The Marion City Times

March 3, 2008 City Council Proceedings

The City Council of the City of Marion, South Dakota met in regular session on Monday, March 3, 2008, 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. City Attorney Jeff Cole was present from 7:15 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. Turner County Sheriff Byron Nogelmeier was present from 7:45 p.m. – 7:50 p.m. Absent: Dee Herlyn, Judy Schlunsen.

Tim Russell, Dora Unruh, Dave Kohl, Nora Ballweg & Ginette Dick appeared before the council to address the City ordinance that prohibits the feeding of strays. Russell presented 100+ signatures he gathered from Marion residents who feel the ordinance is unnecessary and inhumane. Discussion was held on other possible solutions for addressing the stray situation in town. The decision was made to have Mayor Globke meet with Russell and Unruh to further address the matter.

Ione Hadican and Myrtle Olfert, representing the Senior Citizens Center, were present and requested the appropriation of $1000.00 for the Center’s operating expenses. Motion was made by Viet, seconded by Konda to release the funds in the amount of $1000.00 from the 2008 appropriation. Motion unanimously carried upon roll call vote.

Discussion was held on the former Ramsey property located at 220 E. Washington Street. City Attorney Cole advised the City has a lien on the property, now owned by Richard Grove. Motion was made by Jeno, seconded by Weber to authorize City Attorney Jeff Cole to satisfy the City’s lien on the property at 220 E. Washington Street. Motion carried.

A question was raised on requirements for W-2’s or 1099’s with seasonal help. It was advised Muller will address the matter.

Turner County Sheriff Nogelmeier presented a monthly law enforcement report for the month of February, which was reviewed. An update was provided on an issue with specific dogs running at large.

A status update was provided on the proposed sewer improvement project. Motion was made by Jeno, seconded by Weber to adopt a resolution authorizing the filing of a Consolidated Water Facilities Construction Program (CWFCP) grant application for the City of Marion. Motion unanimously carried upon roll call vote. Muller advised the first batch of income surveys will be going out this month. Hopf questioned if this year’s street oiling plan should be altered due to the proposed improvements, with the decision made to focus on the south end of town for street oiling plans.

An ongoing issue with drainage in the southeast corner of town was discussed. Present for the discussion was Doyle Becker and Paul Luke. Becker provided information for the Council from when he previously ‘shot’ the area at the City’s request. Becker advised of different options that could be utilized to help alleviate the drainage problem, with the decision made to take action on the matter in the spring.

Discussion was held on installing meter pits for the manufactured homes and other buildings without meters in town. The matter of leaving curb valves in or removing them was addressed. The decision was made to look into starting placement of the pits in the north end of town.

The ordinance that prohibits the parking of vehicles on City streets once 3 or more inches of snow has fallen was reviewed. Various aspects of the ordinance were reviewed, including the issuing of tickets and fine amount.

Follow up discussion was held on the siren service proposal the City received earlier in the year, with the decision made to not enter into the service contract.

A zoning matter regarding a previously issued building permit and agreed-upon conditions for issuance was addressed, with the decision made to have the Zoning Administrator follow up on the matter and update the Council at the regular April meeting.

Motion was made by Viet, seconded by Weber to declare the City’s two, old overhead shop doors surplus and place them on the next Wieman Auction. Motion carried.

A third estimate for the removal of trees on the City’s property at 200 S. Broadway was distributed and reviewed. Weber advised the Marion Area Community Club(MACC) has proposed to work in conjunction with Smith Tree Service to complete the tree removal as a community service project. It was advised some additional help may be needed with stump removal. Motion was made by Viet, seconded by Konda to accept the proposal from the MACC to complete the tree removal project. Motion carried.

Swimming pool rates were reviewed. Applications received to date for the pool manager, lifeguards and summer help positions were reviewed, with the decision made to defer action until the regular April meeting due to council absences.

