Mike Wilson had his hands full. Wilson, who organized the Friends of the Salina Taxpayers, had worked with Maria Johnson to organize the North Salina discussion meeting for several days by dropping off flyers to local businesses and churches and had no idea what to expect Thursday night at the Santa Fe Salvation Army meeting room.

Wilson hoped a good crowd would attend the North Salina meeting and his expectations were exceeded. Not only was there a near capacity crowd of over 50 home owners, landlords, business owners, city leaders and interested citizens who filled the room, but the crowd was passionate and had many positive comments and ideas. The first order of business was to define North Salina and it was agreed everything north of North Street met the purpose of the meeting and future organization. Then Wilson let everyone make comments for 3-5 minutes if they wanted to speak.

One attendee said Salina has an advocate for the airport and for downtown and it is time for a North Salina advocate. Another person suggested that Salina should consider electing Salina city commissioners by district. This comment received an applause.

North Salina is often reported as having many bars and liquor stores but one resident said the truth is we have more churches than bars and liquor stores. Several other residents asked that the city repair stop signs and street roads. Another idea was to consider locating satellite agency service offices in the area.  There was also a comment to create a local celebration like Santa Fe days which used to be held in North Salina before moving downtown and it was felt that the use of the term “North End” was inappropriate because the area is the beginning or entrance to town and not the “end to nowhere”. Ninth Street is a main city entrance corridor and paying attention to it is an important link to Salina’s future growth said another person.

At the conclusion of the meeting, City Mayor Aaron Peck gave a short report on city activities and answered questions. Judy Irvin also explained Neighborhood Services programs.

All ideas were recorded and the meeting ended by discussing the formation of an organization and creation of a steering committee. Wilson reported that Marie Johnson, who was unable to attend to the meeting,  has started filling out the paperwork for a North Salina Project organization. Wilson asked for volunteers to sign up to participate in a steering committee and announced that another follow-up meeting will be held in mid December.

Story submitted by Informed Citizen