The Marion City Times

May 5, 2008 City Council Proceedings

The City Council of the City of Marion, South Dakota met in regular session on Monday, May 5, 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 8:25 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Turner County Sheriff’s Deputy Chris Rebelein was present from 8:45 p.m. – 8:55 p.m. Absent: none.

A status update was provided on the proposed sewer improvement project with Angie Hilton, representing South Eastern Council of Governments (SECOG), in attendance. Hilton presented a Rate Analysis for the City’s water and sewer utilities. Information was distributed and details covered included proposed rate increases over the next five years. It was advised Hilton will send the analysis to DENR in Pierre for approval after making changes as requested by the Council.

Motion was made by Viet, seconded by Konda to table the ‘Drainage issue’ agenda item until the next regular Council meeting. Motion carried.

Motion was made by Jeno, seconded by Weber to enter into a contract with Mueller Palettes for wood grinding services at the City’s landfill. Motion carried.

Motion was made by Konda, seconded by Schlunsen to adjourn at 7:43 p.m. Motion carried.

The Council reconvened at 7:44 p.m. and the following members took their Oath of Office: Dave Viet, Councilperson for a 2 year term in Ward One; Judy Schlunsen, Councilperson for a 2 year term in Ward 2; Keith Weber, Councilperson for a 2 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 Schlunsen, seconded by Konda to cast a unanimous vote for Dave Viet as President of the Council. Motion unanimously carried upon roll call vote. Motion was made by Schlunsen, seconded by Weber to cast a unanimous vote for Bill Konda as Vice President of the Council. Motion unanimously carried upon roll call vote.

Discussion was held on the 2008 City Appointments. Motion was made by Viet, seconded by Weber to table action on the matter until the next regular Council meeting. Motion carried.

A Public Hearing was held at 8:00 p.m. for a Conditional Use Permit as submitted by the Tieszen Memorial Home for the purpose of construction of a garage over 1200 sq. ft. on Outlot 27 and the east 125 ft. of Outlot 26, City of Marion. Present for the hearing was John Ptak. No one appeared before the Council in favor or in opposition of granting the permit. Motion was made by Herlyn, seconded by Jeno to grant the permit. Motion unanimously carried upon roll call vote.

The decision was made to reschedule the Community Clean Up Day for Thursday, May 15^th, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

A Public Hearing was held at 8:10 p.m. for a Variance Permit as submitted by the Tieszen Memorial Home for the purpose of construction of a garage on Outlot 27 and the east 125 ft. of Outlot 26, City of Marion. The variance request is for a 20’ setback instead of the required 25’ setback. The reason for the variance is the location of buried utility lines between an existing structure and the proposed structure. Present for the hearing was John Ptak. No one appeared before the Council in favor or in opposition of granting the permit. Motion was made by Schlunsen, seconded by Konda to grant the permit. Motion unanimously carried upon roll call vote.

An update was provided on the Veteran’s Memorial Park project. Present for the discussion was Dale Heemstra and Joel Bialas. Discussion was held on providing power to the property, with the decision made to work out a plan with Bialas/Xcel. Additional discussion was held on lighting, leveling the property, sidewalk, curb & gutter and proposed plans. Muller provided information on three Marion Lions Club fundraisers to be held in May, with proceeds benefiting the Veteran’s Memorial.

A Public Hearing was held at 8:20 p.m. for a 2008-2009 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 Viet, seconded by Jeno to approve the license. Voting aye: Konda, Viet, Schlunsen, Jeno, Weber. Voting nay: Herlyn. Motion carried.

Motion was made by Schlunsen, seconded by Herlyn to authorize the Mayor to sign the renewal contract for the Bookmobile services for the 2008-2009 school year with the City paying $400.00 and the School paying $400.00. Motion carried.

Motion was made by Konda, seconded by Weber to approve having Muller attend the annual Finance Officer’s School in Oacoma on June 11-13, 2008. Motion carried.

