The Marion City Times

April 2, 2007 City Council Proceedings

The City Council of the City of Marion, South Dakota met in regular session on Monday, April 2, 2007, at 7:00 p.m. in the meeting room of the City Building with the following council members present: Jeff Jeno, Dave Kohl, Bill Konda, Judy Schlunsen and Dave Viet, together with the Mayor Ron Globke and Finance Officer Kari Muller. Also attending the meeting were City Superintendent Larry Hopf and City Maintenance employee Dustin Sulzle. City Attorney Jeff Cole was present from 7:17 p.m. – 7:29 p.m. Absent: none.

Mary Westfall, representing the Senior Citizens Center, was present and requested the $1000.00 appropriation for the Center’s operating expenses. Motion was made by Kohl, seconded by Schlunsen to release the funds in the amount of $1000.00 from the 2007 appropriation. Motion unanimously carried upon roll call vote. Westfall advised that all 27 members truly thank the Council for this assistance.

It was advised the City received a Wastewater Facility award and a Public Water System award from the State. Mayor Globke presented Superintendent Hopf with Achievement Awards in both areas as the City’s certified operator.

Discussion was held on the land acquired by the City in 1978 for the lagoon. City Attorney Cole advised a portion may still be in the previous landowner’s name. Council permission was given for Cole to complete a title search.

Discussion was held on the issue with stray cats in town. The ordinance regarding animals running at large was reviewed. The decision was made to have City Attorney Cole complete research into the matter, following which an ad will be placed in the paper regarding the handling of strays.

A Public Hearing was held at 7:30 p.m. for a One-Day Malt Beverage License requested by the Marion Volunteer Fire Department for their annual Fun Night to be held on April 28^th, 2007 from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. midnight at the Fire Hall. No one appeared before the council in favor or opposition of granting the license. Motion was made by Kohl, seconded by Jeno to grant the license. Motion unanimously carried upon roll call vote.

Kevin Saufley, Lance Gerth, Dr. Mark Johnson, representing the Marion Rural Fire Department, and Dick Luke, representing the Marion Volunteer Fire Department, were present and discussion was held on disbanding the RFD and having it combined with the MFD to form a Marion Community Fire Department. Luke advised the MFD has voted in favor of this proposed change. Dr. Johnson advised the townships, as well, are in favor of having one fire department. Following additional discussion, the decision was made to have City Attorney Cole complete research and advise on the matter.

Linda Luke, Marion School Librarian, was present and distributed information on the 2007 Summer Reading Program, which will run June 7^th – July 12^th from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. This year’s theme is Get A Clue @ Your Library. Luke presented a list of books to possibly be ordered to enhance the adult book selection. Motion was made by Schlunsen, seconded by Viet to approve the release of $250.00 from the Library Book CD to be transfered to the General Fund for the purchase of library books. Motion carried. It was advised an anonymous donor will match the $250.00 contribution from the City.

Information on water tower maintenance/repair projects was presented and reviewed. A total of eight projects were recommended at a cost of approximately $29,000.00. The decision was made to have City Superintendent Hopf obtain an additional quote and verify payment options.

A drainage concern at 3^rd Street and Randall Avenue was addressed. It was advised that this area, in addition to some others in town, would need to have some digging completed to allow for deeper ditches and improved drainage. The Council advised Superintendent Hopf they supported having him complete the necessary work. Discussion was held on drainage work needing to be completed in the area of 5^th Street and Juniper Avenue. Additional research will be completed on the matter.

Discussion was held on pot holes on City streets. It was advised the extremely wet weather has impacted efforts to fill holes. The decision was made to have Hopf and Sulzle fill the holes as conditions allow.

Jon Fischer with Stockwell Engineers was present and discussion was held on sewer and water service in the Industrial Park. Fischer provided information on two options for putting the sewer main in, in addition to extending the water services to the south. Various related matters were discussed, including easements and funding. Additional research will be completed on the matter.

Hopf advised the bid for this year’s street oiling came in and will be accepted by the Parker City Council this month. Hopf received verification that the oiling of Broadway Avenue was budgeted for this year.

