The Marion City Times

October 6, 2008 City Council Proceedings

The City Council of the City of Marion, South Dakota met in regular session on Monday, October 6, 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. Absent: none.

Turner County Sheriff’s Deputy Matt Mackert was present and a monthly law enforcement report for September was distributed and reviewed.

Dick Luke and Rick Nelson, representing the Marion Fire Department, were present and requested a release of funds from the Fire Department account to assist with the purchase of air packs. Motion was made by Herlyn, seconded by Schlunsen to release $11,432.04 from the General Fund Fire Department account to the MFD. Motion carried. Luke advised the department has implemented a Jr. Volunteer Firefighter program, with four Jr. firefighters currently on the roster.

Doyle Becker was present and addressed a property matter with the council. Becker advised he is looking at purchasing land in the northeast corner of town and inquired into a City easement on the property. It was advised land was deeded to the City in 2004 for the possible continuation of Dakota Street north. Discussion was held on various, related zoning matters. Becker was advised to get with Zoning Administrator Rick Weber to further pursue the matter at this point. Discussion was held on the hauling of concrete from the property to the city’s landfill, with no action taken.

Matt Donlan was present and distributed a 2008 Summer Rec financial report, which was thoroughly reviewed. Discussion was held on the rarely-used batting cage. It was advised someone may be interested in purchasing the item. Donlan advised he would look into the matter. Donlan advised the council that he is stepping down as the Summer Rec Coordinator. The Council expressed much appreciation to Donlan for all his hard work as the coordinator. It was advised the City would work with the Marion Area Community Club on finding someone to take over the position.

Motion was made by Viet, seconded by Konda to adopt a resolution giving approval to certain wastewater treatment improvements; giving approval to the issuance and sale of a revenue bond to finance, directly or indirectly, the improvements to the facilities; approving the form of the loan agreement and the revenue bond and pledging certain revenues and collateral to secure the payment of the revenue bond; and creating special accounts for the administration of funds for operation of the system and retirement of the revenue bond. Motion unanimously carried upon roll call vote.

It was advised the drainage ditch has been put in behind S. Main Avenue and has been re-seeded. Superintendent Hopf was advised to put the fence back up as soon as is warranted. Discussion was held on additional drainage/culvert work to be done upstream from the new ditch, with no action taken.

Discussion was held on the summer sewer rate, with information from last year’s use of the adjusted rate presented and reviewed. The decision was made to table the matter at this time.

Jon Brown and Jon Fischer of Stockwell Engineers were present and discussion was held on the City’s proposed sewer improvement project. Brown provided information on a new grant and advised he will verify whether the City qualifies to apply for the grant funds. Discussion was held on bidding the project, with various, related matters addressed, including crop damage payment, temporary construction easements and surveying.

Discussion was held on problem areas of the city building roof. The roof is slated to be re-done in 2009, however it was advised some leak issues need to be addressed now. City Superintendent Hopf was advised to contact the roofing company and get the matter addressed ASAP.

An update was provided on the Veteran’s Memorial Park project. It was advised the flagpoles have been ordered and will be here in a couple of weeks. Mayor Globke advised over 500 veteran names were submitted for the final design. Approximately $26,000.00 has been raised at this point. It was advised the canon has been refurbished and will be put in place once the cement is fully set.

Discussion was held on painting the bathroom and hallway floors at the swimming pool. It was advised the bathroom floors could be painted but the hallway floors are too chipped up. Hopf was advised to get a contractor to the pool to advise on chipping out the hallway floors and pouring new cement. Additionally, Hopf was advised to paint the bathroom floors, using anti-skid textured coating.

Discussion was held on the fee charged for appliances brought to the landfill. It had been advised at the September meeting that going forward, all appliances containing freon that are brought to the landfill will need to be checked and, if needed, drained. The City will have to hire this service to be completed, at a cost of $10.00 per appliance. The current appliance fee charged by the City is $5.00. Motion was made by Jeno, seconded by Schlunsen to increase the fee for all freon-bearing appliances to $15.00 per appliance, effective January 1, 2009. Motion carried.

It was advised the controlled burn matter addressed at the September meeting was no longer being considered. The owner of the property located at 600 Nebraska Avenue, Keith Weber, advised the house is scheduled for demolition. Weber requested a waiver of the demolition permit fee and a reduction in the fees charged for hauling the rubble to the landfill. Discussion was held on the previous arrangements made with property owners regarding demo rubble hauled to the landfill. Motion was made by Viet, seconded by Konda to waive the demolition permit fee for Weber and assess 50% of the associated landfill fees. Voting aye: Herlyn, Jeno, Konda, Schlunsen, Viet. Abstaining: Weber. Motion carried.

