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Liberty Park sidewalk issue resolved

After much discussion and some confusion, Marion City Council Monday decided to leave the existing brick sidewalk on West Main Street in front of Liberty Park. Previously the council approved a concrete sidewalk from the Main Street sidewalk to the gazebo at the park.

City personnel had expressed concerns about leaving an aging brick sidewalk in front of the park because of the danger when covered with ice and snow.

Some councilmen said they would like to see the sidewalk removed and replaced with concrete, others wanted the sidewalk to remain. A cost estimate for a concrete sidewalk to look like brick also was obtained but was determined to be too costly.

The work may be completed in December, weather permitting.

In other business:

— A housing subdivision was approved by the council. Dieter Hills will be developed by Jerry Dieter on South Coble Street. The property, which will have three lots for residential houses, was annexed into the city a few months ago.

The city will provide the pipe for a water line to the subdivision.

— The council approved a lease purchase agreement between the city and Pilsen State Bank and an agreement between the city and Arlie's Inc. in the amount of $254,519.

— A payment of $99,674 to Walters Morgan for water treatment plant improvements was approved.

— No decision was made regarding the continuation of the Bucks For Building program as an incentive for new home construction.

The program was started in October 2005, with $20,000 set aside for the program. Local businesses participate in the program by offering goods and services to qualifying new home buyers. The city also contributes $1,000 to those buyers. Five applications have been approved with $15,000 remaining in the economic development fund for the program.

Council Bill Holdeman made the motion to "do away" with the program but the motion died for a lack of a second. No other motion was made.

— A work session was tentatively planned for 7 p.m. Dec. 6 between the council and Marion Planning Commission regarding the comprehensive plan.

— A manhole cover was struck by Schilling Construction Company while South Third Street was being overlaid. City personnel said the manhole was properly marked and the construction company had made an error but the construction company claims the manhole was not located.

At a previous Marion County Commission meeting, the county was notified of a bill for more than $13,000 from the construction company to extend the manhole cover in question.

— A $10 discount will be available to city electrical customers who display Christmas lights. Customers must contact the city office to receive the discount.

— A revised personnel and policy manual for Marion Police Department was approved.

— The council approved changing the meeting time for the Dec. 31 meeting from 5:30 p.m. to 1 p.m.

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