Motion was made by Viet, seconded by Konda to hire Jessi Langrock as a lifeguard for the 2007 Swimming Pool season. Motion carried. Motion was made by Schlunsen, seconded by Jeno establish the Swimming Pool personnel wages as follows: Linda Luke, Manager - $8.25/hr.; Brock Schardin, Head Lifeguard - $7.75/hr.; Travis Ducheneaux, Lifeguard - $7.25/hr.; Tera McVay, Lifeguard - $7.25/hr; Jessi Langrock, Lifeguard - $7.25/hr.; Cara Schardin, Lifeguard - $7.00/hr. Motion carried.

It was advised a letter was received from Becker’s Country Clippers advising of mowing services available for hire. The decision was made to keep the information on file in the event the City would have a need for the services.

An estimate of $1624.10 from Kettwig Electric was presented for work associated with adding two new camper pads to the north of the park entrance. Motion was made Viet, seconded by Schlunsen to install the two camper pads. Motion carried.

A monthly law enforcement report for the month of March was distributed and reviewed. Discussion was held on truck traffic and requesting more daytime patrol. The Mayor advised he would get with Sheriff Nogelmeier on the matters.

It was advised the new emergency warning sirens would begin to be put up in two weeks.

Muller distributed copies of the Town Hall Meeting overview. Discussion was held on the various topics covered. Clarification was given on funding/revenue for sewer projects, with emphasis on the difference between sewer rate revenue and property tax revenue.

Discussion was held concerning a Community Clean Up day. The decision was made to hold the clean-up day on Saturday, April 28th beginning at 11:00 a.m. The details and guidelines regarding the clean-up day will be communicated to the public.

Motion was made by Jeno, seconded by Konda to authorize the Mayor to sign the renewal contract for the Bookmobile services for the 2007-2008 year with the City paying $400.00 and the School paying $400.00. Motion carried.

Nominations for Councilman for a one year term in Ward Three were opened and motion was made by Jeno, seconded by Viet to nominate Keith Weber. Motion was made by Kohl, seconded by Schlunsen to nominate Josh Luke. Motion was made by Konda, seconded by Kohl that nominations cease. Motion carried. Voting was done by secret ballot. Weber received four aye votes. Luke received one aye vote. Keith Weber is to fill the one year term in Ward Three.

Information was provided from an individual interested in setting up a large, inflatable jumping item for children during Marion’s Summer Celebration in June. The decision was made to get with the All School Reunion committee on the matter, as well as verify the individual’s insurance coverage.

Motion was made by Kohl, seconded by Schlunsen to adjourn at 9:53 p.m. Motion carried.

April 9,  2007 School Board Proceedings

Pursuant to the call and the notice thereof, the School Board of the Marion School District # 60-3, Marion, Turner County, South Dakota met in regular session on the ninth day of April, 2007 at 7:00 P.M.

Members Present: Bialas, Koehn, Luke, Petersen, and Preheim. Absent: None.

Officers Present: Denise Fox – Superintendent; Adam Shaw – Dean of Students; and Aaron Thompson – Business Manager. Absent: None.

Guests Present: Linda Kotzea; Karla Harms; Brett Smith; and Marsha Kucker – “High Schools that Work” presenter.

Call to order was made by President of the School Board, Joel Bialas, at 7:00 P.M.

Action 06/07-156: Agenda – On motion by Koehn, second by Luke to amend the agenda to renumber the following items: 14 – Concerns; 15 – Negotiations/Personnel; 16 – Renew Certified Contracts; then to approve the agenda. Motion carried.

Action 06/07-157: Minutes – On motion by Luke, second by Preheim to amend the previous month’s minutes for the March 12, 2007 Secondary Principal report as follows: “…and he informed them of the High School Band’s solo and ensemble in Viborg”; then to approve the minutes and to acknowledge the receipt of the Cornbelt Educational Cooperative minutes . Motion carried.

