Marion awarded FEMA funds
City of Marion will receive a reimbursement of more than $12,000 from June storms.
David Mayfield, city administrator, delivered the good news Monday to Marion City Commission.
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) had contacted Marion County Emergency Preparedness Director Michele Abbott-Becker about municipalities receiving reimbursement due to the summer storms.
The city was reimbursed for costs to repair three road crossings, power lines, lightning damage to a sewer flow meter, and debris removal of trees. Total damages amounted to $15,030 and the city was reimbursed 85 percent of the total loss.
"This is due to the efforts of Abbott-Becker," Mayfield said.
Mayfield also reported the city will be given an extension for mandated water plant improvements.
Guidelines, set by Kansas Department of Health and Environment for upgrades, were in place Jan. 1, 2004, with enforcement to begin Jan. 1, 2005. Because the city is making efforts to secure a grant and loan from Rural Development to pay for the improvements, the city was granted an extension by KDHE.
Mayfield reported the city received a letter stating Rural Development would not make a financing decision until a feasibility study was completed. A study is being conducted to determine if a wholesale water district is a feasible option for Marion and Hillsboro water customers.
Professional Engineering Consultants of Wichita is providing the study and is expected to have it completed within the next month or two.
In other business:
— Gary Carlson of Marion said he didn't want to see landlords be responsible for utilities.
"To me, it's not an option," Carlson said. "I think it (the city's payment system) can work without it (landlords being responsible for unpaid bills)."
Mayor Martin Tice said the commission would take Carlson's statements under advisement.
— The commission approved a solid waste collection and disposal agreement with Marion County for trash removal from county-owned containers at Marion County Park and Lake.
The three-year contract requires the city to maintain the containers and the county will replace the containers as needed.
Mayfield said the time and expense of repairing the containers was figured in with the cost estimate.
— A budgeted transfer of $20,000 from the utility fund to the capital improvement fund was approved. The funds will be used for future purchases.
— No parking signs have been installed on the south side of Third Street, across from the city building.
Designated 30-minute parking will be enforced for the first four stalls in front of the city building.
— Mayfield said a web site to promote Marion businesses and property that's for sale has been completed. The service is free. One business is being advertised for sale in addition to lots in the city's business and industrial park.
— The commission approved the August utility billing.
— Warrants in the amount of $31,646 and payroll in the amount of $27,245 were approved.
The commission will meet at 4 p.m. Monday in the city building.
