Managing editor
During the public forum segment of Monday’s Marion City Council meeting, Mayor Mary Olson announced she had met with a member of Kansas Bureau of Investigation Monday morning and fully cooperated.
“He did not indicate any further investigation,” Olson said, and said she could continue to campaign, which she said she intended to do.
City will seek bonds
Combining projects into one bond issue was proposed to the council. Funding will be needed for sewer plant improvements and waterline replacement beyond grant funds the city will receive — $150,000 from the federal government for sewer pond improvements, minus $5,000 for administration fees, and $115,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds.
The bond would be no more than $400,000 but could be less, depending on actual bids.
Auction in city spec building
Chuck Maggard of Griffin Real Estate Auction asked the council to consider closing the 400 block of Hudson Street for an auction near the John Brose property or consider renting the city’s speculative building in the industrial park. The auction is scheduled for May 1.
The council expressed concerns about the city’s liability.
The building is empty and has no utility services. Maggard said mainly the grounds would be used but the building could be used in case of inclement weather.
The city currently promotes the building for lease at $1,300 per month or $43 per day. The council approved the use of the building for $43 per day and City Administrator David Mayfield indicated he would check with the city’s insurance agent regarding additional liability issues.
Tony Schafers again asked the city about the status of the fence on the Brose property. It was reported by Mayfield and City Zoning Administrator Marty Fredrickson that the owners have agreed to cut back the fence 15 feet each direction to satisfy the vision issue.
“The fence still sets on city property,” Schafers said.
“That’s a city issue,” City Attorney Dan Baldwin said.
He continued that there were numerous properties in town with similar issues and the city will only address this one at this time.
Schafers continued that the city said it was going to have a survey completed.
Laura Williams, daughter of John Brose, said it would cost $800 for a survey, so the family decided to spend the money on the fence instead.
“The fence has been there for 40 years,” she said, “and I’m sorry it has become an issue for the council.”
Williams agreed to have the fence repaired in a timely manner.
Hearing on property
A hearing will be May 17 regarding an abandoned property at 415 N. Fourth St. Fredrickson said someone had begun dismantling the property by removing windows and doors but abandoned the project, leaving it more of a nuisance.
City supports tax credit application
The council approved a resolution to support Marion Advancement Campaign’s application for $250,000 in state tax credits, which would go toward renovations of the city auditorium and basement.
City Economic Development Director Doug Kjellin said originally renovation costs were nearly $600,000 but plans were scaled back.
The next city council meeting will be at 4:30 p.m. April 19 when new council members will be sworn in.