Water tower at airport could hinder aviation upgrades
Staff reporter
Concerns were expressed by Marion Airport Authority board member Ty Zeiner regarding a water tower being erected near the airport.
Marion City Council had verbally approved the tower at the last meeting per the request of Dan Crumrine who represented Marion County Improvement District #2 which services water and sewer to Marion County Lake residents.
Zeiner said he had had conversations with Ed Young of the aviation department of Kansas Department of Transportation, and was told that the state was considering the construction of an instrument approach tower which would allow air ambulances to land in inclement weather.
If the water tower was allowed to be built on the proposed site, it would nix the other opportunity for the instrument control tower which would allow aircraft to visually land an aircraft.
Zeiner said he was told by Young that any structure higher than 37 feet would not be approved.
Crumrine said the tower could only be constructed if approved by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Having the water tower at the airport site would save the district money, but it was willing to look at other options.
Current cost estimates for the tower at the airport are $350,000-$400,000, Crumrine said.
Marion City Commission approved a water tower in 1995 at the airport site.
Zeiner commented that FAA regulations had changed since then.
In other business:
— The council approved an ordinance that would allow accessory buildings such as garages and shops to be as large as 1,200 square feet in residential areas.
— Change orders totaling $16,387 were approved for the water treatment plant improvements. The council also approved a payment of $85,853 to Walters Morgan Construction Company for the next phase of work. The construction project is 90 percent completed.
— Alex Case of Case & Son Insurance presented a dividend check of $14,039.
— Permanent lighting in Liberty Park was requested by Mayor Mary Olson to make the park more accessible.
The park would be under the same rules for other city parks with a noise curfew of 10 p.m.
— A fireworks permit was approved for the operation of a stand at Marion Auto Mart at 1111 E. Main.
— The council entered an executive session for attorney-client privilege with the city attorney and administrator in attendance.
There were no decisions.
The next council meeting is at 5:30 p.m. June 18 in the city building.
