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Street repairs top mayor's list

Marion City Council approved the gathering of bids for chip and sealing specific city streets as presented at Monday's meeting.

At the urging of Marion Mayor Mary Olson, street superintendent Marty Fredrickson presented a detailed map with streets highlighted that were in need of attention. The total cost of the sealing project would be approximately $177,000, Fredrickson said. The work will be contracted.

Fredrickson said he had contacted APAC-Shears of Emporia who had time in May or September to do the work.

Olson said it needed to be completed this year.

Collett asked why the city didn't do their own work. Fredrickson said the city's equipment was not operable. Councilman Bill Holdeman suggested the city do a certain number of streets each year.

The council approved the plan and instructed Fredrickson to move forward and to obtain two to three additional bids.

City officials were to meet with engineers this week to assess other street projects that require engineering.

In other business:

— The council approved the sale of a second lot for a storage facility in the business park. Economic development director Jami Williams reported Rick Miller, who had purchased Lot 13, also wanted to purchase Lot 12 for $2,000. Williams said Miller wanted the additional lot for access, not an additional building or expansion of a building. The council approved the sale, 5-0.

Later in the meeting during the public forum, Darvin Markley asked if storage units were allowed in the city's business park because the city's web site said they were not.

— Prior to the regular meeting, a public hearing was held regarding a secondary residence at 127 Billings Street.

The property is owned by Ron Cotton whose primary residence burned nearly two years ago. The city used some of Cotton's insurance proceeds to clean up the primary structure with the understanding that Cotton would raze the other building.

City attorney Dan Baldwin said the issue becomes a business decision for the city. Costs of the demolition could be placed on the county tax roll but Cotton would remain as owner of the lot.

Fredrickson said his concern was to stay within his budget. The same contractor who removed the primary structure is available and willing to remove this second structure, Fredrickson said.

The council approved the demolition.

— Ray Helmer was awarded the bid for baling grass on the levee. He presented a three-year price of $600 per year. A second bid of $100 per year from Craig Matz also was received.

— Williams reported the city was not awarded the call center.

— The council approved an IRS policy regarding use of city vehicles, uniforms, and meal reimbursements. Mayfield said city clerk Angela Lange was informed of the need for a policy about a year ago and this policy was necessary to have a favorable audit.

— A request to have flyers inserted with the city's bills that would promote a new doctor and an event for Chingawassa Days was denied. Concerns were expressed that customers may not read insertions. Councilman Stacey Collett commented that it would be an unfair advertising advantage and take away from newspaper advertising.

— Two other financial consultants will make presentations at the next meeting which will give the council an option of three from which to choose.

The next council meeting is at 5:30 p.m. May 7 in the city building.

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