Managing editor
Marion City Council spent the majority of Monday’s meeting at Central Park.
The council reviewed Phase I of planned improvements in 2010 that includes burying electrical lines, installation of decorative limestone light posts, and the removal of some electrical poles.
The Paul Brooker Trust Fund gave the city $50,000, which was placed in the city’s capital improvement fund.
Phase II, not included in the initial project, will be improvements to or replacement of a gazebo and bathrooms. It was noted that the gazebo was constructed in 1986 and is showing signs of aging.
Park bathrooms have been inadequate for years, as they are not handicapped accessible. Plumbing for the bathrooms is in the walls, making repair and replacement difficult.
Park superintendent Kevin Hill suggested additional stalls in both the men’s and the women’s facilities.
Another concern is the concrete retaining wall next to Main Street. Repair or replacement is imminent because of its age.
Other improvements may include replacing railing next Main Street, park policies which could include fees for use of the park, and a park manager.
The construction of a permanent stage may also be in the future but all agreed that generators would still be necessary for large productions.
The council had approved the first phase at a previous meeting.
In other business:
- Cleanup week is this week. City crews will haul additional household and construction waste.
- Curb and gutter has been constructed in the 800 block of South Roosevelt Street.
- No action was taken after a 15-minute executive session that included city economic development director Doug Kjellin to discuss trade secrets.
- A second executive session for 20 minutes to discuss non-elected personnel also resulted in no action.
The next regular meeting will be at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 2 in the city building.