The Marion City Times

January 7, 2008 City Council Proceedings

The City Council of the City of Marion, South Dakota met in regular session on Monday, January 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. City Attorney Jeff Cole was present from 7:15 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. Turner County Sheriff Byron Nogelmeier was present from 7:50 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. Absent: none.

Motion was made by Schlunsen, seconded by Konda to transfer $3910.57 out of the Contingency Account to balance the budget, for placement in designated accounts as follows: $911.57 in Finance Office, $40.81 in Mosquito Control, $35.67 in Other Protection, $2558.55 in Landfill, $363.97 in Library. Motion carried.

Discussion was held on a citizen concern regarding smoke from a neighbor’s wood-burning stove. Present for the discussion was City Attorney Cole. It was advised the City is unable to get involved, as no ordinances are being violated and the matter is of a private nature between neighbors.

The City’s current curfew ordinance was reviewed, with discussion held on amending it to allow for different restrictions for different ages. Following additional discussion with Cole and Turner County Sheriff Byron Nogelmeier, the decision was made to leave the ordinance as is.

A revised Turner County Law Enforcement Services agreement was presented and reviewed. The contract was amended to incorporate the new rate of $27.42 per hour, of which the Council had been informed in June. Additional discussion was held on law enforcement matters. It was advised the Council will take action on the contract at the next scheduled meeting.

Discussion was held on topics for a Public Meeting, tentatively scheduled for January 22^nd. In addition to proposed sewer improvements, topics to be addressed include community promotion/marketing and the Veteran’s Memorial Park project. It was advised that if water and sewer rate analysis information would not be available in advance of the 1/22/08 date, the meeting may be scheduled for the following week.

Discussion was held on the City’s old sirens, with no action taken.

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

City Superintendent Hopf was advised to make arrangements for the final portion of the water plant construction project, to be completed by LPL Construction. It was also advised that new windows and overhead doors will be ordered for the City shop. Hopf advised the City is still waiting for Maguire Iron to complete work on the water tower.

Discussion was held on various aspects of the Veteran’s Memorial Park project. An estimate for the removal of the three trees on the property was distributed and reviewed.

Schlunsen advised a meeting between the City and school regarding the football field maintenance agreement had been scheduled. Discussion was held on various, related aspects, including mowing, watering & lighting.

Discussion was held on community promotion and marketing. It was advised public input on the matter will be sought. Obtaining a booth at the Turner County Fair was also addressed.

Motion was made by Konda, seconded by Jeno to hold a joint election with the school on April 8, 2008, with the election to be held in the City meeting room. Motion carried.

Motion was made by Schlunsen, seconded by Herlyn to approve having Muller attend the Annual Report Workshop on January 17^th in Huron. Motion carried. Muller advised of the upcoming Municipal Government Day at the Legislature. All municipal officials and employees are invited to Pierre to watch the Legislature in action on February 6, 2008.

Following are the wages for City Personnel for 2008: City Operations Superintendent - $17.03/hr.; City Maintenance - $14.42/hr.; Finance Officer - $32,678.81 annually plus $35.00 per meeting; Deputy Finance Officer - $13.03/hr.; Landfill Supervisor - $9.22/hr.; Asst. Landfill Supervisor - $8.91/hr.; Zoning Administrator - $100.00/month; Fire Chief - $400.00 annual vehicle expense.

Motion was made by Konda, seconded by Jeno to enter into Executive Session at 9:07 p.m. for legal and personnel matters. Motion carried. The Mayor declared to come out of Executive Session at 9:22 p.m. and Council thereupon adjourned.

January 10,  2008 Business & Professional Organization Proceedings

The Marion Business & Professional Organization met on Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 12:00 p.m. at the Tieszen Memorial Home with 10 members in attendance. Businesses present were: Al’s Studio, City Economic Development Coordinator, Farmer’s State Bank, Getskow Pharmacy, Marion Veterinary Clinic, Post Office, Schmidt Country/Marion Oil, SEFP, Tieszen Chiropractic Clinic, Tieszen Memorial Home.

Kari Muller, Secretary/Treasurer, distributed the December 13^th meeting minutes and a financial report. Motion was made by Barclay Smith, seconded by Dr. Peter Preheim to approve both as presented.

Discussion was held on the promotional drawing for the month of February. The decision was made to hold a drawing for a box of chocolates and $25 Marion Bucks, as donated by Getskow Pharmacy. The drawing will be held on February 12^th.

Discussion was held on ways for the organization to become involved with more in the community. A suggestion was made to look into holding a promotional event in conjunction with the corn producers/ethanol industry. Additional discussion on the matter will be held at the organization’s next meeting.

Nancy Larsen, SEFP facilitator, distributed her monthly facilitator report. Larsen reported she had four inquiries in the month of December, with 61 total inquiries in 2007. Information was presented on the upcoming Regional Career Fair. Additional information was provided from a letter to the President from the Small Business Economy, which pointed out that business owners who engaged in business planning during the startup phase and wrote a formal business plan were more likely to open and remain in business.