Jeno provided information from Mueller Palettes, a tree/wood grinding service out of Sioux Falls. It was advised the company will be faxing a contract to the City for review and consideration. Additional discussion on the matter will be held at an upcoming meeting.

The council will meet as the Local Equalization Board on Monday, March 17, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. and Tuesday, March 18, 2008 (if needed) at 5:30 p.m.

Motion was made by Viet, seconded by Jeno to enter into Executive Session at 9:40 p.m. for personnel matters. Motion carried. The Mayor declared to come out of Executive Session at 9:47 p.m. and Council thereupon adjourned.

March 10,  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 tenth day of March, 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: Shannon Luke, Bryan Luke, Becky Mohr, and Scott Meyer.

Call to order was made by President of the School Board, Joel Bialas, at 7:02 p.m.

Action 07/08-83: Agenda – On motion by Langerock, second by Nelson to amend the agenda to the following: 16 – Assistant Track Coach, 17 – Concerns, 18 – Adjourn; and then to approve the agenda. Motion carried.

Action 07/08-84: Minutes – On motion by Koehn, second by Preheim to approve the previous month’s minutes and to acknowledge the receipt of the Cornbelt Educational Cooperative minutes. Motion carried.

Action 07/08-85: Financial Reports – On motion by Preheim, second by Nelson to approve the following financial reports of the District: (Beginning balance + receipts – disbursements = current balance) General Fund: $739,882.21 + $105,512.35 - $130,964.63 = $714,429.93; Capitol Outlay Fund: $382,490.40 + $6,867.46 - $6,836.99 = $382,520.87; Special Education Fund: $53,808.48 + $12,261.29 - $15,152.58 = $50,917.19; Pension Fund: $31,976.54 + $229.34 - $0.00 = $32,205.88; Food Services Fund: $5,907.31 + $9,619.90 - $10,781.42 = $4,745.79; Trust & Agency Fund: $32,002.07 + $7,429.67 - $7,495.06 = $31,936.68; Unemployment Fund: $21,344.72 + $0 - $0 = $21,344.72. Motion carried.

Action 07/08-86: Bills for Consideration – On motion by Nelson, second by Koehn to approve the following claims against the District for the month of March, 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.

Business Manager Aaron Thompson gave the Business Manager Report. He informed the Board that there will be no School Board election this year, as Danny Koehn was uncontested for the next term. Mr. Thompson also gave information on a budget workshop, as well as a health insurance meeting he will attend on March 18 in Huron.

Secondary Principal Adam Shaw gave the Principal Report. He informed the Board on HSTW review information, scheduling options for next year, band and vocal competitions in February, after-school help for students, State Wrestling updates, and Basketball all-conference players. Mr. Shaw also discussed Senior Privileges for the 2008/2009 school year, a draft of the Bullying Policy, and options for new laptops.

Action 07/08-87: Laptop Bid – On motion by Preheim, second by Langerock to solicit bids to lease 50 new laptop computers. Motion carried.

Superintendent Denise Fox gave the Superintendent Report. She gave the Board information on the School Improvement Plan, the Mathathon sponsored by the Student Council, Preschool Screenings / Jr. Kindergarten roundup, a summer tutor program, School Accreditation, a TIE conference on April 7, and the Marion Invitational track meet.

Action 07/08-88: 8^th Grade Algebra Waiver – On motion by Preheim, second by Nelson to approve the waiver for Eighth Grade Algebra. Motion carried. Eighth grade students will be able to take the Algebra I class for high school credit.

Resolution 07/08-89: Payroll Policy – Let it be hereby resolved that on motion by Koehn, second by Langerock to approve the second reading of the Annualized Salary Election / Payroll Policy, with a copy of the policy available in the Business Office. Motion carried.

There was a lengthy discussion on school bus leasing or purchasing options. No motions were made.

Action 07/08-90: Negotiations/Personnel – On motion by Langerock, second by Preheim to go into executive session for the purpose of Negotiations/Personnel Matters at 8:44 p.m. Motion carried. School Board President Joel Bialas declared out of executive session at 9:51 p.m.

