Published: June 12, 2008 09:42 am            

Apartments proposed for Salina

Salina trustees approved a zoning change and allowing the Salina Business Alliance to utilize city property during upcoming events and hired a librarian at their monthly meeting Tuesday.

Tommy True with Rae Properties asked the council whether they’d allow the construction of triplex and sixplex apartment buildings on the property which runs along Evanjoy between Grace and Oak Street. The property is located directly behind town hall and the Bargain Barn.

True is interested in buying the property to develop between 20 to 30 apartments, but wanted the council’s approval before moving forward with the purchase. True is currently building similar apartments in Chouteau.

True said the apartments will be nicely furnished and average rent is $450 to $550 per month. Most will be constructed as two bedroom apartments, but a few will be handicap accessible one bedroom apartments.

True said he wants to be close to Main Street without being on Main Street, which interferes with the town’s ability to collect taxes from businesses. He said the property on Evanjoy would hold a maximum of 30 apartments with 60 parking spaces.

“I think it would be an asset to us,” said Mayor Darrell Blaylock.

The board voted to allow multi-family zoning on the property.

The Salina Business Alliance has plans for a car show and National Day of the American Cowboy celebration in July. Trustees voted to allow the business alliance to use the city park on July 4 for a car show.

Sue Tennison, Salina Business Alliance, asked the town for permission to have a parade on July 26 for National Day of American Cowboy. The board approved the parade and gave her permission to block Commerce Street between Wall and Ferry Streets. The National Day of the American Cowboy celebration will feature free events, including gospel and bluegrass singing, homemade ice cream, pony rides and more.

Loretta Bennett with the Salina Library Board introduced Brandi Marlar, who is being recommended for librarian. Bennett said Marlar has a degree in biology and has a teaching license. Marlar would like to work in Salina and is already helping with the summer reading program. Marlar said she’d be available Wednesday morning, if hired. The board voted to approve her employment.

The board discussed an ordinance regulating the posting of signs and advertising matter on utility poles and on right of ways inside city limits. The board would like to have some authority to enforce how long signs are kept up.

Trustee Gary Starkey said the problem is the people who leave their signs behind, creating a littering problem. The ordinance discussed would outlaw all posting of signs in right of ways.

“It may be using a sledgehammer to kill a fly,” said Attorney Bill Gaddis. He recommended trustees look the ordinance over and bring any recommended changes back to the next council meeting. The board tabled any action on the ordinance.

Trustees approved adopting Ordinance 2008-5, which prohibits residents from tying up aggressive dogs within reaching distance of the main entrance to residences. All aggressive dogs must be kept out of reach of the front door.

        

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