Jami Williams hired as city economic developer
New Year's Eve ball drop will be from grain elevator
Staff reporter
Marion City Commission hired longtime Marion resident Jami Williams as the city's economic development professional beginning Jan. 3.
The commission had a 60-minute executive session to interview final candidates, followed by a 15-minute executive session for discussion.
Williams will be paid a salary of $48,000 during the one-year contract. She will not receive health insurance benefits.
She currently is president of Marion Chamber of Commerce and a Western Associates employee.
In other business:
— The commission approved a request to allow fireworks in the city limits on New Year's Eve. Dave Hett of Marion made the request.
The fireworks will be detonated from Concrete Products plant on South Third Street. This site was approved last year by the state fire marshal.
The annual ball drop will be from the north side of the elevator owned by Cooperative Grain & Supply, also on South Third Street, instead of the courthouse flag pole since it recently was repainted.
Hett said $600 already has been collected with $150 being paid for insurance.
— Elizabeth Pearson, the owner of record of the property at 110 South Lincoln Street, was given 120 days to remove the dilapidated structure at that address.
Marty Fredrickson, city building inspector, reported Pearson had requested that time line.
The commission approved the time frame during a public hearing regarding that structure.
An agreement between the city and Pearson will be drawn by city attorney Dan Baldwin for the next meeting.
— A recent dike inspection by the U.S. Corps of Engineers Tulsa District resulted in a favorable review.
A formal report will be sent to the city.
— The city's November utility billing was approved. Becky Makovec, billing clerk, reported the city collected $47,000 more than billed. A bad debt also was collected.
— Warrants for $132,025 were approved.
— The commission held an 15-minute executive session for attorney-client privilege with Baldwin and city administrator David Mayfield in attendance. The meeting reconvened with no decisions.
The commission will meet at 4 p.m. Monday in the city building.