The second reading of Ordinance #289 – Sensitive Natural Areas was held. Motion was made by Konda, seconded by Jeno to adopt Ordinance #289. Motion carried.

Information was provided on a federal requirement for all cities that operate utilities to develop an Identity Theft Prevention Program. Motion was made by Viet, seconded by Weber to adopt a resolution appointing an Identity Theft Prevention Program administrator. Motion carried.

Motion was made by Weber, seconded by Viet to adjourn at 9:30 p.m. Motion carried.

RESOLUTION to revise and establish rates and charges to consumers of utilities provided by the City of Marion, South Dakota.

Section 1. The rates charged for water are hereby amended to read as follows:

                    A.  Effective and in force for the 2009 billing year, the monthly charge to each customer for all water sold or furnished by the City of Marion through meters whether residential, business, commercial or industrial, shall be as follows:

                    i. Base Rate: $14.00

                          ii. Usage Charge: $3.50 per 1,000 gallons (above the first 1,000 gallons)

Section 2. The rates charged for sewer are hereby amended to read as follows:

                    A.  Effective and in force for the 2009 billing hear, the monthly charge to each customer for ordinary use of the public sanitary sewer utilities shall be as follows:

                           i. Base Rate: $10.50

                          ii. Usage Charge: $3.25 per 1,000 gallons (above the first 1,000 gallons)

                    B.  Effective and in force for the 2010 billing year, the monthly charge to each customer shall be as follows:

                     i. Base Rate: $12.50

                          ii. Usage Charge: $3.80 per 1.000 gallons (above the first 1,000 gallons) 

Section 3. The rate charged for garbage is hereby amended to read as follows:

                    A.  Effective and in force for the 2009 billing year, the monthly charge to each customer for ordinary use of the garbage collection services shall be as follows:

                           i. $18.00 per month

Section 4. DECLARATION OF NECESSITY IN SUPPORT OF CITY GOVERNMENT.  It is hereby declared that the above resolution is for the support of municipal government and its existing public institutions.

Adopted this 15^th day of September, 2008.

City of Marion, South Dakota.

Ron Globke

Mayor

ATTEST: Kari Muller

                    Finance Officer

Resolution Appointing Identity Theft Prevention Program Administrator

WHEREAS, Section 114 of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 (16 C.F.R. § 681.2) requires all municipalities that operate utilities to develop an Identity Theft Prevention Program;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City of Marion hereby appoints the City Finance Officer as Program Administrator, with authority to develop, approve and implement an Identity Theft Prevention Program.

Adopted this 6^th day of October, 2008.

City of Marion, South Dakota.

Ron Globke

Mayor

ATTEST: Kari Muller

                    Finance Officer

Pursuant to the call, and the notice thereof, the School Board of the Marion School District #60-3, Marion, Turner County, SD, met in special session with the School Board of the Hurley School District #60-2 on the first day of October, 2008 at 6:45 pm.

Marion Members Present: Bialas, Koehn, Langerock, Nelson, and Preheim. Absent: None.

Marion Officers Present: Denise Fox – Superintendent, and Adam Shaw – Secondary Principal. Absent: Aaron Thompson – Business Manager.

Hurley Members Present: John Benson, Kathy Boomgarten, Paul Buehler, and Steve Raburn. Hurley Officers Present: Shane Voss – Superintendent.

Guests Present: Scott Meyer – Marion/Hurley Head Football Coach.

Call to order was made by President of the Marion School Board, Joel Bialas, at 6:47 pm.

Action 08/09-32: Agenda - On motion by Preheim, second by Nelson to approve the agenda. Motion carried.

School Board President Joel Bialas relayed a message from a local business person on appreciation of how the school year is going. Bialas also had a concern on getting a heater on a timer for the new school bus.

The Hurley School Board and Superintendent arrived at 6:55 pm to discuss the Cobra Football cooperative.

The Marion & Hurley School Boards and staff discussed our current football cooperative agreement. The Hurley School Board met with Viborg last week. Hurley and Viborg shared girls’ numbers for sports and discussed a coop for all sports. All three school boards will discuss football options at their regular October meetings.

The Hurley School Board and Superintendent left the meeting at 7:30 pm. Marion School Board members and Administration stayed to further discuss options for football in the future.

Action 08/09-33: Adjourn – On motion by Langerock, second by Nelson to adjourn the School Board Meeting at 8:10 pm. Motion carried.

October 9, 2008 Business & Professional Organization Proceedings

The Marion Business & Professional Organization met on Thursday, October 9, 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, CPA Heather Hofer, Donlan’s Foodland, Farmers State Bank, Getskow Pharmacy, Marion Veterinary Clinic, Rex’s Plumbing, Schmidt Country, Tieszen Memorial Home and Wieman Land & Auction.

