Speed limit reduction discussed
Commission considering five-mile speed reduction
Staff reporter
Marion City Commission is considering the reduction of the speed limit on Main Street/K-256 from Eastmoor Drive to the east city limits.
The commission instructed city administrator David Mayfield to proceed with the process of having the speed limit reduced.
Mayfield said Kansas Department of Transportation conducted a speed survey in June 2003, within the city limits at various locations.
The results of the survey were received April 16 by the city. The report recommended the speed limit be lowered from 40 mph to 35 mph.
Mayfield said he, Harvey Sanders, public utilities director, Marty Fredrickson, street superintendent, and Michel Soyez, police chief, discussed the speed reduction and are making the recommendation.
Commissioner Larry McLain asked if there was a need to have additional signage regarding the speed reduction.
Currently, there is a "reduced speed ahead" sign facing east on K-256.
Mayfield said since it is a state highway, KDOT would have to be notified regarding additional signage.
Mayfield further explained the current 40 mph speed limit begins at the west Eastmoor Drive entrance, going east on Main Street/K-256. The speed limit becomes 55 at the city limits, east of Marion Country Club entrance.
"I'm not sure why there is a need for a 40 mph speed zone for two blocks," commented Mayfield.
Mayfield, a retired Kansas Highway Patrol trooper, said KDOT previously had speed reductions in five-mile increments to serve as a buffer between highways and city streets.
"The 'reduced speed' signs now serve as the buffer," said Mayfield.
The commission approved a corporate resolution with Central National Bank. The resolution will authorize city personnel to open deposit or checking accounts, endorse checks and orders for payment of money and withdraw funds for deposit, borrow money on behalf of the city, endorse, assign, transfer, mortgage, or pledge bills, and enter into a lease for renting or maintaining a safe deposit box.
City personnel authorized to use these services on behalf of the city are Mayfield; Linda Holub, city clerk; Angela Lange, city treasurer; Harvey Sanders, public utilities director; and Martin Tice, mayor.
In other business:
— Sanders reported city crews were busy the past week with city cleanup. The city's trash truck broke down but has been repaired. All items except one vehicle were hauled from residences.
Repairs have begun Monday on the 400 block of North Cedar Street. A four-inch asphalt will be completed by next week.
— Mayfield said the locks on the front door of the city building, facing North Third Street, will be changed.
Mayfield reported there are several keys that have been copied to the front entrance of the building.
"Access could be gained to the city offices through the main entrance," said Mayfield.
Individuals who use the city building checkout the keys from the city office. The keys are to be returned by an agreed time period. There is a $5 per day penalty assessed for keys not returned as agreed.
The new lock will not allow keys to be copied. A key will be given to the school office to be checked out by school personnel.
— A proclamation was approved by the commission declaring this week Municipal City Clerks Week. The proclamation is a show of appreciation to city clerks.
— Warrants in the amount of $6,598 were approved.
The next commission meeting will be at 4 p.m. Monday at the city building.
