City of Florence undecided about USD 408 buildings years ago
By SUSAN MARSHALL
News editor
In a makeup meeting pushed back to May 29 by absent councilmen and the Memorial Day holiday, Florence city council tackled several topics with long ranging
After lengthy discussion of the buildings Marion-Florence USD 408 wants to turn over to the city, the council tabled until after July 1 a decision whether or not to accept the offer of the gymnasium and former home economics building.
Council members reviewed reports from the district about expenses and possible repairs in the future of the buildings. Councilman Randy Mills cautioned the board about blanket acceptance of the offer without getting legal and structural advice.
"I'm concerned about handicap accessibility issues," said Mills. "Right now the buildings are grandfathered, but what happens if a new owner takes over?"
Mills said he felt they needed to talk to the Marion superintendent and board and ask for time to look the building over and get advice.
"We need to find out what needs to be done before saying yes," Trayce Warner agreed.
Council members agreed to review the district's proposal at a work meeting after more information is available and members have walked through the buildings.
In other business, the council:
— heard from Rollin Schmidt about a proposal from Marion County Commission to initiate a countywide recycling program to reduce the amount of refuse going through the transfer station. The program will not be mandatory, nor will there be a charge to any of the communities. Schmidt is applying for a grant and has been visiting Marion County towns to request letters of support.
— heard about the Communities in Schools program in Marion County from director Linda Ogden. Council members tabled making a donation until after budget workshop meetings are held.
— agreed to use the services of Peabody city employees and equipment to spray for mosquitoes this summer.
— approved publication of the new zoning regulations.
— heard from Leonard Ellis that a solution needs to be found to the concrete structure which constitutes an "attractive nuisance" at the former dam site on the Cottonwood River near the tree farm. Ellis proposed putting a cover over a hole with a 25-foot drop in the concrete structure and placing a railing around the top. The cost of removing the structure is prohibitive for the city. Councilman Bryan Harper volunteered to round up people willing to donate labor and equipment for the project. A motion to that effect was approved 3-1 with Mills opposed.
— agreed to consider bids for a Bush Hog or a mower arm so the dike can be mowed. Trayce Warner researched the levee reports and the city's agreement with the Corps of Engineers and told council the city is responsible for the mowing and it has to be done on a regular basis. Council agreed to make a decision at Monday's meeting.
— heard from Phil Baldwin that Marion Middle School youngsters spent a day in Florence helping with a citywide cleanup project. Baldwin thanked the children and told the council the group did an excellent job.
— approved the purchase, at $37 each, of five light fixtures in wire cages for the shelter house at Grandview Park.
— approved an $800 expenditure for a radio chip to control the storm warning siren. The chip was investigated after storm spotters found their radios would not sound the siren.
— entered an executive session for the purpose of discussing personnel, but took no action on return to open meeting.
