by Mari Radtke
A public hearing was held during the regular Marcus City Council meeting on Monday March 9. The public hearing was to consider the sale of property at 113 S Locust Street to Hinspeter Family Trust. No member of the public made comments. Later in the meeting Resolution 26-12 was passed by council approving the sale.
Clay Leavitt attended to request the council approve three new members: Jon Nelson, Morgan Wiesert and Jen Huff to the fire department. He reported that the department currently has 24 full-time members and 5 junior members. He also reported to the council that of the departments 153 calls during the prior year, 22 were fire and over 110 were medical. Marcus medical responses are done by the fire department. Several members are EMT certified.
Council also approved offering the Economic Development Director position to Dan Ohlendorf. A special meeting was scheduled for Wednesday March 18 at 7:15 a.m. for formal acceptance and approval.
Public Works has been approved to seek out and hire temporary personnel to assist with caulking the swimming pool prior to the opening. The pool has a leak that has proven to be difficult to find and eliminate. Much of the leaking water has been able to be reclaimed to minimize the cost to the city.
Jeri Welp was selected as the new Marcus Library Director at a rate of $21.00 per hour.
Marcus Police Chief Brian Flikeid reported to council the assistance the Marcus department provided to Homeland Security, at their request, to identify pornographic images of a child that originated in Marcus, Iowa. According to the report, “These images were solicited by an overseas perpetrator that is in custody.” Flikeid used the moment to remind parents to talk to your children about online safety and to monitor their internet, cell phone, and application usage.
Flikeid also used his time to remind parents that safety in outdoor activities must be first. He reported to council that he has received complaints regarding groups of young children operating electric scooters and electric bicycles in an unsafe manner. Some use concerns are high speeds, failure to stop at stop signs, swerving in the roadway and operating after dark without lights. Reports to MPD include nearly causing collisions.