Open storage unit approved at business park
Marion City Council approved an open storage building Monday to be built at Marion Business Park.
Jami Williams, city economic development director, presented information to the council from a prospective buyer of a lot at the park who previously had been approved by the council to construct an enclosed storage building.
Plans had changed, Williams reported, and the individual wanted open storage for campers and boats with swinging gates and padlocks on each stall.
The building would face east on Lot 13, a narrow lot on the northwest part of the park, that was unusable for most retail buildings.
No incentives were offered except a 20-foot culvert which is provided by the city to all new constructions.
Councilman Gene Winkler asked if there would be a fence around the property. Williams said there would not.
The council approved the development, 4-1, with Stacey Collett voting against.
In other business:
— Changes in controlling vehicle emissions prompted the city council to approve the purchase of a chassis of a new refuse truck instead of waiting until 2007.
Stan Williams of Williams Service of Florence, told the council that new emissions standards will be required on 2007 models which would cost the city an additional $5,000 for the part, and continual maintenance costs for the upkeep.
With those new requirements, manufacturers cannot keep up with the demand for 2006 model trucks and only a few remained.
The chassis will cost $51,896, which Mayfield said was available in capital outlay.
The city then would purchase the compactor in 2007 for an additional $53,384. Mayfield said $120,000 had been budgeted for the expense.
Street superintendent Marty Fredrickson said he preferred purchasing the truck through the Florence business because it was more convenient for servicing than driving the truck to Wichita.
— Williams asked the council to approve a resolution which would allow the city to apply for a grant through Kansas Department of Transportation for a pedestrian and bike route.
The two-step grant program would provide funding for a study to determine safe routes and implementation of the routes.
If approved, the city could be reimbursed up to $15,000 for the first phase and up to $250,000 for the second.
The new three-year grant program began in July, Williams said.
Numerous options were discussed that included a designated pedestrian and bike route that would not allow motor vehicles before and after school, and requesting the school district provide a city bus for students.
The council approved the application.
— The council approved a resolution that would require uniform street standards for new roadways, a general financial and budgeting policy manual as recommended by the city's auditors, and a mutual aid agreement with Herington Fire Department.
Marion Fire Chief Mike Regnier said fire departments within the county are working on one agreement for all departments.
— Mayfield reported a pre-construction conference for the water treatment plant project was held. A mid-July completion date is anticipated.
Councilman Jerry Kline commented that city water plant operators will learn the operation of the new components because they will continue to operate the plant while new equipment is installed.
— Don Noller will represent Marion on the Marion County Economic Development Council. Laura Legg has resigned from the appointment.
Other city representatives are Mayfield, Margo Yates, and Tina Groening.
— Donations are being requested for a infrared camera for Marion Fire Department.
Regnier reported a camera, borrowed from Hillsboro Fire Department, probably saved Rex Siebert's house because it located the source of the fire before it could spread.
So far, $350 has been collected for a camera that could cost between $9,000 and $10,000.
— Councilman Bill Holdeman asked for an update on the Main Street lighting project. Mayfield responded an engineer had not yet been contacted for cost estimates.
— Williams reported approval had been received from a landowner to erect a Marion sign at U.S.-50/K-150, negotiations continue with Mike Fruechting to purchase the domain name of marionkansas.com, and the city had received a completed grant application.
Holdeman asked Williams why he wasn't informed that she owned the building at 162 W. Main, the location of the latest grant recipient. Williams responded that she had told the council.
— Holdeman also asked Harvey Sanders, public utilities director, why the 12.5 electrical line had not progressed. He commented the city spends $15,000 per year on the line and has spent six years so far. He suggested a contractor be paid to finish.
Sanders responded the work takes a long time because employees work on the line "hot" or while electricity is on and when there is time. He said it could take 20 years before the work is completed and it would be cost-prohibitive to hire a contractor.
Tree trimming is important and continuous, Sanders said, because overgrown limbs can cause outages which results in overtime pay.
Collett asked why electrical department employees were doing other work. Sanders responded there wasn't enough manpower and other departments had to help where needed.
— City clerk Angela Lange reported a voice mail system will be installed on the city phones for after hours.
The next council meeting is at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 11 in the city building.
