City officials investigate electricity franchise options
Westar Energy has contacted the City of Marion to begin franchise negotiations for electrical service and the city wants to check all options before signing.
David Mayfield, city administrator, told Marion City Commission Monday city officials had met with the energy company regarding a contract. The current contract expires July 2005.
"It was suggested the city be prepared to enter into a new contract 60 days prior to the expiration date of the current contract," Mayfield said.
The city's current contract was for 10 years. The new contract will be for five years, or 10 years with an option for either party to opt out after five years.
Mayfield said he would provide Westar Energy with additional information regarding costs.
Harvey Sanders, public utilities director, said the company determines annual rates from the highest peak usage on any given day.
Commissioner Larry McLain said he was aware of other options regarding electrical supplies.
"There are lower cost electrical rates out there that need to be looked at," McLain said.
Mayfield said he would check into other options.
In other business:
— The commission approved cleaning of the city's large water tower on Eisenhower Drive and the clear well at the city's water plant.
The cost will be $3,405, which is a budgeted expense.
The water towers are to be inspected and cleaned every three to five years, said Marty Fredrickson, street superintendent, "and we're due for it."
Fredrickson told the commission if there is more than one inch of debris in the tower, there may be an additional charge for removal.
No water service will be interrupted Saturday while the inspection and cleaning is being completed, said Mayfield.
The small water tower, located near Marion High School, was cleaned two years ago.
— The commission gave city officials permission to pursue two grants.
The fire department will apply for a grant to obtain 500 smoke detectors for low and fixed income residents.
The grant would come from Homeland Security funds. The total expense would be $7,500, with the city providing $750. Mayfield said the funds are in the fire department's budget.
A system will be announced regarding the application and distribution of the detectors.
Police chief Michel Soyez was given permission to seek a Local Law Enforcement Block Grant for video equipment in patrol cars.
The equipment will consist of a camera, wireless microphones, and other necessary equipment.
The application would be for three systems for a total of $9,930. The city would pay $993. Soyez said funds were available in the department's budget.
— Warrants in the amount of $6,487 were approved.
— Baldwin requested a 10-minute executive session for attorney-client privilege related to a dilapidated structure.
The meeting reconvened with no decisions.
The commission will meet at 4 p.m. Monday in the city building.
