News editor
The sewer lift station at the Central Park gazebo was knocked out of commission just in time for Old Settlers’ Day, City Administrator Doug Kjellin told Marion City Council on Monday.
It appeared part of what caused the disruption was a long tent stake that hit a 220-volt electrical line. Kjellin said it was a wonder nobody was electrocuted.
Kiwanis Club put up its tents for Old Settlers’ Day without having lines marked. Council and Kiwanis member Todd Heitschmidt said the club thought it would be OK to use markings left over from Art in the Park to get the tents put up before rain arrived, but the city hadn’t marked lines in that area for Art in the Park.
Kjellin wanted to take the opportunity to remind everyone to notify the city before driving stakes in the park.
“We’re not doing that to be difficult,” he said. “We’re doing it to maintain our infrastructure and keep people from being electrocuted.”
The sewer lift station has been restored to functionality.