The Marion City Times

August 6, 2007 City Council Proceedings

The City Council of the City of Marion, South Dakota met in regular session on Monday, August 6, 2007, at 7:00 p.m. in the meeting room of the City Building with the following council members present: Jeff Jeno, Judy Schlunsen, Dave Viet and Keith Weber, together with the Mayor Ron Globke and Finance Officer Kari Muller. City Attorney Jeff Cole was present from 7:15 – 8:05 p.m. Turner County Sheriff’s Deputy Matt Mackert was present from 7:50 – 8:15 p.m. Absent: Dee Herlyn, Bill Konda.

Discussion was held on the Broadway Circle development. Present for the discussion was Lon Lemme. It was advised the street is platted with a cul-de-sac at the south end. The question was asked as to whether or not the cul-de-sac would be going in. Culvert issues were discussed. Marion Development Foundation president Dick Luke joined the discussion in progress. It was advised the cul-de-sac will be put in as soon as a contractor will be available to complete the work. Additional issues discussed included water & sewer and snow removal.

Lemme inquired into curb & gutter cleaning and street oiling matters, with photos distributed and reviewed. Jeno advised he would look into the matters with the City Superintendent. Additional inquiries were made into, and discussion was held on, weed control and watering at the City Park and fertilizing the football field. Schlunsen and Weber advised they would get with Scott Meyer, MHS football coach, regarding the football field matter.

Follow up discussion was held on fire department consolidation, with City Attorney Cole directed to obtain additional information as outlined.

An update was provided by Cole on the lot being purchased by the City for the development of a Veteran’s Memorial Park. It was advised the transaction will be completed shortly.

Marion Fire Dept. Chief Luke provided information on a Wildland Fire Suppression agreement, as issued by the State, which enables Marion’s volunteer firemen to assist in wildland firefighting efforts. It was advised additional information will be obtained in order to ensure all necessary requirements are met.

A notice for publication in the Marion Record regarding animals running at large was distributed and reviewed, with the decision made to add information and proceed with publication.

Turner County Sheriff’s Deputy Matt Mackert was present and a monthly law enforcement report for the month of July was distributed. The start date for the upcoming school year was provided. Crosswalk safety & education was discussed.

Jon Mammenga, Eric Preheim, Freeman Park and Dave Mammenga were present and discussion was held on the annual Roy-a-palooza Ball Tournament, held in past years at the Twin Fields. It was advised this year’s tournament will be held in Freeman. Discussion was held on what concerns the council had regarding the tournament, as intent was expressed to have the tournament back in Marion next year. Various issues were addressed by both parties. The Council advised they would like to see the tournament at the Twin Fields next year.

Pool Manager Linda Luke was present and advised of the deteriorating condition of the pool mats. Discussion was held on using textured floor paint instead of purchasing new mats, with the decision made to go with the textured floor paint and have Luke coordinate the project.

School Librarian Linda Luke advised there is a need for additional bookshelves in the library, as she would like to place all of the books donated by the City in the same area. It was advised that shelves could be built by the school. The request was made of the City to fund the purchase of materials. Luke was advised further discussion will be held on the matter.

Discussion was held on two curb and gutter inquiries, with no action necessary or taken.

Copies of a letter received from a Sioux Falls animal rescue group regarding pet ownership issues were distributed and reviewed.

The second reading of Ordinance No. 285 – Prohibit the Feeding of Stray or Abandoned Animals was held. Motion was made by Schlunsen, seconded by Jeno to adopt Ordinance No. 285. Motion unanimously carried upon roll call vote.

It was advised that the transaction in which an Australian corporation was acquiring NorthWestern’s assets has been terminated. Mayor Globke provided a brief review of the original efforts of the South Dakota Public Power Authority (SDPPA), of which the City of Marion is a member, in pursuing the acquisition of the assets. It was advised no new information from the SDPPA has been received at this point.

Mayor Globke advised an individual has expressed interest in placing a car wash in Marion’s main business section but has been unable to locate a commercial lot to suit the needs. It was asked that anyone knowing of a viable option for this purpose to contact the Mayor.

