Leith, Inc. receives city s business grant
Staff reporter
David Leith of Leith Inc. is the first recipient of the city's grant program for businesses.
He applied for a grant to construct a metal fence around property at his tire store and auto repair business at 126 S. Thorp Street, Marion.
City economic development director Jami Williams presented information Monday to Marion City Council.
She said Leith purchased a building which is located in an area zoned residential. Due to the nature of the business, there are tires and equipment in and around the building and a fence is required to separate the business from a residence.
The total cost of the project is $5,612. The grant is for $2,806 with Leith paying 50 percent. The fence will be purchased from Seacat Do it Best.
Williams explained the grant selection committee had set stipulations for applicants to follow such as purchasing all materials and labor in Marion if possible.
A contract will be drawn to assure accountability of how funds are spent.
In other business:
— Zoning administrator Marty Fredrickson reported a conditional use permit had been approved by Marion Planning Commission for a licensed day care center at 406 N. Cedar Street.
The council also approved the permit.
— Four bids were opened for heating and air conditioning of Marion Historical Museum but a contract was not awarded.
Flaming's Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc., Swan's Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, and Suffield's Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing, all of Marion, submitted bids. However, they did not bid on the same specifications. City personnel will research the bids and report at the July 17 meeting.
Jeff Jirak Construction of Marion was the only bidder for insulation. More information will be obtained from him prior to the next meeting.
— The council approved a voluntary dues assessment of $782 for attorney's fees with Kansas Municipal Utilities organization.
Mayfield said dues were based on the number of metered customers. Previous participation by cities resulted in the attorneys being successful in keeping Westar Energy in check regarding rate increases.
— During the public forum portion of the meeting, Merle Bruner asked the council about the status of solid waste expenses.
"We were told in March that the trash department was self-sufficient," said Bruner. "And now you say it isn't."
Tice said the city was discussing options for the 2007 budget to reduce expenses in that department due to increase in fuel costs which included eliminating free rolls of trash bags to city trash customers.
"People will buy cheap trash bags," said Bruner. "You're in for a lot of trouble."
Tice said the council was considering all options and no decisions have been made.
— A drive-up drop box is now available across from the city office. This will enable customers to pay city bills without having to go inside the office or mail.
— Councilman Stacey Collett asked if city crews could work earlier hours to avoid heat issues in the afternoons. City public utilities director Harvey Sanders said it worked better if the crews worked the same hours as the office staff to handle complaints and reconnects. He added that the city would probably pay more in overtime if it went to earlier hours because most problems seem to occur after 3 p.m.
— Fredrickson reported the algae bloom at Marion Reservoir has resulted in the water plant using more carbon. Hydrants have been flushed to address taste and odor problems.
— Councilman Gene Winkler asked if Frank Pecinovsky, who owns a lot on Walnut Street, could be asked to clean up that area. Currently there are junk vehicles and dilapidated farm equipment located on the lots.
Mayfield said that area meets the definition of a salvage yard and would have the city attorney look into the matter.
— Collett asked about Ron Cotton's property on Billings Street that burned a few months ago.
Fredrickson said the insurance company is required to submit 10 percent of the insurance money to the city to assure the property will be razed. The insurance company is still investing the fire, said Fredrickson.
— Williams reported she has received numerous contacts from interested businesses that included a tobacco shop at 162 W. Main Street, storage units at Marion Business Park, and a manufacturing business to go on the back row of the business park.
She also has been contacted by someone interested in opening a retail shop only on weekends. The council suggested she work with the person to go on Main Street rather than the business park.
— A budget work session will be held at 4:30 p.m. July 17, prior to the regular council meeting at 5:30 p.m.
The next meeting is at 5:30 p.m. July 17 in the city building.
