Managing editor
The City of Marion will move forward in the bidding process of curb, gutter, and a hard-surface street on South Roosevelt, which currently is gravel.
Marion City Council instructed city administrator David Mayfield to begin the bond process, not to exceed $100,000, for construction, the sale of bonds, and financial adviser fees for the project.
The project would begin in the 800 block of South Roosevelt and go to the end of the addition, which is a cul-de-sac.
Later during the public forum portion of the meeting, South Roosevelt Street resident Roger Schwab asked the council how the special assessments would be divided for landowners.
He was told the city typically determined the total number of linear feet and divided it by property owners. Schwab specifically asked how the property at the end of the street, where the cul-de-sac is located, would be divided.
City attorney Dan Baldwin said there is more than one way to assess the division of costs. He said the City of Hillsboro recently determined square footage was more equitable for a benefit district in that city.
Councilman Gene Winkler said the city needed to look at various options to determine the best method.
Mayfield said the city’s financial adviser would assess costs of the benefit district and public input would be allowed at that time.
In other business:
- A water contract with Marion County Improvement District #2, which serves Marion County Lake residents, was reviewed. It was determined to make the contract for 40 years with an annual review. The council will formally take action at a future meeting.
- Bud Hannaford, chairman of the city cemetery board, presented an annual report. The group is preparing for Memorial Day, working with the local American Legion and American Legion Riders. The board also is revising cemetery regulations and will present them at a future council meeting. The board meets quarterly with its next meeting at 9:30 a.m. July 6 in the city council room.
- A work agreement with city attorney Baldwin was approved, the same as last year, which includes monthly payments of $1,200. Additional charges may be collected for litigation.
- The council entered into a 10-minute closed session for attorney-client privilege regarding litigation. The meeting reconvened with no decisions.
The next council meeting is at 4:30 p.m. June 1 in the city building.