by Mari Radtke
The Marcus Council on Monday July 8, approved five request for fair activities in it consent agenda. Marcus Fair activities permits requests approved were the 5k, the parade, the lease with Marcus Fair. Streets to accommodate the Marcus Action Committee (MAC) Dance liquor license and the closing of streets for MAC were all approved. Also approved was the application by Brady Law Firm for the Marcus Signage Incentive Grant Program.
Council passed a resolution to allow the Golf Course to sublet to Kim Means. A resolution to transfer $3597.75 of Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) funds to the Debt Service funds passed.
Cory Hawkings on behalf of The Hawkeye Lounge attended in person. He requested the council allow him to block the alley behind The Hawkeye Lounge on Friday and Saturday of the Fair. He also requested approval to sell limited treats on the sidewalk during some downtown fair activities such as the parade. His requests were approved.
A term to the Planning & Zoning Board and the Board of Adjustments reached their expiration date. Bill Sillau was reappointed to the Planning & Zoning Board. Doug Dreckman was reappointed to the Board of Adjustments. Both terms are for 5 years.
Council agreed to allow vinyl fencing material to be installed around the air conditioning units at the airport. An individual requested that be done and volunteered to pay for it. Council agreed so long as there was no cost to the city to add the fencing.
The city’s property insurance was increased 30%. That was known and budgeted. The annual premium to the city was $57,505. It was suggested the city raise their deductible to $2500. That change will easily be paid for by reduced premium. Council approved changing their deductible to their ICAP insurance.

The sewer infrastructure in Marcus experienced a tough week. A valve at the sewer pond needs replacement. To meet with State audit requirements bids were solicited to do the work. The bidding process is used when a provider is part of government. Schmillen Construction and Deere Valley both submitted bids. Deere Valley was the low bid.

Doug Dreckman reported a variable frequency drive (VFD) on pump #3 in the sewer system is not operating properly and needs replaced. The VFD controls the speed and power of the motor pumping material through the system.
The third event with the sewer system is the finding of a collapsed sewer line at the Fair Grounds. Sewer lines from the Methodist Church building, the ballfield restrooms and concession stand connect and lead into the collapsed line at a pit near the pool and new playground. Dreckman explained a procedure called pipe bursting. The procedure was approved and work began Thursday July 11. Only the southbound lane of Locust Street.
City Clerk Robin Harvey reported to council that the loan to do the water study will roll over to include the next steps of the process which is design. Well testing is expected to begin during the week of July 22. Some discussion of the tornado siren near the golf course was held. It’s not working and fixing it was not an option.

Right: Two pits are located between the park and the fair grounds. One is to access water lines. The other is to access sewer lines before it goes into the main on Locust Street. The were opened as crews were readying the repair the sewer line using a Òpipe bursting method.