City of Marion officials consider annexation of property
Staff reporter
Decisions regarding annexing the city's tree dump and sewer lagoon were put on hold by Marion City Council Monday until city officials can determine if it is in the best interest of the city to do so.
Economic development director Jami Williams asked the commission to consider annexing those two city properties and a vacant lot, all located on South Third Street/Sunflower Road.
Former mayor Max Hayen said the city may not want to do that because then the bridge over the Cottonwood River would be the city's responsibility.
It was not made clear why the city would want to annex those properties.
Williams also asked the council to consider giving her permission to sell vacant city lots and determine prices.
She particularly wanted direction regarding a lot at Vine and Main streets. Williams said the appraised value was a little more than a $1,000. She suggested the selling price should be $4,000 to $8,000. The area could be used for a storage unit, said Williams.
The city does not pay taxes on that property but does pay to have it mowed.
In other business:
— Councilman Bill Holdeman asked the council to consider a policy regarding the council approving all purchases of more than $500 prior to the purchase being made.
"We always sign for things after they're bought," said Holdeman. "I want to approve it before it's purchased."
Councilman Stacey Collett said he was comfortable with city officials purchasing items, as long as they stay within the budget.
David Mayfield, city administrator, said any purchase more than $5,000 comes before the council, even if it is budgeted.
Officials told the council that some items do not have a variety of vendors available and can't always obtain numerous bids.
Mayfield added that it could cause hardships for the city if employees have to wait two weeks before making purchases that are needed immediately.
— A utility billing ordinance was adopted to require a $150 deposit for new city utility customers. Of that, $100 must be paid to set up a new account. The remaining $50 can be paid with the first bill.
A letter of credit from a previous utility company would waive the deposit.
The customer will receive the deposit plus interest at 4.4 percent after a year of paying the bill on time.
The ordinance also coincides with new legislation that does not allow cities to hold landlords responsible for tenants' bills.
— Discussion regarding the 2007 budget resulted in the possible discontinuation of free trash bags. Currently city customers receive two rolls of 50 bags per year. This costs the city $15,000 per year, said Mayfield. With the deduction of that expense, Mayfield said trash collection rates could stay the same. Otherwise the rates would have to increase to offset expenses.
— Mayfield requested a 4.1 percent cost of living raise in the 2007 budget and no merit raises. Previously the city offered both merit and cost of living incentives to employees.
Collett said he had a problem with giving percentages and would rather give a set amount.
If a 4.1 percent raise across the board to all full-time employees was approved, it would increase the city's annual payroll from $798,262 to $830,991.
Collett said he also was concerned about funding the new indoor swimming pool. Mayfield responded that that won't begin until 2008. Mayor Martin Tice said he had no problem with Mayfield plugging-in numbers in the budget but wanted employees to understand that pay increases have not been approved.
— Bids will be solicited from engineers regarding street projects.
— The city approved the sponsorship of $150 for a golf team for Big Brothers Big Sisters tournament Saturday at Hillsboro.
— Additional lights were approved to be purchased for the walking trail at Central Park.
— Two permits were approved for fireworks stands. Wholesale Fireworks will have a stand at 1111 E. Main and Mary's Enterprises will have a stand at 162 W. Main.
— Bids for water plant improvements will be opened at 10 a.m. June 28 in the council room at the city building.
— Public utilities director Harvey Sanders reported damages from Friday's storm included a building at the water tower. The roof was blown from the building.
A roof from a storage building on Water Street caused major damage to the city's electrical lines, causing city crews to work until noon Saturday to restore power.
A transformer was replaced Thursday on South Freeborn Street.
— Fees were waived Saturday and Monday at the city's tree dump site for storm clean up.
— Williams reported she was contacted by six people interested in a county microloan, she continues to work on a community day care facility, mailed 139 letters for business appreciation month, attended the Kansas Calvary Encampment, and wants to update the city's video.
— City clerk Angela Lange reported the city now can accept credit cards.
The next council meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. July 3, at the city building.
Contest for
rhinos begins
Concrete rhino owners are encouraged to enter a decorating contest for Fourth of July.
Rhinos will be judged June 26. Call Margo Yates at (620) 3425 or Gene Winkler at (620) 382-2115 to enter.
