The Marion City Times

February 2, 2009 City Council Proceedings

The City Council of the City of Marion, South Dakota met in regular session on Monday, February 2, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. in the meeting room of the City Building with the following council members present: Jeff Jeno, Bill Konda, 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. Turner County Sheriff Byron Nogelmeier was present from 7:00 p.m. – 7:12 p.m. Absent: Dee Herlyn, Judy Schlunsen.

Information was distributed on books requested for the City library. Motion was made by Viet, seconded by Jeno to release the $500.00 Library appropriation from this year’s budget to the Marion School. Motion carried.

Turner County Sheriff Byron Nogelmeier was present and a monthly law enforcement report for January was distributed and reviewed, with discussion held on miscellaneous law enforcement matters.

Ione Hadican and Myrtle Olfert, representing the Marion Senior Citizens Center, were present and requested the appropriation of $1000.00 for the Center’s operating expenses. Olfert expressed appreciation to the Council for their continued support of the Center. Motion was made by Viet, seconded by Konda to release the funds in the amount of $1000.00 from the 2009 appropriation to the Marion Senior Citizens Center. Motion carried.

Cam Becker, representing the Marion Fire Department, was present and requested a release of funds from the Fire Department account to assist with the purchase of equipment and bunker gear. Motion was made by Viet, seconded by Jeno to release $12,000.00 from the General Fund Fire Department account to the MFD. Motion carried.

Discussion was held on two lots owned by the City along Park Place Drive, with no action taken.

An update was provided on the sanitary sewer improvements project. City engineer Jon Fischer was present and distributed revised plans per Council request. Discussion was held on various matters, including lift stations and additional infrastructure on Broadway Avenue.

The placement of a security light at the MARION sign location on Highway 42 was addressed. Motion was made by Jeno, seconded by Weber to submit an order with Xcel for the placement of a light at the intersection of 447^th Avenue and Highway 42. Motion carried.

An update was provided on the Veteran’s Memorial Park project. It was advised a timer is being placed on two of the lights to provide for an evening shut-off at this time. The fence is scheduled to be put in on February 14^th.

Swimming pool wages and rates were reviewed. The decision was made to place the ad in the paper seeking a manager and lifeguards for the upcoming pool season. It was also decided to run the ad for the Summer Help position. Discussion was held on a proposal from the Marion Area Community Club (MACC) for the possible purchase of a slide for the swimming pool. The Council was receptive to the proposal. It was advised additional research on the matter will be completed.

Discussion was held on filling the Summer Rec Coordinator position. Information from surrounding communities on the structure of their Coordinator positions was presented and reviewed. It was advised the MACC has secured an individual for the Coordinator position.

Discussion was held on an inquiry into bringing trees from a property outside of city limits to the City’s landfill. The decision was made to advise the inquiring party of the policy to only allow items brought to the landfill from properties within city limits.

The following individuals were selected to serve as Judges and Clerks for any Municipal Election in 2009: Ward One – Rosella Schwartz, Eleanor Becker, Mavis Knutson; Ward Two – Erma Langerock, Myrtle Rasmussen, Verda Nickel; Ward Three – Janice Loof, Grace Duerksen, Ella Tieszen. In the event of a citywide election, Rosella Schwartz would serve as Judge with a Clerk selected from the other two wards. Motion was made by Konda, seconded by Viet to approve the Judges and Clerks as appointed. Motion carried.

Information was distributed on the Silver Star Banner Day project, wherein cities nationwide are being asked to declare May 1^st “SILVER STAR BANNER DAY” to remember the wounded and ill of our Armed Forces. The decision was made to authorize the Mayor to sign a proclamation declaring May 1^st “SILVER STAR BANNER DAY” for the City of Marion.

Muller provided an update on a stray cat matter, advising the property owner is taking steps to improve the situation.

Motion was made by Weber, seconded by Viet to adjourn at 9:10 p.m. Motion carried.

February 9,  2009 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 ninth day of February, 2009 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: None.

Call to order was made by President of the School Board, Joel Bialas, at 7:03 pm.

Action 08/09-80: Agenda – On motion by Nelson, second by Preheim to amend the agenda to the following: 8 – Concerns; 9 – Business Manager Report; 10 – AD/Principal Reports; 11 – Superintendent Report; 12 – Building & Budget Committee Reports; 13 – Negotiations (Executive Session); 14 – Personnel (Executive Session); 14A – Board Matters (Executive Session); 15 – Staff Leave; 16 - Adjourn; and then to approve the agenda. Motion carried.

Action 08/09-81: Minutes – On motion by Preheim, second by Koehn to approve the January minutes and acknowledge receipt of the Cornbelt Educational Cooperative minutes. Motion carried.

Action 08/09-82: Financial Reports – On motion by Preheim, second by Nelson to approve the financial reports of the District as shown in Table 1 (to be published in paper). Motion carried.

Action 08/09-83: Bills for Consideration – On motion by Koehn, second by Preheim to approve the following claims against the District for the month of February, 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.

School Board member Larry Langerock joined the meeting via telephone conference call at 7:35 pm.

