While noting that the Molly Trolley has been a benefit to the community, Iola commissioners still are hesitant to assume ownership of the Iola Area Chamber of Commerce vehicle, they said Tuesday. Donna Houser, speaking on behalf of the trolley board, made the request because the Chamber would qualify for cheaper insurance rates if the vehicle were city-owned.
The trolley board wanted the city to take ownership, but not place restrictions on the vehicle’s use, she said.
That sparked concern with Iola City Attorney Chuck Apt, who noted that the city would be at risk if an accident occurred. With the trolley being used more frequently out of town, that risk increases.
Apt also pointed out that the city forbids alcohol consumption in any of its vehicles, which would preclude the Chamber renting the trolley out for such events as weddings, a popular fundraising source.
Commissioners said Tuesday that instead of obtaining the trolley’s title, they would just as soon pay for the more expensive insurance, which they opted to do.
Commissioners offered the Chamber up to $1,200 to assist with insurance payments.
COMMISSIONERS are considering a new sign at the entrance of Riverside Park.
The discussion was based in the recent Vision Iola process which looked at improving signage, the downtown business district and parks, trails and sidewalks.
Commissioners agreed the sign’s design should mirror those promoted by Vision Iola planners, but wanted more discussion on type and price.
Parks Superintendent Berkley Kerr proposed three sign styles — any of which would sit atop a pair of sign posts — with prices ranging from $14,000 to $30,000. All selections included an electronic banner that would post information about events in the park, Kerr noted.
Commissioner Craig Abbott asked if a monument style sign — sans the message board — would be less expensive.
They also discussed whether certain styles would prove distracting, or create a traffic hazard by obstructing drivers’ views as they entered and exited the park, and whether nearby utilities would have to be relocated.
The discussion will continue before any decisions are made.
City Administrator Judy Brigham noted the city has $190,000 budgeted for signage improvements in 2011 and 12, using sales tax revenues dedicated to capital improvements.
JOHNNY WOMACK, who has made “some progress” in cleaning up debris and heavy construction equipment at 433 W. Madison Ave., was given two more weeks to complete the cleanup or face sanctions in Iola Municipal Court.
Womack was at the meeting and again fussed with commissioners about what he contends is selective prosecution, stating other businesses are committing the same violations.
Commissioners countered once again that Womack’s property is conspicuous because of its high visibility from U.S. 54.
They directed Code Enforcement Officer Jeff Bauer to give Womack the list citing exactly what they wanted done. If those items aren’t completed by the commission’s Nov. 9 meeting, Womack could be cited.
COMMISSIONERS approved six-month or annual evaluations for four employees, giving them pay raises ranging between 2 and 3.5 percent. After a two-hour executive sessions, they accepted the resignation of Garrett Lucas from the police department.