Action 07/08-91: Resignation – On motion by Preheim, second by Koehn to accept the resignation of Ed Smedsrud as Assistant Girl’s Basketball coach and to thank him for his year of service. Motion carried.

Action 07/08-92: Resignation – On motion by Nelson, second by Langerock to accept the resignation of Aaron Thompson as Assistant Boy’s Basketball coach and to thank him for his year of service. Motion carried.

Action 07/08-93: Resignation – On motion by Koehn, second by Nelson to accept the resignation of Kylea Waltner as Head Girl’s Basketball coach and to thank her for her year of service. Motion carried.

Action 07/08-94: Assistant Track Coach – On motion by Nelson, second by Langerock to offer Dustin Wolforth an Assistant Track Coach contract for the 2007/2008 fiscal school year. Motion carried.

School Board Concerns: School Board Vice President Peter Preheim asked if any other Board members would be interested in attending the Boards and Budget workshop in Sioux Falls. School Board President Joel Bialas shared information pertaining to the former residence of Ida Dieken.

Action 07/08-95: Adjourn – On motion by Preheim, second by Langerock to adjourn the School Board Meeting at 10:14 p.m. Motion carried.

March 13,  2008 Business & Professional Organization Proceedings

The Marion Business & Professional Organization met on Thursday, March 13, 2008 at 12:00 p.m. at the Tieszen Memorial Home with 9 members in attendance. Businesses present were: Al’s Studio, City Economic Development Coordinator, Farmer’s State Bank, Marion Veterinary Clinic, Post Office, Rex’s Plumbing, Schmidt Country/Marion Oil, SEFP, Tieszen Chiropractic Clinic.

Kari Muller, Secretary/Treasurer, distributed the February 14^th meeting minutes and a financial report. Motion was made by Dr. Peter Preheim, seconded by Alan Astleford to approve both as presented. Motion carried.

Discussion was held on the promotional drawing for the month of April. The decision was made to hold a drawing for a spring gardening kit, as donated by Schmidt Country. The drawing will be held on April 11^th.

It was advised correspondence has been received from the ethanol industry regarding the possibility of holding a promotional event in Marion. Paul Engbrecht, Chairman, will be meeting with the representatives within the next few weeks. Discussion was held on the condition of the MARION sign located on Highway 18. The decision was made to obtain cost estimates for replacing the sign.

Follow up discussion was held on assisting with the recruitment of additional individuals to help out with the All School Reunion. The decision was made to place an ad in the paper regarding the matter.

The monthly Southeast Enterprise Facilitation Project facilitator report was distributed and reviewed. Duane Tieszen, SEFP board member, advised of multiple first dollar presentations held already this month. Other report aspects highlighted included new inquiries and the SEFP Annual Meeting.

Muller extended an invitation to the Marion Development Foundation’s annual meeting, which will be held on Thursday, March 27^th at 7:30 p.m. in the City Meeting Room. It was advised there will be a City Election on Tuesday, April 8^th, with an office in both Ward 1 and Ward 2 to be filled.

Preheim, Marion School Board member, advised three athletic coaching resignations were accepted at the last school board meeting. The positions resigned were the girl’s basketball coach & assistant coach, as well as the boy’s basketball assistant coach. Muller provided information to the members from the S.D. Coalition of Schools, with Preheim providing additional information on the school funding case, currently scheduled for trial later this year.

The next meeting will be at 12:00 p.m. on April 10, 2008 at the Tieszen Memorial Home.

March 17,  2008 City Council Proceedings

The City Council of the City of Marion, South Dakota met in special session on Monday, March 17, 2008, at 5:30 p.m. in the meeting room of the City Building with the following council members present: Dee Herlyn, Jeff Jeno, Bill Konda, Judy Schlunsen, Dave Viet and Keith Weber, together with the Mayor Ron Globke and Finance Officer Kari Muller. Absent: none. Rick Nelson, representing the Marion School Board, was also present. The purpose of the meeting was to convene as the Local Board of Equalization.

