Managing editor
In a written report presented to Marion City Council Monday, Marion Economic Development Director Doug Kjellin has met with the “new user” of the former Golden Living Center building.
The city purchased the facility for $100,000.
The report indicated the “new user” and the city had discussed “closing on the property” in the near future.
The entity’s identity will not be revealed until the deal is finalized.
Items from the former nursing home also have been dispersed. A generator will be used at the city building in case of power failure, blankets were donated to Marion Community Christmas, medical equipment was donated to Marion VFW, and other equipment will be utilized by Marion Police Department.
In related department business, the council renewed the Bucks for Building program through Dec. 31, 2010. A total of $7,000 remains in the city’s fund for the program which encourages development of residential housing.
Since the program began Oct. 1, 2005, 13 homes have been approved for the program.
Kjellin reported he:
- Met with a potential developer at Batt Industrial Park.
- Met with Brett Healy of Kansas Bioscience Authority, to discuss alternative energy uses for agricultural and municipal waste for local manufacturing processes or other energy needs.
- Met with Marion Advancement Campaign regarding the next step in devising a plan for the city auditorium remodel, potential fund-raising, and public information campaign.
- Met with Mike Blasta of the Heart of America Free Flight Association regarding an event being held at Marion Municipal Airport in 2009.
- Two, 15-minute executive sessions were called for trade secrets with the council, city administrator David Mayfield, city attorney Dan Baldwin, and Kjellin. The meeting reconvened with no decisions.