Street closing approved
Preliminary approval was given Monday to USD #408 to close Thorp Street for the new swimming pool and gymnasium.
Superintendent Lee Leiker addressed Marion City Council about the need for the street closure to allow ample parking. Concerns were voiced about the removal of the tennis courts in East Park. The city will attempt to relocate the courts to another location.
Parking could be extended from Thorp Street and East Park to the school district's central office. A total of 450 to 500 parking stalls are planned.
The street would be closed north of the central office driveway but there could be access through the parking lot to Lawrence Street, said Leiker.
Drainage issues and utility easements also will be addressed.
Leiker said the street would not be closed for probably another year.
In other business:
— Changes to the city's utility bills were discussed. The council is considering charging a refundable deposit since the city no longer can require landlords to be responsible for tenants' city bills and the city fears rental customers may "skip town" without paying their final bills.
Beginning July 1, a state statute will go in effect, relieving landlords of that responsibility, said city administrator David Mayfield.
If deposits are received by the city, the city has to pay the customer 2.5 percent interest which is more than the city receives in interest.
A draft of an ordinance will be presented at the next council meeting.
— Mayfield reported there is a proposed increase of raw water by Rural Water Office. Currently the city pays 10 cents per 1,000 gallons. The city signed an agreement before 1983 and received a fixed rate. Other customers after that date received a variable rate. The water office requested the fixed rate customers become variable rate customers. If all customers become variable rate customers, the cost would increase to 20 cents per 1,000 gallons. If not, water could go as high as 85 cents per 1,000 gallons by 2012.
— City administrator David Mayfield reported the city needed to talk with county officials about improvements to South Third Street when U.S.-77 is completed.
Mayfield also wants the county and city to sign agreements regarding connecting links where city streets and county roads adjoin — U.S.-56 and North Cedar Street and Sunflower Road and South Third Street. Eisenhower Road does not qualify because it does not connect to a county road.
Commission chairman Dan Holub and county road and bridge superintendent Jim Herzet will be contacted.
— Economic development director reported the city will select an outstanding business. Nominations are being accepted through June 19.
She also reported Gene Winkler and Margo Yates were nominated by the city as volunteers of the year for a Kansas Calvary encampment.
— The council approved seasonal pool passes for all full-time and part-time employees which includes the fire department.
Only employees who have worked for the city in 2006 will be eligible for the passes.
