Fireworks means big business, and big headaches
Cardie Oil named outstanding business
Staff reporter
susan@marionrecord.com
If it was up to Marion resident Margaret Wilson and Marion City Councilman Bill Holdeman, fireworks would not be the focus of Independence Day.
At Monday's meeting, Wilson read a letter to the council that expressed her concerns about allowing fireworks to be detonated in the city.
She said she knew it was too late for this year but felt compelled to speak.
Observance of Independence Day turns a quiet day into a day that causes stress, most particularly for animals, Wilson said. She said it was an assault on everyone health.
Wilson showed a remnant of fireworks that landed in her 95-year-old mother's fenced-in backyard last year.
Owls roosted last summer in Wilson's backyard. When fireworks were being shot, the owls sat in trees along the creek and cried.
"If I chose to be surrounded by gun powder and smoke, I would move to Baghdad," she said.
"My two bits on this is I don't mind the selling of fireworks before July 4 but shooting them off seven days before the day makes it all about money. I don't care for fireworks because I had my fill 60 years ago," Holdeman said.
Mayor Mary Olson said she had told Wilson that it was too late to change the rules for this year but maybe consider changes next year.
Councilman Steven Smith said the problem with fireworks is how they are detonated. The city's ordinance prohibits them from being detonated in city streets. He asked if there could be a designated area in town for fireworks.
Stronger enforcement on the items being sold in town was a suggestion councilman Stacey Collett made.
The council approved an ordinance that allowed the sale and detonation of fireworks from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, beginning June 27, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to midnight July 4, the last day for fireworks. The ordinance passed 4-1 with Holdeman voting against.
In other business:
— Four local businesses were nominated for Outstanding Business of the Year with Cardie Oil & Tire Service, the newest member of the Marion business community, receiving the honor.
Other nominees were The Auto Tek, St. Luke Physician Clinic, and Seacat Do-it-Best.
All were recognized for customer service, community involvement, and contributing to the local economy.
— There was no dissension among the council in allowing the Chingawassa Days steering committee to have fireworks in Central Park following the concert of Grand Funk Railroad Saturday night.
The fireworks will be launched from the south end of the park.
The request was approved with Marion Fire Department on standby.
— The council reviewed an emergency outage policy. Olson asked for a work session to discuss the policy.
She asked if there were any tornado shelters in the city that had signs that designated them as official shelters. The response was "no."
When tornado sirens are activated, the police department has keys to access the tornado shelters for residents to use.
— Kansas Department of Transportation officials will meet with officials June 25 regarding the Safe Routes to Schools project.
With the project, some sidewalks will be replaced, some new sidewalks will be constructed, and some will not be affected. All sidewalks will be made handicapped accessible with curb cuts.
— Cemetery fees at Marion Cemetery have increased with the passing of an ordinance.
Grave openings are $200 during regular business hours and $300 after hours. Lots are $100 each with a $25 stone placement fee.
— The city approved a budgeted payment to Communities In Schools of Marion County for $1,000.
The council also approved sponsorship of Relay For Life of Marion County by contributing $250 to the cause.
The city had given $200 in 2004 and 2005, and $150 last year with the city inserting flyers in utility bills.
— The city received a $19,748 dividend check from EMC Insurance Companies through local agent, Alex (Casey) Case of Case & Son Insurance, Marion.
— Street superintendent Marty Fredrickson reported that city crews will spray for mosquitoes on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
— The council approved an ordinance to officially change its meeting time from 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. every other Monday.
The next council meeting will be at 4:30 p.m. June 16 at the city building.
