Recycling, Sunday beer sales put on hold
Marion County Attorney Susan Robson made a recommendation Monday to the Marion County Commission to postpone any action regarding Sunday cereal malt beverage sales being allowed in Marion County.
Robson reported a Kansas Supreme Court case currently being decided regarding this issue.
Leroy Wetta, commission chairman, said he did not want to pursue the issue at all.
Howard Collett, commissioner, asked if the Sunday beer sales issue is tied to the liquor-by-the-drink issue.
Wetta responded "you can buy a drink in a restaurant on Sunday but can't buy beer in a convenience store."
Robson commented the charter resolution could be for the entire county — cities included.
Commissioners agreed to wait for the supreme court ruling before proceeding with any decision.
Commissioners denied permission to David Brazil, county sanitarian, zoning administrator, and transfer station manager, to apply for a recycling grant.
Bob Hein, commissioner, said he had heard comments from Hillsboro residents not to commit to mandatory countywide recycling.
Brazil agreed that Hillsboro and Peabody have successful programs. However, this county approach is not designed to take over but to lend support to the existing programs.
"I'd like for the county to get the trailers and set up the system, but let each individual city decide how to collect," said Brazil. "Keep the collection in city's hands and disposal in the county's."
Wetta commented he was not yet ready to franchise the county's refuse department. "I'm not ready to do that."
Eileen Sieger, Marion County resident, was in attendance and stated her support for recycling.
"I'm envious of Hillsboro and Peabody having such a successful recycling program," said Sieger.
"Marion dropped its recycling program. There were some county citizens who participated in Marion's program
"I'm not sure if curbside is the way to go," continued Sieger. "I've seen stacks of cardboard boxes in the back of businesses in town. Money could be saved on tipping fees. There is a goal set in the regional solid waste plan to direct recyclables from the landfill stream."
Wetta would like to check into the program Harvey County has established for dry recyclables. He was curious what the charge would be if Marion County were to transport to Harvey County instead of "putting people on the payroll."
Brazil said there was a time constriction with the grant application. He was concerned the grant would not be available next year.
Hein said Hillsboro is having a hard time getting volunteers to commit.
"Various legislators have said the grant will be around next year," added Hein.
Hein and Wetta said they did not want to pursue it at this time.
Collett stated he thought recycling was important for the sake of the earth.
Sieger asked, "so when will it ever be implemented?"
Wetta responded it was an unplanned budget expense. It needs to be planned for the next budget.
"The project needs to be mandatory and it needs to be done properly," added Wetta.
"I don't see what there is to lose for applying for the grant," said Collett. "This is a walk before you run approach."
Brazil will check into various options for future consideration. He was given the verbal approval to visit with other communities to get input.
