The Marion City Times

May 9, 2007 City Council Proceedings

The City Council of the City of Marion, South Dakota met in regular session on Wednesday, May 9, 2007, at 7:00 p.m. in the meeting room of the City Building with the following council members present: Jeff Jeno, Dave Kohl, Bill Konda, Judy Schlunsen, Dave Viet and Keith Weber, together with the Mayor Ron Globke and Finance Officer Kari Muller. Also attending the meeting were City Superintendent Larry Hopf and City Maintenance employee Dustin Sulzle. City Attorney Jeff Cole was present from 7:20 p.m. – 7:50 p.m. Turner County Sheriff Byron Nogelmeier was present from 7:00 – 8:15 p.m. Absent: none.

It was advised the new emergency warning sirens are up and functioning. Discussion was held on regular testing of the sirens. Motion was made by Konda, seconded by Viet to rescind the following motion passed at the 3/5/07 meeting: “Motion was made by Kohl, seconded by Jeno to go to once-a-month siren testing once the new sirens are in place. Motion carried”. Voting aye: Konda, Viet, Schlunsen, Jeno, Weber. Voting nay: Kohl. Motion carried. It was advised there will be a temporary lapse of the 12:00 noon and 6:00 p.m. whistles while the new system is configured.

Follow up discussion was held on the land acquired by the City in 1978 for the lagoon. City Attorney Cole advised a Quit Claim Deed will be signed by the adjacent property owners and returned to him. Once received, Cole will file the deed at the courthouse.

Follow up discussion was held on the formation of a Marion Community Fire Department. Kevin Saufley, Lance Gerth, Dr. Mark Johnson, representing the Marion Rural Fire Department, and Dick Luke, representing the Marion Volunteer Fire Department, were present. Cole advised on the matter, providing information on a joint powers agreement, taxing authority and board make-up. Additional information was provided on the state statute requiring townships to contribute money annually to fire and ambulance services. The decision was made to have Cole complete research on a joint powers agreement and board organization.

Follow up discussion was held on the issue with stray cats in town. As requested, Cole advised on the matter, providing information on the City’s current ordinance regarding animals running at large, as well as distributing an ordinance draft prohibiting the feeding of strays. Following additional discussion, the decision was made to look into contracting with Second Chance.

Mayor Globke, on behalf of the City Council, thanked Dave Kohl for his service to the City as a Councilman.

Motion was made by Viet, seconded by Konda to adjourn at 7:50 p.m. Motion carried.

The Council reconvened at 7:51 p.m. and the following members took their Oath of Office: Ron Globke, Mayor for a 2 year term; Bill Konda, Councilman for a 2 year term in Ward One; Jeff Jeno, Councilman for a 2 year term in Ward Three; Judy Schlunsen, Councilwoman for a 1 year term in Ward 2; Dee Herlyn, Councilwoman for a 2 year term in Ward Two; Keith Weber, Councilman for a 1 year term in Ward Three. The Council took their seats as follows: Bill Konda, Dave Viet, Dee Herlyn, Judy Schlunsen, Jeff Jeno, Keith Weber.

Motion was made by Konda, seconded by Schlunsen to cast a unanimous vote for Dave Viet as President of the Council. Motion unanimously carried upon roll call vote. Motion was made by Jeno, seconded by Schlunsen to cast a unanimous vote for Bill Konda as Vice President of the Council. Motion unanimously carried upon roll call vote.

Turner County Sheriff Byron Nogelmeier was present and distributed a monthly law enforcement report for the month of April. Discussion was held on traffic/speed concerns after school lets out. Nogelmeier advised they will increase patrol in reported problem areas. A question regarding a ‘kids at play’ sign was addressed.

Linda Luke, Swimming Pool Manager, was present and discussion was held on lining up a certified swimming lessons instructor. The decision was made to contact neighboring cities, as well as the YMCA, to check on the availability of an instructor to provide lessons in Marion.

Motion was made by Viet, seconded by Konda to accept the bid as presented from TopKote for this year’s street oiling. Motion carried.

A Public Hearing was held at 8:30 p.m. for a Package Off-sale malt beverage license for Deb’s Mini Mart. No one appeared in favor or in opposition of granting the license. Motion was made by Jeno, seconded by Weber to approve the license. Voting aye: Konda, Viet, Schlunsen, Jeno, Weber. Voting nay: Herlyn. Motion carried.

Matt Donlan, Summer Rec committee member, was present and provided an update for the upcoming Summer Rec season. Donlan advised they will be purchasing new jerseys for each team and covering the dug-outs. Additionally, there will be a Teeners team this year, requiring additional new equipment. Donlan requested a release of $2000.00 from the budgeted Summer Rec fund. Motion was made by Schlunsen, seconded by Herlyn to approve the release of $2000.00 from the Summer Rec fund to the Marion Area Community Club Summer Rec. Motion carried.

