City of Marion to receive FEMA funds for storm damages
Staff reporter
More than $42,000 in reimbursement funds will be awarded to the City of Marion for electrical expenses as a result of the January ice storm.
City administrator David Mayfield told city commission Monday officials attended a meeting with FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) representatives and presented expenses of $48,175 related to electrical expenses. FEMA determined the city was eligible for $49,530 worth of electrical expenses with FEMA providing 75 percent and the state 10 percent in reimbursements totaling $42,101.
The city also applied for 85 percent reimbursement of other expenses related to the storm — $20,261 for debris removal and $3,000 for emergency expenses.
In other business:
— The commission will set a final date at the next commission meeting for the demolition of a house at 1018 Denver Street.
City building inspector Marty Fredrickson reported contact had been made with two contractors hired by the owner.
The plumbing contractor told city officials work could be completed within 30 days but didn't want to do the work until the heating system was installed.
The contractor for the heating system was not going to complete the job until he received payment.
Fredrickson said there had not been any work completed on the home since the owner appeared before the commission two weeks prior.
— Fredrickson, the city's zoning administrator, said the city planning commission recommended a change in the city's zoning regulations that would eliminate front yard setbacks for new structures in established housing additions.
Currently the city's zoning regulations require a 25-foot front yard setback for residential structures. This change would allow homeowners to erect structures in established areas in a sight line with existing structures.
The 25-foot setback would be required in newly platted areas.
An ordinance will be presented at the next commission meeting for consideration.
— Fredrickson also reported Roger Schwab was selected as chairman of the planning commission, and Brice Goebel was selected as vice chairman.
Gene Winkler was selected as chairman of the board of zoning appeals, and Darvin Markley was selected as vice chairman.
— City public utilities director Harvey Sanders reported Friday was the last day for city crews to remove debris from city residences.
The city tree dump site reopened Tuesday for regular operation. Commissioner Jim Crofoot suggested city employees contact residents with piles of debris to inform them of the tree dump hours and the need for them to remove the debris.
— The commission approved the appointment of Jami Williams as a Marion representative on the Marion County Economic Development Council per Mayfield's recommendation.
Other city representatives are Mayfield, Margo Yates, Winkler, and DuWayne Suffield.
— Warrants for $22,201 were approved.
— Bob Brookens of the Marion Auditorium Advisory Board, reported all goals established in 1998 have been accomplished.
He noted air conditioning and heating upgrades, electrical wiring improvements, replacement of curtains, equipment purchased, training for operating lights and sound equipment, and reserved seating to assure safety for those who attend events in the auditorium had been accomplished.
The board had not been organized, Brookens said, for several years. Members will be notified and future activities will be determined.
— City officials attended an emergency management information session.
— Auditors for the city will be in city offices March 10 and 11 to begin the annual auditing process.
The next commission meeting will be at 4 p.m. Monday in the city building.
