ARCHIVE

City council approves retention pond at park

City pays for insurance for Chingawassa Days

Staff reporter

Marion City Council toured the construction site Monday afternoon of the USD 408 indoor swimming pool and gymnasium.

While at the site, members were informed that two retention ponds were needed to divert and briefly hold rain water. One pond will be located in the northeast corner of East Park at the corner of Thorp and Lawrence streets. The other will be on the southwest corner of the pool parking lot.

The ponds would be paid by the school district with the city providing rip-rap along the ditch at East Park. A fence would be removed because the pond would be extended east toward Thorp Street. The retention pond on city property could hold five feet of water for a short period of time until a culvert allows drainage.

Later when the council returned to the council room, the retention pond was approved.

In other business:

— With the expansion of Chingawassa Days events, it was determined by the city's insurance provider, EMC, that the festival should have its own insurance.

The council approved the request by the Chingawassa Days committee and agreed to pay the $1,325 premium for the three-day coverage.

Councilman Stacey Collett asked if Old Settlers' Day and Art in the Park would continue to be covered under the city's insurance. Insurance agent Casey Case said Old Settlers' Day was different because there aren't any outside vendors which creates more exposure for claims.

No decisions were made regarding Art in the Park.

— A payment of $3,825 for survey work was approved for Kirkham Michael Consultants for reconstruction of North Cedar Street and Eisenhower Drive. The city will be reimbursed for the expense through the CDBG (Community Development Block Grant).

— Barb Steiner of Marion asked the council to consider requiring all sidewalks to have curb cuts for wheelchairs and strollers. She said it was not so much an ADA issue but a matter of convenience for residents.

It was noted that the city's zoning regulations require new sidewalks to have curb cuts but the city isn't always aware of the improvements since permits are not required for those projects. It was explained that property owners actually own the sidewalks which are located in the city's right-of-way.

Steiner also asked the council to consider any leftover sidewalk funds be used to replace some sidewalks. Currently the city provides a reimbursement to residents for cement costs when sidewalks are replaced.

The council took the request under advisement.

— "We gotta get something done" was the statement Randy Hulett of 315 Garfield made regarding a neighbor's property at 526 Cleveland.

Hulett said recently he shot four rats that came from the neighbor's property. Police chief Josh Whitwell said he had talked with the Cleveland property owner regarding junk vehicles which since have been removed.

Another accusation made by Hulett was the property owner has been disposing of trash along the river channel.

City officials will look into the complaint.

— Sixty people responded to a recent survey on the City of Marion web site regarding council meeting times. Of those who responded, 38 were in favor of the 4 p.m. time and 18 wanted the 5:30 p.m. The remaining responses were other times or no preference.

The council decided to table a decision until all members of the council were attendance. Councilman Steven Smith was absent.

— Planning commission bylaws were presented to the council but mayor Mary Olson asked the council to table any action until all members of the council were present. The council agreed with Olson.

— The council approved the purchase of Chingawassa Days buttons for those full-time employees who plan to attend. The cost would be $18 each if 20 are purchased.

— Olson requested a 15-minute executive session for personnel with city attorney Dan Baldwin and city administrator David Mayfield.

No decisions were made when the council returned to open session.

— A five-minute executive session was called for attorney-client privilege.

There were no decisions when the council returned to open session.

The next council meeting will be at 4 p.m. May 19 at the city building.

Quantcast