The Marion City Times

Volume 6, Issue 8	In this issue:
August 31, 2008	v August City Council Proceedings v August Business & Professional Organization Proceedings v August School Board Proceedings vSeptember Calendar of Events

August 4, 2008 City Council Proceedings

The City Council of the City of Marion, South Dakota met in regular session on Monday, August 4, 2008, at 7:00 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. Also attending the meeting was City Superintendent Larry Hopf. City Attorney Jeff Cole was present from 7:15 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Absent: Dee Herlyn.

An inquiry from the Summer Reading Program coordinator regarding appreciation gifts for two volunteers was received and discussed. Motion was made by Konda, seconded by Schlunsen to give $20 Marion Bucks each to Sharlene Orcutt and Angie VanDiepen in appreciation for their help with the Summer Reading Program. Motion carried.

A Public Hearing was held at 7:15 p.m. to receive comments regarding a proposed application to the S.D. Department of Environment and Natural Resources Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CW-SRF) Loan Program to finance the Sanitary Sewer Improvements Project. The purpose of the public hearing was to discuss the proposed project, the proposed financing and the source of repayment for the loan. Present for the hearing was Jon Fischer of Stockwell Engineers & Angie Hilton of the South Eastern Council of Governments, as well as Marion residents. Fischer addressed the group, providing detailed information on the proposed project, including the need for the project and alternatives considered. A citizen expressed concerns over the proposed 12” trunk line from the lagoon, stating they did not feel it was adequate. Fischer advised, per all the studies & research completed, the proposed line is more than adequate for the City of Marion. Fischer also advised he will go through all of the data again and ensure that the matter is fully addressed. Hilton addressed the group, providing detailed information on grants awarded to the City of Marion, the proposed amount to be borrowed via CW-SRF loan funds, the City’s intent to apply for CDBG funding and proposed wastewater rate increases. The anticipated project cost is $2,310,000. The financing package includes: a Consolidated Grant in the amount of $200,000, a Clean Water State Revolving Find Grant in the amount of $300,000, local cash of $100,000 and a CW-SRF loan up to $1,710,000 at 3.50% for a 30 year term. Debt service on this loan would be approximately $92,296 and would be paid with wastewater revenues. The City would need to raise the wastewater rates to pay for the CWSRF loan. The rate for 5,000 gallons would increase from $19.00 to $31.00. The City has passed an income survey to qualify to submit an application for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) through the Governor’s Office of Economic Development. If the City receives a CDBG, the rate increase would likely be less. Motion was made by Jeno, seconded by Weber to adopt a resolution authorizing the filing of an application for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund Loan Program and designating the Mayor to act as signatory in connection with the application, loan agreement, payment requests and other required forms. Motion unanimously carried upon roll call vote.

Discussion was held on designating bond counsel for the City. Motion was made by Konda, seconded by Schlunsen to designate Danforth & Meierhenry, LLP as bond counsel for the City of Marion. Motion carried.

Discussion was held on large storage buildings in Residential-zoned areas, with City Attorney Cole providing feedback on the matter. The ordinances pertaining to the matter were reviewed, in addition to the conditional use requirements.

The drainage issue behind S. Main Avenue was addressed. Discussion was held on various aspects relating to the matter, including obtaining an easement from an adjoining landowner. The decision was made to continue negotiations on the easement. Additional discussion was held on obtaining estimates for culvert and ditch projects.

Dick Luke and Cam Becker, representing the Marion Development Foundation, were present and discussion was held on the remaining lots available in the west half of the Industrial Park. Various aspects were addressed, including land price and attracting revenue-generating businesses.

Turner County Sheriff’s Deputy Matt Weterling was present and a monthly law enforcement report for the month of July was distributed and reviewed. Weterling advised Turner County now has 24-hour coverage. Discussion was held on various police matters, including concerns over southbound truck traffic picking up speed near Southeastern Electric, school zone patrol and crosswalk safety education.

