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Marion council approves $56,006 repair to UV system, police vehicle, sidewalk grant and several TIF deals
Summary
The council unanimously approved a $56,006.92 repair to a wastewater UV disinfection bank, a $45,273 police vehicle replacement, support for a nearly $250,000 Safe Routes to School sidewalk application (city share ~20%), four TIF redevelopment agreements and a clerical union contract through April 2029.
At its meeting, the Marion City Council approved a set of operational purchases, grant commitments and redevelopment agreements in a series of unanimous roll-call votes.
City staff described multiple malfunctions in the wastewater plant’s ultraviolet disinfection system and asked the council to approve $56,006.92 for parts and labor to rebuild one of two UV banks this winter while the system is out of service. “The disinfection equipment we have down there is UV molten violet light,” city staff told the council, adding that much of the equipment was installed in 2012 and that some components are now obsolete. Commissioner Steckley moved to approve the rebuild; the motion passed with all members voting in favor.
The council also approved a police vehicle replacement: a 2025 Ford Explorer interceptor from Jim Hayes for $45,273. Commissioner Barwick said insurance provided roughly $42,000 toward replacement and that radios and other usable equipment from the totaled unit will be transferred to the new vehicle.
On transportation, the council adopted Resolution 2025-14 to demonstrate the city’s willingness to cost-share a Safe Routes to School application for improvements around Washington School. Staff said the engineer’s estimate for the project is just under $250,000 and that the city would be responsible for roughly 20% (about $50,000) if the grant is awarded.
Councilmembers approved four TIF redevelopment ordinances: 4061 (residential remodel with Dennis McGuire, 1713 West Dewey), 4062 (residential new-home agreement with Adam and Adrian Franks, 302 South Liberty), 4063 (commercial redevelopment with Art House LLC, 111 North Madison) and 4064 (residential TIF agreement with the Ruth E. Malone Trust, 1100 South Duncan). Staff said applicants must submit costs within one year to qualify for reimbursements.
Finally, the council approved a packet of fiscal-year 2026 TIF grant applications received through Sept. 19, 2025, and a collective bargaining agreement with clerical employees represented by Laborers Local 773, with contracts valid through April 2029.
All motions were adopted by unanimous roll-call votes. Council members did not request further study on these items during the meeting; staff noted some future capital work (for example, rebuilding the second UV bank) will be included in next year’s budget planning.