Action 06/07-158: Financial Reports – On motion by Preheim, second by Koehn to approve the financial reports of the District as follows: (Beginning balance + receipts – disbursements = current balance) General Fund: $537,913.14 + $80,986.11 - $120,164.96 = $498,734.29; Capitol Outlay Fund: $310,539.40 + $3,409.29 - $2,366.29 = $311,582.40; Special Education Fund: $17,627.50 + $14,027.14 - $24,452.59 = $7,202.05; Pension Fund: $26,002.89 + $127.81 - $0 = $26,130.70; Food Services Fund: $982.60 + $7,922.11 - $8,317.20 = $587.51; Trust & Agency Fund: $35,949.74 + $13,473.55 - $12,736.32 = $36,686.97; Unemployment Fund: $20,609.15 + $0 - $0 = $20,609.15. Motion carried.

Action 06/07-159: Bills for Consideration – On motion by Koehn, second by Luke to approve the following claims against the District for the month of April, and then to approve warrants to be issued in their payment. Motion carried.

There were no Delegations.

“High Schools that Work” presentation was given by Marsha Kucker. HSTW currently operates nationwide in over 1,300 high schools in 32 states. Some of the Key Practices for the program include: preparing students for college (college prep classes, etc.); work-based learning; and setting high expectations for the students.

Teacher reports given by Karla Harms, Linda Kotzea, and Brett Smith included updates on their classes.

Dean of Students Adam Shaw gave the Secondary Principal report. He informed the Board of the Jr. Prom on Saturday, April 14^th; the High School students are taking the Dakota Step tests; and that a community night is scheduled for May 3^rd, in which Senior Projects will be displayed. He also informed the Board of a webpage design class that he will be instructing for the staff on May 21^st and 22^nd. Mr. Shaw wanted to congratulate Bryan Larsen, as he will attend the Governor’s Academic Excellence Luncheon in Pierre on April 30, 2007.

Superintendent Denise Fox gave the Superintendent report. She informed the Board of a Fire Marshall inspection. She also discussed with the Board about the 2007/2008 Budget, plans for replacing certain entry doors at the school, and a lighting estimate from Kettwig Electric. Mrs. Fox also informed the Board of a Consolidated Application workshop, a Coaches meeting on March 28^th, and that the Elementary Teachers will attend the South Dakota Math Counts workshop in August.

Business Manager Aaron Thompson gave the Business Manager report. He informed the Board of a recent lunch letter sent out to parents; the Marion School Board election on April 10^th; and of General Fund Excess Balance payments from the State.

Action 06/07-160: SDHSAA Resolution – On motion by Petersen, second by Preheim to authorize membership for Marion High School in the South Dakota High Schools Activities Association for the 2007/2008 fiscal school year. Motion carried.

Action 06/07-161: Resignation – On motion by Preheim, second by Koehn to accept the resignation of Donna Alberts as Special Education Teacher for the 2007/2008 fiscal school year, and to thank her for her year of service in that position. Motion carried.

Action 06/07-162: Resignation – On motion by Luke, second by Petersen to accept the resignation of Jerry Kippes as Boys Basketball coach for the 2007/2008 fiscal school year, and to thank him for his years of service in that position. Motion carried.

School Board Concerns: School Board member Peter Preheim gave a concern on a consultant hired from out of State to defeat a bond measure at another school district, who also has plans of attempting to do away with government funding of public schools. He also had concerns on the Teacher Compensation Assistance Program funding and other funding from the State. School Board member Shannon Luke gave a concern on high school students planning out their classes in order to prepare for post-secondary education. Laurie Petersen gave a concern about a Saturday date for the High School graduation next year.

Action 06/07-163: Negotiations/Personnel – On motion by Preheim, second by Koehn to go into executive session for the purpose of Negotiations/Personnel Matters at 8:58 P.M. Motion carried. President of the School Board Joel Bialas declared out of executive session at 9:47 P.M.