Muller advised of a Public Meeting to be held on January 22, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Meeting Room.

The next meeting will be at 12:00 p.m. on February 14, 2008 at the Tieszen Memorial Home.

January 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 January, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.

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: Becky Mohr, Seth Adrian.

Call to order was made by President of the School Board, Joel Bialas, at 7:00 p.m.

Action 07/08-61: Agenda – On motion by Langerock, second by Nelson to amend the agenda to the following: 6A – Sr. Privileges, 15 – Home School Exemption, 16 – School Connect, 17 – School Property, 18 – Personnel (Exec. Session), 19 – Administrative Contracts, 20 – School Board Matters (Exec. Session), 21 – Concerns, 22 – Adjourn; and then to approve the agenda. Motion carried.

Action 07/08-62: Minutes – On motion by Preheim, second by Koehn to approve the previous month’s minutes and to acknowledge the receipt of the Cornbelt Educational Cooperative minutes. Motion carried.

Action 07/08-63: Financial Reports – On motion by Preheim, second by Langerock to approve the following financial reports of the District: (Beginning balance + receipts – disbursements = current balance) General Fund: $711,393.71 + $110,983.15 - $119,809.51 = $702,567.35; Capitol Outlay Fund: $447,739.09 + $17,206.80 - $81,343.92 = $383,601.97; Special Education Fund: $67,824.13 + $16,811.00 - $16,493.55 = $68,141.58; Pension Fund: $31,302.07 + $642.90 - $0.00 = $31,944.97; Food Services Fund: $2,525.49 + $10,502.44 - $9,854.86 = $3,173.07; Trust & Agency Fund: $34,165.06 + $13,876.94 - $13,286.19 = $34,755.81; Unemployment Fund: $21,344.72 + $0 - $0 = $21,344.72. Motion carried.

Action 07/08-64: Bills for Consideration – On motion by Koehn, second by Nelson to approve the following claims against the District for the month of January, and then to approve checks to be issued in their payment. Motion carried.* *Bills to be published in paper.

Representing this year’s senior class, Sr. Class President Seth Adrian came before the Board to discuss the current proposal for Senior Privileges.

Action 07/08-65: Senior Privileges – On motion by Langerock, second by Preheim to approve Senior Privileges for the Marion Senior Class of 2008 for the spring semester, with a copy of these privileges in the Business Office. Motion carried.

There were no Teacher Reports.

Business Manager Aaron Thompson gave the Business Manager Report. He informed the Board that the Marion School will receive approximately $58,000 of Growing Enrollment funds from the State of South Dakota for the 2007/2008 fiscal school year. The school will receive half of these funds this fiscal year and half of the funds will be received during the 2008/2009 fiscal school year.

Secondary Principal Adam Shaw gave the Principal Report. He informed the Board of the Students of the Month, High Schools That Work assessment tests to be given Jan. 21-25, and information being gathered on the Bullying Policy. Mr. Shaw also discussed the 1 to 1 Laptop Initiative for schools and how it could benefit the Marion School.

Superintendent Denise Fox gave the Superintendent Report. She informed the Board on the football field agreement with the City of Marion, four new students who enrolled at the beginning of the semester, and a grant program from the South Dakota PUC for a wind turbine at the school. Mrs. Fox also shared a Coalition of Schools handout, reviewed Building Committee ideas, and asked that the Budget Committee meet soon.

Secondary Principal Adam Shaw discussed the Marion School’s Technology Plan with the Board. This plan will cover the Marion School’s technology expectations for the next three years.

Action 07/08-66: School Board Election Date – On motion by Preheim, second by Langerock to set the date for a joint School Board/City election with the City of Marion for Tuesday, April 8, 2008. Motion carried.

The Board discussed election workers. In the event that there is a School Board election, the school would use the same election judge and clerks as the City of Marion. These workers will be appointed by the School Board at a later date if an election is necessary.

Superintendent Denise Fox shared a teacher/administration survey of possible dates for the 2008/2009 Marion School calendar.

Action 07/08-67: Home School Exemption – On motion by Koehn, second by Langerock to approve the Alternative Instruction application of family C for the 2007/2008 fiscal school year. Motion carried.

The Board discussed a School Connect information system, which could send personalized or generic messages to staff members, parents, school board members, etc. via telephone or email.

The Board discussed a school-owned property, which was recently vacated by its resident.

Action 07/08-68: Personnel – On motion by Langerock, second by Preheim to go into executive session for the purpose of Personnel Matters at 9:04 p.m. Motion carried. School Board President Joel Bialas declared out of executive session at 9:35 p.m.

