Managing editor
Marion Advancement Campaign will have full operation and control of the Marion Municipal Auditorium, basement, and kitchen, city council decided Monday. The City of Marion will continue as owner.
All events will be booked through MAC with the income from rent being split 75/25 — 75 percent to MAC and 25 percent to the city.
Mayor Mary Olson asked about alcohol consumption. MAC representative Todd Heitschmidt said it would be no different from the city ordinance.
He continued that renters would be required to pay a security deposit, possibly $200, and if any damages occur during that event, the renter would be responsible for repairing or replacing damaged items.
“Marion Recreation Commission is negotiating with the city right now regarding the use of the city building,” Olson said.
Heitschmidt said that’s something MAC could address. Mayfield pointed out that the agreement covered that issue with the city administrator as the city representative to negotiate those issues.
“Does the city need more involvement in determining if security is needed?” Olson asked.
“I don’t believe it’s the city’s call,” Heitschmidt said, but added law enforcement has access to the building during events.
One issue that was discussed by the council and Heitschmidt Nov. 15 was access to the auditorium when the basement is being rented. Currently, there are no barriers or gates to keep renters from the areas they are not renting. The state fire marshal’s office will determine if gates can be installed to limit access.
It was determined that the city building basement would continue as a designated shelter in case of storm or disaster.
“This is phase I,” Heitschmidt said.
The next step by MAC will be to renovate the basement and kitchen, he said, as funding permits.
Other business
Kjellin met with airport board member Dick McLinden, Jeanice Thomas, and Mike Basta of the Heart of America Free Flight Association. The group would like to use the airport for a competition Oct. 1 and 2 and wants to set the date as soon as possible for promotion purposes. However, the airport board is still waiting for the city council to approve bylaws for the board. The airport board plans to meet in January.
A lease purchase agreement with Marion National Bank for $129,000 for a new loader was approved. The council also approved a payment of $144,000 to Victor L. Phillips Company for the purchase of a Case 621E wheel loader.
A part-time secretary position in the police department will be expanded to a full-time job. Police chief Josh Whitwell told the council that when the secretary position was developed, it was determined it would begin as part-time with the possibility of expanding to full-time if warranted. Instead of hiring a fifth police officer, the department decided the secretary will work 32 hours per week.
City administrator David Mayfield reported Dorothy Youk wanted to sell 45 acres north of the airport. She wanted to give the city first opportunity to purchase it. If the city decided to expand the runway, it would have to meet Federal Aviation Administration requirements and it would cost millions of dollars to redesign the airport, Kjellin said.
Councilman Bill Holdeman asked if the new sewer rate will revert back to the original amount in a few years. Mayfield said it was implemented to pay for the bond, which was set for 20 years.
There will be no $10 credit for city customers who display Christmas lights. The council abolished the abatement in 2009 and decided not to implement this year either.
Todd Heitschmidt, representing Marion Economic Development Inc., asked the city if the group could use leftover limestone for a sign. The limestone was donated to the city by the school district. The group wants to erect a “Welcome to Marion” sign at Eisenhower Drive and U.S. 56. No response was given from the council.
The next meeting will be 4:30 p.m. Dec. 13 in the city building.
Open house, competition planned
Marion Advancement Campaign Inc. is seeking individuals and businesses in Marion County to participate in a Christmas Open House and fundraising in the newly remodeled Marion City Auditorium, 203 N. Third St., Marion.
Now known as Marion Community Center, participants will compete in a table-decorating contest with a Christmas theme and a Christmas tree-decorating contest. There will be business and individual categories.
Participants will supply decorations.
Winners will be determined by votes from the public. Winners of each category will receive cash prizes.
Registration ends at 5 p.m. Dec. 10. Contact Todd Heitschmidt at (620) 382-2129 or by e-mail at toddhe@centralnational.com.
The building will be open for viewing 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 16, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 17, and 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 19.
An open house and ceremony will be at 7 p.m. Dec. 16.
Winners will be announced Dec. 20.