Action 06/07-164: Renew Certified Contracts – On motion by Preheim, second by Luke to renew the certified teaching contracts as follows for the 2007/2008 fiscal school year: Kindergarten Teacher Kimberly Buseman; First Grade Teacher Joyce Weber; Second Grade Teacher Sharlene Orcutt; Third Grade Teacher Karri Wieman; Fourth Grade Teacher Heidi Roth; Fifth Grade Teacher Brett Smith; Sixth Grade Teacher Sara Kettwig; PE/Reading Teacher Janice Kraemer; Elementary Vocal Teacher Sandra Tieszen; Instrumental and Vocal Teacher Aaron Schmeling; Title I Teacher Dinah Jefferis; Counselor Meredith De Cou; Math/Keyboarding Teacher Nancy Grinde; Science/History Teacher Bruce Hansen; FACS Teacher Karla Harms; Art/English Teacher Marsha Harms; Commercial Teacher/Tech Assistant Jerry Kippes; Math/Science Teacher Linda Kotzea; English/Journalism Teacher Becky Mammenga; Agriculture/Science Teacher Ronald Nelson; Social Studies Teacher Scott Meyer; and Special Education Teacher/Special Education Director Tonda Kirton. Salaries to be published in July, 2007. Motion carried.

Action 06/07-165: Legal – On motion by Luke, second by Koehn to go into executive session for the purpose of Legal Matters at 9:49 P.M. Motion carried. President of the School Board Joel Bialas declared out of executive session at 9:58 P.M.

Action 06/07-166: Adjourn – On motion by Preheim, second by Koehn to adjourn the School Board Meeting at 9:59 P.M. Motion carried.

April 12,  2007 Business & Professional Organization Proceedings

The Marion Business & Professional Organization met on Thursday, April 12, 2007 at 12:00 p.m. in the City Meeting Room with 18 members in attendance.

Kari Muller, Secretary/Treasurer, distributed the March 8^th meeting minutes and a financial report. Motion was made by Glen Rapp, seconded by Jan Larsen to approve both as presented. Motion carried.

Businesses were provided with letters from the Marion Volunteer Fire Department asking for their assistance in providing the fire department with floor plans for their business/building.

Discussion was held on the promotional drawing for the month of May. Motion was made by Bryan Luke, seconded by Queena Getskow to hold a drawing for a $25 gift certificate from County Line Nursery. Motion carried. The drawing will be held on Friday, May 11^th. Additional discussion was held on the drawing winner ads placed in the paper. The decision was made to include the name of the business sponsoring the prize in the ad as applicable.

Meeting location was discussed, with the decision made to hold the meetings in the City Meeting Room each month. The meals will be ordered from the food service businesses in town on a rotating basis.

A monthly facilitator report for the Southeast Enterprise Facilitation Project was distributed and reviewed.

Muller, on behalf of the Marion Development Foundation, provided an overview of the development of the Industrial Park, including Lots sold to date and infrastructure completed. She also spoke to additional pursuits, including businesses, sewer and water.

Ryan Wieman advised he had acquired the property at 200 S. Broadway. Wieman asked that, should anyone have a use for the trailer currently located there, please let him know.

Barclay Smith advised the Habitat for Humanity project is moving forward, as a commitment was made during a recent meeting with Habitat. Smith advised Habitat for Humanity will begin the search for a family. The family will be required to not only put in 1000 hours on the house, but also live there for a minimum 5 years. In 2006, Habitat approved and built 7 homes, but they had 150 applicants. Smith provided information on the mortgage/ financing for the house through Habitat, in addition to other matters associated with the project.

Aaron Thompson, Marion School Business Manager, advised the school will be taking children to the Shrine Circus on April 28^th. Having the organization or a business donate for the costs associated with transportation, including bus drivers and fuel, was discussed. Motion was made by Wieman, seconded by Rapp to have the B & P pay for the travel expenses. Motion carried. Thompson advised the April 10^th school board election went well.

It was advised the MACC Annual Easter Egg Hunt had gone very well, with many in attendance. Summer Rec sign-ups are underway. Marion’s Summer Celebration will be taking place on June 15^th & 16^th. The Community Clean Up Day is Saturday, April 28^th.

The next meeting will be at 12:00 p.m. on May 10, 2007 in the City Meeting Room.

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