Kari Muller, Secretary/Treasurer, distributed the September 11^th meeting minutes and a financial report. Motion was made by Barc Smith, seconded by Ryan Wieman to approve both as presented. Motion carried.

The promotional drawing for the month of November was discussed. The decision was made to hold a drawing for a turkey and other fixings for a Thanksgiving meal, as donated by Tieszen Chiropractic Clinic.

The 2008 Community Christmas Celebration was discussed. The date for this year’s event is Saturday, December 13^th. The celebration will be held at the Marion School, with a free hot dog & soup/chili luncheon served from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. in the Old Gym. Live musical entertainment will be provided by Queena Getskow and family. Drawings will be held for a variety of door prizes donated by the local business community. Any organizations or individuals interested in taking part in the Celebration are advised to contact Kari at the City Office. Details of the celebration will be published in upcoming issues of the Marion Record.

A reminder was given for the celebration’s work schedule, as determined at the 12/13/07 meeting, wherein each organization member will be assigned a shift. If the assigned shift does not work for a member, it will be his/her responsibility to switch shifts or find a replacement.

Discussion was held on the financial aspects of the celebration, with a review provided of the previous year’s celebration costs.

The monthly Southeast Enterprise Facilitation Project facilitator report was distributed and reviewed. It was advised the 2009 Regional Career Fair will be held at the Parker High School on February 10^th.

Dr. Peter Preheim spoke to Initiated Measure 10 and the detrimental issues it poses for municipal governments and schools if passed.

Muller expressed gratitude for all who helped with the organization’s homecoming activities, namely Diane Schoenwald, Rex VanHove, Glen Rapp, Matt & Ashley Donlan, Barc Smith, Brad Schardin and Derek Muller.

The next meeting will be at 12:00 p.m. on November 13, 2008 at the Tieszen Memorial Home.

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 October, 2008 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, Scott Meyer.

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

Action 08/09-34: Agenda – On motion by Preheim, second by Langerock to approve the agenda. Motion carried.

Action 08/09-35: Minutes – On motion by Nelson, second by Preheim to approve the previous month’s minutes, and to acknowledge receipt of the Cornbelt Educational Cooperative minutes. Motion carried.

Action 08/09-36: Financial Reports – On motion by Koehn, second by Nelson to approve the financial reports of the District as shown in Table 1 (to be published in paper). Motion carried.

Action 08/09-37: Bills for Consideration – On motion by Langerock, second by Koehn to approve the following claims against the District for the month of October, 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.

Aaron Thompson gave the Business Manager report. He discussed transportation issues.

Adam Shaw gave the Secondary Principal report. He gave the Board information on Homecoming activities & parade, band competitions, All-State Choir, parent-teacher conferences, access points in the new gym, ASVAB testing, and National FFA in Indianapolis.

Denise Fox gave the Superintendent report. She gave information on parent/teacher conferences, fire drills, a kitchen inspection, on-site Title I review, “loose change” for the Veterans’ Memorial, a Homeland Security grant proposal, professional development, and asked about a spectator bus for football games. Mrs. Fox also recognized Linda Luke & Jan Kraemer in getting a library grant for the school, and recognized Janna Christiansen & Kylea Waltner as representatives to the Teacher Leadership Conference in Pierre this month.

Action 08/09-38: Senior Experience Graduation Requirement - On motion by Preheim, second by Nelson to table the Senior Experience Graduation Requirement until the November Board meeting. Motion carried.

Action 08/09-39: Surplus Library Books – On motion by Langerock, second by Koehn to declare library books as surplus, to be disposed of as administration sees fit. A list of the books will be on file in the Business Office. Motion carried.

Action 08/09-40: Teacher Leave – On motion by Koehn, second by Langerock to grant an unpaid personal leave request from a teacher during the 2008/2009 fiscal school year. Motion carried.

Action 08/09-41: Approve Contract – On motion by Preheim, second by Nelson to approve the Assistant Boys Basketball contract of Brad Schardin in the amount of $1,490.50 for the 2008/2009 fiscal school year. Motion carried.

The Board discussed the Marion/Hurley football cooperative with the administration and with head coach Scott Meyer. The Board decided to stay with the current football cooperative agreement with Hurley.

School Board Concerns: School Board member Larry Langerock wanted to recognize the Marion Junior Firefighters, as they have done well with the Marion Volunteer Fire Dept. on the calls they have participated with.

Action 08/09-42: Personnel (Superintendent Evaluation) – On motion by Nelson, second by Preheim to go into executive session for the purpose of Superintendent Evaluation at 8:55 pm. Motion carried. President of the School Board, Joel Bialas, declared out of executive session at 10:25 pm.

Action 08/09-43: Adjourn – On motion by Preheim, second by Langerock to adjourn the school board meeting at 10:26 pm. Motion carried.

November Calendar of Events