Mayfield named interim administrator
Marion Police Chief David Mayfield, off duty because of surgery, will take over as interim city administrator, city commissioners said Monday at their regular weekly meeting.
Administrator and clerk Dennis Nichols leaves Sept. 12 for a job in Hesston (see separate story).
Mayfield had surgery Friday for a torn rotator cuff in his shoulder. He cannot go on street patrol for three months, he said.
Officer Michel Soyez was named interim chief while Mayfield serves as administrator.
Mayfield injured his shoulder in April during a struggle with a suspect. He finally grew tired of the pain and scheduled the surgery.
Commissioners agreed to hire the League of Kansas Municipalities to conduct the search for a permanent administrator. Cost is $1,875 plus any advertising.
The league will write the advertisements, meet with commissioners to establish their criteria, review and possibly rewrite the job descriptions, review applications, develop candidate profiles, assist with interviews, and handle notification of all applicants.
"They know the good people from the bad better than we would," Commissioner Jim Crofoot said.
Nichols noted the City of Hillsboro used the league to find current administrator Steve Garrett, and was pleased with the organization's work.
In other reports:
Surveys designed to help the city qualify for a large federal grant will be mailed Thursday or Friday, officials said. The survey includes the monthly electrical bill and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Only the survey should be returned in the envelope. Utility payments should be sent separately or dropped off at city offices.
Legal proceedings will begin regarding a garage at 212 South Fourth Street. The city says the garage is not placed on a suitable foundation as required by city building codes. A hearing is required before a judge, who could assess up to $200 a day in fines. Vote was Eloise Mueller and Larry McLain in favor, commissioner Jim Crofoot abstaining due to a connection with the property owner through his business.
In a related matter, commissioners agreed to contract with the City of Newton to conduct building inspections as needed. Cost will be negotiated with the city of Newton. In the meantime, commissioners will advertise for a part-time inspector who would be a city employee.
An electrical "flutter" that occurred Monday happened in Florence and Hillsboro as well, indicating it was a brief change in the main power lines that serve the communities, foreman Harvey Sanders reported.
Fire hydrants have been replaced at Fourth and Miller and Maple and Roosevelt, foreman Marty Fredrickson reported. Four more will be installed this year as time permits.
Commissioners appointed Jan Helmer to the recreation commission. She replaces Diane Hett, who resigned due to a job change that made it difficult for her to attend meetings.
Commissioners approved a letter asking architects of the library project to resolve a dispute over a change order. It involves an $849 charge for floor electrical boxes that were not marked properly on the plans. City officials say the error was the architect's, not the city's.
Checks totaling $106,122 were approved to pay bills.
Commissioners will not meet Monday due to the Labor Day holiday. They will meet at 4 p.m. Tuesday.