Discussion was held on the equipment buildings at both ballfields. The decision was made to have both buildings re-keyed.

A Public Hearing was held at 8:43 p.m. for a Package Off-sale malt beverage license for Donlan’s Foodland. No one appeared in favor or in opposition of granting the license. Motion was made by Konda, seconded by Schlunsen to approve the license. Voting aye: Konda, Viet, Schlunsen, Jeno, Weber. Voting nay: Herlyn. Motion carried.

A Public Hearing was held at 8:45 p.m. for Animal Permit Applications. An animal permit was submitted by Paul and Margie Luke to house 7 sheep, 9 lambs, 2 horses, 1 burro and 12 hens at 205 E. 5^th St. No one appeared in favor or in opposition of granting the permit. Motion was made by Viet, seconded by Konda to grant the permit. Motion unanimously carried upon roll call vote. An animal permit was submitted by Dora Unruh to house two horses at the location of North Nebraska St., near the ball diamond. No one appeared in favor or in opposition of granting the permit. Motion was made by Weber, seconded by Schlunsen to grant the permit. Motion unanimously carried upon roll call vote.

Discussion was held on the oiling of Park Place Drive, with no action taken.

Discussion on the 5^th Street drainage matter was tabled.

Industrial Park infrastructure was discussed. The information provided by the city’s engineers at the April meeting was reviewed. The decision was made to contact an adjacent property owner regarding possible easements. Discussion was held on a water request in Broadway Circle. City Superintendent Hopf was advised to order and install a meter pit.

Street lights in the Industrial Park were discussed, with the decision made to contact Xcel Energy to complete research on the matter.

Discussion was held a drainage ditch matter in the southeast section of town. Hopf was advised to place a culvert or something of that nature in the hole previously dug in by the City.

Information was distributed and reviewed on a government surplus turf shaper/seeder. Motion was made by Viet, seconded by Schlunsen to purchase the shaper/seeder, if still available. Motion unanimously carried upon roll call vote.

Discussion was held on rubble fees associated with the clean-up of a property on South Broadway Avenue. The decision was made to follow the same agreement reached previously on another property and bill the owner for half the total cost.

It was advised the City could acquire a lot on South Broadway Avenue to consider locating a Veteran’s Memorial Park. Additional research on the matter will be completed.

Recent problems with unacceptable items placed in the pit at the City’s landfill were addressed. Jeno advised he will get the matter addressed.

Motion was made by Herlyn, seconded by Jeno to approve having Muller attend the annual Finance Officer’s School in Pierre on June 13-15, 2007. Motion carried.

Motion was made by Viet, seconded by Konda to approve the City Council Committees and appointments of City officials for 2007-2008 as presented by the Mayor. Motion carried.

CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEES – First name on the list is the Chairperson of the Committee

Streets & Utilities: Bill Konda, Jeff Jeno, Dee Herlyn

Buildings & Equipment: Dave Viet, Bill Konda

Parks & Recreation: Judy Schlunsen, Keith Weber, Dee Herlyn

Restricted Use Facility: Jeff Jeno, Keith Weber

Personnel & Public Safety: Dave Viet, Judy Schlunsen

APPOINTMENTS

Finance Officer: Kari Muller

Deputy Finance Officer: Katheryn Tieszen

Economic Development Coordinator: Kari Muller

City Operations Superintendent: Larry Hopf

City Maintenance: Dustin Sulzle

Landfill Supervisors: Richard Knutson, Conrad Buse, Duane Kaufman

Police: Turner County Sheriff’s Department

Fire Chief: Dick Luke

City Attorney: Jeff Cole

Zoning Administrator: Rick Weber

Zoning Board Council Rep: Jeff Jeno

Zoning Board: Dave Mammenga, Scott Park, Allen Schrag, Rick Waltner, Richard Wieman

Library Committee: Erma Langerock (chairman), Mary Westfall, Linda Luke (coordinator/school librarian)

Motion was made by Viet, seconded by Konda to adjourn at 9:55 p.m. Motion carried.

May 14,  2007 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 May, 2007 at 7:00 P.M.

Members Present: Bialas, Koehn, Luke, Petersen, and Preheim. Absent: None.

Officers Present: Denise Fox – Superintendent; Adam Shaw – Dean of Students; and Aaron Thompson – Business Manager. Absent: None.

Guests Present: Brett Smith; Larry Langerock; and Rick Nelson.

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

Action 06/07-167: Agenda – On motion by Luke, second by Preheim to approve the agenda. Motion carried.

Action 06/07-168: Minutes – On motion by Preheim, second by Luke to approve the previous month’s minutes and to acknowledge the receipt of the Cornbelt Educational Cooperative minutes. Motion carried.

