County may offer federal rent assistance program
Staff reporter
Marion County Sanitarian and Environmental Health Director Bobbi Strait reported Monday to Marion County Commission that she and county economic development secretary Teresa Huffman were compiling information that would allow landlords to receive rental assistance through a federal program.
Properties would have to comply with HUD (Housing and Urban Development) standards before being eligible but the standards are not difficult to meet, Strait said.
There would be a limit to the number of landlords in each community that could participate. The rental assistance program would be designed to assist the elderly and disabled, and those who meet income requirements.
More information will be presented at a future meeting.
In other business:
— The commission reviewed a sample certificate for administrative lot splits. The one-time lot split would allow one lot split per parcel and would be attached to the deed when recorded.
Additional lot splits of those parcels would require approval of the county planning commission.
More discussion of the certificates will be held Thursday evening at the monthly planning commission meeting.
— Interim transfer station director Rollin Schmidt said he had requested a letter from Robinson Trucking of Florence regarding a contract to haul solid waste.
The trucking company has hauled solid waste for the county for several years with an annual contract typically reviewed at the end of the year.
Commissioner Bob Hein suggested Schmidt check with Harvey County regarding county-owned trucks hauling solid waste.
Schmidt commented that there are some days when two trips to the landfill near Topeka are necessary.
Other expenses such as a full-time county employee also need to be factored. Schmidt said there would have to be a back-up driver for vacation and sick leave.
More information will be gathered and presented at a later date.
— The commission approved the purchase of 32 gallons of Tordon 22k from Markley Service of Marion at $83.50 per gallon for a total of $2,672. Ag Service of Hillsboro presented a bid of $2,831, and Cooperative Grain and Supply of Hillsboro had a bid of $3,168.
— A total of 660 tons of solid waste was collected at the transfer station during October. So far this year, 6,302 tons have been collected.
— Schmidt and the commission discussed issues that involved electronic waste (i.e. computer keyboards, towers, monitors). At a recent KAC (Kansas Association of Counties) seminar, the association took the position that county household hazardous waste departments should collect such items instead of being a part of the mainstream of refuse to go to landfills.
Schmidt said he wasn't sure how the E-waste would be stored and disposed.
— Bids are being solicited for fence on the west side of the transfer station.
— Road and bridge superintendent Jim Herzet reported Jesse Smith was hired as a motor grader operator in the Lincolnville area.
— The commission approved a road crossing permit for David Mueller for a rural water line.
— Merle Douglas of Marion was given permission to trap wild animals at the south shop.
