Council advances vacating part of South Clark Street for above‑ground CSO storage tank

The Marion City Common Council voted to advance General Ordinance 01225 on first reading on Jan. 7, 2025, allowing the city to begin the public-notice process to vacate part of the 2000 block of South Clark Street and an adjacent alley so Marion Municipal Utilities can install an above‑ground combined‑sewer‑overflow storage tank.

Mike Connor, attorney for Marion Municipal Utilities, said the storage tank is part of a long‑term control plan imposed by "IDM" and described the property as largely owned by the utility; the vacation would make room for a landscaped, above‑ground tank intended to reduce overflow events. "We would just ask that the council pass this in first reading and move it on so we can get notice published and notice to the nearby land owners and proceed with this project," Connor said.

Council members questioned access and turning maneuvers for trash and utility vehicles for nearby homeowners. Connor and utility staff said the design includes space for large vehicles to turn around and that the traffic commission had reviewed the plan favorably. Connor said the alternative — placing storage without vacating the right-of-way — would be "millions of dollars more expensive."

The motion to pass Ordinance 01225 on first reading was made and seconded; the council recorded a roll‑call vote and approved the ordinance to proceed to a required second reading and public hearing at a future meeting.

The council did not adopt final construction or site‑plan approvals at this meeting; staff said utility, gas and electric companies would be consulted on relocation or accommodation of facilities and that additional permitting and notification steps remain. The item will return for a public hearing and further council action after required notices and technical reviews are complete.