A service contract proposal from Interstate Power Systems for maintenance on the City generator was reviewed and discussed. The decision was made to accept the contract proposal.

An update was provided on the Veteran’s Memorial Park project. Discussion was held on various aspects, with no action taken.

It was advised a ball tournament will be held at the Twin Fields on Saturday, August 16^th.

The City Council will be meeting on August 18 & 19, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. for the purpose of preparing the 2009 City Budget.

Motion was made by Weber, seconded by Viet to adjourn at 9:43 p.m. Motion carried.

August 4, 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, SD met in regular session on the fourth day of August, 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: Ben Irlbeck, Bryan Luke, Shannon Luke, and Linda Kotzea.

Call to order was made by Vice President of the School Board, Peter Preheim, at 7:02 pm.

Action 08/09-7: Agenda – On motion by Nelson, second by Koehn to approve the agenda. Motion carried.

Action 08/09-8: Minutes – On motion by Koehn, second by Nelson to approve the previous month’s minutes. Motion carried.

Action 08/09-9: Financial Reports – On motion by Koehn, second by Nelson to approve the financial reports of the District as shown in Table 1 (to be published in paper). Motion carried.

Action 08/09-10: Bills for Consideration – On motion by Koehn, second by Langerock to approve the following claims against the District for the month of August, and then to approve checks to be issued in their payment. Motion carried. (Bills to be published in paper)

Ben Irlbeck gave the Teacher Report. He introduced himself to the Board as the new Math Teacher and Girls Basketball Coach. Linda Kotzea also gave a Teacher Report. She gave a presentation with calculators/handheld computers on a Promethean Board.

Bryan Luke came before the Board to talk about air conditioning for the Marion School. He offered some options for cooling classrooms.

The Marion School Administration gave the Board a tour of the building, showing some of the recent updates to the Marion School.

Action 08/09-11: Approve FY2009 Budget - On motion by Koehn, second by Nelson to approve the budget for the 2008/2009 fiscal school year. Motion carried.

Action 08/09-12: Gas Quote – On motion by Langerock, second by Nelson to approve the ethanol gas / diesel quote from Marion Oil at $0.01 below pump price, less federal taxes, for the 2008/2009 fiscal school year. Motion carried.

Resolution 08/09-13: Trust & Agency Fund Policy – Let it be hereby resolved that on motion by Langerock, second by Koehn to approve the Trust & Agency Fund Policy as presented to the Marion School Board of Education, with a copy of the policy on file in the Business Office. Motion carried.

Action 08/09-14: Amend Contract – On motion by Koehn, second by Nelson to amend Kylea Waltner’s certified contract to 60% K-12 Special Education Teacher / 40% Preschool Teacher for the 2008/2009 fiscal school year. Motion carried.

Action 08/09-15: Approve Contract – On motion by Nelson, second by Langerock to approve Janice Kraemer’s Jr. High Oral Interp Advisor contract in the amount of $271.00 for the 2008/2009 fiscal school year. Motion carried.

Action 08/09-16: Approve Contract – On motion by Langerock, second by Koehn to approve Denise Fox’s High School Oral Interp Advisor contract in the amount of $271.00 for the 2008/2009 fiscal school year. Motion carried.

Action 08/09-17: Approve Contract – On motion by Langerock, second by Nelson to approve Oren Jensen’s Asst. Boys Basketball Coach contract in the amount of $1,355.00 for the 2008/2009 fiscal school year. Motion carried.

Superintendent Concerns: Superintendent Denise Fox discussed the option of sending Board packets via email, rather than on paper.

School Board Concerns: School Board President Joel Bialas had a concern on rising fuel costs, and that the Board should consider the option of a four-day school week in the future. School Board member Larry Langerock had a question on certain lights staying on continuously in the school building. School Board member Danny Koehn had a question on the new bus, and if drivers were ready to test for a Class B license. School Board Vice President Peter Preheim reminded the Board of the ASBSD/SASD Joint Convention Aug. 7-8, and a speaker at the convention who has written on students living in poverty. Preheim also mentioned Gov. Rounds’ recent proposal on higher teacher salaries for hard-to-find teachers.

