Commission approves scooters at county lake
Changes to the county lake's regulations for motorized scooters were approved Monday by Marion County Commission.
The original regulation prohibited any type of motorized scooter on county property (Lakeshore Drive and property between Lakeshore Drive and the lake).
The change would allow any licensed driver 16 years of age and older to operate a gas or electric motorized scooter on the county property.
Jim Newkirk, a lake resident, requested a change because he would like to be able to ride a four-wheeled electric scooter from his home on Cherry Street to the lake.
Newkirk said he was disabled and uses the scooter to "get around." He said the scooter runs 15 mph and he plans to get liability insurance.
Before approval, commissioner Randy Dallke asked lake superintendent Dale Snelling how he would enforce the change. Snelling said if he had a concern he would ask for a driver's license.
In other business:
— The county's technology plan will be updated. The commission approved up to $7,500 be paid to Great Plains Computers & Networking of Marion. The last update was completed in 1999. Other upgrades have occurred since then but no specific plan had been followed.
The process will take approximately three weeks at a cost of $65 per hour.
— The commission approved the purchase of dock padding for the public boat dock for $750 plus freight. Originally the commission had approved $455 but further research by Snelling determined the need for additional pads.
— Tom Brown of Savant Services, discussed direction regarding the county's strategic plan.
Department heads will be asked to provide information regarding long-range plans and goals.
— The commission declared April as Fair Housing Month for Marion County.
— Noreen Weems, county director of department for elderly, reported Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging wants all senior centers to report data online, the LIEPA (Low Income Energy Assistance Program) has been extended until April 28, and assistance is available at Marion Senior Center to county residents for completing forms to receive homestead property tax and food sales tax refunds.
The next commission meeting will be 9 a.m. Friday. There will no commission meeting Monday.
