Ordinance approved to expand to council
Agreement approved for city development position
Staff reporter
Marion City Commission approved a charter ordinance Dec. 28, that will expand the current three-member commission to a five-member council with a voting mayor.
Mayor Martin Tice asked city attorney Dan Baldwin what the process would be if there is opposition to this ordinance during the same time as candidates file for election.
Baldwin said if there is a protest petition filed, then Marion residents will decide if they want to change the governing body instead of electing additional council members.
The ordinance, which will become effective 61 days after final publication in the city's official newspaper, the Marion County Record, will allow the election of four council members from the city at-large. The two council members who receive the highest and second highest votes will serve four-year terms. The two council members who receive the third and fourth highest votes will serve two-year terms.
In April 2007, a mayor will be elected to serve a three-year term. In April 2008, and each four years thereafter, two council members will be elected and each will serve a four-year term. A mayor will be elected in April 2010 and serve a four-year term.
Those interested in filing for office must do so before noon Jan. 24, at the city clerk's office.
The ordinance also allows one-year appointments, made in April, by the mayor and city council for city administrator, city clerk, deputy city clerk, city treasurer, police chief, fire chief, and city attorney.
The city administrator, city clerk, deputy city clerk, and city treasurer must reside within the city or within a three-mile radius of the city.
All elected council members must reside within the city limits.
In other business:
— An agreement was approved by the commission with Jami Williams regarding her employment as city economic development director.
Williams will receive an annual salary of $48,000, payable at the same time as other city employees.
The city agreed to budget and pay professional dues and subscriptions, memberships and participation in associations and organizations relevant to her job.
The city also agreed to budget and pay Williams' travel and subsistence expense for professional and official travel to meetings, seminars, educational opportunities, and other occasions deemed necessary. Williams is required to obtain advance consent from the city council prior to travel.
Williams will be enrolled in KPERS, and receive vacation, compensation time, sick leave benefits, and holiday pay.
The agreement will be in effect from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2006. At or prior to the end of the agreement term, the agreement will be opened for re-negotiation.
If Williams is terminated for any reason by the city during the term of the agreement, the city will continue to pay the remainder of the annual salary. Williams also would receive vacation pay.
If the employee voluntarily resigns, she must give one month's notice. The city is not obligated to provide any termination or severance pay.
— City administrator David Mayfield said he received a letter from Westar Energy regarding new rates for separate transmission fees. The letter said the city should anticipate an 18 percent increase, an annual cost of $16,000.
— Mayfield reported he will be in Colorado on Jan. 30-31, to serve on an advisory board for Atmos Energy.
— The commission approved a $50 donation to the New Year's Eve fireworks fund.
— The November investment and collateral report, and financial statement were approved.
— Warrants for $24,589 and payroll for $25,707 were approved.
— A 20-minute executive session was called regarding attorney-client privilege. The meeting reconvened with no decisions.
— A 15-minute executive session regarding personnel was called. The meeting reconvened with no decisions.
