Armstrong said he isn't ready to announce the name of the doctor being recruited, but she and her husband live on a farm, and she has strong family ties to Marion.

Both factors that might ensure longevity here, he said.

It is normal to offer cash bonuses and income guarantees to secure a medical doctor for a community, Armstrong said. He contended that besides benefiting citizens with medical care, it makes economic sense because one doctor generates $800,000 to $1 million in economic activity.

Councilor Stacey Collett asked if the doctor is "under a contract to stay here."

Armstrong replied: "Yes. It's treated as a loan that is gradually forgiven as the doctor stays here. If he leaves, he has to pay it back."

City Administrator David Mayfield said a donation could be funded, and justified for economic reasons, probably from excess sales tax funds collected to pay a bond for the industrial park.

The council approved the donation 3-1 with Mayor Martin Tice abstaining because he is on the hospital board.

Councilor Jerry Kline presented a commendation on behalf of the council to Fire Chief Mike Regnier and all volunteer fire department members, thanking them for their willingness to volunteer their time to train and protect the city.

Stated Kline: "It is always amazing the skill you have in putting out and containing fires. The latest example was at the rural home of Vernolis and Rex Siebert. It could have been a total disaster were it not for your knowledge, skill and hard work...."

Regnier said the Siebert fire added incentive for his department to seek more than $9,000 in image-enhancement equipment through grants and donations. He said borrowing such equipment from the department at Hillsboro helped pinpoint the source of the fire, enabling the house to be saved when it might have been destroyed.

The council, after a presentation by economic director Jami Williams voted 4-1, with Collett against, to sell Lot 13 and possibly Lot 12 in the retail industrial park to a storage-units business.

They approved the business, including outside access for recreational equipment storage as well as inside units.

The council also approved a "Safe Kids Route" for good sidewalks, crosswalks and bicycle paths designated for children going to school.

Councilor Bill Holdeman accused Williams of "feathering your own nest" in obtaining city funding assistance for a tobacco shop in a building she owns.

Noting that the county has committed to paying the local WRAPS grant share for a cleanup study at Marion Reservoir, the council decided to delay deciding whether they will reimburse a share as requested by the county commission from both Marion and Hillsboro.

There was sentiment on waiting to see what Hillsboro would do.

Kline said he is impressed with the opportunity for Marion water-plant operators to learn during water-plant upgrade project due to begin Sept. 5.

The council approved a mutual aid agreement between the Marion Fire Department and the Herington Fire Department.

They approved appointment of Don Noller to the Marion County Economic Development Council.