City considers commercial sign
A new sign may be allowed in the city's industrial park.
Marion Chamber of Commerce executive secretary Margo Yates and business owners requested Marion City Commission consider the possibility Monday of a commercial billboard in the vacant area.
Currently the city has a "Free Lots" sign, located on the south side of U.S.-56.
The chamber and business owners had contacted Kansas Department of Transportation regarding requirements for highway signs.
KDOT suggested the group contact the city and explore the possibility of using city-owned property instead of obtaining permission to use state- or privately-owned property.
Kay Navrat, owner of Central Park Antiques, and Nadine Islie, owner of Country Sentiments Antiques, asked the commission to consider the billboard.
"Antiques are addictive," Navrat said. "If collectors see a sign, there would be more people coming to downtown Marion."
The business owners said the sign could be generic and include more businesses than theirs.
"The number of restaurants and other shopping opportunities could be included," said Islie.
The commission asked what businesses would be included on the sign.
Navrat said they were seeking permission to display signs on city property with the details of the sign design being determined by the chamber and other business owners.
City administrator David Mayfield said the sign would be required to comply with the city's zoning regulations.
Commissioner Jim Crofoot said the city would approve the content of the sign.
Commissioner Larry McLain said he was in favor of a sign promoting downtown businesses.
Mayor Martin Tice said the sign must meet zoning requirements. He said he wasn't sure how the sign would accommodate all businesses but said that was up to the chamber and others involved.
Islie also said the state's concern was the upkeep and maintenance of the sign.
The commission instructed the group to return to a future meeting with a plan.
In other business:
— Mayfield reported he, Steve Garrett, Hillsboro city administrator, and water plant personnel met with representatives from Professional Engineering Consultants regarding the feasibility study for a wholesale water plant replacing Marion's and Hillsboro's city plants.
A final draft will be completed within a week, said Mayfield. He requested a commissioner attend a future meeting and stated Crofoot had attended previous meetings and was familiar with the plant and project. Crofoot agreed to attend the meeting, if available.
— Electrical contract negotiations will be discussed with city personnel, Mayfield reported.
— Bob Brooks, developer of Marion Assisted Living will be meeting with city officials regarding the development of a street near the facility. Future housing development will be discussed.
— Harvey Sanders, director of public utilities, reported Eisenhower Drive has been repaired.
Dirt in rock obtained from a local rock quarry caused problems with the finished roadway.
Sanders said the street had been bladed and now was smooth. The city hopes to reseal the road next year.
— Becky Makovec, city utility billing clerk, reported the September utility billing had balanced. The commission approved the report.
— Warrants were approved in the amount of $101,416 with $74,888 being paid to Westar Energy for city residents' electricity.
The commission will meet at 4 p.m. Monday in the city building.
