The Marion City Times

April 7, 2008 City Council Proceedings

The City Council of the City of Marion, South Dakota met in regular session on Monday, April 7, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. in the meeting room of the City Building with the following council members present: Dee Herlyn, Jeff Jeno, Bill Konda, Judy Schlunsen, Dave Viet and Keith Weber, together with the Mayor Ron Globke and Finance Officer Kari Muller. Also attending the meeting was City Superintendent Larry Hopf and City Maintenance employee Dustin Sulzle. Absent: none.

Margie and Becca Mueller, representing Mueller Palettes, were present and provided information on their business, which offers free recycling of waste wood and lumber. Discussion was held on utilizing the service at the City’s landfill. Various details were discussed, with the decision made to review the information further.

A Thank You card to the City Council from the Marion Senior Citizens was distributed. An update was provided on new membership and activities.

Zoning Administrator Rick Weber was present and discussion was held on a zoning matter regarding a previously issued building permit and agreed-upon conditions for issuance, including removal of buildings. Weber advised he has been working with the property owner, as well as the adjacent property owner. The decision was made to establish a June 1^st deadline for the matter to be addressed to the satisfaction of the Council. Weber advised the Council of a building permit request for a garage, of which access to the building would require crossing the City’s 8 ft. strip of property adjacent to Park Place Drive. Council permission was given for the placement of/access to the building, provided any/all ruts on the City’s land are taken care of by the property owner.

A Public Hearing was held at 7:30 p.m. on a One Day Malt Beverage License requested by the Marion Volunteer Fire Department for their Annual Fun Night to be held on Saturday, April 12, 2008 from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. midnight at the Fire Hall. Dick Luke, MFD Chief, was present in favor of granting the license. No one appeared before the council in opposition of granting the license. Motion was made by Viet, seconded by Schlunsen to grant the license. Voting aye: Konda, Viet, Schlunsen, Jeno, Weber. Voting nay: Herlyn. Motion carried.

Discussion was held on the proposed fire department consolidation. Mayor Globke advised he attended the Rural Fire Department’s annual meeting where information was provided on the income and financial standing of the RFD. Luke advised he attended a meeting in Chancellor of the Turner County FD chiefs at which a meeting with the County Commissioners regarding taxation was proposed. Luke advised the matter is being pursued.

Turner County Sheriff’s Deputy Matt Mackert was present and a monthly law enforcement report for the month of March was distributed and reviewed. Discussion was held on increasing patrol on the north end of town. Mackert advised a new deputy, Russ Nelson, has begun employment with the department. Additionally, another deputy, Chris Rebelein, has recently moved to Marion.

Linda Luke, Marion School Librarian, was present and distributed information on books requested for the City library, as well as donations received for the Summer Reading Program. Discussion was held on the need for additional book shelves to house the City collection. Motion was made by Herlyn, seconded by Viet to release the $500.00 Library appropriation from this year’s budget. Motion carried.

Applications received for the Swimming Pool manager and lifeguards positions were reviewed. Motion was made by Viet, seconded by Schlunsen to hire Linda Luke as the Pool Manager for the 2008 season at the wage of $8.50/hr. Motion carried. Motion was made by Schlunsen, seconded by Herlyn to hire the following as lifeguards for the 2008 season at the wages listed: Tera McVay, Head Lifeguard - $7.75/hr.; Jessi Langrock - $7.50/hr; Cara Schardin - $7.25/hr.; Seth Hughes - $7.00/hr.; Trey Waltner - $7.00/hr. Motion carried. Motion was made by Jeno, seconded by Herlyn to hire the following as substitute lifeguards for the 2008 season at the wage listed: Travis Ducheneaux - $7.50/hr., Hillary Paulson - $7.00/hr. Motion carried.

A status update was provided on the proposed sewer improvement project. Muller advised the first round of income surveys was mailed out, with responses steadily coming in. Discussion was held on the proposed improvements to the City’s water system. It was advised neither the water main improvements project nor the elevated water tower project are planned for construction within the next 5 years.

