The Marion City Times

February 1, 2010 City Council Proceedings

The City Council of the City of Marion, South Dakota met in regular session on Monday, February 1, 2010, at 7:00 p.m. in the meeting room of the City Building with the following council members present: Mike Ellefson, Jeff Jeno, Bill Konda and Dave Viet, together with the Mayor Ron Globke and Finance Officer Kari Muller. Also attending the meeting was City Superintendent Larry Hopf. Turner County Sheriff’s Deputy Chris Rebelein was present from 7:42 p.m. – 7:55 p.m. Absent: Dee Herlyn. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Globke at 7:06 p.m.

Doyle Becker was present and addressed the council regarding land he owns in the northeast section of town, on which the City has an easement. Becker advised of his plans for constructing a building, of which building placement will encroach on the City’s easement. Having Becker obtain a variance was discussed, with Becker advised to get with the Zoning Administrator on the matter.

Discussion was held on interest in purchasing pitching machines for summer baseball/softball. Present for the discussion was Rick Nelson. Preliminary cost estimates were provided by Ellefson. Discussion was held on different types of machines, with the decision made to obtain specific estimates and follow-up on the matter at the regular March meeting.

Discussion was held on the sanitary sewer improvements project to be completed this spring. Continuing further south with the work was addressed, with the decision made to schedule a meeting with the city engineer and follow-up on the matter at the regular March meeting.

Turner County Sheriff’s Deputy Rebelein was present and a monthly law enforcement report for January was distributed and reviewed.

Follow-up discussion was held on the community center matter addressed at the 1/4/10 meeting, with the decision made to contact individuals regarding serving on a community center committee.

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.

Follow up discussion was held on the matter of land at the City’s rubble site to be leased by Central Farmers Cooperative. Various aspects were addressed, including lease length/terms, fence placement and access points. It was advised the city attorney will incorporate all necessary information into the lease.

Discussion was held on sidewalk snow removal completed by the city in front of two business properties due to failure of the property owners to perform any snow removal. Muller was directed to invoice the property owners for the snow removal services at the city’s normal assessment rate.

The following individuals were selected to serve as Judges and Clerks for any Municipal Election in 2010: Ward One – Rosella Schwartz, Eleanor Becker, Mavis Knutson; Ward Two – Erma Langerock, Myrtle Rasmussen, Sharon Weber; 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 Ellefson, seconded by Konda to approve the Judges and Clerks as appointed. Motion carried.

Information was presented and discussion was held on the bill proposed by the SD Municipal League that would allow a municipality, at local option, to adopt an additional penny of sales tax. Motion by Jeno, seconded by Ellefson to adopt a statement of support for the legislation as follows: “The City of Marion supports the efforts of the SD Municipal League to obtain legislative authority for an additional penny of local option sales tax”. Voting aye: Konda, Ellefson, Jeno. Voting nay: Viet. Motion failed for lack of a majority (not enough support for or against).

It was advised that Marion will be a pass-through community in the 2010 Argus Leader Tour de Kota, to be held June 6^th – 11^th. The tour will pass through Marion on Monday, June 7^th.

Motion to adjourn by Ellefson, seconded by Viet at 9:25 p.m.

February 8,  2010 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 eighth day of February, 2010 at 7:00 pm.

Members Present: Bartscher, 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: Nan Koehn, Devin Nelson, Linda Nelson, Hannah Adrian, Angie VanDiepen, Shannon Luke, Bryan Luke, Keith Engbrecht, Diane Engbrecht, Cassie Engbrecht, Katherine Luke, Ashley Rosenwald, Allison Luke, Cherrie Engbrecht, Michael VanDiepen, Austin VanDiepen, Loretta Rentschler, Doug Goossen, Vince Adrian, Juanita Adrian, Tami Miller, Rick Miller, Mara Rentschler, Bill Gamber, Sara Paschal, Abby Schoenwald, Diane Schoenwald, Susan Grovogel, Brad McCoy, Rosalie Evans, Deann Schmidt, Mike Schmidt, Josie Schmidt, Ben Irlbeck, and Dustin Wolforth.

Call to order was made by President of the School Board, Peter Preheim, at 7:00 pm.

Action 09/10-72: Agenda – On motion by Koehn, second by Langerock to amend the agenda to the following: 16 – Check Signing Authorization, 17 – Personnel (Executive Session), 18 – Adjourn; then to approve the agenda. Motion carried.

Action 09/10-73: Minutes – On motion by Bartscher, second by Nelson to approve the previous month’s minutes, and to acknowledge receipt of the Cornbelt Educational Cooperative minutes. Motion carried.

Action 09/10-74: Financial Reports – On motion by Langerock, second by Bartscher to approve the financial reports of the District as shown in Table 1 (to be published in paper). Motion carried.

Action 09/10-75: Bills for Consideration – On motion by Nelson, second by Koehn 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)

Action 09/10-76: Delegations / Personnel – On motion by Koehn, second by Nelson to go into executive session for the purpose of Personnel Matters at 7:17 pm. Motion carried. President of the School Board, Peter Preheim, declared out of executive session at 8:15 pm.

There were no Teacher Reports.

School Board member Danny Koehn reported on legislative issues, such as per student funding for South Dakota public schools. School Board member Nicole Bartscher shared information on fundraising apparel. School Board member Rick Nelson informed the Board that there is a crack on the northwest corner of the new gym wall.

Aaron Thompson gave the Business Manager report. He informed the Board that no opt-out petitions were taken, therefore the General Fund opt-out will continue for five more years. Mr. Thompson also stated that School Board petitions will be available to turn in until Feb. 26; school funding was also discussed.

