City of Marion supports interlocal agreement with USD 408 for new pool years ago
Voters will decide on bonds for projects in April election
Staff reporter
The City of Marion verbally committed Monday to an interlocal agreement with USD 408 regarding a new swimming pool.
School superintendent Lee Leiker asked Marion City Commission to consider an agreement as part of a multi-facility project promoted by the district for the Marion-Florence school system.
The district is preparing to retire the bond issue that funded Marion Middle School and an addition at Marion Elementary School. Instead of retiring the bond, the district has the option, with voter approval, to issue new bonds for new projects which would not affect the current mill levy.
Funding from the state, 32 percent, is available for those buildings owned and utilized by the district which does not include an outdoor swimming pool. The district is proposing an $8 million project for a new auditorium, indoor pool, and gymnasium.
An outdoor pool would be a separate project with local money.
As in previous forums, Leiker explained the location of the auditorium could be between the current high school gymnasium and Marion Middle School. A water tower, water line, and electrical service on school property near the proposed development site would not be disturbed, said Leiker.
A gymnasium and two swimming pools can fit at the current swimming pool location, said Leiker, with the possibility of the current swimming pool hole being used for the gymnasium.
A "sunken" gymnasium floor is common practice for new facilities because spectators would walk in above the floor rather than walking in directly on the playing court as they do now.
An indoor walking track also could be included above the seating for use by the community.
A commons area with locker rooms could separate the gym from the indoor swimming pool facility.
The two pools could share one filtration and pump system to allow water to be pumped from the indoor pool to the outdoor pool. The indoor pool could be open from August through May, the outdoor from May through August.
"The outdoor pool could have more amenities (slides, for example) than the school district can afford," said Leiker. "This is where the inner working with the city can work out."
Leiker said these projects would be good for Florence and Marion residents because larger events could be hosted which could influence both cities' economies.
"When Marion participated in regional wrestling, parents and families of the wrestlers had to stay 40 miles from the facility," said Leiker.
Leiker said he wants to make sure the agreement between the city and the district is flexible for both parties and especially doesn't want Florence to be paying for a pool for Marion.
North Thorp Street could be closed to utilize sufficient parking, said Leiker. A part of East Park also could be used.
The district will submit a plan to the state school board for approval of funds. Prior to that submittal, the city would need to deed the necessary areas for the facilities and parking to the school district.
If voters do not approve it in the April election, or for some reason the projects are not completed, the district will deed the property back to the city.
The city's pool would probably be closed for one season but the district would be willing to make arrangements with Florence and/or Marion Country Club regarding use.
When the pool is constructed and operating, the city would operate the facility. A lease agreement would be drawn between the two entities.
More information will be provided to the city by the Dec. 12 meeting when the commission will make final decisions.
In other business:
— Fire chief Mike Regnier said the new fire truck has not yet been delivered but anticipates it in the next few weeks.
Marion Manufacturing donated time and materials to make a part for the tanker truck. Parts for the older model are obsolete, said Regnier.
— The commission will continue to sign all vouchers. City administrator David Mayfield said there was an appropriations ordinance the commission could approve that would allow the commission to sign a summary print-out instead of each, individual voucher.
Mayor Martin Tice said he would rather approve the vouchers after reviewing each one.
— Mayfield reported he and employee Marty Fredrickson will attend a class at Hays regarding rate structures.
Mayfield and city attorney Dan Baldwin will attend a free class Dec. 11-15, in Aniston, Ala.
— City public utilities superintendent Harvey Sanders reported city crews had completed crack sealing, had taken the crack sealing machine to Wichita for annual maintenance, completed installation of equipment at water plant for ozone testing, and testing of Christmas lights.
— Police chief Michel Soyez reminded citizens that tornadoes are not just spring and summer events. When tornadoes are in the area, residents should take necessary precautions.
— A meeting will be held this week regarding a new hike/bike trail within the city limits.
— November investment and collateral report, and financial statement were approved.
— Warrants for $19,398 and payroll for $24,865 were approved.
— A 15-minute executive session to discuss personnel was held. The meeting reconvened with no decisions.
The next commission meeting is at 4 p.m. Monday in the city building.
