Fireworks permit applications now being taken at courthouse
By ROWENA PLETT
Staff reporter
County clerk Carol Maggard was authorized Monday by county commissioners to establish a fireworks permit system for the Fourth of July.
An advertisement will run in the local newspaper for two weeks informing the public that fireworks permit applications will be accepted through June 21. The applications will be presented to commissioners June 24 for approval. The list of approved applications will be given to the sheriff's department and all fire departments.
Maggard reported that a large bolt which holds heavy cables in the bell tower had dropped through wood flooring, causing damage to the clock's workings. The clock does not run or chime.
A workman has been looking at the damage and will supply estimates of needed repairs.
Commissioners approved several resolutions which will appear in the Marion County Record during the next two weeks.
Two fire resolutions were approved, one establishing Marion County Fire District #6 for Lost Springs and Lost Springs Township, and one establishing Marion County Fire District #7 for the city of Tampa and Clark and Blaine Townships.
The solid waste fee resolution was passed in a 3-0 vote. Howard Collett was absent but voted via telephone. The resolution sets the fee at $6.75 per month, to be paid when property taxes are due.
Bob Maxwell of Eastshore asked for clarification, especially the statement in last week's newspaper that haulers have the option to drop disposal charges from their fees.
Wetta noted that trash collectors' fees have included 1) pick up and hauling, and 2) disposal — from the transfer station to the landfill.
He explained that haulers will not pay for disposal anymore, but it will be up to them to reduce their charges accordingly. He also noted that cities will have to change their trash ordinances.
Wetta said anyone can use the transfer station free of charge. If a person would choose to haul his own trash to the transfer station, he would only have to pay the $6.75 monthly fee to the county.
However, Wetta encouraged people to use haulers to ensure regular disposal of trash.
A letter was read which officially announced the placement of the Schaeffler House, 312 E. Grand, Hillsboro, into the National Register of Historic Places.
County attorney Susan Robson announced that J. Sizemore has been appointed special prosecutor for the district court beginning June 7.
Commissioners approved purchase of a floor scrubber from Pur-O-Zone, Lawrence, for $2,248. The Advanced Micro-Matic Scrubber will allow custodians to clean floors during the work day. It is small enough to gain entrance to bathrooms.
Maggard said a trial run of the scrubber had saved the custodians a "tremendous" amount of time.
Maggard distributed May budget reports from the various departments. She said about 42 percent of the general budget had been spent through May.
Maggard also reported a transfer of $5,443.23 from registration fees deposited in the vehicle/special auto fund to the general fund. The funds were left over from last year.
Sheriff Lee Becker reported minor damage to one of the department's Ford Explorers from a deer/vehicle accident. The damage has been repaired.
Officers logged a total of 25,342 miles in May. Eight people were arrested.
Undersheriff Randall Brazil discovered a meth lab in an RV and two people were arrested.
The jail has 15 residents.
Becker announced that Marion County has been approved to receive a grant of $1,227.49 to use to purchase bulletproof vests. The grant came through the Bureau of Justice Assistance.
JoAnn Knak displayed a new tube apparatus to be used in medical emergencies. The tube can be placed through the esophagus or the trachea. It costs $55 and can be used only one time. She is teaching EMTs how to use it.
Write-offs of ambulance service fees included: Medicare, $10,972.46; other insurance, $2,515.11; and other uncollectibles, $2,644.75.
Lake superintendent Dale Snelling requested approval to contract with Reuben Zerger, a lake resident, to repair toilets and do other repair work around the lake. Commissioners gave him the go-ahead but told him to be sure Zerger has insurance to cover his work.
Ty Wheeler of Kansas Legal Services, Emporia, appeared before commissioners to request an increase in appropriation to $3,000 for the next fiscal year. Commissioners said they would consider the request when planning the budget.
Health department administrator Jan Moffitt reported that Shirley Burkholder will use 37 1/2 hours of carry-over vacation time the first week of July.
Road and bridge superintendent Gerald Kelsey reported county lake roads patched and ready for sealing.
