The Marion City Times

January 5, 2009 City Council Proceedings

The City Council of the City of Marion, South Dakota met in regular session on Monday, January 5, 2009, 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. Turner County Sheriff’s Deputy Matt Mackert was present from 7:05 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Absent: none.

Discussion was held on a stray cat matter, with the decision made to direct correspondence to the property owner involved in the matter.

Motion was made by Viet, seconded by Schlunsen to transfer $7821.91 out of the Contingency Account to balance the budget, for placement in designated accounts as follows: $1028.00 in Audit, $6.25 in Mosquito Control, $62.30 in Fire Department, $359.96 in Other Protection, $5735.32 in Streets, $40.00 in Library, $590.08 in Water. Motion carried.

Turner County Sheriff’s Deputy Mackert was present and a monthly law enforcement report for the month of December was distributed and reviewed, with discussion held on miscellaneous matters including school patrol, EMT’s responding to calls and staffing changes.

Discussion was held on filling the Summer Rec Coordinator position. Present for the discussion was Rick Nelson. Various matters were reviewed, with the decision made to seek input from surrounding communities on the structure of their Coordinator position(s). It was advised one of the ball field scoreboard controllers was not working properly during the summer rec season. The decision was made to get the controller to Daktronics for any necessary repair/replacement.

An update was provided on the proposed sewer project. It was advised the surveying work is almost completed. Discussion was held on a portion of the project involving Washington Street, with no action taken.

The council was advised that the cleaning service provided by Turbo Cleaning for the city meeting room and restrooms was terminated, effective 1-1-09, per notice received from Turbo Cleaning. Following discussion on the matter, the decision was made to contact an individual currently providing the service for other businesses in the community.

An update was provided on the Veteran’s Memorial Park project. Mayor Globke advised he is working with the All School Reunion committee on preparations for the dedication. It was advised a final bill for the monuments was received and following clarification on a sales tax issue and the issuance of a revised invoice, payment will be made.

Discussion was held on a recent house demolition and subsequent use of the city’s landfill. It was advised fill was obtained by the property owner/contractor from the city (to fill in the basement). Hopf confirmed an agreement was reached with the property owner/contractor wherein the fill was traded for the labor provided by the contractor in digging a new hole at the landfill.

Discussion was held on an unlicensed/abandoned vehicle matter, with the decision made to direct correspondence to the property owner involved in the matter.

The MARION sign on Highway 42 was discussed. Information was provided on the use/cost of reflective material for the sign. It was advised the work would not be able to be completed until this spring due to temperature requirements. Additional information was provided on the placement of a security light by Xcel, with the decision made to pursue this option at this time.

Motion was made by Jeno, seconded by Viet to hold a joint election with the school on April 14, 2009, with the election to be held in the City meeting room. Motion carried.

Motion was made by Konda, seconded by Weber to approve having Muller attend the Annual Report Workshop on January 15^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 4, 2009.

Information was provided on the status of funds contributed by various cities, including Marion, between 2003 and 2005 in an effort to purchase the bankrupt NorthWestern Corporation. The S.D. Municipal League served as the coordinator of the effort and collected funds for the feasibility study, attorneys, etc. It was advised each city needed to advise the SDML whether they request their remaining share to be sent back to them or used to settle the outstanding attorney bill. The decision was made to have a check sent to us for the allocated amount.

Discussion was held on buildings on Broadway Avenue in need of ‘storefront’ improvements. The suggestion was made to look into implementing an incentive program wherein matching funds are provided for such improvements. The decision was made to pursue the matter.

Following are the wages for City Personnel for 2009: City Operations Superintendent - $17.54/hr.; City Maintenance - $15.45/hr.; Finance Officer - $33,659.18 annually plus $35.00 per meeting; Deputy Finance Officer - $13.42/hr.; Landfill Supervisor - $9.50/hr.; Asst. Landfill Supervisor - $9.18/hr.; Zoning Administrator - $115.00/month; Fire Chief - $500.00 annual vehicle expense.

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

January 8,  2009 Business & Professional Organization Proceedings

The Marion Business & Professional Organization met on Thursday, January 8, 2009 at 12:00 p.m. at the Tieszen Memorial Home with 13 members in attendance. Businesses present were: Al’s Studio, City Economic Development Coordinator, CPA Heather Hofer, Farmers State Bank, Getskow Pharmacy, Luke H/C/P, Marion Veterinary Clinic, Rapp Chevrolet, Rex’s Plumbing, Schmidt Country, SEFP and Tieszen Memorial Home.

Kari Muller, Secretary/Treasurer, distributed the December 11^th meeting minutes and a financial report. Motion was made by Barclay Smith, seconded by Dr. Peter Preheim to approve both as presented. Motion carried.

Muller provided a recap for the 2008 Community Christmas Celebration. A total of forty-three businesses, service organizations and individuals donated prizes, with a total of 78 adult and 4 youth prizes given out. Santa Claus gifted 71 children with presents and goody bags. Approximately 300 individuals were served the free lunch. Muller expressed appreciation for all of the donations received, as well as for the time given by the volunteers during the celebration.

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. The drawing will be held on February 13^th.