The City Council will be meeting on August 20 & 21, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. for the purpose of preparing the 2008 City Budget.

Motion was made by Weber, seconded by Viet to adjourn at 9:35 p.m. Motion carried.

August 9,  2007 Business & Professional Organization Proceedings

The Marion Business & Professional Organization met on Thursday, August 9, 2007 at 12:00 p.m. at the Tieszen Memorial Home with 10 members in attendance.

Kari Muller, Secretary/Treasurer, distributed the July 12^th meeting minutes and a financial report. Motion was made by Germaine Stratton, seconded by Matt Donlan to approve both as presented. Motion carried.

Discussion was held on the promotional drawing for the month of September. The decision was made to hold a drawing for two tickets to a Hurley-Marion Cobras game and a Cobras t-shirt.

It was advised the MHS Homecoming will be the week of September 17^th, with the parades and football game taking place on Friday, September 21^st. The first parade will be in Marion at 1:00 p.m., with the Hurley parade following at 3:00 p.m. The decision was made to take the organization’s parade entry through both parades.

Nancy Larsen, SEFP facilitator, distributed her monthly facilitator report. Year to date, Larsen has had 6 inquiries in Marion and 4 clients. Larsen advised she has successfully completed three of the four courses required for becoming licensed as an NDC Economic Development Professional.

Muller provided an update on Marion Area Community Club activities. It was advised the Stratton Memorial Poker Run was, once again, a great success. The Summer Rec season was also very successful, with full rosters for all teams from T-Ball to Teeners. The next MACC event is the Enduro on August 14^th at the Turner County Fair.

Alan Astleford, Paul Engbrecht and Diane Schoenwald provided an update on Lions Club activities.

The next meeting will be at 12:00 p.m. on September 13, 2007 at the Tieszen Memorial Home.

August 13,  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 Seventh day of August, 2007 at 6:00 P.M.

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

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

Guests Present: Jerry Kippes and Brett Smith.

Call to order was made by President of the School Board, Joel Bialas, at 6:00 P.M.

Action 07/08-6: Agenda – On motion by Preheim, second by Koehn to approve the agenda. Motion carried.

Action 07/08-7: Minutes – On motion by Koehn, second by Preheim to approve the previous month’s minutes. Motion carried.

Action 07/08-8: Financial Reports – On motion by Preheim, second by Nelson to approve the financial reports of the District as follows: (Beginning balance + receipts – disbursements = current balance) General Fund: $627,579.50 + $93,367.20 - $103,331.24 = $617,615.46; Capitol Outlay Fund: $401,050.75 + $1,659.57 - $12,316.11 = $390,394.21; Special Education Fund: $50,420.52 + $4,489.29 - $14,927.97 = $39,981.84; Pension Fund: $26,663.91 + $87.56 - $0.00 = $26,751.47; Food Services Fund: $3,917.32 + $92.29 - $0.00 = $4,009.61; Trust & Agency Fund: $32,918.86 + $4,459.90 - $19,952.43 = $17,426.33; Unemployment Fund: $21,076.24 + $42.87 - $0 = $21,119.11. Motion carried.

Action 07/08-9: Bills for Consideration – On motion by Preheim, second by Nelson to approve the following claims against the District for the month of August, and then to approve warrants to be issued in their payment. Motion carried.*

*Bills to be published in paper.

There were no Delegations. There were no Teacher Reports.

Secondary Principal Adam Shaw gave the Principal Report. He informed the Board that the Promethean Boards will be installed in the school this month, and about the Fortinet web blocker, which was recently installed on our server.

Superintendent Denise Fox gave the Superintendent Report. She informed the Board on our current enrollment, a recent chimney inspection, a tuck-point inspection, new door locks on the exterior doors, and an upcoming School Board tour of the school at the regular September meeting. Mrs. Fox also informed the Board that the Canistota School District will be discussing and voting on a junior high boys’ basketball cooperative with Marion.

Business Manager Aaron Thompson gave the Business Manager Report. He informed the Board about the annual reports for the State and the bus routes that he has been working on.

