Marshall council approves updated codes

The council adopted the 2009 editions of the international plumbing code, international property maintenance code, international fuel gas code, international energy conservation code and international building code.

City Inspector Mike Morgan said there remain four more code updates to adopt. He said these updates are routine, occurring every three years.

In her report, Mayor Pro Tem Lorna Alexander appointed Rebecca Stevens to fill the unexpired term of John Muller on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Her term will expire Nov. 1, 2012.

Alexander also appointed Karen Moss to fill the unexpired term of Jean Klein-Horman on the housing authority; her term will end Oct. 1, 2011. She appointed Darren Facen to the unexpired term of Russell Johnson on the housing authority; his term will end Oct. 1, 2014.

In her report, City Administrator Connie Latimer said work is progressing on the pair of bridges on East Eastwood Street.

"Today they're pouring the deck on the railroad bridge," she said. "We're making some progress."

Latimer also reported on sales tax collections for February. The park sales tax collected $1,738.64 more than last year in the same month, and the city's operating tax also collected more by $3,478.

"It's better than what it has been," Latimer said. But, "It's still down from where we would like for it to be."

Speaking for the municipal services and personnel committee, council member Dan Brandt announced curbside grass and leaf pick-up will begin Monday, March 29. The collection schedule runs opposite of regular trash pick-up, with ward 4 on Monday, ward 3 on Tuesday, ward 2 on Wednesday and ward 1 on Thursday.

Brandt also said the compost site is now open for the season. Hours are Monday and Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to noon.

There will be a municipal services meeting Thursday, March 18, at 5 p.m. at the department's offices, 1277 S. Odell Ave.

Council member and Community Food Pantry Chairman Ron Duvall said a benefit concert held Sunday, March 14, raised $2,319 for the food pantry.

Both the Marshall Community Chorus and Kansas City Mens Metro Chorus performed at the event. The director of the latter group, Noel Fulkerson, has promised Duvall an additional $500 for the cause, he said.

Council member Vince Lutterbie announced two upcoming events in Marshall: there will be a Shriners parade and the second-annual Jim the Wonder Dog Days, both on Saturday, May 8.

Council members Sam Moten, Gabe Ramsey, Sheila Cook and Barbara Utlaut were also present at the meeting.

The council will meet again Monday, April 5, at 5:15 p.m. in the City Office Building.

Contact Sydney Stonner at marshallbusiness@socket.net