Jim Ruhlman was present and asking the right to appeal the assessments on his home and garage at 213 E. State Street. Ruhlman provided information, including photos, pointing to the poor condition of the house’s basement and resulting structural damage. Information was also presented on sales of comparable homes. The assessor’s level total for Ruhlman’s property with the home is $51,995.00. Motion was made by Schlunsen, seconded by Viet to lower the assessed value to $40,760.00. Motion unanimously carried upon roll call vote. Ruhlman advised his garage, built in 1990 for less than $9000.00, was also not in the best condition. The assessor’s level total for Ruhlman’s property with the garage is $12,975.00. Motion was made by Viet, seconded by Weber to lower the assessed value to $10,767.00. Voting aye: Viet, Herlyn, Schlunsen, Jeno, Weber. Voting nay: Konda. Motion carried.

Don Dains was present and asking the right to appeal the assessment of his home at 105 E. State Street. Dains advised his house, which is 104 years old, does not have a full basement, as there is only a crawl space under the addition. Assessments of comparable properties were reviewed. The assessor’s level total for Dains’s property is $72,175.00. Motion was made by Jeno, seconded by Herlyn to lower the assessed value to $52,332.00. Motion unanimously carried upon roll call vote.

Verle VanLoh was present and asking the right to appeal the assessment of his home at 707 N. Broadway Avenue. VanLoh presented information regarding the house’s condition, as well as the asking sale price of a comparable property. The assessor’s level total for VanLoh’s property is $52,355.00. Motion was made by Konda, seconded by Schlunsen to lower the assessed value to $42,424.00.00. Motion unanimously carried upon roll call vote.

Marlene Mandler was present and asking the right to appeal the land value assessment of her property at 500 W. Park Street. Mandler advised in addition to having a creek on it, the land isn’t level and does not offer good access. The assessor’s land value for Mandler’s property is $11,095.00. Motion was made by Herlyn, seconded by Weber to lower the assessed land value to $7766.00.00. Motion unanimously carried upon roll call vote.

Rick Weber was present on behalf of Sharon Weber and asking the right to appeal the assessment of her home at 205 E. State Street. It was advised the home has two finished bedrooms, the lower level of the home is unfinished and there is no electricity in the extra garage. Assessments of comparable properties were reviewed. The assessor’s level total for S. Weber’s property is $177,210.00. Motion was made by Konda, seconded by Jeno to lower the assessed value to $156,628.00. Motion unanimously carried upon roll call vote.

Sheldon Jensen was present and asking the right to appeal the assessment of his home at 304 E. 2^nd Street. Jensen advised the house does not have a full or finished basement. Additional features were pointed out and discussed. The assessor’s level total for Jensen’s property is $64,150.00. Motion was made by Jeno, seconded by Konda to lower the assessed value to $48,740.00. Motion unanimously carried upon roll call vote.

Rick and Joyce Weber were present and asking the right to appeal the assessment of their home at 303 E. Wagner Street. It was advised there is not a finished basement under the addition and the top window area is also not finished. The assessor’s level total for the Weber’s property is $71,075.00. Motion was made by Konda, seconded by Schlunsen to lower the assessed value to $50,832.00. Motion unanimously carried upon roll call vote.

Byron and Sandy Thomas were present and asking the right to appeal the assessment of their home at 200 S. Cherry Avenue. Assessments of comparable properties were reviewed. The assessor’s level total for the Thomas’s property is $129,870.00. Motion was made by Viet, seconded by Jeno to lower the assessed value to $112,725.00. Motion unanimously carried upon roll call vote.

One additional written appeal was received at the City Office by the 3-13-08 deadline. No action was necessary as the property owner notified the City Office on 3-17-08 that the appeal did not need to be heard.

Motion was made by Weber, seconded by Viet to adjourn at 7:40 p.m. Motion carried.