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City approves new airport building

Auditorium renovation may be finished by end of year

Managing editor

Marion City Council approved a proposal Monday for a new office at Marion Municipal Airport.

The estate of Pearl Baxter gifted the airport board $75,000 for the construction of a new building to include a display case with memorabilia from Pearl’s late husband, George Baxter, who was an avid pilot.

Flaming Metal Systems Inc. of Peabody provided a proposal for a 21-by-31-foot building. The estimated cost of the project with interior work was $54,677.

Remaining funds could be used for landscaping and parking lot improvements. Mayor Mary Olson asked if Baxter’s gift could be used for maintenance. City Administrator David Mayfield said it could not.

At a previous meeting, the council agreed to provide site work for the new construction but no provisions were made for the razing and removal of the current office building.

The last time the city razed a dilapidated structure, it cost $1,200 or $20 per ton to dispose at the county transfer station.

Negotiations will follow regarding the estate funds being used for disposal of the building.

Airport board bylaws

The council reviewed proposed bylaws for the airport advisory board.

Olson made a motion to appoint herself and Councilman Jerry Kline to meet with Ty Zeiner and other board members to review bylaws. The revised document would be reviewed at the Sept. 13 council meeting. The council agreed and the appointments were made.

Auditorium renovations continue

Marion Advancement Campaign Chairman Todd Heitschmidt presented a plan for renovations to the city auditorium.

Seats have been removed from the lower level. Bids have been received for material for the floor. Plans include leveling of the main floor and installation of additional lighting.

The extended stage will remain but will be altered with the removal of a 16-foot section, making a U-shaped platform.

Gene Winkler is the supervisor and coordinator of the project.

Efforts are being made by MAC to sell the old seats for other renovation projects. The money will be turned over to the city and could be used to fund the project.

Volunteer laborers will continue with the project, Winkler said.

“I don’t think it’s going to take that long,” he said, noting the work should be completed before the end of the year.

Heitschmidt said the organization did not receive tax credits for this year but will apply next year.

The council approved a plan when MAC applied for the tax credits and requested updates be made throughout the project.

Mayfield was appointed as the liaison between MAC and the council during the project, eliminating the need for the organization to report to the council.

Other business

Mary Griffith was appointed to the Marion Historic Museum board. She will complete Stan Reed’s term.

Gary Lewis resigned as a city representative on the Marion County Economic Development Council. The council approved the appointment of his wife, Patty, to complete his unexpired term.

A contract for $2,600 was approved for engineering services for dredging at the city’s sewer pond.

The council went into a closed session for 15 minutes for discussion of matters protected by attorney-client privilege with city attorney Dan Baldwin and Mayfield in attendance. There were no decisions upon return to open session.

The next regular city council meeting will be 4:30 p.m. Sept. 7 because Sept. 6 is Labor Day.

Last modified Aug. 26, 2010

 

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