Williams said a check with realtors about buyer desires in Marion showed most people want a house of more than 1,500 square feet with three bedrooms and two baths for less than $100,000.

Williams reported that 99 of 121 persons returning surveys on community child care say they need evening or weekend care for children, and that 115 of them think there is a need for after-school care.

Ninety-four of them favored a city-owned community child-care facility that wouldn't interfere with privately owned home day cares.

Williams suggested a city-owned facility might keep overhead down with non-profit grants and maintenance performed by city workers.

Public Works Director Harvey Sanders reported all poles in for the 72-5 improved power line around the courthouse.

He said warning sirens were checked this week, with one not coming on because of a starter, which was subsequently repaired.

Bill Holdeman, a city council candidate, questioned Sanders on possible damage of equipment in a downtown restaurant because of low voltage.

Sanders said other businesses operating from the same transformer had no problems, and it appeared there might be something lacking in the interior wiring of the restaurant.

Street Superintendent Marty Fredrickson said the city is hauling sand for a covering of parking lots at the baseball fields to try to keep dust down this summer.

He reported that temporary water lines will need to be run to dwellings at Denver and Locust to allow replacement of a leaking four-inch line with a new six-inch one.

Fredrickson's nomination of Williams to a position on the City Planning Commission to succeed Dan Crumrine, following his resignation, was approved by the commissioners 3-0.

Police Chief Michel Soyez announced appointment of Steven Jantzen, a 2001 graduate of Marion High School, as an officer to the police force. He said Jantzen already has had the training for which Marion officers usually are sent to the law enforcement academy.

The commissioners approved the auditor's recommendation to void four checks totaling $241.29. Clerk Angela Lange explained that the checks have remained uncashed for more than two years.

The commissioners also approved the February investment and collateral report and the February financial statement 3-0.