In a discussion that included City Attorney Dan Baldwin, the commissioner touched on several unresolved issues:

-- should each of the five people be elected as members "at large" for the entire city, or as representatives from within geographically defined wards?

-- How long should a single term of office last-four, three or two years?

-- What is the best way to stagger terms in that initial election of representatives?

Underlying each of those questions was a concern about developing a system that would make the prospect of public service inviting to more citizens.

Baldwin said the city has a lot of freedom to choose the way it wants to structure its governing body.

"You can do whatever you want," he said.

The commissioners agreed that more research was needed, particularly to find out if Kansas has towns that elect representatives for four-year terms.

In other business, City Administrator David Mayfield said a representative from Westar Energy would be meeting with him Wednesday regarding damage claims by Marion residents in connection with voltage problems.

Mayfield, who was told Westar rarely pays for damages that can't be proven to be caused by company negligence, asked if Baldwin or one of the commission members could be part of that meeting.

"I don't want to fight these guys by myself," he said.

Commissioner Jim Crofoot volunteered to join the meeting.

In his report to the commission, public utilities supervisor Harvey Sanders said city crews had discovered that a dam had been built across the creek that runs behind the senior center. Apparently the dam was built to accommodate a four-wheeler.

The dam was removed.