Action 07/08-69: Administrative Contracts – On motion by Preheim, second by Langerock to amend Denise Fox’s 2008/2009 contract to Superintendent/Jr. Kindergarten – 5^th Grade Principal, to amend Adam Shaw’s 2008/2009 contract to 6^th – 12^th Grade Principal/Technology Curriculum Director/Athletic Director, and to offer Aaron Thompson a Business Manager contract for the 2008/2009 fiscal school year. Motion carried.

Action 07/08-70: School Board Matters – On motion by Koehn, second by Nelson to go into executive session for the purpose of School Board Matters at 9:40 p.m. Motion carried. School Board President Joel Bialas declared out of executive session at 10:10 p.m.

School Board Concerns: School Board Vice President Peter Preheim asked that admission charges be reviewed for 2008/2009 school events, gave legislative updates, and informed the Board on consolidation talks between Bridgewater and Emery Schools. School Board member Larry Langerock had questions on Marion’s football cooperative with Hurley, and also on the Bullying Policy. School Board member Rick Nelson had a concern on athletes quitting mid-season in our winter sports.

Action 07/08-71: Adjourn – On motion by Langerock, second by Nelson to adjourn the School Board Meeting at 10:28 p.m. Motion carried.

The City Council of the City of Marion, South Dakota met in special session on Tuesday, January 22, 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. Absent: none. Also attending the meeting was City Superintendent Larry Hopf. The sole purpose of the meeting was to host a Town Hall Meeting.

Numerous citizens were present to receive information, as well as provide feedback, on a variety of agenda items.

No action was taken.

The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

Town Hall Meeting Overview

A Town Hall meeting was held on Tuesday, January 22^nd at 7:00 P.M. in the City meeting room with 31 people in attendance. Mayor Ron Globke facilitated the meeting. A variety of agenda items were presented for the purposes of seeking public input on matters and keeping the community informed. Following is a summary of the discussion on each of the agenda items.

Veteran’s Memorial Park – Globke advised the City purchased property at 200 S. Broadway Avenue in 2007 with plans to develop a Veteran’s Memorial Park. Councilman Dave Viet provided an overview of the pursuit to date. Gary Dykstra, representing the American Legion, expressed appreciation to the City Council for initiating the development of a veteran’s memorial. It was advised that Legion members, along with other veterans, would serve on a committee to work towards the development of the memorial. Additional discussion was held on project funding, including donations and fundraisers. An individual in attendance spoke to his dislike of the intended location.

Community Promotion/Marketing – Globke advised the City has been considering options for promotion & marketing in order to emphasize all the positive aspects and endeavors of our community. It was advised community feedback/input is welcomed and requested.

City Sewer Projects – Globke introduced City Engineer Jon Fischer of Stockwell Engineers and Angie Hilton with the South East Council of Governments (SECOG). Globke summarized problems with our existing sewer system and emphasized that the S.D. Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources is mandating that the City take measures to correct the problems. Fischer spoke to infiltration and flow rate issues and advised of some of the specific problem areas, including old, clay pipes, insufficient manholes and sump pump issues. Maps were distributed to all identifying the proposed sanitary sewer improvements, divided into four projects. The first project, focused on the north end of town, includes sewer line replacement from the City’s lagoons, as well as a lift station in the northwest corner of town. When addressing Project 1, the main point made was the need to pick up depth in order to improve our entire system. Hilton spoke to funding options, including grants the City will be applying for, as well as loans. Information was provided on a few, possible funding scenarios and the estimated impact on user fees. Globke stated that the City will not seek to implement a drastic increase in sewer rates; however, an increase of some nature is foreseeable. An estimated timeline for Project 1 was provided, with the key point stressed that any procession with the project is contingent on the amount of grant funding the City is able to receive.

Miscellaneous – Globke advised that the Community Center project has not been abandoned; however, the City must focus on that which is priority, and at this point in time, improving our sewer system is the priority.

Thanks to all who attended the meeting – we welcome and appreciate your input!

Firemen's Pancake Feed - Fundraiser - February 10, 2008

Members of the Marion Volunteer Fire Department invite the public to attend their Annual Firemen’s Pancake Feed fundraiser set for Sunday, February 10, 2008. The event will be held at the American Legion Hall, serving from 7:00 am—1:00 pm. This is a major fundraiser for the department, and the cost for the feed is strictly by free will donations.

Funds raised during the event are earmarked to replace aging structure “bunker gear”. The price for one set of gear (coats/pants) is approximately $1350.00. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will also be supplementing funds for this project.

The firemen wish to thank the public for their generosity and support during past fundraisers and hope the support will continue for this worthwhile project. The local department is always concerned with the safety and protection of its citizens. Ensuring the safety of your local firefighters is equally important.

Once again, the public is asked to attend this fundraiser in support of their local firefighters. We thank you for your donations and continued generous support. For those unable to attend, donations may be mailed to: Marion Fire Dept., PO Box 163, Marion, SD, 57043.

february Calendar of Events