Marion hears about grant for 78 more rhinos
Staff writer
Marion City Council signalled support Tuesday for a grant that would cover 60% of the cost of another 78 rhinos throughout Marion.
While the item on the council agenda was for discussion only, economic development director Megan Jones was asked to bring the item to the council for action Dec. 22.
The city’s share of the $60,000 grant would be reduced with in-kind contributions.
The addition of the 78 rhinos the city would have 150 stops for its rhino tour, some of them outside the city limits.
Jones said it was a way to get people into town to visit churches, businesses, and other attractions.
“I am a fan of rhinos,” Mayor Mike Powers said, adding they bring visitors into the city just to see them.
Jones proposed going to businesses to seek pledges to pay the city’s match.
Businesses would get a rhino and then paint it under the pledge idea.
Council member Zach Collett asked whether the city should conduct a drawing for businesses wanting a rhino.
The deadline to apply for the grant is in early January, and the city would need to finish its work in 18 months.
“This is my preliminary idea,” Jones said.
Holiday bonus
In other business Tuesday, council members approved a $100 holiday bonus for all full-time workers and two part-time employees. The city will spend more than $100 on each bonus, also paying income taxes on it.
Powers also asked that employees get Jan. 2 off with pay.
“Perhaps, we should give them Jan. 2 off because they would be back for just one day ,” he said.
Powers said he did not know how city employees’ pay compares with employees of other municipalities, but this idea would make employees feel better, he said.
The proposal was unanimously approved.
The council also agreed to enter into a 16-year contract with Utility Service Co. for maintaining the city’s large water tower for $456,318 .
Council members were told that someone in another city shot a tower, and repairs cost close to $1 million.
Under the agreement, cost of the repairs would be covered.
Fines for leaving trash
The council also agreed to the fine structure for residents for leaving trash and recycled containers near the curb after pickup.
The first time it happens the resident would be warned. The next two times would result in a $25 fine, and the third time the fine would increase to $50.
City Administrator Brian Wells initially proposed potential jail time for a third violation, but council members strongly pushed back on that idea.
The council also approved beer licenses for two stores and five locations, where alcohol would be consume on premises.
Also approved was a city logo contest with submissions to be turned in by the end of January.