Action 07/08-10: Milk Bid – On motion by Koehn, second by Langerock to accept the escalator milk quote from Avera PACE / Land O Lakes for the 2007/2008 Fiscal School Year. Motion carried.

Action 07/08-11: Gas Quote – On motion by Nelson, second by Preheim to accept the fuel quote from Marion Oil at $0.03 below the pump price, excluding Federal fuel taxes for all gallons of gasoline and diesel fuel purchased during the 2007/2008 Fiscal School Year. Motion carried.

Action 07/08-12: Surplus Property – On motion by Preheim, second by Langerock to declare books and other items as surplus property to be disposed of per SDCL 6-13-1. A list of the items will be available in the Business Office. Motion carried.

Action 07/08-13: Approve Budget – On motion by Preheim, second by Nelson to approve the budget for the 2007/2008 Fiscal School Year, and to thank the administration for their extra effort in preparing the budget. Motion carried.

Superintendent Concerns: Denise Fox informed the Board that Homecoming activities will be carried out on the week of September 17^th-21^st, with coronation on the evening of Saturday, September 15. She also informed the Board that school pamphlets will be printed for the Open House on September 23.

School Board Concerns: School Board member Peter Preheim informed the Board about the ASBSD/SASD Convention on August 9^th-10^th, and the resolutions submitted to the State. He also asked if the Board would be involved in any in-service activities. School Board President Joel Bialas had a concern on where to put a flagpole up in front of the school. He also wanted to keep Board meetings running efficiently, while making sure that all points were thoroughly discussed.

Action 07/08-14: Adjourn – On motion by Langerock, second by Nelson to adjourn the School Board Meeting at 7:35 P.M. Motion carried.

The City Council of the City of Marion, South Dakota met in special session on Monday, August 20, 2007, at 6:30 p.m. in the meeting room of the City Building with the following council members present: Dee Herlyn, Jeff Jeno, Bill Konda, Judy Schlunsen and Keith Weber, together with the Mayor Ron Globke and Finance Officer Kari Muller. Dave Viet arrived at 6:40 p.m. Also attending the meeting was City Superintendent Larry Hopf. Absent: none.

Motion was made by Konda, seconded by Jeno to enter into Executive Session for personnel matters at 6:41 p.m. Motion carried. The Mayor declared to come out of Executive Session at 6:55 p.m.

Dick Luke, Steve Kraemer and Don Kettwig, representing the Marion Volunteer Fire Department, were present and discussion was held on the Fire Department budget. It was advised the matter would be addressed during budget preparations.

It was advised the compressor for the City building’s air conditioner has failed. Options for repairing/ replacing were discussed. The decision was made to obtain additional pricing information and re-address the matter at the August 21^st meeting.

An estimate was presented from Kettwig Electric for hooking up the new generator, including installation of a 3-phase system. Changing the voltage of the entire building was discussed. It was advised the matter would be addressed during budget preparations.

The regular September Council meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 5^th due to the Labor Day holiday.

The remainder of the evening was spent preparing the 2008 City Budget.

Motion was made by Weber, seconded by Viet to adjourn at 9:05 p.m. Motion carried.

The City Council of the City of Marion, South Dakota met in special session on Tuesday, August 21, 2007, at 6:30 p.m. in the meeting room of the City Building with the following council members present: Jeff Jeno, Bill Konda, Judy Schlunsen, Dave Viet and Keith Weber, together with the Mayor Ron Globke and Finance Officer Kari Muller. Dee Herlyn arrived at 6:38 p.m. Also attending the meeting was City Superintendent Larry Hopf. Absent: none.

Follow up discussion was held on the City’s failed air conditioner. Motion was made by Konda, seconded by Jeno to replace the unit with a new 4 ton, 10 SEER unit for approximately $1400.00. Motion carried. The work will be completed by Luke Heating, Cooling and Plumbing.

The remainder of the evening was spent preparing the 2008 City Budget.

Motion was made by Weber, seconded by Viet to adjourn at 8:45 p.m. Motion carried.