Florence chamber hears of school district building plans
Florence Chamber of Commerce met Oct. 6 at Carriage Manor for a noon meeting and luncheon.
Marion-Florence school district superintendent Lee Leiker addressed the group about a proposal under consideration to build a new gymnasium, indoor-outdoor pool, and auditorium.
Among the selling points for considering the project are it will not raise taxes as the bond issue for Marion Middle School and an elementary school addition soon will be paid, the state will provide 32 percent of project funding, and a cooperative effort between school district and the City of Marion will provide extra funding for the pool which will take the place of the aging municipal pool.
Leiker indicated USD 408 board of education would like the question to be on the April ballot for consideration by district voters. The board plans to hold several public meetings between now and then.
In other business the chamber:
— heard from Twilah Williams there only are two community afghans left to be sold.
— agreed that Dan Ludwig would move the chamber file cabinet from Florentine Center to the ambulance building. Williams and Kathleen Ludwig will go through it and sort materials stored in it.
— discussed two cleanup projects planned some time ago, but never accomplished. Painting at Grandview Park and repairs at city pool were approved in 2004, but not completed. Ed Robinson was appointed to find a crew of chamber volunteers to get the projects completed.
— discussed distribution of plaques or decals indicating membership to chamber businesses. No decision was reached.
— will get more information on possibly scheduling a performance by Kansas State University Singers before Christmas.
— accepted volunteers Sarah Cope, Darla Gore, Dan Ludwig, Sue Klassen, and Jolene Gayle as 2005 Christmas committee.