An ongoing issue with drainage in the southeast corner of town was reviewed, with a reminder given for planned action later this spring. Issues with heavy truck traffic on Broadway Avenue were addressed, with the decision made to check with the City Attorney on load limit restrictions in town.

City Superintendent Hopf advised of some problem sewer areas that will need addressing in the near future. Discussion was held on ensuring the repairs are made in-line with the overall proposed sewer improvements project. Hopf was advised to contact the City’s engineer to determine the best approach to the repairs.

Viet provided an update on the Marion Legion’s work on the Veteran’s Memorial Park project. It was advised donation boxes have been placed in numerous businesses. Keith Weber advised volunteers will begin the tree removal work once the weather cooperates.

Applications received for the Summer Help position were reviewed. Viet excused himself from the room and was not present for the discussion or vote. Motion was made by Konda, seconded by Jeno to hire Josh Viet for the Summer Help position at the wage of $7.50/hr. Voting aye: Konda, Herlyn, Schlunsen, Jeno, Weber. Abstaining: Viet. Motion carried.

Discussion was held on Hopf and Sulzle going to a weekly work schedule of 4 – 10 hour shifts, with alternating Fridays and Mondays off. The decision was made to implement the new schedule effective May 1^st. Council decision was made to have Hopf and Sulzle resume use of the time clock effective with the new schedule.

The decision was made to hold a Community Clean Up Day on Saturday, April 26th, beginning at 11:00 a.m. Details regarding the event will be advertised prior to the 26^th.

Motion was made by Konda, seconded by Jeno to accept and approve the 2007 Annual Report presented by Finance Officer Muller. Motion carried.

The Council will meet in special session to conduct the official canvass of the April 8^th municipal election on Thursday, April 10^th at 7:30 a.m. Discussion was held on Election Board worker pay. Motion was made by Jeno, seconded by Viet to pay each election board worker $100 for the day and have the City furnish a noon lunch. Motion carried.

The decision was made to place ads in the Marion Record for the following: sump pump reminder, mowing reminder, landfill hours change.

No discussion was held or action taken on the citizen concern agenda items, Summer Celebration Car Show and Marion Lumber Grand Opening, as no one appeared before the Council to address the items.

Motion was made by Viet, seconded by Konda to enter into Executive Session at 9:40 p.m. for personnel matters. Motion carried. The Mayor declared to come out of Executive Session at 9:50 p.m. Motion was made by Viet, seconded by Konda to increase Dustin Sulzle’s wage from $14.42/hr. to $15.00/hr., retroactive to March 1, 2008, for certifications received in February 2008. Motion unanimously carried upon roll call vote.

Motion was made by Weber, seconded by Viet to adjourn at 9:55 p.m. Motion carried.

April 10,  2008 City Council Proceedings

The City Council of the City of Marion, South Dakota met in special session on Thursday, April 10, 2008, at 7:30 a.m. in the meeting room of the City Building with the following council members present: Dee Herlyn, Bill Konda, Judy Schlunsen and Dave Viet, together with the Mayor Ron Globke and Finance Officer Kari Muller. Absent: Jeff Jeno and Keith Weber.

The official canvass of the April 8, 2008 municipal election for Ward One Councilperson and Ward Two Councilperson was completed. In Ward One, David Viet received 47 votes, Sparky Donlan received 9 votes and Deann Schmidt received 25 votes. In Ward Two, Judy Schlunsen received 48 votes and Dave Kohl received 11 votes. Motion was made by Konda, seconded by Herlyn to declare David Viet the Councilman in Ward One for a two-year term and Judy Schlunsen the Councilwoman in Ward Two for a two-year term. Motion carried.

Motion was made by Viet, seconded by Schlunsen to adjourn at 7:42 a.m. Motion carried.

