Nobody showed up at the Marion County Commission Monday to discuss concerns brought up by the jail advisory committee, but one concern was forwarded.
Commissioner Randy Dallke said a constituent from the Peabody area owns rental houses, and is concerned with the idea of financing the jail with a $10 a month allocation on each home in the county.
The commissioners did like the idea of the jail committee allowing two to three-minute slots for individual commentary from the public at meetings. They also like plans to move the committee meetings around the county.
Odors from leaks are drawing complaints in the courthouse, but they are of a plumbing, not political, nature.
County Clerk Carol Maggard said employees are complaining about the smell in their basement break room. Some believe it?s coming from the appraiser?s office. She said it?s likely caused by mold growing in moisture caused by a water leak that since has been repaired.
The commissioners directed her to find a local contractor to pull cabinets and paneling in an effort dry out the affected area.
There?s also a leak in the top floor courtroom facilities from a seldom-used toilet. The commissioners asked Maggard to get bids for replacing it.
The commissioners voted to accept a $5,762 grant from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment for the county sanitarian that has a 10 percent local sharing of $576.
The commissioners approved John Summerville?s direction to engineering consultants Cook, Flatt & Strobel to remove Marion County Bridge 226 on the Chase County line from engineering planning on the county five-year plan, and to do Bridge 75 instead.
The commissioners approved Summerville?s plans to install two culverts adequate for bus turn-around at the Lost Springs Santa Fe Trail Monument before activities there July 3.
Summerville said Dickinson County was to send a representative Tuesday to discuss final agreement among six counties on regulations for the Keystone oil pipeline from Canada to be built through the county.
Nancy Phil, county extension agent, told commissioners that projects like the Walk Across Kansas program from March to May contribute greatly to public awareness for better health. Participants reported lower blood pressure, weight loss and feeling better from the 423 miles of walking required, she said.
Dan Crumrine, chairman of the Marion County Lake Improvement District, reported receipt from the state of a final contract to install a water tower at the lake.
The commissioners approved new Marion County Economic Development bylaws presented by director Teresa Huffman.
Among the changes is allowing one vote per community, although council representation in ratio to population is still allowed. Huffman said extra representatives will retain committee voting rights.
The new bylaws also require the treasurer to send a monthly financial report to the council chairman, and for the bank to send a monthly statement directly to the economic development office, Huffman said.
The commissioners approved the purchase of a 2002 Dodge Caravan from Wright?s Inc. in Hillsboro for $7,500 that will enable Huffman to carry large promotional displays to festivals.
Her department?s current vehicle will be transferred to the county appraiser?s office for a $2,000 transfer between offices. All funding will be done from existing budgets, she said.
Recyclables pickups to communities around the county continue to be ?very encouraging,? according to Rollin Schmidt, transfer station director.
Schmidt said cars of local persons were backed up for a long way in the rain at Goessel Saturday waiting to unload recyclable materials. He came away with a full load, he said.
The enthusiasm was preceded Thursday, June 18, when traffic peaked at the transfer station to contribute nearly a full bale of cardboard in one day, he said.
Schmidt and the commissioners have said recycling not only is the right thing to do, but it will save the county money in solid waste disposal.
