Marion council approves Bobcat mini track loader purchase and moves forward on South Market safety project

The Marion City Council on March 7 approved two street and cemetery items: purchase of a 2025 Bobcat MT100 mini track loader and a joint funding agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation for safety improvements on South Market Street.

For the equipment purchase, staff described a stand-on mini track loader with rubber tracks and multiple attachments — including a snow pusher, broom and options for augers and trenchers — to improve access to tight work areas and speed snow removal after a winter with heavy snow around the square. Council was told the purchase will be paid from general-fund surplus rather than transportation improvement program funds.

The council then approved a joint-funding agreement with IDOT for the South Market Street Safety Improvement Project, which will replace a box culvert near the creek, repave the corridor from Boynton Street south toward Texas Avenue and modify guardrail placement. Staff reported one known fatality at the existing site and said federal funding will cover about 90% of construction; the city's share for the initial engineering phase was estimated at $7,500.

Council members asked about cross sections, whether the guardrail would remain or be moved, and whether pavement elevations would be raised; staff said the area will be repaved and that final cross sections will be reviewed in engineering. Both items were approved by roll call with Mayor Absher noted absent.

The projects authorize staff to proceed with procurement and engineering; specific construction timelines and final cross sections were not presented at the meeting and will be developed during the engineering phase.