Managing editor
When a water main broke Monday in the 200 block of South Freeborn Street, Marion, the timing was not good.
City of Marion officials were continuing the process of determining how rusty water was finding its way to the home of Ron and Ruth Herbel, 611 S. Freeborn St.
The Herbels and the city had been working together to remedy the situation.
At Monday’s Marion City Council meeting, Ron Herbel informed the council and city officials that they were going to have new plumbing installed in their home. Until it was completed, the couple had a copper pipe running from the meter to the house — directly to a filter of their reverse osmosis equipment. The pipe was installed at noon Monday.
“When we turned the water on, the water was brown,” Herbel said. “Our filter is brown.”
City street superintendent Marty Fredrickson explained it could have been a result of the city closing four or five valves when the water main broke.
“When we reopened valves, whatever was loosened in the valve cavity probably went through,” Fredrickson said.
The city will continue to monitor the situation.
Now’s the time to pack water meters
City water customers are reminded to insulate water meters from the cold weather. Foam insulators are available at the city office for customers. City Public Works Superintendent Harvey Sanders explained that if a hole is cut in the middle of the round piece of foam, it could slip over the face of the meter, making it easier for the meter reader to see the numbers.
Traditionally, customers have used gunnysacks filled with leaves, which also is effective. Customers should make sure the meter is covered, Sanders said.
Appointments made to commissions
Arlie Overton was appointed to fill an unexpired term ending July 31, 2011, on Marion Recreation Commission.
The council also approved the appointments of four people to the city’s planning commission.
Kym Thompson, Craig Dodd, and Eric Brandstedt of Marion, and Judy Reno of Marion County Lake were appointed.
Dodd attended Monday’s meeting and introduced himself to the council. He moved to Marion three years ago and has owned property in Marion for five years.
He has plans of possibly developing a business in Marion and told the council that he found Marion to be the most generous in helping him to open a business.
“I met with the mayors of both towns at that time (Marion and Hillsboro) and Marion was by far the best opportunity,” Dodd said. “I admire what you’ve already done. You beat Hillsboro hands down.”
Two resolutions were approved to award contracts for milling and overlaying on North Cedar Street and on Main Street between Coble and Locust streets. The council had previously approved bids from APAC of Kansas Inc., Shears Division for both projects. The two projects total $173,216 and $129,963, respectively, with the city paying less than $40,000 for both projects.
The city also adopted the 2008 electrical code, replacing the 2002 electrical code.
The council entered a 10-minute executive session with attorney Dan Baldwin and city Administrator David Mayfield for attorney-client privilege. The meeting reconvened with no decisions.
City offices will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
The next council meeting will be at 4 p.m. Dec. 28 in the city building.