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Festival buttons may change for Chingawassa

Gene Winkler, Chingawassa Days Steering Committee, reported Monday to Marion City Commission that the $7 general admission button may be eliminated at this year's festival.

Winkler said the festival lost money last year due to the weather and in an effort to become financially solvent, the committee may consider a $20 button for general admission and for the Saturday evening entertainment. This year's headliner band is The Guess Who.

A day pass would be available for purchase on Saturday for those wanting to watch or participate in specific events that day.

A website also has been created for the festival at www.chingawassa.com.

Pictures and this year's festival schedule are on the site, said Winkler.

Some new events this year will include a rock, paper, scissors contest, two-person volleyball tournament, and American Idol-type competition. A Hillsboro group is planning a quilt show at St. Mark's Activity Center during the festival.

In other business:

— City administrator David Mayfield reported the city's street sweeper was in need of major repair. He will present information at the Feb. 20 meeting for the commission to consider regarding repairs to the 16-year-old sweeper or purchase a new one.

— Margo Yates, tourism and chamber of commerce representative, reported the tourism committee continues to be a member of the South Central Tourism Region, Marion remains the contact office for Prairie People Tourism Association, and the group will print new brochures, visitors guides, and historic home tour guides.

She is assisting with the promotion of the CCC statue at Marion County Park & Lake.

Yates said there are people interested in a farmers' market and were told to contact the city. New photos will be taken and mounted for use in promotions and booths. Welcome bags are being assembled and will be distributed at Marion Reservoir next month.

A new computer was purchased and installed in the chamber and tourism office.

— Harvey Sanders, director of public utilities, reported city crews removed trees that were damaged in the 2005 ice storm.

— Assistant city clerk Angela Lange reported a second application was made for the city's housing incentive program.

— A meeting will be planned for the development of a city trail. Dan Baldwin, city attorney, said he will meet with the representatives from Central Kansas Conservancy, and Alex Case to discuss a lease.

— Economic development director Jami Williams did not have a report but Mayfield said he and Williams will attend a Kansas Economic Development Association meeting this week.

— The commission tabled a decision regarding employee health insurance.

— The January utility billing tie out was approved.

— The commission approved a mutual aid agreement that allows city crews to assist areas within the specified territory and in return the city would receive assistance as needed.

— Warrants for $168,131 and payroll for $28,154 were approved. A bond payment of $109,677 was included in the warrants.

The next commission meeting is at 4 p.m. Monday in the city building.

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