Marion council asked to repeal city?s truck route restrictions

During the public forum segment of the Marion City Council meeting May 2, Daryl Brewer, who owns a truck parking business, asked the council to repeal an ordinance dealing with truck route restrictions.

Councilor Steve Smith suggested the city repeal the ordinance and as part of the new ordinance have stipulations on use.

Mayor Mary Olson asked Brewer if he could work with city administrator Doug Kjellin on the new ordinance.

Smith said Kjellin and Brewer could work out agreements on speed limits and no parking on west side of Grant Street.

Prior to the regular meeting, Kjellin addressed the issue in a memo to council members, stating that he was approached by Brewer concerning the removal of the truck restriction on Grant Street in the Jex Addition.

?It appears that the only way to accomplish this is the repeal of Ordinance 1273, which stipulates no trucks over 24,000 pounds be allowed on Grant Street,? he said.

Council members were given two options to consider. The first was not to repeal the ordinance.

?By doing nothing,? Kjellin stated, ?the city will be forcing all truck traffic to the Brewer property by way of Whittier, Burbridge and South Grant.?

This adds around 15 blocks of driving from U.S. Highway 256 or Main Street to access the Brewer (truck parking) lot.

In addition, Kjellin said the railroad crossing is problematic because of the approach grade and the time needed to cross with a long, loaded truck.

?If nothing is done, the possibility of additional legal action on behalf of Mr. Brewer should be expected,? he said.

In the second option stated in Kjellin?s memo, the council would repeal the ordinance and allow trucks to turn from US 256 (Main Street) and drive the two blocks to the parking area.

Brewer anticipates parking empty box van trailers, boats and recreational vehicles.

?Over time, however, road repairs along those two blocks of Grant will need to be addressed,? Kjellin said.

Allowing truck traffic may cause problems with residents in the Jex Addition.

The truck route issue could be discussed further at the May 16 meeting after Kjellin and Brewer have an opportunity to go over the new ordinance.

Other business

In other business, the council:

? agreed to a request by Diana Costello to include PRIDE survey forms in the July utility bills;

? approved the purchase of Chingawassa buttons for city employees at a cost of about $525.

? approved new city attorney Keith Collett?s contract of $1,200 a month and $100 per hour for every hour over the 12 hours in the $1,200 retainer.

? discussed and approved requests for two utility payment extensions.

? tabled a request for naming the municipal airport.

? went into a 15-minute executive session to discuss trade secrets.

? learned that 120 of the new electric meters have been installed, which is about 10 percent of the homes in Marion.

? the next council meeting is at 4:30 p.m. May 16 at the Marion City Building council room, 203 N. Third St.

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