Action 06/07-169: Financial Reports – On motion by Preheim, second by Luke to approve the financial reports of the District as follows: (Beginning balance + receipts – disbursements = current balance) General Fund: $498,734.29 + $108,389.71 - $107,659.98 = $499,464.02; Capitol Outlay Fund: $311,582.40 + $8,827.79 - $3,494.84 = $316,915.35; Special Education Fund: $7,202.05 + $17,196.87 - $19,211.15 = $5,187.77; Pension Fund: $26,130.70 + $327.28 - $0 = $26,457.98; Food Services Fund: $587.51 + $10,563.12 - $9,008.61 = $2,142.02; Trust & Agency Fund: $36,686.97 + $4,243.77 - $7,414.52 = $33,516.22; Unemployment Fund: $20,609.15 + $0 - $0 = $20,609.15. Motion carried.

Action 06/07-170: Bills for Consideration – On motion by Petersen, second by Koehn to approve the following claims against the District for the month of May, and then to approve warrants to be issued in their payment. Motion carried.

There were no Delegations. There were no Teacher Reports.

Dean of Students Adam Shaw gave the Secondary Principal report. He informed the Board about the completion of Senior Projects; the Academic Awards Assembly; and banquets for the FFA, FCCLA, and FCA. He also informed the Board that 26 students received Outstanding Academic Excellence Awards, and 24 students received Outstanding Educational Achievement Awards. Mr. Shaw also mentioned that the Marion High School graduation is Sunday, May 20^th at 2:00 P.M.

Superintendent Denise Fox gave the Superintendent report. She discussed school information packets with the Board. She also informed the Board about end-of-year reports; the final school enrollment; a Superintendent retreat she recently attended; and of continued talks with Canistota regarding sports cooperatives. Mrs. Fox also wanted to thank the Board, staff, students, and parents for all they have done over the past school year.

Business Manager Aaron Thompson gave the Business Manager report. He informed the Board of the 2007/2008 Budget he has been working on with Superintendent Fox; as well as the current General Fund Excess Balance percentage.

The 2007/2008 fiscal school year proposed budget was discussed.

Action 06/07-171: Approve Negotiations – On motion by Preheim, second by Luke to approve the Certified Staff negotiations for the 2007/2008 fiscal school year. Motion carried.

Action 06/07-172: Approve Certified Contracts – On motion by Petersen, second by Koehn to approve the Certified Contracts of the following personnel for the 2007/2008 fiscal school year, with salaries to be published in July: Kimberly Buseman – Kindergarten Teacher; Joyce Weber – First Grade Teacher; Sharlene Orcutt – Second Grade Teacher; Karri Wieman – Third Grade Teacher; Heidi Roth – Fourth Grade Teacher; Brett Smith – Fifth Grade Teacher; Sara Kettwig – Sixth Grade Teacher; Nancy Grinde – Math Teacher; Bruce Hansen – Science/ History Teacher; Karla Harms – FACS Teacher; Marcia Harms – Art/English Teacher; Jerry Kippes – Commercial Teacher/Tech Assistant; Linda Kotzea – Math/Science Teacher; Becky Mammenga – English Teacher; Scott Meyer – Social Studies Teacher; Ronald Nelson – Ag/Science Teacher; Kylea Waltner – Special Education/Jr. Kindergarten Teacher; Aaron Schmeling – Instrumental/Vocal Teacher; Sandra Tieszen – Elementary Vocal Teacher; Janice Kraemer – P.E./Reading Teacher; Dinah Jefferis – Title I Teacher. Motion carried.

Action 06/07-173: Personnel – On motion by Luke, second by Preheim to go into executive session for the purpose of Personnel Matters at 8:00 P.M. Motion carried. President of the School Board Joel Bialas declared out of executive session at 8:18 P.M.

Action 06/07-174: Accept Resignation – On motion by Koehn, second by Preheim to accept the resignation of Karen Baumgartner as Assistant Food Service Manager, and to thank her for her year of service. Motion carried.

Action 06/07-175: Accept Resignation – On motion by Luke, second by Preheim to accept the resignation of Don Ostrom as Bus Driver, and to thank him for his years of service. Motion carried.

Action 06/07-176: Accept Resignation – On motion by Koehn, second by Preheim to accept the resignation of Brett Smith as Head Wrestling Coach, and to thank him for his years of service in that position. Motion carried.

Action 06/07-177: Accept Resignation – On motion by Petersen, second by Koehn to accept the resignation of Denise Fox as Cheerleading Advisor, and to thank her for her year of service in that position. Motion carried.

Action 06/07-178: Accept Resignation – On motion by Luke, second by Preheim to accept the resignation of Tonda Kirton as Special Education Teacher, and to thank her for her years of service. Motion carried.

