Managing editor
Sandy Fruit of Central Kansas Community Foundations and Marion County Economic Development Director Teresa Huffman presented information Monday to Marion City Council regarding joining the foundation.
Huffman said she has been promoting foundations to communities within Marion County and noted that Goessel and Lincolnville are forming foundations with the Newton-based foundation.
“Marion Advancement Campaign could be involved with the community foundation,” Huffman said.
A public forum will be held for people to obtain more information, she said.
Central Kansas Community Foundation and Newton Community Foundation merged to form the foundation, Fruit said. When asked the percentage of contributions the Newton foundations would receive, Fruit said 1 percent.
The foundation serves Marion, Harvey, and McPherson counties. It provides office support, marketing, and assistance in building funds.
Hillsboro and Peabody foundations are a part of this foundation, Fruit said.
“Communities are beginning to see the benefits,” Fruit said, citing that Hillsboro is about to receive a $300,000 estate and Peabody a $100,000 estate.
“When foundations get up and going, communities can see how it works,” she said.
The council doesn’t necessarily need to start a foundation, Fruit said, but should endorse it.
“Typically, it takes six to eight people to serve on the first, founding board,” she said.
Later in the meeting during public forum, Todd Heitschmidt said Marion already has three foundations — Marion Advancement Campaign, St. Luke Hospital Foundation, and Marion Economic Development, Inc., that have non-profit status. Heitschmidt is a board member of Marion Advancement Campaign and Marion Economic Development, Inc.
“I was a little surprised that we weren’t involved with Sandy with the presentation,” Heitschmidt said. “There may be some advantages but we already have enough (foundations) in town to cover the needs of Marion.”
In other business:
- A solid barricade is needed in the 100 block of South Roosevelt Street to keep motorists from driving on the street that is under construction. Construction should continue this week and soon be completed.
- Nearly $30,000 in inspection fees were approved for Kirkham Michael Engineers on North Cedar Street and Main Street.
- Marion Fire Chief Mike Regnier reported there have been fewer fires and a new fire truck is in use.
- The council held two executive sessions to discuss personnel with no action following return to open session.
The next regular council meeting will be at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 16 in the city building.