A Public Hearing was held at 8:25 p.m. for a 2008-2009 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 Jeno, seconded by Weber to approve the license. Voting aye: Konda, Viet, Schlunsen, Jeno, Weber. Voting nay: Herlyn. Motion carried.

Brad Schardin & Barclay Smith were present and provided information on the 2008 Car Show to be held on June 21^st, as part of Marion’s Summer Celebration. Schardin & Smith requested permission to hold the show on an approximate 2-block section of Broadway Avenue, running from just south of Deb’s Mini Mart to Walter Funeral Home. Motion was made by Viet, seconded by Herlyn to allow the designated section of Broadway Avenue to be blocked off and a designated area for a burn-out box for the Car Show. Motion carried. 

Bialas and Rick Nelson, representing the Marion School Board, were present and requested approval for a controlled burn of the house owned by the school, located at 303 E. 1^st Street (former Ida Dieken house). It was advised the controlled burn would be supervised by the Marion Volunteer Fire Department, with the ashes & debris hauled to the City landfill. City Attorney Jeff Cole was present to address any liability issues. A Council concern included ensuring all neighbors were notified. Bialas advised the School Board had obtained a demolition bid and would, in the event the controlled burn was permitted, provide the MVFD with this payment. Motion was made by Jeno, seconded by Herlyn to allow a controlled burn of the house located at 303 E. 1^st Street as an exclusive, one-time only arrangement for a non-profit, governmental entity, under the conditions that the burn is to be directly supervised by the Marion Volunteer Fire Department, carried out at an optimal time as determined by the MVFD and personally communicated to each neighbor. Motion unanimously carried upon roll call vote. Motion was made by Viet, seconded by Schlunsen to waive the landfill fees for the rubble as hauled by the school. Motion carried.

Discussion was held on a new Federal swimming pool law regarding drains/drain covers. City Superintendent Hopf advised he has verified with the State that Marion’s pool/equipment meets required standards. Hopf explained to the Council how the Marion Pool drain system works, both in the big pool and baby pool.

Turner County Sheriff’s Deputy Chris Rebelein was present and a monthly law enforcement report for the month of April was distributed and reviewed. Discussion was held on the truck traffic through town. The Council requested that the digital Speed Minder be placed in Marion when available.

Motion was made by Konda, seconded by Viet to accept the bid as presented from The Road Guy for this year’s street oiling. Motion carried. Discussion was held on a private street oiling matter, as well as the condition of an alley in the 100 block of North Broadway. It was advised the alley had previously been oiled but now has many graveled areas due to repairs. Hopf was advised to include the alley in this year’s street oiling schedule.

Motion was made by Viet, seconded by Konda to table the ‘Mutual Aid’ agenda item until the next regular Council meeting. Motion carried.

A bid for repairs to South Cedar Avenue was presented and reviewed. The decision was made to have Hopf obtain additional bids.

Discussion was held on City trees along East 5^th Street, with the decision made to schedule them for trimming once they ‘leaf out’. Additional discussion was held on budgeting each year for tree trimming services.

Mayor Globke advised he met with the necessary parties regarding the rewiring of the City building. The purpose of the rewiring is to switch voltage as required for the new generator. Globke advised the project is scheduled for mid-to-late June.

Discussion was held on the City’s maintainer, with Hopf advised to obtain prices for possible replacement. It was advised the matter will be addressed at budget time.

Motion was made by Jeno, seconded by Schlunsen to set the 2008 pool rates as listed below. Motion carried.

Family season pass - $60.00

Adult single season pass - $35.00

Student single season pass - $30.00

Adult daily pass - $3.00

Student daily pass - $1.00

5 & under - Free

It was advised Andrea Schardin will be providing swimming lessons at the Marion Pool during the month of July. Additional lesson information will appear in the Marion Record.

Information was provided on a local youth group interested in holding summer activities, including a bonfire at the City Park, outdoor movie, softball game, pool party and outdoor concert in the Bandstand. It was advised the youth group would also engage in community service, such as painting the Bandstand. The Mayor advised he would get with youth group leader and have her coordinate with the necessary parties.