April 10,  2008 Business & Professional Organization Proceedings

The Marion Business & Professional Organization met on Thursday, April 10, 2008 at 12:00 p.m. at the Tieszen Memorial Home with 13 members in attendance. Businesses present were: Al’s Studio, City Economic Development Coordinator, Donlan’s, Farmer’s State Bank, Getskow Pharmacy, Marion Record, Marion Veterinary Clinic, Rapp Chevrolet, Schmidt Country/Marion Oil, Southeastern Electric, Tieszen Chiropractic Clinic and Tieszen Memorial Home.

Kari Muller, Secretary/Treasurer, distributed the March 13^th meeting minutes and a financial report. Clarification was provided on the quarterly Marion Bucks statement. Motion was made by Dr. Dean Tieszen, seconded by Barclay Smith approve both as presented. Motion carried.

Discussion was held on the promotional drawing for the month of May. The decision was made to hold a drawing for $25 Marion Bucks, as donated by Farmers State Bank. The drawing will be held on May 9^th. The decision was made to contact other members not attending the meetings to determine interest in donations for a monthly promotion.

Paul Engbrecht, Chairman, sought input on the proposed ethanol/corn producers promotional event. Discussion was held on matters including target audience and holding the event during the Summer Celebration.

It was advised the MARION sign located on Highway 18 is in very good condition, appearing to have been redone within the last year.

Dick Luke, Marion Development Foundation president, advised the MDF’s annual meeting was held on Thursday, March 27^th. Additionally, Luke provided an update on the Marion Industrial Park.

Muller advised the City/MDF has entered into another 12-month agreement with KELO for commercials to begin airing in May 2008. Letters will be going out to the business community within the next week regarding the advertising venture. Muller advised the City election was held on April 8^th, with Dave Viet declared the winner in Ward One and Judy Schlunsen declared the winner in Ward Two.

The next meeting will be at 12:00 p.m. on May 8, 2008 at the Tieszen Memorial Home.

April 14,  2008 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 fourteenth day of April, 2008 at 7:00 pm.

Members Present: Bialas, Koehn, Langerock, Nelson, and Preheim. Absent: None.

Officers Present: Denise Fox, Superintendent; Adam Shaw, Secondary Principal; and Aaron Thompson, Business Manager. Absent: None.

Guests Present: Shannon Luke, Bryan Luke, and Becky Mohr

Call to order was made by President of the School Board, Joel Bialas, at 7:08 pm.

Action 07/08-96: Agenda – On motion by Preheim, second by Langerock to amend the agenda to the following: 21 – Offer Extra-Curricular Contracts, 22 – Resignations, 23 – Concerns, 24 – Adjourn; and then to approve the agenda. Motion carried.

Action 07/08-97: Minutes – On motion by Koehn, second by Preheim to approve the previous month’s minutes. Motion carried.

Action 07/08-98: Financial Reports – On motion by Preheim, second by Nelson to approve the following financial reports of the District: (Beginning balance + receipts – disbursements = current balance) General Fund: $714,429.93 + $91,885.71 - $136,735.44 = $669,580.20; Capitol Outlay Fund: $382,520.87 + $2,254.26 - $7,726.20 = $377,048.93; Special Education Fund: $50,917.19 + $9,004.96 - $15,327.19 = $44,594.96; Pension Fund: $32,205.88 + $77.11 - $0.00 = $32,282.99; Food Services Fund: $4,745.79 + $8,903.24 - $9,940.38 = $3,708.65; Trust & Agency Fund: $31,936.68 + $6,050.71 - $10,506.31 = $27,481.08; Unemployment Fund: $21,344.72 + $0 - $0 = $21,344.72. Motion carried.

Action 07/08-99: Bills for Consideration – On motion by Koehn, second by Preheim to approve the following claims against the District for the month of April, and then to approve checks to be issued in their payment. Motion carried.* *Bills to be published in paper.

There were no Delegations. There were no Teacher Reports.

