The charge is based on half the cost of a transformer.

Collett said hook-up for water and sewer are standard, and it isn't fair for the city to bear electrical hook-ups without charge.

The council split evenly on suggestions from Councilor Bill Holderman. His proposal to determine when to clear snow and ice from city streets by "eye-balling" the situation rather than by measured inches fallen died for lack of motion.

But the council passed his second proposal 4-2, Councilor Jerry Kline against, that city vehicles be required to have city logos on them for publicity value.

Requests to help the Marion Wellness Center open with up to a $5,000 grant were postponed to see what council members can come up with in the next two weeks.

Development Director Jami Williams said grant funding to help businesses is down to a $1,600 balance.

The council turned down a proposal to cooperate with the City of Hillsboro ito place real-time monitors at the Marion Reservoir.

The council approved a request from Peggy Blackman to insert notices for the Relay for Life in May utility bills as an "in-kind" donation to help.

Mayor Martin Tice signed a proclamation in support of Family Career and Community Leaders of America for the high school group.

Margo Yates said Chamber of Commerce tourist promotions will include working to promote hunting and fishing in the county, installing deer feeders along the city trail so visitors can have more deer sightings here, and continuing to support rhinoceros statues in town.

The council decided to discuss further a proposal from Mike Fruechting that the city purchase the Internet domain name he has created for promoting Marion.

The council approved a $17,000 appropriation for the Marion Recreation Commission. Rodney Richmond spoke on behalf of the MRC about its activities, including a 37-team league for basketball and 30 kids participating in gymnastics.

The council promised to study parking for truckers in the city in the light of new lot rent charges and requirements for purchases of diesel fuel by a convenience store. One location mentioned was city property just outside the city limits on the east side of South Third.

The council approved using the Purple Wave Auction out of Manhattan for on-line sales of surplus city equipment.

They approved a $194,689.71 payment to Walter Morgan for completion of the water plant upgrade approved by engineers.

They approved a $1,000 appropriation for Communities in Schools.