Muller provided information on a community magazine publication available from NCP Specialty Publications. Copies of neighboring community magazines, including Parker, Tea and Beresford, were distributed. It was advised the information will be presented to the Marion B & P Organization at their May 8^th meeting.

Discussion was held on the KELO commercial project. Ideas for images/design of the first commercial, to begin airing the last week of May, were provided.

Motion was made by Weber, seconded by Viet to adjourn at 10:02 p.m. Motion carried.

May 12,  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 twelfth day of May, 2008 at 7:00 pm.

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

Officers Present: Denise Fox, Superintendent; Adam Shaw, Secondary Principal; and Aaron Thompson, Business Manager. Absent: None.

Guests Present: Becky Mohr and Melissa Globke.

Call to order was made by Vice President of the School Board, Peter Preheim, at 7:09 pm.

Action 07/08-116: Agenda – On motion by Langerock, second by Nelson to amend the agenda to the following: 23 – Resignations, 24 – Concerns, 25 – Adjourn; and then to approve the agenda. Motion carried.

Action 07/08-117: Minutes – On motion by Nelson, second by Langerock to approve the previous month’s minutes and to acknowledge the receipt of the Cornbelt Educational Cooperative minutes. Motion carried.

Action 07/08-118: Financial Reports – On motion by Langerock, second by Nelson to approve the following financial reports of the District: (Beginning balance + receipts – disbursements = current balance) General Fund: $669,580.20 + $83,793.27 - $120,215.53 = $633,157.94; Capitol Outlay Fund: $377,048.93 + $8,916.43 - $1,513.26 = $384,452.10; Special Education Fund: $44,594.96 + $12,367.92 - $26,616.30 = $30,346.58; Pension Fund: $32,282.99 + $297.28 - $0.00 = $32,580.27; Food Services Fund: $3,708.65 + $7,433.98 - $7,418.94 = $3,723.69; Trust & Agency Fund: $27,481.08 + $10,646.52 - $9,419.79 = $28,707.81; Unemployment Fund: $21,344.72 + $0 - $0 = $21,344.72. Motion carried.

Action 07/08-119: Bills for Consideration – On motion by Nelson, second by Langerock to approve the following claims against the District for the month of May, and then to approve checks to be issued in their payment. Motion carried. (Bills to be published in paper)

There were no Delegations. Becky Mohr gave a Teacher Report. She has been selected to attend an all expenses paid, two week Journalism seminar at Kent State University this summer. Business Manager Aaron Thompson gave the Business Manager Report. He gave the Board information on State Aid for the 2008/09 fiscal school year, and the remaining Capitol Outlay budget for the 2007/08 fiscal school year. Secondary Principal Adam Shaw gave the Principal Report. He informed the Board on the Marion High School graduation, which is Sat. May 17^th at 2:00 pm; the Awards Banquet on May 13^th; PSAT tests for the Junior and Senior classes next year; next year’s class schedules; and that Broderick Schmidt qualified for the State Golf meet in Rapid City this month. Superintendent Denise Fox gave the Superintendent Report. She gave the Board information on Elementary Declam; a NED yo-yo assembly; the Budget Committee meeting; professional development for teachers; a Special Education comprehensive plan from the Cornbelt Educational Cooperative; and a donation given to the Music department.

Action 07/08-120: 2008 MHS Graduating Class – On motion by Koehn, second by Langerock to recognize the Marion High School class of 2008 graduates. Motion carried.

Melissa Globke presented a portion of her Senior Project to the Board. Her project was on the subject of adoption.

The School Board recognized the first reading of the Marion School Bullying Policy.

Action 07/08-121: SDHSAA Ballots – On motion by Koehn, second by Nelson to vote for Christopher Specht as the Large School Group Board of Education Representative on the SDHSAA 2008 Official Election Ballot. Motion carried.

Action 07/08-122: SDHSAA Ballots – On motion by Langerock, second by Koehn to vote for Mark Hofer as the Division II Representative on the SDHSAA 2008 Official Election Ballot. Motion carried.