Business Manager Aaron Thompson gave the Business Manager Report. He informed the Board that he has been working on the 2008/2009 School Budget and contracts, and that he will be attending a Business Managers meeting in Pierre this month.

Secondary Principal Adam Shaw gave the Principal Report. He gave the Board information on Prom, Dakota Step Testing, the Parent/Teacher conference on March 13, the academic & sports banquet on May 13, Senior projects, HSTW report, and technology reports. Mr. Shaw also informed the board that he will accompany Seth Adrian at an academic luncheon in Pierre on April 28.

Superintendent Denise Fox gave the Superintendent Report. She gave the Board information on Dakota Step Testing, the Kindergarten Roundup on April 7, professional development for teachers, a leadership class that Mrs. Fox and Mr. Shaw applied for, School Reach messaging system, DOE and Superintendent regional meetings she attended this month, and that the last day of school will be May 21 with a 12:00 pm dismissal.

Mr. Shaw and Mrs. Fox led a discussion on implementing a Bullying Policy.

Action 07/08-100: SDHSAA Resolution – On motion by Koehn, second by Preheim to authorize membership for Marion High School in the South Dakota High School Activities Association for the 2008/2009 fiscal school year. Motion carried.

Action 07/08-101: Surplus Property, House – On motion by Preheim, second by Langerock to declare the house/garage at 303 E. 1^st Street as surplus property to be sold or destroyed (SDCL 6-13-1). Motion carried.

Action 07/08-102: Surplus Property, Lockers – On motion by Preheim, second by Nelson to declare the JH/HS lockers as surplus property to be sold for $2.00 per locker during summer 2008 (SDCL 6-13-1). Motion carried.

Action 07/08-103: Laptop Bid – On motion by Koehn, second by Nelson to accept the laptop bid from Bytespeed Computers, LLC to purchase 60 laptop computers at $1,059.00 per computer, with copies of the bid to be filed in the Business Office. Motion carried.

Mr. Thompson and Mrs. Fox led a discussion on school bus purchasing options.

Action 07/08-104: Asst. Track Coach – On motion by Langerock, second by Koehn to approve Dustin Wolforth’s Asst. Track Coach Contract in the amount of $1,040.00 for the 2008 Track season. Motion carried.

Action 07/08-105: Negotiations/Personnel – On motion by Preheim, second by Langerock to go into executive session for the purpose of Negotiations/Personnel Matters at 8:55 pm. Motion carried. School Board President Joel Bialas declared out of executive session at 9:52 pm.

Action 07/08-106: Offer Certified Contracts – On motion by Preheim, second by Nelson to offer the following Certified Contracts for the 2008/2009 fiscal school year, with salaries to be published in July, 2008: Kylea Waltner - Jr. Kindergarten/Special Education Teacher; Kimberly Buseman - Kindergarten Teacher; Joyce Weber - First Grade Teacher; Sharelene Orcutt - Second Grade Teacher; Karri Wieman - Third Grade Teacher; Heidi Roth - Fourth Grade Teacher; Brett Smith - Fifth Grade Teacher; Sara Kettwig - Sixth Grade Teacher; Janice Kraemer - PE/ Reading Teacher; Sandra Tieszen - Elementary Vocal Teacher; Aaron Schmeling – Instrumental/Vocal Teacher; Dinah Jefferis - Title I Teacher; Meredith DeCou - Counselor; Bruce Hansen - Science/History Teacher; Karla Harms - FACS Teacher; Marcia Harms - Art Teacher; Jerry Kippes - Commercial Teacher/Tech Coordinator; Linda Kotzea - Math/Science Teacher; Becky Mohr - English/Journalism Teacher; Ronald Nelson - Agriculture/Science Teacher; Scott Meyer - Social Studies Teacher; and Janna Christiansen - Special Education Teacher. Motion carried.

