City approves minor water plant updates
Staff reporter
Marion City Commission approved expenses Monday for minor updates to the city's water plant which will make the city compliant for January 2005.
The expenses were estimated at $5,000 or less for equipment to change the form of disinfectant in the water plant.
Marty Fredrickson, city water plant senior operator, reported it is hoped the original basin, constructed in 1964, can be used for the upgrade. The disinfectant process combines ammonia sulfate with free chlorine. Kansas Rural Water Association made the recommendation to the city in a recent tour. The association will oversee the project.
The commission approved the expenditure with written authorization from Kansas Department of Health and Environment and approval from the city's engineer.
David Mayfield, city administrator, said the money will not be wasted regardless of the decision the city makes for future expansion.
The change in disinfectant will affect home fish aquariums and fish ponds. Additional treatment of water will need to be made by owners who use city water for domestic fish.
Fredrickson also reported a letter will be sent to all city water customers regarding contaminants in drinking water.
The city received notification from KDHE that byproducts exceeded the allowable maximum contamination levels. Fredrickson explained when disinfectant kills bacteria, a byproduct remains. It was emphasized the city's water remains safe to drink.
In other business:
— A $10 credit again will be available for city electrical customers who display outdoor Christmas lights. Customers need to sign up in person at the city office to receive the credit.
— Mayfield reported he had an inquiry from an individual interested in opening a manufacturing plant in Marion.
— Harvey Sanders, director of public utilities, reported Christmas decorations are displayed and will be activated Nov. 24. Red schale rock will be spread at the ball fields and street sweeping will continue on all hard-surfaced streets in an effort to remove leaves.
— Mayfield said he was attending a meeting that evening to discuss a county-wide neighborhood revitalization program.
— City clerk Linda Holub recently completed her third year of training and now is a certified city clerk.
— Utility billing clerk Becky Makovec presented the October billing balance sheet.
— A transfer of $58,080 was approved from the utility fund to capital improvement fund.
— Warrants in the amount of $33,942 and payroll in the amount of $23,974 were approved.
The commission will meet at 4 p.m. Monday in the city building.