Action 07/08-123: SDHSAA Ballots – On motion by Langerock, second by Nelson to vote yes for Amendment 1 on the SDHSAA 2008 Official Amendment Ballot. Motion carried.

Action 07/08-124: SDHSAA Ballots – On motion by Koehn, second by Langerock to vote yes for Amendment 2 on the SDHSAA 2008 Official Amendment Ballot. Motion carried.

Action 07/08-125: SDHSAA Ballots – On motion by Langerock, second by Nelson to vote yes for Amendment 3 on the SDHSAA 2008 Official Amendment Ballot. Motion carried.

Action 07/08-126: SDHSAA Ballots – On motion by Koehn, second by Nelson to vote yes for Amendment 4 on the SDHSAA 2008 Official Amendment Ballot. Motion carried.

Action 07/08-127: SDHSAA Ballots – On motion by Langerock, second by Koehn to vote yes for Amendment 5 on the SDHSAA 2008 Official Amendment Ballot. Motion carried.

The School Board discussed the Marion School preliminary budget for the 2008/2009 fiscal school year.

Action 07/08-128: Surplus Property, Bus – On motion by Koehn, second by Langerock to declare the 1991 International school bus as surplus property, and to advertise for sealed bids (SDCL 6-13-1). Motion carried.

Action 07/08-129: Surplus Property, House – On motion by Langerock, second by Koehn to authorize the Marion Fire Department to burn down the house/garage located at 303 E 1^st St.; a contribution will be discussed later. Motion carried.

Action 07/08-130: Approve Negotiations – On motion by Nelson, second by Langerock to approve the Certified Staff Negotiations for the 2008/2009 fiscal school year. Motion carried.

Action 07/08-131: Approve Certified Contracts – On motion by Langerock, second by Nelson to approve the following Certified Contracts for the 2008/2009 fiscal school year, with salaries to be published in July, 2008: Kylea Waltner - Jr. Kindergarten/Special Education Teacher; Kimberly Buseman - Kindergarten Teacher; Joyce Weber - First Grade Teacher; Sharelene Orcutt - Second Grade Teacher; Karri Wieman - Third Grade Teacher; Heidi Roth - Fourth Grade Teacher; Brett Smith - Fifth Grade Teacher; Sara Kettwig - Sixth Grade Teacher/Special Education Director; Sandra Tieszen - Elementary Vocal Teacher; Aaron Schmeling – Instrumental/Vocal Teacher; Dinah Jefferis - Title I Teacher; Meredith DeCou – Counselor/Teacher; Bruce Hansen - Science/History Teacher; Karla Harms - FACS Teacher; Marcia Harms - Art Teacher; Jerry Kippes - Commercial Teacher/Tech Coordinator; Linda Kotzea - Math/Science Teacher; Becky Mohr - English/Journalism Teacher; Ronald Nelson - Agriculture/Science Teacher; Scott Meyer - Social Studies Teacher; and Janna Christiansen - Special Education Teacher. Motion carried.

 Action 07/08-132: Approve Classified Contracts – On motion by Koehn, second by Langerock to approve the following Classified Contracts for the 2008/2009 fiscal school year, with salaries to be published in July, 2008: Ranee Poppens – Instructional Aide; Dustin Wolforth – Instructional Aide; Linda Luke – Librarian Aide; Linda Whitham – Head Cook; Loretta Rentschler – Cook/FS Manager; Vicki Schardin – Administrative Secretary; Cyndy Weber – Receptionist; John Quenzer – Head Custodian; Shaun Faulkner – Custodian; Connie McManus – Bus Driver; Brett Smith – Bus Driver; Jerry Schmidt – Special Education Driver. Motion carried.

