MORAN — Call it a lease on life for Moran residents who intend to work toward better physical condition.
“That’s all we’re waiting for, a signed lease” from Gratz Peters, Erie, “so we can get started on the building,” Larry Manes said during Monday evening’s Moran Council meeting.
Through the auspices of Thrive Allen County a grant of $25,800 was obtained last year to purchase equipment for an exercise center that will occupy a long-vacant convenience store Peters operated at the north edge of Moran. About 25 volunteers have signed on to clean up and refit the building.
“We set up a booth at the ballgame Friday (at Marmaton High School) and had interest from 24 households to be members,” Manes said. Memberships are $10 a month. Manes said he is confident another 15 to 20 will want to participate, ensuring the membership fees will cover utilities, forecast at $400 a month.
Council members approved guidelines for use of the facility, including people taking advantage must be 16 or older if they arrive alone; 14- and 15-year-olds may be admitted with parents. Hours will be 5 a.m. to midnight.
In other business, councilmen:
— Learned the Kansas Department of Transportation was responsible only for maintenance of the traffic lanes of U.S. 59, which runs through the heart of Moran as Cedar Street. Maintaining storm drains, signs, markings and sidewalks, as well as removing snow, is on Moran’s nickel.
— Approved Chief of Police Shane Smith enrolling Moran in countywide computerized record keeping at $1,086 a year starting in 2018. Allen County commissioners are expected to absorb about $88,000 in software and others costs to give all law enforcement and other public safety officers access to recordings of arrests, investigations, and such things. Smith noted he has had to depend on hard copies, obtained in person or by another person, from the sheriff’s office to keep abreast of what was occurring. With the system, “I’ll know if we have someone in Moran who is wanted on a warrant, for example,” he said.
— Accepted an Allen County Emergency Resources Guide from Damaris Kunkler, Thrive representative also on hand for the exercise center decision. She said the guide and help through the newly organized Humanity House organization in Iola will give assistance to Moran residents who face eviction because of house condemnation, or another reason. She cited an instance in LaHarpe, where “we moved a family into quality housing after their old house, which wasn’t fit to live in, was condemned. We can do the same in Moran.”
“It will give us more options,” said Councilman Bill Bigelow
— Put off a decision on whether to bow to a request for lower rates for 14 users attached to the South Moran Rural Water District. Councilmen were told the district, in business 47 years, was facing expensive infrastructure upgrades.
— Purchased a Case backhoe for $66,450. A second bid, from Caterpillar, was $18,000 more.
Exercise center awaits lease
