Citizens voice concerns about road and bridge issues

Written by Jerry Engler Wednesday, 12 September 2007 09:32

Members of the public brought issues before the Marion County Commission Monday that commissioners attributed primarily to poor communications on the part of the road and bridge department personnel.

The commissioners apologized to both sets of patrons involved, and promised corrections.

Aaron and Angela Allen told commissioners they were only given a 30-day notice by the road and bridge department that they would be required to sell land for a new bridge on 140th, just west of U.S. Highway 77.

They said they felt pressured to sell, and with large trees that will be removed, including a black walnut in front of a house where the bridge is, they don’t want to sell.

They asked the commissioners to stop the project.

Instead...

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Florence council hears report on old school buildings

Written by Michelle Avis Wednesday, 12 September 2007 09:30

The Florence City Council heard from Bobbie Strait of the Marion County Health Department at their Sept. 4 meeting about the process of appointing someone as the city inspector for building-code violations under the new zoning ordinance.

Strait presented sample ordinances from nearby towns and said the county wouldn’t have jurisdiction unless there is an imminent health or safety danger to the community.

Two public hearings must be held before a property could be condemned, but fines and fees can be assessed without legal council. If the landowner files suit and loses the case, the city’s attorney fees could be recovered.

Strait then discussed her findings on the 1885 Hill School and the brick former high school buildings. One...

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Marion council OKs downtown Christmas parade for Nov. 25

Written by Jerry Engler Wednesday, 12 September 2007 09:28

Melissa Parmley received approval from the Marion City Council Monday for a Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade at 2 p.m. Nov. 25 between First and Fifth streets on Main.

Along with it, she was reminded to call the Kansas Department of Transportation for approval to close Main as a state highway.

Public Works Director Harvey Sanders said the Santa House associated with the event couldn’t be set up in Liberty Park because a truck backed in on grass and sprinkler heads. Instead, celebrants at the parade will gather at the gazebo in Central Park.

Michelle Abbot-Becker thanked the council for responding in time with information for Unified School District 408 to receive approval for $330,000 in federal funding to build a school shelter...

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County pursuing jail costs

Written by Jerry Engler Wednesday, 05 September 2007 06:47

The Marion County Com­mission, at its Friday payday meeting, pushed ahead with planning for a new jail or community corrections center while asking Tony Rangel, architect for Law Kingdon in Wichita, to get specific with the costs of each step.

Rangel, who spoke by teleconference, also said the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office has approved the county’s $20,700 contract with Dustin Hett for correcting the old jail according to fire marshal requirments subject to final inspection.

Chairman Randy Dallke told Rangel the commission “is wondering what we might expect in bills and details for drawings,” looking at either the smaller corrections centers for 24 or 48 inmate beds, or the larger for 72 beds.

Commissioner Bob Hein...

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