Action 07/08-133: Approve Extra-Curricular Contracts – On motion by Langerock, second by Nelson to approve the following Extra-Curricular Contracts for the 2008/2009 fiscal school year, with salaries to be published in July, 2008: Jerry Kippes – Boys Head Track Coach/Head Cross Country Coach; Ron Nelson – Head Volleyball Coach; Bruce Hansen – Head Golf Coach; Adam Shaw – Co-Head Wrestling Coach; Scott Meyer – Head Football Coach/Girls Head Track Coach/Student Council Advisor; Dustin Wolforth – Boys Head Basketball Coach/Assistant Football Coach; Dean Schoenwald – Co-Head Wrestling Coach; Troy McKenney – Assistant Football Coach; Erik Sommervold – Assistant Football Coach; Linda Luke – FB/WR Cheerleading Advisor; Linda Kotzea – Annual Advisor; Becky Mohr – School Play Advisor; Janice Kraemer – Quiz Bowl Advisor. Motion carried.

Action 07/08-134: Approve Contracts – On motion by Nelson, second by Koehn to approve the Certified Contract of Ben Irlbeck as Math Teacher in the amount of $27,100.00 and the Extra-Curricular Contract of Ben Irlbeck as Head Girls Basketball Coach in the amount of $1,897.00, both for the 2008/2009 fiscal school year. Motion carried.

Action 07/08-135: Resignations – On motion by Langerock, second by Nelson to accept the resignation of Sara Kettwig as Oral Interp Advisor, the resignation of Bruce Hansen as Assistant Volleyball Coach, and the resignation of Janice Kraemer as PE/Reading Teacher, and to thank them for their years of service in these positions. Motion carried.

Action 07/08-136: Personnel Matters – On motion by Koehn, second by Langerock to go into executive session for the purpose of Personnel Matters at 9:37 pm. Motion carried. Vice President of the School Board, Peter Preheim, declared out of executive session at 9:50 pm.

School Board Concerns: School Board Vice President Peter Preheim had a concern that Board members come prepared for the Board Evaluation at the regular June meeting. He also had concerns on updating the Marion School Policy Book, and asked for any legislative issues that the ASBSD could look at.

Superintendent Concerns: Supt. Denise Fox informed the Board that the school will receive a portion of a benefit paid to her this year.

Action 07/08-137: Adjourn – On motion by Nelson, second by Koehn to adjourn the School Board Meeting at 10:05 pm. Motion carried.

May 8,  2008 Business & Professional Organization Proceedings

The Marion Business & Professional Organization met on Thursday, May 8, 2008 at 12:00 p.m. at the Tieszen Memorial Home with 11 members in attendance. Businesses present were: Al’s Studio, City Economic Development Coordinator, Donlan’s, Getskow Pharmacy, Marion Veterinary Clinic, Rapp Chevrolet, Schmidt Country/Marion Oil, Tieszen Chiropractic Clinic and Tieszen Memorial Home. Also in attendance was Allen Wiens, representing the Marion Lions Club.

Kari Muller, Secretary/Treasurer, distributed the April 10^th meeting minutes and a financial report. Motion was made by Germaine Stratton, seconded by Glen Rapp approve both as presented. Motion carried.

The promotional drawing for the month of June was discussed. The decision was made to hold a drawing for $25 Marion Bucks. The drawing will be held during the Summer Celebration weekend.

Discussion was held on having a community magazine published. Neighboring community magazines were distributed. The general consensus was the need for established outlets outside of Marion to distribute the magazines before undertaking the venture. The decision was made to pass on the project at this time.

The Summer Celebration events were discussed. The Free Bingo event hosted by the organization will be held on Saturday, June 21^st at the Legion Hall beginning at 1:00 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 21^st. Additional beads were authorized to be purchased for use in this parade, as well as the Homecoming parade(s). An advertising budget of $300.00 was set for advertising the Summer Celebration events.

The monthly Southeast Enterprise Facilitation Project facilitator report was distributed and reviewed, along with the SEFP 2008 Annual Report.

Muller provided an update on behalf of the Marion Development Foundation, advising all MDF board positions have been filled. Additionally, it was advised the MDF is in communication with a business looking at possible relocation. Muller provided an update on the KELO commercials, including information on business sponsors and commercial footage/ features.

Muller advised the Citywide Rummage will be held on June 6^th & 7^th. Wiens provided information on three Lions Club fundraisers scheduled in May.

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

june Calendar of Events