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Advantages of indoor pool explained at city meeting

Staff reporter

Marion-Florence USD 408 Superintendent Lee Leiker met Monday with Marion City Commission to clarify options of a proposed indoor swimming pool and how it became part of the project.

Leiker said the school board and officials originally had looked at an indoor pool and an outdoor pool.

"It became obvious that both indoor and outdoor pools wouldn't qualify for the 32 percent state aid," Leiker said. The district had to justify the use as a school facility in order to receive state funding. An indoor pool qualified, an outdoor pool did not.

The superintendent further explained an indoor pool would be useable year-round.

Two sliding doors will open the pool to the outdoors for summer use.

City administrator David Mayfield asked if there would be sufficient space for an outdoor pool, if the city should decide to build one in the future. Leiker said the school district's architect was positioning the facilities on the parcel to accommodate an outdoor pool with the two pools positioned to share the same pump.

Plans include a connecting gymnasium with the gym floor being below street level. Spectators will enter the gym at the upper level.

Mayor Martin Tice said an indoor pool would have more use, even in summer, because inclement or cool weather would not close the facility.

"We want the pool to be very functional," Leiker said.

Public information meetings are being planned and drawings of the entire project, that also include an auditorium, will be on display in Marion and Florence.

In other business:

— The commission approved the purchase of a 2002 Ford Crown Victoria for the police department. Chief Michel Soyez said the vehicle would replace a 1997 Ford Crown Victoria as part of the department's vehicle rotation program.

An older car will be purchased instead of a newer one because additional equipment must be purchased. The 1997 vehicle did not have all equipment because it formerly was the police chief's vehicle.

Cost of the 2002 car was $11,275.

— New appointments to Marion Economic Development Advisory Board were Don Bredemeier, Tom Stout, Tim Stevenson, Alex Case, Hillary Dolbee, Tim Richmond, Ralph Kreutziger, and Max Hayen. Members who were re-appointed were Andy Hansen, Nick Nickelson, Jim Hefley, and Mayfield.

— Marty Fredrickson, city building inspector, reported there were five permits issued for new construction in 2005. Two have been completed and three remain under construction.

Other new inspections included a storm shelter at Hilltop Manor, extended campgrounds with electrical hookups at VFW, Country Lakes Cafe remodel and opening, and one residential sidewalk replacement.

— Marion resident and business owner Bill Holdeman asked the commission to consider hiring one person as the city's manager and economic development professional.

"Have a salary cap of $115,000 per year and have one person do both," Holdeman said.

Tice responded that wasn't an option because the city was committed to Jami Williams as economic development director for a year at $48,000.

— Holdeman also asked when electrical improvements would be completed. Tice responded city crews continued to work on the project.

— Public utilities director Harvey Sanders reported crews completed maintenance and repairs to city vehicles. City streets were swept Thursday and Sanders said the sweeper could not be utilized when it was cold because the water would freeze. The sweeper was in need of repair which will be completed when parts are received.

Sanders said crews were working on the 12.5 line improvement and was not sure when it will be completed. He stated the ice storm of 2005 set back city crews about a year because of the crisis and subsequent cleanup.

— Williams reported she was asked to meet and greet candidates for St. Luke Hospital administrator position and a physician with Marion Family Physicians.

The commission approved Williams to attend economic development training in Blue Springs, Mo., at a cost of $815 for tuition and meals. Hotel accommodations will be $79 per night, Williams said. The session is April 23-27.

— City clerk Linda Holub reported the city's workers' compensation experience rating was the lowest in five years at 0.93.

— The December utility billing was approved. There was more than $2,700 in credits for outdoor Christmas lights.

— Revisions to the city's personnel and policy manual were approved.

— Budgeted transfers were approved of $15,121 from the water fund to the water bond, and $9,667 from the sewer fund to the sewer bond.

— Warrants for $57,982 and payroll for $27,005 were approved.

The next commission meeting is at 4 p.m. Monday in the city building.

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