Cabins could be coming to Marion County Lake
For developers and lake residents Jim and Deborah Whitfill, their goal is to build and operate cabins at Marion County Lake.
During Monday's meeting with the Marion County Commission and county department heads, it was determined that it probably wasn't feasible, cost-wise, to develop cabins in the first location suggested by the commission, by the heated dock.
An area on Fisherman's Lane, west of the trailers was proposed for cabins. Sewer and water systems are already in place and there should be sufficient space for four to six cabins.
"We're willing to go wherever it's the most feasible," Jim Whitfill said.
County lake superintendent Steve Hudson said it could cost the county $30,000 to install a sewer lift station for a bathroom by the heated dock.
A plan had been discussed regarding bathrooms at the heated docks for fishermen. Hudson reported unisex vaults, like those at Marion Reservoir, would cost the county $13,500. The unit would hold 1,000 gallons in a holding tank which would have to be periodically pumped.
The smallest flushing system that could be installed would cost $22,000 for one toilet and a building.
Commissioner Randy Dallke said there have been discussions regarding the expansion of the county trailer park, and maybe the cabins could be located near the trailer park.
Marion County Improvement District #2 board member Dan Crumrine said grinder pumps are used at lake houses and the district uses the pumps, based on the number of households it serves.
He also reminded the commission that the improvement district passed a resolution a number of years ago that would not allow sewer holding tanks within a specific number of feet of the existing sewer line. Crumrine said this was a state requirement.
The same rule applied to a sewer holding tank near the swimming area which required the county to close outhouses that were located near the swimming beach and construct new bathroom and shower facilities.
Lake resident Gordon Pendergraft asked if there was an agreement that wouldn't allow any commercial hook-ups, other than the county, on the improvement district's utilities? Crumrine responded that commercial businesses have to pay at a higher rate but were allowable.
Commissioner Dan Holub said the county also was considering a coin-operated laundry. Hudson suggested it could be installed with the existing bathrooms and shower facilities.
County appraiser Cindy Magill said in order for the cabins to be separated from the county land for tax purposes, a survey of each cabin would have to be completed to determine a legal description for each cabin.
Register of deeds Jo Ottensmeier said a lease also would have to be filed in her office. She distributed a sample lease she had obtained from Morris County where a similar situation is in place at the Council Grove Lake.
Lake hall or café?
The Whitfills also would like to lease part of the lake hall and open it as a for-profit café. Hudson said he was not in favor of allowing the business in the public-use building.
"That lake hall was built for people to use," he said. "It would take away from the taxpayers."
Hudson continued that there are families who book the hall every year a total of 19 times every year.
"Nine times out of 10 they want the kitchen area," Hudson said.
The building is paid for with little overhead, Hudson said.
No decisions were made and the matter will be discussed at a future meeting.
