MORAN — Moran residents will have another option to safely ride out severe weather this spring and summer.
At the urging of Councilman Jim Mueller, Moran council members voted unanimously Monday night to install a second community storm shelter in the city park.
The shelter will be rated to hold 40 people, the same size as one in the downtown area, just south of the library.
Council members have set aside $33,000 for the project, but aren’t sure who will build it or how much it will cost.
“I’d like to see us do something,” said Mayor Phillip Merkel. “If we wait, it’ll be after storm season before we have the shelter.”
Of the $33,000, $3,000 is from a tax equalization payment made by Enbridge Pipeline for materials purchased elsewhere at a lesser rate than Allen County’s. Altogether, the tax windfall was $6,166. The remainder will be deposited in the library fund, which is being built up for the day when a new library will be constructed. The library fund grew to $24,000.
FOR YEARS Nelda Cuppy has maintained a Moran website, Moran Skyways, at no cost to the city. The Internet host is about to cease its free option, Cuppy said. Cuppy posts the city’s council minutes, city calendars and other community information on the site.
City Clerk Lori Evans agreed with Cuppy the website is beneficial, and added that if the city had one it could include library information.
Councilmen took no action, but seemed to embrace the idea.
In other business, councilmen:
— Heard a review of their property, casualty and liability coverage from Loren Korte of Personal Service Insurance, which provides Moran’s coverage. He suggested values of some buildings and equipment might be tweaked. New coverage will start April 1. Korte said he was uncertain what the premium might be, although an increase of 5 percent — it was $18,500 this year — wouldn’t surprise.
— Were told no problems or concerns were found in an audit of 2013 financial records.
— Decided to add three picnic tables, made of recycled tires, one in a downtown pocket park and two at the city park. Cost will be determined later.
— Were told by Merkel work was continuing to merge Moran and Marmaton and Osage townships volunteer fire departments. “We may have the beginning of a proposal,” he said.
