Council approves pool amenities, bathrooms
Meeting time changed to 4 p.m.
Marion City Council approved swimming pool additions, new bathrooms at the sports complex, and funding for playground equipment, much to the delight and support of those in attendance.
USD 408 will front the money for a slide, baby pool, and water spray features at the new indoor swimming pool until the city can reimburse the district through the 2009 budget.
The council approved:
— a slide for $89,828. There were three bids solicited with this being the lowest.
— a baby pool for $15,000 which will be built by Hutton Construction, the pool and gymnasium contractor. The pool will be located outdoors. There will be a gradual slope in the pool with the water recycled which will be a cost savings to the city.
— up to $40,000 in spray features at the pool. Mothers and children will help the city choose the water activities.
— an offer from Brad Seacat for $16,900 for a concrete block building for new bathroom facilities at the sports complex. Marion Manufacturing had offered to donate a steel building but it could not be fabricated before the summer games and the construction did not include a roof.
Seacat will donate his own labor and the cost includes fixtures for three stalls each for men and women, and two changing rooms.
The existing concession and bathroom facility will be converted into an enlarged concession area and changing area for umpires.
— a $10,000 advance from the city to the Central Park Improvement Committee to help pay for new playground equipment. Fund-raising efforts are continuing but the funds are needed to finish paying for the equipment and have it installed.
— an engineering agreement with Kirkham Michael, Inc., not to exceed $250,000 for reconstruction of Eisenhower Drive and North Cedar Street.
— a proposal from Hett Construction for $19,820 for a shelter house at Central Park in memory of Mark Applegate. Memorial funds will pay for the shelter house and the city will pay for the sidewalk.
— an agreement with Kansas Department of Transportation for the Safe Routes to School grant.
— by a vote of 3-2 with mayor Mary Olson and councilman Stacey Collett opposing, of changing the council meeting time from 5:30 p.m. every other Monday to 4 p.m.
The time change will be made in the city's charter ordinance which will not become effective for 30 days.
Councilman Gene Winkler asked the council to consider the time change. He also asked for an agenda change to allow city staff to be at the top of the agenda instead of the end. That way city employees could be released from the meeting by 5 p.m.
Collett commented that there was a possibility he would not be able to make it at 4 p.m. to the meetings because of his job.
— Charles Heerey of Marion Housing Authority Board, presented an annual report. The 28 units at Hilltop Manor are rented with a waiting list of eight names.
The next council meeting is at 5:30 p.m. March 11 at the city building.
