Commission hears more talk about changes to city government
Decision will be made at Sept. 26 meeting
More discussion was heard regarding changing the Marion city form of government from a three-member commission to a five-member council.
City attorney Dan Baldwin again reiterated that with a charter ordinance the commission could set up the governmental board any reasonable way they desired.
Mayor Martin Tice said his concern was timing the elections to coincide with city elections which are held in April.
Baldwin said length of terms is a personal issue with advantages and disadvantages for long and short terms.
The positions also could be set up by wards or areas of the city. The city would have to determine the boundaries, which should be equal in population. Some concerns were voiced that it may be difficult to find a candidate from some areas of town.
More information regarding terms, wards, and election timing will be presented at the next meeting.
The commission plans to make a decision at the Sept. 26 meeting.
In other business:
— Mayfield reported he will meet with Westar Energy representatives this week regarding local claims made by residents.
He said he was not encouraged that the claims will be paid.
— City utilities superintendent Harvey Sanders reported the last portion of Lawrence Street will be laid this week, weather permitting. When the final section of cement is poured, it will be another seven to 10 days before the street will be open to traffic.
— Sanders also reported a water leak was repaired on North Roosevelt Street, problems at the sewer lift station, crews sprayed mosquito insecticide, and a dam was removed from a creek on South First Street.
— Warrants for $113,808 were approved.
— Mayfield requested and received a 30-minute executive session to discuss personnel.
The meeting reconvened with no decisions.
The next commission meeting will be at 4 p.m. Monday at the city building.
