Marion council expands incentive program for property improvements

The Marion City Council approved a resolution Aug. 19 providing an incentive program for sidewalk repair or replacement for both residential and commercial properties.

The program is part of the city?s Neighborhood Revitalization Act.

The city will reimburse only the cost of concrete up to $500 on a first-come, first-served basis, said Roger Holter, economic development director. All other costs related to the project, including labor, would be the responsibility of the person who makes the request.

?Since 2000, the resolution was for residential neighborhoods only, but Monday?s resolution made it available for commercial property owners as well,? Holter said.

The decision to include businesses in the program he said, was decided at a previous meeting with a recommendation to have $3,000 a year available for all projects.

A total of six residential or commercial properties taking advantage of the program would deplete the money for the year, he said, unless the council voted to add additional funds.

Prior to adding businesses, few homeowners in residential areas took advantage of the program, according to Holter.

To qualify for reimbursement for concrete, residents and qualifying commercial businesses need to complete a request form from the planning and zoning office, Holter said.

The resolution states the request form will include the location of the sidewalk, if it is to be replaced. Prior to beginning the actual project, the building inspector will verify the information regarding construction, repair or replacement.

Holter said he believes the plan offers financial incentives for improvements to Marion?s downtown.

During the same meeting, the council hosted a public hearing regarding the 2014 budget, which was later approved during regular session with the mill levy the same as last year at 63.706.

Doug Kjellin, city administrator, said the city?s assessed valuation increased by $19,105 from last year, which means a mill is worth about $19.10 more than it was.

City Clerk Angela Lange said the valuation increase will generate an additional $1,218 for the general fund, the debt service fund and the library fund.

In other business, the council:

— approved a request for Community Development Block Grant funds for the Jex Addition in the amount of $42,058.

— approved a contract with EBH & Associates for engineering services related to the CDBG project.

— voted to accept the ?Standard Traffic Ordinance for Kansas Cities? and ?Uniform Public Offense Code for Kansas Cities? for the coming year.

— following two executive sessions, appointed Roger Holter as the new zoning administrator. The council also agreed to pay Holter an additional $4,000 for those duties from the planning commission salary line item.

— approved Mayor Mary Olson?s appointment of Paul White to a three-year term on the planning commission.

— approved the resignation of Dale Johnson, who was a member of the city?s cemetery board.

The council?s next meeting is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3 in council chambers at Marion City Hall.

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