Police department receives free equipment
An officer will go to Maryland for free training
David Mayfield, city administrator, informed the commission that Marion Police Department was being approved for a free STEDI-EYE, a high-powered, gyro-stabilized binocular for standard or night vision use.
The hand-held instrument is not affected by hand tremor, movement, and/or vibration. The binoculars are effective for surveillance from moving platforms.
In addition to the equipment, a member of the police department will be given free training July 22-23. Airline tickets to Baltimore, Md., transportation to and from the airport, hotel lodging for two nights, and meals will be provided.
The eight-hour program and the passing of a final exam are requirements before the police department will receive the free equipment. The department will receive the binoculars after July 24.
The equipment is provided through the Technology Transfer Program, through the United States Army Electronic Proving Ground organization. Mayfield thought the value of the binoculars was between $2,000 and $3,000.
Police chief Michel Soyez was absent due to department business.
In other business:
— Word has been received by the city from Steve Garrett, Hillsboro city administrator, that the cities have been approved for a feasibility study grant regarding the possibility of a water district.
The cities will share the 50 percent matching expense.
— Harvey Sanders, public utilities director, reported maintenance and pool improvements are nearing completion. Once welding and painting are completed, the pool will be filled with water. Opening of the pool is Memorial Day.
The North Cedar Street overlay project has been completed. Some drainage concerns will be addressed and repaired. A water leak was repaired near the swimming pool. A light pole was changed on South Roosevelt Street. Street sweeping will be done early Friday mornings.
— Mayfield has made a preliminary grant application to United Pacific Railroad for funds for museum improvements.
He was notified to submit a formal application before Aug. 15. He is applying for a $29,000 grant with a 10 percent match from the city.
The funds will be used for heating, air conditioning, storm windows, insulation, and electrical upgrades for the museum.
"I feel really good about it," Mayfield said. Grant awards will be announced in December.
— Mayfield met with a consultant regarding the condition of the city's pool. He was told the pool is in very good shape for its age.
The consultant estimated the replacement cost with a concrete pool would be between $1.5 and $2 million. The consultant also told Mayfield he would not change the pool building, except make it more handicapped accessible.
— Mayfield presented the Marion Airport Authority report. Overlaying with asphalt has begun on the taxiway areas and will be completed next week. The overlay on the runway also will be completed next week.
Improvements to the ramps and tie-down areas have been completed.
Ninety percent of the funding for this project came from a Kansas Department of Transportation aviation grant.
— Recreation commission director Margo Yates reported 92 youth have signed up for summer softball and 112 for baseball.
Marion will be hosting boys' 12-and-under state tournaments July 21-26. Casey Case was instrumental in bringing the tournament to Marion and is in charge of the planning. A committee is in place to assist Case.
On June 28 and July 1, a 12-and- under baseball tournament will be held with a 10-and-under tournament planned for June 24, June 30, and July 1.
Swim team members can still register to participate. Yates said she expects more than 100 participants with notable participation from high school students. Marion will host swim meets June 12 and July 3.
Swim team concessions have raised enough funds to purchase new lane lines.
Marion is hosting soccer games this Saturday.
— Mayfield reported the Elgin House Apartments was featured in this month's Kansas Country Living magazine.
— Becky Makovec, utility billing clerk, presented the April utility bill report. The report was approved as presented.
— Warrants in the amount of $81,718 were approved.
— A 15-minute executive session was held for attorney client privilege regarding a city lawsuit. The meeting reconvened with no decisions.