School Board Concerns: School Board President Joel Bialas wanted to move Concerns up in the meeting, with requests coming to the Board President or Superintendent prior to the meeting. He also had concerns on the Federal Stimulus Bill. School Board Vice President Peter Preheim informed the Board that ASBSD will be raising their dues next year. School Board member Danny Koehn had questions on the school marketing flyer, new vehicles for next year and school bus storage during the summer months. School Board member Rick Nelson had concerns on clearing out excess items near the boiler room for the fire marshal report, and on students quitting classes and sports.

Aaron Thompson gave the Business Manager report. He informed the Board on a slushy machine, School Board election petitions, a Title I desk review, and cost splits for the Cobras football team.

Adam Shaw gave the Athletic Director and Secondary Principal reports. He informed the Board on students of the month, Juniors to a career fair in Parker on Feb. 10^th, Vocal competition in Yankton on Feb. 11^th, Juniors & Seniors will be given novels to read as part of the English curriculum instead of AR points, Feb. 9-13 is National FCCLA week, and Feb. 23-27 is National FFA week. As part of his Athletic Director report, Mr. Shaw gave the Board information on basketball Parents’ Nights, a basketball uniform issue with SDHSAA, the rotation for sports uniforms, a recent Cornbelt Conference meeting, and possible banners for the gym. He also congratulated the wrestlers on a 2^nd place finish at the State B duals in Wagner.

The Board had a lengthy discussion on concerns with the Accelerated Reader program.

Denise Fox gave the Superintendent report. She gave the Board information on NAEP testing, teacher in-service, thoughts on a four-day school week, upcoming meetings and sporting events, State Legislature updates, and Marion School marketing flyers. Mrs. Fox also congratulated Ron Nelson for his Cornbelt Conference Service Award.

Superintendent Denise Fox presented the Building and Budget Committee reports, which both met on January 15^th. The Budget Committee had discussed the General Fund opt-out, which is through the 2010 calendar year, and thoughts on another opt-out after 2010. The Building Committee had met and discussed Capitol Outlay considerations, including a new fire alarm panel and air conditioning.

Action 08/09-84: Negotiations – On motion by Nelson, second by Preheim to go into executive session for the purpose of Negotiations at 9:50 pm. Motion carried. President of the School Board, Joel Bialas, declared out of executive session at 10:15 pm.

Action 08/09-85: Personnel – On motion by Preheim, second by Koehn to go into executive session for the purpose of Personnel Matters at 10:16 pm. Motion carried. President of the School Board, Joel Bialas, declared out of executive session at 10:30 pm.

Action 08/09-86: Teacher Leave – On motion by Nelson, second by Koehn to grant one-half day of unpaid personal leave to a certified teacher. Motion carried.

Action 08/09-87: Board Matters – On motion by Preheim, second by Koehn to go into executive session for the purpose of School Board Matters at 10:33 pm. Motion carried. President of the School Board, Joel Bialas, declared out of executive session at 10:53 pm.

Action 08/09-88: Adjourn – On motion by Nelson, second by Preheim to adjourn the school board meeting at 10:54 pm. Motion carried.

February 12,  2009 Business & Professional Organization Proceedings

The Marion Business & Professional Organization met on Thursday, February 12, 2009 at 12:00 p.m. at the Tieszen Memorial Home with 15 members in attendance. Businesses present were: Al’s Studio, Central Farmers Cooperative, City Economic Development Coordinator, Donlan’s Foodland, Farmer’s State Bank, Luke H/C/P, Marion Medical Clinic, Marion Record, Marion School, Marion Veterinary Clinic, Post Office, Rapp Chevrolet, Rex’s Plumbing, Southeastern Electric, Tieszen Memorial Home.

Kari Muller, Secretary/Treasurer, distributed the January 8^th meeting minutes and a financial report, with both approved as presented. Don Jacobson, representing Central Farmers Cooperative, was introduced to the group.

The suggestion was made to have a sign put up recognizing and honoring the state champion achievements for the different school athletics. The decision was made to have Muller get with Vinyl Expressions on estimates and ideas.

Discussion was held on the promotional drawing for the month of March. The decision was made to hold a drawing for a Marion-Freeman Rebels cap, as donated by the Marion School. The drawing will be held on March 13^th.

Dick Luke, Marion Development Foundation president, provided information on proposed water service on Broadway Circle, the annual meeting of the MDF in late March, and the new lighting at the ‘Marion’ sign location along Highway 42.

The monthly Southeast Enterprise Facilitation Project facilitator report was distributed and reviewed. Additional information was distributed on small business facts in South Dakota, as well as the United States overall.

Adam Shaw, Marion School Principal, advised the February 16^th double-header girls/ boys basketball home game is free to Marion patrons to celebrate the school’s final payment on the new gym. It was also advised the junior class will be having a Pork Loin Supper at the game as a prom fundraiser. Dr. Peter Preheim, Marion School Board member, spoke to school finances regarding the capital outlay fund and various legislative issues.

The next meeting will be at 12:00 p.m. on March 12, 2009 at the Tieszen Memorial Home.

march Calendar of Events