Rain storm causes power problems for city customers
A tree was blamed for sporadic and then no electricity in Marion Monday morning.
Harvey Sanders, public utilities director, said Monday during a Marion City Commission meeting a tree had fallen on electrical lines by the former alfalfa mill, north of town on Walnut Street, causing the power outages.
"The branches caused the flickering," Sanders said, "and the tree caused major outages."
When the problem was identified, crews quickly made the necessary repairs and power was back on for customers.
In other business:
— A public petition for demolition of a house has been received by the city regarding abandoned property at 1018 Denver.
Building inspector Marty Fredrickson said the property had changed hands three times in 12 months. The property had been purchased and sold from e-Bay, an Internet auction service, said Fredrickson.
A city ordinance allows demolition if repairs to the property exceed 50 percent of the appraised value. Fredrickson said the house needs a new roof, does not have heating, and he knows there are numerous other repairs needed to the dilapidated structure.
A resolution will be presented at next week's meeting.
— The commission approved the July investment and collateral report, and financial statement.
— Warrants for $21,171 and payroll for $27,353 were approved.
— Sanders said this past week city crews had installed underground electrical lines to two homes in Tanglewood Addition, and assisted with the cleaning of sewer lines.
City administrator David Mayfield reported the city was considering purchasing a used vacuum truck for sewer cleaning.
— Police chief Michel Soyez reported his fifth officer had returned from the law enforcement academy and the force was full .g Eloise Mueller, chairman of Marion Economic Development Advisory Board, contacted the Braum's Corporation and asked them to open a store in Marion.
She was told that Braum's was not opening any new stores right now but the board signed a letter asking the company to put Marion on a list to be considered in the future.
— A 50-year celebration will be held Saturday by the Girl Scouts Council of the Flint Hills at Camp Double E, northwest of Emporia. City representatives were invited to attend a 10 a.m. ceremony.