Action 07/08-107: Offer Classified Contracts – On motion by Langerock, second by Koehn to offer the following Classified Contracts for the 2008/2009 fiscal school year, with salaries to be published in July, 2008: Ranee Poppens – Instructional Aide; Dustin Wolforth – Instructional Aide; Linda Luke – Librarian Aide; Linda Whitham – Head Cook; Loretta Rentschler – Cook/FS Manager; Vicki Schardin – Administrative Secretary; Cyndy Weber – Receptionist; John Quenzer – Custodian; Shaun Faulkner – Custodian; Connie McManus – Bus Driver; Brett Smith – Bus Driver; Jerry Schmidt – Special Education Driver. Motion carried.

Action 07/08-108: Offer Extra-Curricular Contracts – On motion by Koehn, second by Nelson to offer the following Extra-Curricular Contracts for the 2008/2009 fiscal school year, with salaries to be published in July, 2008: Jerry Kippes – Boys Head Track Coach/Head Cross Country Coach; Ron Nelson – Head Volleyball Coach; Bruce Hansen – Assistant Volleyball Coach/Head Golf Coach; Adam Shaw – Co-Head Wrestling Coach; Scott Meyer – Head Football Coach/Girls Head Track Coach/Student Council Advisor; Dustin Wolforth – Boys Head Basketball Coach/Assistant Football Coach; Dean Schoenwald – Co-Head Wrestling Coach; Linda Luke – FB/WR Cheerleading Advisor; Sara Kettwig – Oral Interp Advisor; Linda Kotzea – Annual Advisor; Becky Mohr – School Play Advisor; Janice Kraemer – Quiz Bowl Advisor. Motion carried.

Action 07/08-109: Resignation – On motion by Preheim, second by Langerock to accept the resignation of Nancy Grinde as Math Teacher and to thank her for her years of service. Motion carried.

Action 07/08-110: Resignation – On motion by Nelson, second by Preheim to accept the resignation of Marcia Harms for her .07 English contract (while keeping her Art classes) and to thank her for her service as English Teacher. Motion carried.

School Board Concerns: School Board Vice President Peter Preheim had a concern on Harrisburg pulling out of the Cornbelt Educational Cooperative. School Board member Rick Nelson had a concern on keys being borrowed to get into the school. School Board member Larry Langerock had a concern about extra help for kids who are struggling academically; SRP was discussed.

Action 07/08-111: Adjourn – On motion by Nelson, second by Langerock to adjourn the School Board Meeting at 10:30 pm. Motion carried.

April 16,  2008 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 special session on the sixteenth day of April, 2008 at 8:30 pm.

Members Present: Bialas, Koehn, Langerock, Nelson, and Preheim. Absent: None.

Officers Present: Denise Fox, Superintendent; and Aaron Thompson, Business Manager. Absent: Adam Shaw, Secondary Principal.

Guests Present: None.

Call to order was made by President of the School Board, Joel Bialas, at 8:33 pm.

Action 07/08-112: Agenda – On motion by Langerock, second by Nelson to amend the agenda to the following: 3 – Surplus Property, 4 – School Bus Discussion, 5 – Adjourn; and then to approve the agenda. Motion carried.

The Board decided to pursue demolishing the house/garage located at 303 E. 1^st Street, which was declared surplus property during the April 14, 2008 meeting under Action 07/08-101.

Action 07/08-113: Surplus Property, Library Books – On motion by Preheim, second by Koehn to declare library books as surplus property to be disposed of, with a list of the books to be filed in the Business Office (SDCL 6-13-1). Motion carried.

Action 07/08-114: School Bus – On motion by Nelson, second by Koehn to accept the bid, as submitted by the Douglas School District, from Foreman Sales & Service of $71,000.00 for a 2009 Blue Bird 71-passenger school bus with copies of the bid to be filed in the Business Office. Motion carried.

Action 07/08-115: Adjourn – On motion by Preheim, second by Langerock to adjourn the School Board Meeting at 9:30 p.m. Motion carried.

May Calendar of Events