Nancy Larsen, SEFP facilitator, distributed her monthly facilitator report. Larsen reported she had six inquiries in the month of December, with four of them developing into clients. In the past month, a First Dollar of Profit was presented to Ivan Begemen who started Ivan’s Drains, an after-hours drain cleaning business. Information was presented on the upcoming Regional Career Fair, to be held on February 10^th at the Parker High School.

Muller advised the Marion Development Foundation received a $5000.00 grant from Golden West.

Dr. Peter Preheim, Marion School Board member, provided information on the football co-op situation, advising of communication with both Freeman and Menno. Preheim advised Marion will man its own football team in the 2010 season.

A reminder was given for payment of the 2009 dues, set at $80.00 per business member and $55.00 per individual member.

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

January 12,  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 fourteenth day of January, 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: Becky Mohr, Steve Albrecht, Josh Viet, Toby Davis, and Tiffany Davis

Call to order was made by President of the School Board, Joel Bialas, at 7:04 pm.

Joel Bialas read a proclamation from Governor Michael Rounds recognizing January 11 – January 17 as School Board Recognition Week.

Action 08/09-69: Agenda – On motion by Langerock, second by Koehn to amend the agenda to the following: 15 – Title I Policy; 16 – Personnel; 17 – Offer Administrative Contracts; 18 – Concerns; 19 – Adjourn; and then to approve the agenda. Motion carried.

Action 08/09-70: Minutes – On motion by Preheim, second by Nelson to approve the December minutes and acknowledge receipt of the Cornbelt Educational Cooperative minutes. Motion carried.

Action 08/09-71: Financial Reports – On motion by Preheim, second by Langerock to approve the financial reports of the District as shown in Table 1 (to be published in paper). Motion carried.

Action 08/09-72: 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)

Steve Albrecht came before the Board to speak about starting the 2009/2010 school year after the Turner County Fair ends.

Josh Viet, Toby Davis, and Tiffany Davis came before the Board to speak about concerns on the AP classroom.

There were no Teacher reports. There was no Business Manager report.

Adam Shaw gave the Secondary Principal report. He informed the Board on Students of the Month, junior high & high school attendance rates/letters, senior privileges, 8^th graders in SRP, High School 2025 implementation, and teacher evaluations.

Denise Fox gave the Superintendent report. She gave the Board information on the Marion High School dinner theater, proposed funding from the State, upcoming legislation, AR points, Building and Budget committees meeting, and a Marion School marketing flyer. She also wanted to congratulate the Quiz Bowl team for their 3^rd place finish in Mitchell this month.

There was a discussion on the Marion Football coop. Next year will be the last year of the Hurley/Marion football coop, then Marion will go one year alone in 2010 before they can seek a new football coop.

Action 08/09-73: Set School Board Election Date – On motion by Preheim, second by Koehn to hold a joint election with the City of Marion on April 14, 2009. Motion carried.

Action 08/09-74: Appoint School Board Election Workers – On motion by Nelson, second by Langerock to appoint three of the following individuals to serve as Judge and Clerks for the 2009 School Board Election: Rosella Schwartz, Eleanor Becker, Mavis Knutson, Erma Langerock, Myrtle Rasmussen, Verda Nickel, Janice Loof, Grace Duerksen, Ella Tieszen. Motion carried.

Action 08/09-75: 2009/2010 School Calendar – On motion by Koehn, second by Preheim to approve the Marion School Calendar for the 2009/2010 fiscal school year as presented to the Board. Motion carried. (First day of school will be August 24th.)

Resolution 08/09-76: Title I Policy – Let it be hereby resolved that on motion by Preheim, second by Langerock to approve the Policy on Enrollment, Transportation, School of Origin, and the Elimination of Barriers for Children or Youth Experiencing Homelessness Including Unaccompanied Youth (or the “Title I Policy”) as presented to the Board, with a copy of the policy to be held on file in the Business Office. Motion carried.

Action 08/09-77: Personnel – On motion by Nelson, second by Langerock to go into executive session for the purpose of Personnel Matters at 9:03 pm. Motion carried. President of the School Board, Joel Bialas, declared out of executive session at 9:20 pm.

Action 08/09-78: Approve Administrative Contracts – On motion by Preheim, second by Koehn to approve the following three-year Administrative contracts for FY2010, FY2011, and FY2012: 12-month Superintendent contract of Denise Fox at $72,000 for FY2010, $75,000 for FY2011, and amount to be determined for FY2012, no health insurance benefits; 10-month Secondary Principal contract of Adam Shaw at $50,400 for FY2010, $52,920 for FY2011, and amount to be determined for FY2012, full family health insurance; 12-month Business Manager contract of Aaron Thompson at $36,000 for FY2010, $38,000 for FY2011, and amount to be determined for FY2012, full family health insurance. Motion carried.

School Board Concerns: School Board Vice President Peter Preheim had a concern on the State’s funding proposal. He also had a question on recycling at the school. School Board member Danny Koehn had a concern on the colors of Marion Girls’ basketball warm-ups. School Board member Rick Nelson had continued concerns on the AR tests for Marion High School students.

Action 08/09-79: Adjourn – On motion by Langerock, second by Nelson to adjourn the school board meeting at 9:55 pm. Motion carried.

february Calendar of Events