Development must continue, says group
Distributor still interested in Duckwall building
Managing editor
Marion Economic Development Inc., composed of local business leaders, wants Marion City Council to understand that economic development is important to the city.
A resolution was presented to Marion City Council Tuesday, encouraging the council to review the economic development position in a timely manner. MEDI Chairman Todd Heitschmidt said he and other MEDI members did not want to see city development take a backseat.
“Combining both positions (city administrator and economic development director) does a disservice,” Heitschmidt said. “It says the administrator and economic development director were only working half-time and I don’t think they were.”
Heitschmidt continued the organization was open to some realignment of the position but want the perception to residents and those in the county that Marion is serious about economic development.
“We’re not doing away with the economic development position,” Councilman Steve Smith said. “There does need to be someone to take care of development. I hope we can address it very quickly.”
Heitschmidt agreed, adding he hoped it wouldn’t take six months to get it done.
“There are too many things going on and we need to have somebody in the position,” he said.
The council took no action. Mayor Mary Olson said she wanted to meet with Heitschmidt to discuss some of the points in the resolution.
Opportunity continues to be viable
Kjellin reported there continued to be an opportunity for the city to have the Duckwall building reopen, selling a similar product line as Duckwall’s.
“There is still a very good chance we’re going to get something in it to replace Duckwall’s,” Kjellin said.
Duckwall’s last day of business is Jan. 9.
Nuisance properties discussed
City Attorney Dan Baldwin showed photographs of two properties the city had cited for violating the city’s nuisance ordinance for blight. Property owned by Darvin Markley on West Main Street, a former wrecker and salvage business, has been cleaned up, Baldwin said. The council agreed and will drop the matter.
However, property owned by Frank Pecinovsky, a used equipment and repair business on West Santa Fe Street, has not attempted to clean up and abate the nuisances.
Baldwin said the city had tried to assist Pecinovsky in cleaning up his property several years ago but the property owner did not respond. The city wants Pecinovsky to lineup equipment that is for sale, dispose of salvage because he does not have a license to operate a salvage yard, and screen the rest. A trial was set for 3 p.m. today in municipal court for a judge to hear the case and determine how Pecinovsky would become compliant.
“What will likely happen in Frank’s situation is the court will ask my opinion and the city can make recommendations,” Baldwin said.
The council agreed that Pecinovsky needed to clean up the property and comply with the city’s ordinance.
Anyone who doesn’t agree with the court’s findings can appeal decisions to district court, Baldwin said.
When these cases are settled, Baldwin said he would bring other nuisance complaints to the council for consideration.