By KAREN MIKOLS

Salina Journal

Two items approved by Salina city commissioners Monday will make it possible for developers to double the size of the Sonic Drive-In on South Santa Fe Avenue.

Commissioners approved a request to vacate the alley behind Sonic and turn the property over to DL Rogers Corp. and a request to allow construction on top of an existing sewer line in the alley.

"Many lots are separated by alleys," Salina City Planner Dean Andrew said. "The alleys commonly contain sanitary sewer lines."

That was the case for Sonic. The sewer line services the Masonic Temple, just south of Sonic and the drive-in. To accommodate the sewer line, the company proposed to encase the 12-inch sewer line under the proposed building. The encasement would extend three to five feet beyond the building and allow for maintenance and repairs, if necessary.

Dennis Powell, area supervisor for DL Rogers, said after the meeting that he isn't sure if the drive-in will have to be closed during construction or when construction would occur.

"We'll just take it one day at a time," he said. "As soon as we get the permits, we'll start looking for contractors."

In other action, the commission unanimously approved:

n Amending the comprehensive fee schedule for Municipal Court. A $5 fee will be assessed to people being sent letters for not paying fines within 30 days. About 150 to 175 such letters are sent from the court each month.

n Amending commercial building permit fees. The result is about a 1 percent across-the-board increase. Also, the fees for permits for egress windows and above-ground pools were increased from $20 to 25.

n Awarding a $49,000 contract to S&S Contracting to repair the roof of Memorial Hall.

n The 2009 budget on second reading.

n Updating city code regarding the sale of alcohol to minors.

n Updating city code regarding traffic ordinances. One change stipulates fines now will be doubled in a school zone.

n A resolution setting the property tax levy for the Salina Airport Authority at 2.377 mills.

n Appointments to boards and commissions, including:

Arts and Humanities Commission: Rachel Loersch, Randall Hardy, David Stueve and Lynne Ryan.

Business Improvement District No. 1 (Lee District) Board of Advisors: Clark Renfro, Jerry Hinrikus, Ken Rinke, Christy Lauer and Jim Sergeant.

Business Improvement District No. 1 (Lee District) Design Review Board: Robert Hamman and Dagney Stromberg.

Board of Zoning Appeals: Paul Morse, Ron Lange and Charles May.

Community Art and Design Committee: Patrick Bihlmaier.

Community Corrections: Todd Heitschmidt, Carolee Jones and Donna Salyer.

Convention and Tourism Committee: Kathy Tolbert and Shannon Jones.

Disciplinary Advisory Board: Marjory Wann, Steven Dorzweiler and Brandi Post.

Housing Authority: Truman Carl Kiltz.

Human Relations Commission: Maribel Panuco, Richard Orton and Courtney Moye.

Parks and Recreation Advisory Board: Jane Bradbury and Joe Hay Jr.

Planning Commission: Michael Ritter and Sydney Soderberg.

Salina-Saline County Solid Waste Management Committee: Don Hoff and Nancy Hodges.

n Reporter Karen Mikols can be reached at 822-1416 or by e-mail at kmikols@salina.com.

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