Action 06/07-179: Offer Classified Contracts – On motion by Koehn, second by Preheim to offer Classified Contracts for the following personnel for the 2007/2008 fiscal school year, with salaries to be published in July: Ranee Poppens – Instructional Aide; Dustin Wolforth – Instructional Aide; Linda Luke – Librarian Aide; Linda Whitham – Head Cook; Vicki Schardin – Administrative Secretary; Cyndy Weber – Receptionist; John Quenzer – Head Custodian; Shaun Faulkner – Custodian; Connie McManus – Bus Driver; Brett Smith – Bus Driver; Jerry Schmidt – Van Driver. Motion carried.

Action 06/07-180: Offer Extra-Curricular Contracts – On motion by Preheim, second by Petersen to offer Extra- Curricular Contracts for the following personnel for the 2007/2008 fiscal school year, with salaries to be published in July: Jerry Kippes – Athletic Director/Boys Head Track Coach/Head Cross Country Coach; Ron Nelson – Head Volleyball Coach; Bruce Hansen – Assistant Volleyball Coach/Head Golf Coach; Adam Shaw – Head Wrestling Coach; Scott Meyer – Head Football Coach/Girls Head Track Coach/Student Council Advisor; Dustin Wolforth – Boys Head Basketball Coach/Assistant Football Coach; Kylea Waltner – Girls Head Basketball Coach; Sara Kettwig – Oral Interp Advisor; Linda Kotzea – Annual Advisor; Becky Mammenga – School Play Advisor; Janice Kraemer – Quiz Bowl Advisor; Nancy Grinde – Prom Advisor. Motion carried.

Canvass of the 2007 Marion School Board Election.

Action 06/07-181: SDHSAA Ballots – On motion by Petersen, second by Koehn to vote for Doug Schooley from Watertown High School on the 2007 SDHSAA ballot as the SDHSAA Division I Representative. Motion carried.

Action 06/07-182: SDHSAA Ballots – On motion by Koehn, second by Preheim to vote “Yes” on Amendment 1 on the 2007 SDHSAA Official Amendment Ballot. Motion carried.

There was a discussion on any ASBSD Resolutions to be considered.

School Board Concerns: School Board member Peter Preheim gave a concern on Board Evaluations. He also gave a concern on meeting with school administrators, school board members, and community members in the districts covered by our three State Legislators in order to voice concerns with the Legislators. School Board member Laurie Petersen gave a concern on putting steps on the new gym bleachers.

Action 06/07-183: Adjourn – On motion by Petersen, second by Luke to adjourn the School Board Meeting at 8:59 P.M. Motion carried.

May 10,  2007 Business & Professional Organization Proceedings

The Marion Business & Professional Organization met on Thursday, May 10, 2007 at 12:00 p.m. in the City Meeting Room with 16 members in attendance.

Kari Muller, Secretary/Treasurer, distributed the April 12^th meeting minutes and a financial report. Motion was made by Matt Donlan, seconded by Doug VonEye to approve both as presented. Motion carried.

Discussion was held on the promotional drawing for the month of June. Dr. Peter Preheim presented a handmade wooden bowl he had recently finished and advised he would donate the item for the drawing. The bowl is crafted from S.D. grown walnut. The decision was made to hold a drawing for the bowl. The drawing will be held on Saturday, June 16^th.

The Summer Celebration events were discussed. The Free Bingo event hosted by the organization will be held on Saturday, June 16^th at the Legion Hall from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Refreshments will be provided and donations from the business community will be sought for the prizes. The decision was made to have the organization provide one ‘blackout’ prize of $50.00 Marion Bucks. It was decided the organization would again enter a float in the parade to be held on Saturday the 16^th. Additional beads were authorized to be purchased for use in this parade, as well as the Homecoming parade(s). Motion was made by Dick Donlan, seconded by Preheim to set an advertising budget of $300.00 for advertising the Summer Celebration events.

Nancy Larsen, SEFP facilitator, distributed her monthly facilitator report. Year to date, Larsen has had 5 inquiries in Marion and 4 clients. Larsen advised she will be attending a real estate financing class to assist with becoming certified as an Economic Development Finance Professional.

Dick Luke, Marion Development Foundation president, provided a status report for the Industrial Park development. Luke advised Duane Tieszen is now serving on the SEFP board as a representative for the Marion community.

Preheim, Marion School Board member, spoke to the Senior Projects that were presented to the public on May 3^rd. Preheim and Adam Shaw, Marion School Dean of Students, advised of the impressive project results. Preheim proposed displaying the projects in various businesses. Multiple members stated they would be able to have items on display in their place of business. Shaw and Preheim will coordinate this effort. Shaw thanked the organization for their financial contribution to the Shrine Circus travel expenses.

The next meeting will be at 12:00 p.m. on June 14, 2007 at the Tieszen Memorial Home.

June Calendar of Events