Adam Shaw gave the Secondary Principal report. He informed the Board on Students of the Month, a regional career fair, Chorus to compete in solo & ensemble competitions in Yankton, FCCLA & FFA weeks, honor roll and perfect attendance, parent/teacher conferences, athletic schedules, District Wrestling in Marion, and Cornbelt Conference Basketball tournaments held in Marion. Mr. Shaw also reported that the Firemen’s Pancake feed in the Marion School old gym was a success this year.

Denise Fox gave the Superintendent report. She informed the Board on a Budget Committee meeting, gym roof repairs, a School & Public Lands payment, snow days, staff professional development, legislative updates, and Marion School Tobacco Prevention recognition. Mrs. Fox also recognized an elementary student for raising money to help a Haitian orphanage.

The Board discussed the school calendar, including thoughts on a four-day school week in the future. The Board also discussed options for making up the snow days this year.

Action 09/10-77: Snow Days – On motion by Bartscher, second by Langerock to make up two snow days on March 12, 2010 and April 5, 2010, with the rest to be made up at the end of the scheduled 2009/2010 school calendar. Motion carried.

Action 09/10-78: Food Service – On motion by Koehn, second by Bartscher to seek proposals for contracting the Food Services for the Marion School District for the 2010/2011 fiscal school year. Motion carried.

Mrs. Fox presented the Board with a first draft of the Online Course Policy.

Action 09/10-79: Surplus Property – On motion by Nelson, second by Langerock to declare various vacuums and a buffer as surplus property to be disposed of as administration sees fit. A list of the property will be kept on file in the Business Office. Motion carried.

Action 09/10-80: Check Signing Authorization – On motion by Koehn, second by Nelson to designate Nicole Bartscher to sign checks on the General Checking Account in the absence of the School Board President and School Board Vice President. Motion carried.

Action 09/10-81: Personnel – On motion by Bartscher, second by Langerock to go into executive session for the purpose of Personnel Matters at 9:35 pm. Motion carried. President of the School Board, Peter Preheim, declared out of executive session at 10:44 pm.

Action 09/10-82: Resignation – On motion by Bartscher, second by Nelson to accept the resignation of Vicki Schardin as Administrative Secretary for the end of the 2009/2010 school year, and to thank her for her years of service in this position. Motion carried.

Action 09/10-83: Adjourn – On motion by Bartscher, second by Langerock to adjourn the school board meeting at 10:45 pm. Motion carried.

February 11,  2010 Business & Professional Organization Proceedings

The Marion Business & Professional Organization met on Thursday, February 11, 2010 at 12:00 p.m. at the Tieszen Memorial Home with 12 members in attendance. Businesses present were: Al’s Studio, City Economic Development Coordinator, Donlan’s Foodland, Luke H/C/P, Marion Record, Postmaster Diane Schoenwald, Rapp Chevrolet, Rex’s Plumbing, Schmidt Country, Southeastern Electric, Tieszen Chiropractic Clinic, Tieszen Memorial Home.

Kari Muller, Secretary/Treasurer, distributed the January 14^th meeting minutes and a financial report, with both approved as presented. An update was provided on annual dues received to date.

Discussion was held on the promotional drawing for the month of March. The decision was made to hold a drawing for $25 in gold dollars. The drawing will be held on March 10^th.

An update was provided on the Highway 44 sign improvement project fund. Additional information covered included land ownership, project labor and church signs.

The monthly Southeast Enterprise Facilitation Project facilitator report was distributed and reviewed. A reminder was given for the Regional Career Fair to be held in Centerville on February 17^th.

Paul Engbrecht, Tieszen Memorial Home administrator, advised the new wellness center will be completed within a month. Additionally, the current wellness center will be converted into a dining area and recreation center for residents with Alzheimer’s.

Discussion was held on renewed interest in the possibility of constructing a community center in Marion, with the focus being on a basic, functional facility. Various aspects were addressed, including size, location, costs, funding, multiple entity involvement and community support. The matter will be placed on the March meeting agenda.

Schoenwald informed the group that the District wrestling tournament will be held at the Marion School this Saturday. It was advised that Marion will be a pass-through community in the 2010 Argus Leader Tour de Kota, to be held June 6^th – 11^th. The tour will pass through Marion on Monday, June 7^th.

The next meeting will be at 12:00 p.m. on March 11, 2010 at the Tieszen Memorial Home.

February 17,  2010 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 special session on the seventeenth day of February, 2010 at 5:00 pm.

Members Present: Koehn, Nelson, and Preheim. Absent: Bartscher and Langerock.

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

Guests Present: None.

Call to order was made by School Board President Peter Preheim at 5:00 pm.

Action 09/10-84: Agenda – On motion by Koehn, second by Nelson to approve the agenda. Motion carried.

Action 09/10-85: Personnel – On motion by Koehn, second by Nelson to go into executive session for the purpose of Personnel Matters at 5:01 pm. Motion carried. President of the School Board, Peter Preheim, declared out of executive session at 5:10 pm.

Action 09/10-86: Resignation – On motion by Nelson, second by Koehn to accept the resignation of Brett Smith as Bus Driver, and to thank him for his years of service in this position. Motion carried.

Action 09/10-87: Resignation – On motion by Koehn, second by Nelson to accept the resignation of Denise Fox as Superintendent & Elementary Principal for the end of the 2009/2010 school year, and to thank her for her years of service in these positions. Motion carried.

The Board discussed the school calendar, and a four-day week public meeting to be held on March 1, 2010.

Action 09/10-88: Adjourn – On motion by Nelson, second by Koehn to adjourn the School Board Meeting at 5:50 pm. Motion carried.

march Calendar of Events