Commission will look at scaled back jail model
Staff reporter
Marion County Commissioner Randy Dallke said there needs to be a workshop planned to discuss jail plans.
During Monday's meeting, Dallke said the commission needs to consider a "scaled back" model for a new jail.
"We've looked at the Cadillac," said Dallke.
He said he has heard feedback from the public to reduce the size to make it feasible.
Dallke and commission chairman Dan Holub agreed that regardless if the special sales tax is passed by the Senate, the county will continue to pursue the project.
"We've been asking 'What will a jail cost'," said Dallke. "Now we need to ask 'What can we get' (for a certain amount of money)."
Architect Dan Hall of BG Consultants will be consulted and asked to present additional design options. The bond agent also will be asked for funding options.
In other business:
— County lake superintendent Dale Snelling asked for guidance regarding parking on county property after 11 p.m.
In the past, parking was not allowed on county parking lots between 11 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. With Kingfisher Steak House and Lounge being open later than 11 p.m., Snelling said he was concerned how to enforce the rule.
Holub said the county can't interfere with a business and an area needed to be designated for customers.
Snelling said the parking curfew was how he kept "peace and quiet" at the lake. He added he was concerned about the parking lot being located next to campgrounds.
Commissioner Bob Hein suggested Snelling check with county attorney Susan Robson regarding the issue.
Holub asked Snelling to take the approach of "how to make this work."
— Holub asked David Brazil, county zoning administrator, why the county would zone a concrete slab at Kingfisher Steak House and Lounge? Brazil responded the county had regulated patios in the past. He said he was to meet with the owners and review their plans. If the plans are within the county's zoning regulations, a building permit can be issued. If not, an application would have to be made for changes.
Brazil said safety issues of a patio located next to the road and noise issues will be discussed. Holub said the owners were assured there weren't going to be any issues before they purchased the building.
— The commission approved repairs to a crane at the county's transfer station for $14,000. The repairs include a motor, gear box, and spool. A new tracking system also was ordered.
— A low bid of $483 for tires for two trucks in the noxious weed department was approved from Markley's Service of Marion.
— Jim Herzet, county road and bridge superintendent, requested and received a five-minute executive session to discuss personnel with Steve Hudson, county road supervisor also present. The meeting reconvened with no decisions.
Dallke requested a five-minute executive session with Herzet to discuss personnel. The meeting reconvened with no decisions.
— A $100 per week pay increase was approved for Hudson, following a six-month probation period.
— A five-year bridge plan was approved for submittal to Kansas Department of Transportation.
— Snelling was instructed to solicit bids for the repainting of the lake hall. Snelling asked if the county wanted to furnish the paint to control the quality. County clerk Carol Maggard said some local contractors are able to get paint at lower costs because they buy in bulk. It was suggested that the county approve the paint that is chosen by the painter or tell the painter what the county prefers.
Snelling also will seek bids for repairs to the heated dock.
