board of Zoning Appeals:
Re-appointed Gene Winkler to a one-year-term, and named Jackie Crofoot and Brice Goebel to two-year-terms. Crofoot and Goebel replace members Mickey Lundy and Doug Sharp.
Cooper noted in many towns members serve on both boards. In addition to Winkler, Crofoot, and Goebel, other board of zoning appeals members are Leland Heidebrecht and Feebie Holdeman.
Appointment terms?
Mayor Eloise Mueller questioned whether the city should draft some type of ordinance setting the length of time individuals could serve on the various boards. Mueller said she believed after a time people's views could become "stagnated and stale."
"I don't mean to say people aren't doing a good job," she said. "Maybe we should run some type of ad or news story letting people know these positions are available. We have many new people in our community. Maybe some of them would like to get involved."
City Attorney Dan Baldwin said he could draft something if the commission would like; however, he noted that in a few years it was likely three other individuals could be serving on the city commission and they might have an entirely different view and would undo that decision.
"You have the power to say 'I don't want to recommend that person. They've been on the board long enough'," Baldwin said.
Commissioner Larry McLain said one of the reasons people have served over and over was because no one else was interested.
Mueller agreed that could be the case, but also noted it sometimes gives the impression that new people are not wanted.
In other matters:
— Commissioners approved a request from Bud Hannaford representing the Marion American Legion, asking to install permanent flag poles at the city cemetery. He noted the Legion had been putting up 103 flags at the cemetery for 35 years, and members felt it was time to install permanent poles and cut that number basically in half. All expenses including purchasing the poles and installation would be paid by the American Legion, Hannaford said.
As the number of veterans continues to dwindle, Hannaford noted it was becoming more and more difficult to find volunteers to help erect the 103 flags during the various holidays. He also noted old antennas were used as flagpoles and they were becoming decrepit.
"We've visited several cities where they have permanent poles. After a while people get used to it and don't even know they're there," Hannaford said.
McLain said he felt the change would be a definite enhancement.
— The commission approved the appointments of Jim Cather and Rosalie Schmidtberger to three-year terms on the cemetery board, based on a recommendation by Hannaford. He also presented the 2002 cemetery board treasurer's report.
— Heard McLain would serve as the city commission's representative to the Economic Development Advisory Board. The appointment will be voted on during the next meeting.
— The commission approved a plumbing license for Graber Plumbing and Heating, Newton.
— The commission approved the December financial statement, the December investment and collateral report, and the Fourth Quarter Financial Statement for 2002, which will be published. Mayfield said the city ended 2002 at 84.7 percent of budget authority which means the city finished the year under budget.
— The commission approved warrants amounting to $88,992.15 and payroll in the amount of $21,824.76. The excessive amount of warrants is due to a $64,352.66 payment to Westar.
— Heard from Dave Mayfield, city administrator, that First District Congressman Jerry Moran had invited the commission to meet with him in Peabody from 1 to 2 p.m. Jan. 17 during his Marion County stop, part of his seventh annual tour.
— Heard from Mayfield that the city was reviewing options for 2003 health insurance rates from Blue Cross/Blue Shield which renews in March. He said the city would be reviewing the options and get back to the commission at a later date.
