Managing editor
Improvements to Marion City Auditorium are ahead of schedule.
Marion Advancement Campaign Chairman Todd Heitschmidt told Marion City Council Monday evening that carpet would be installed this week.
The organization is in charge of the renovation project and provides most of the money.
He said there was a “snafu” this weekend when damages occurred, presumably in connection with a party for which the basement had been rented. Someone had entered the auditorium through the basement and damaged two furnace grills. The grills had been built by volunteer Gene Winkler to cover the heating units in the auditorium.
The individuals also had walked on the freshly painted stage even though there were signs clearly posted warning patrons to stay off the stage.
“The basement entrance doesn’t have gates, so whomever rented the basement had access to the upstairs,” Heitschmidt said.
Although the damages were minor, city officials need to determine a way to keep people from entering the auditorium from the basement.
City administrator David Mayfield said he and other officials had noticed that the furnace grills became hot when the heat was on. Heitschmidt said he would check into better ventilation for the covers.
An open house is planned in December; auditorium operating procedures will be presented to the council in a few weeks.
New flags
Greg Carlson reported to the council that enough money was collected from Marion businesses to purchases new flags — including some Kansas flags. Carlson had asked the city to provide money for new flags and was asked to return with information about the costs. The city was asked to continue to maintain the flagpoles.
The flags are sponsored by Marion Chamber of Commerce. Carlson has been responsible for displaying them on holidays and for special events.
Loader financing
Marion National Bank had the lowest interest rate of 3.6 percent for a lease to purchase a new Case loader. The council had approved the purchase at the Nov. 2 meeting for $144,000. Central National Bank and Tampa State Bank had also submitted bids of 3.85 percent and 4.25 percent, respectively.
The lease will be for 60 months with the city making a $15,000 down payment.
Councilman Jerry Kline asked if the Case dealership, where the loader was purchased, had offered to finance it. Mayfield said the interest rate from the company was higher than those from the local banks. He also recommended the council approve the 60-month lease rather than extending it, which would cost the city more in interest.
The council approved the lease agreement with Marion National Bank.
In other business
Jeanice Thomas of Marion asked the council to consider allowing the Heart of America Free Flight Association to host a contest Oct. 1 and 2 at the municipal airport. If the city could approve it yet this year, the association could promote it in publications and on websites.
Thomas said airport board member Dick McLinden was willing to meet with the association representatives Nov. 27 to discuss it. Mayor Mary Olson said the council wanted to make sure things were agreeable between the city and the airport board before the council would consider the request.
City attorney Dan Baldwin reported two complaints and notices to appear had been served on two dilapidated properties. Darvin Markley and Frank Pecinovsky will be required to appear in municipal court at 3 p.m. Nov. 24 for the judge to determine if the property owners are in violation of the city ordinance.
The complaint stated that Markley’s property at 505 W. Santa Fe St., which also faces West Main Street, appeared to have ceased business operations. A required screening fence has fallen over, exposing several wrecked vehicles. Other parts and equipment are set in front of the building and weeds, grass, and trees are growing around the items, which appear to be abandoned, the complaint read.
The complaint against Pecinovsky regarding 116 N. Walnut St. stated the property is being used as a sporadic salvage operation. The owner scavenges parts from equipment and vehicles for sale or personal use that set on the property. Vehicles and equipment are scattered haphazardly in a field and weeds, grass, and trees are growing in and around the stored items, the complaint read. Stored items appear to be abandoned. However, the owner claims otherwise, the complaint read.
The council met for a total of 25 minutes behind closed doors to discuss personnel. There were no decisions when the council returned to open session.
The next council meeting will be at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 29 in the city building.