Action 08/09-18: Adjourn – On motion by Nelson, second by Langerock to adjourn the School Board Meeting at 9:53 pm. Motion carried.

“The true test of a first-rate mind is the ability to hold two contradictory ideas at the same time.”

F. Scott Fitzgerald

August 14, 2008 B & P Organization Proceedings

The Marion Business & Professional Organization met on Thursday, August 14, 2008 at 12:00 p.m. at the Tieszen Memorial Home with 9 members in attendance. Businesses present were: City Economic Development Coordinator, Luke H/C/P, Marion Record, Marion School, Post Office, Rapp Chevrolet, Rex’s Plumbing, Schmidt Country and Southeastern Electric.

Kari Muller, Secretary/Treasurer, distributed the July 10^th meeting minutes and a financial report. Motion was made by Glen Rapp, seconded by Rex VanHove to approve both as presented. Motion carried.

The promotional drawing for the month of September was discussed. The decision was made to hold a drawing for two tickets to a Hurley-Marion Cobras game and a Cobras t-shirt. The drawing will be held on Tuesday, September 2^nd.

Adam Shaw, MHS Principal, advised the MHS Homecoming will be the week of September 15^th, with coronation being held on Saturday, September 13^th at 7:00 p.m. The parade and football game will be on Friday, September 19^th in Marion, with two, home volleyball games occurring during homecoming week as well. Shaw advised some changes to the parade are being considered, including holding it in the morning, with a community picnic following. The decision was made to have the organization work the homecoming football game, with members taking tickets at both gates.

Shaw advised the newly-purchased school bus has arrived, new lockers have been installed and the hallways have been painted. All are invited to check out the new look at the school during their Open House on Tuesday, August 19^th from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.

The monthly Southeast Enterprise Facilitation Project facilitator report was distributed and reviewed. In addition, the 2008 Semi-Annual Report was distributed and reviewed.

A Marion Development Foundation update was provided by Dick Luke and Muller. Discussion was held on the Industrial Park and KELO commercial.

Discussion was held on the proposed sewer project information addressed during the City Council’s public hearing held on August 4^th.

The next meeting will be at 12:00 p.m. on September 11, 2008 at the Tieszen Memorial Home.

August 18, 2008 City Council Proceedings

The City Council of the City of Marion, South Dakota met in special session on Monday, August 18, 2008, 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 6:50 p.m. Absent: none. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Globke at 6:37 p.m.

Discussion was held on Initiated Measure #10, which among other things, would prohibit cities from paying dues to any association that lobbies. Motion was made by Konda, seconded by Schlunsen to pass a resolution opposing Initiated Measure #10. Motion unanimously carried upon roll call vote.

The regular September Council meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 3^rd due to the Labor Day holiday.

The remainder of the evening was spent preparing the 2009 City Budget.

Motion was made by Weber, seconded by Viet to adjourn at 9:06 p.m. Motion carried.

August 19, 2008 City Council Proceedings

The City Council of the City of Marion, South Dakota met in special session on Tuesday, August 19, 2008, 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 6:35 p.m. Absent: none.

The evening was spent preparing the 2009 City Budget.

Motion was made by Weber, seconded by Viet to adjourn at 8:00 p.m. Motion carried.

september Calendar of Events

9/1	LABOR DAY - City Office Closed
9/3	City Council Meeting	7:00 p.m.
9/9	Lions Club Meeting	12:00 p.m.
9/11	B & P Organization Meeting Ambulance Meeting	12:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m.
9/15	City Council Meeting Legion Meeting	7:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
9/19	Homecoming Parades - Hurley Marion	1:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m.
9/22	FIRST DAY OF AUTUMN
9/24	Marion Development Foundation Meeting	7:00 p.m.