City council wants special meeting with Prairie View
Mayor proclaims June as Business Appreciation Month
Staff reporter
Prairie View will not be staying in Marion.
Marion City Council heard the news Monday evening that the community mental health center that had been in Marion for nearly 40 years was moving to Hillsboro.
A public hearing was scheduled for June 21 to rezone the property at 412 N. Second, Marion, which is the location of Butler Community College and a proposed site for Prairie View.
City economic development director Jami Williams reported to the council that Marion had offered the "same thing as Hillsboro."
The proposed site is in Hillsboro Heights, a retail development area off of U.S.-56.
Councilman Gene Winkler asked Williams to set up a special meeting with Prairie View officials as a last ditch effort to change their minds and stay in Marion. Williams said she would contact them.
In other business:
— A payment of $100,000 to USD 408 was approved. The budgeted expense is an annual payment to the school district for the new indoor pool as part of the inter-local agreement.
The inter-local agreement stated the city shall pay a "corresponding amount at each one year anniversary date during the term of the lease" but no set dollar amount was indicated.
The agreement also holds the city responsible for the general operation of the pool facility and maintenance of the grounds surrounding the facility.
Councilman Stacey Collett said he was not aware of an inter-local agreement between the city and school district.
— The council approved a proposal by John Haas of Ranson Financial Consultants. Haas and two other consultants gave presentations during the meeting regarding their services and costs.
Grant writing services was one of the selling points for the council. Rosemary Saunders is now a grant writer for the company and is known in the area for her expertise.
— A transfer of $50,000 from sales tax revenue in the general fund to capital improvement fund for economic development expenditures was approved. The funds will cover a $48,900 payment to Flaming Metal Systems, Inc., for construction of a building at the industrial park.
— Mayor Mary Olson read a proclamation that designated June as Business Appreciation Month.
— A contract with city attorney Dan Baldwin was reviewed. The council indicated it would approve a contract the same as last year which was $1,200 per month and $75 per hour for any special services such as litigation.
