Staff writer
Marion Economic Development Director Doug Kjellin reported Monday to Marion City Council that he has been diligently working with Golden Living Center following an announcement this past week that it was closing its long-term care nursing home.
The main concern was the relocation of approximately 30 residents which will have to be done out-of-town. Kjellin said he found seven beds in Hillsboro, four in Peabody, and four in Herington. The Herington facility may be willing to open an extra wing but needed additional staff.
Golden Living Center owns two other locations in Cottonwood Falls and El Dorado. Efforts were being made by the facility to transfer the Marion residents to one of those facilities.
Kjellin said he wants the city to sponsor a job seminar to accommodate those 20 people or so who are now unemployed.
He also is looking into a shuttle service to transport family members of patients to the out-of-town facilities to encourage them to retain them homes in Marion.
There will be a deed restriction on the Golden Living Center property that will not allow another skilled nursing care unit on the property. However, that does not mean another nursing home cannot be built elsewhere in town.
“I see this as an opportunity for a new long-term care facility,” Kjellin said.
The soon-to-be vacant building will be for sale and Kjellin is negotiating with the company so the city could purchase it and then sell it for another business.
In other business:
- A bid of $5,900 from B&G Builders of Peabody was accepted to demolish dilapidated structures at 201 N. Freeborn, Marion after the council moved forward with a demolition order.
- A resolution was approved to adopt an identity theft prevention program.
- Kurt Spachek, who recently was appointed to Marion Planning Commission, has resigned because of a conflict of meeting nights.
- The next council meeting is 4:30 p.m. Nov. 3 in the city building.