Wholesale water study considered by city
Marion City Commission heard reports Monday from the city administrator regarding a wholesale water district and the Marion County Economic Development Task Force.
David Mayfield, city administrator, reported that he and Jim Crofoot, commissioner, met with the City of Hillsboro, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Kansas Rural Water Association, and Rural Development regarding the establishment of a wholesale water district.
The purpose would be for all municipalities and improvement districts in the area to purchase water through this district.
One plant would be established in Marion County to provide water which could reduce costs to cities for the operation and upgrades of multiple plants in the future.
"It's a good concept," said Mayfield, "but we're in a pretty tight timetable to meet KDHE's requirements."
A feasibility study could be conducted with KDHE grant funds, not to exceed $25,000 with a 50-50 match or a cost of $12,500 to be shared between Marion and Hillsboro.
In order to access the grant funds, an interlocal agreement would need to signed by Marion and Hillsboro.
Larry McLain, commissioner, said that an independent engineering firm needs to be used.
Crofoot added that it is certainly worth looking at.
"Hillsboro will be spending $3,000,000 on their water plant; Marion's spending $750,000 to $1.6 million. It's definitely worth considering," said Crofoot.
Mayfield added that a new water plant could cost $5 million or more, depending on the engineer's report. And there still would be distribution and water line costs to consider.
Dan Baldwin, city attorney for both Marion and Hillsboro, will talk with Hillsboro officials for possible agreement.
Mayfield reported the task force met Jan. 28. The group completed the task of a position description for a Marion County Economic Development Coordinator. The description has been passed on to the Marion County Commission for review.
Harvey Sanders, director of public utilities, said the city crews have been busy with snow removal.
"We had a lot of snow to remove," said Sanders. "We've got old equipment that can't handle the big snow, so we did the best we could."
McLain thanked the employees for their efforts.
Sanders added that he appreciated residents' patience.
Discussion followed regarding vehicles parked on city streets following a snow storm. Michel Soyez, police chief, said there is an ordinance for vehicles to be moved for snow removal but it is difficult to enforce.
Sanders added that it was mainly a problem on side streets. It would be helpful if people could move their vehicles but Sanders understands that some people do not have an alternative location for their vehicles.
In other business:
— Margo Yates, Marion-Florence Recreation Commission director, reported that the youth basketball league was completing its season.
Fifth and sixth grade tournaments were Saturday. Third and fourth grade tournaments will be Saturday at the Marion Elementary School gym and the Florence gym. Marion High School gym is not available due to the MHS makeup games also scheduled for Saturday.
Crofoot asked Yates the amount each team had to pay to play in the tournament. Yates answered there were 10 teams outside of the league that paid $75 each.
Yates also reported that the play presented Saturday and Sunday by the adult theatre went well.
— Janet Marler, librarian, showed the commission the plaque the city received for the library renovation.
The plaque was presented to the city recently at a luncheon at Wichita. The designation was by the Association of General Contractors of America for the historic rehabilitation of the Santa Fe Depot.
Marler reported that January circulation was 3,366 with 80 new books added, and $70 collected in fines.
— Commission approved a transfer of $76,092 from the utility fund to the bond and interest fund. The funds will be used for a payment on the electric and water bond. A second transfer also was approved in the amount of $17,000 from the general fund to the recreation fund for operating expenses. Both transfers and expenses are budgeted.
— Commission approved $103,434 in warrants and $21,433 in payroll.
— Mayfield told the commission that the position of water plant operator is being advertised. Until an operator is hired, Marty Fredrickson, streets and alleys supervisor, is operating the plant.
The commission will meet at 4 p.m. Monday in the city building.
