MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING

The City Council of the City of Volga, SD, met for a regular meeting, Monday, August 3, at 7:00 PM, in the conference room of City Hall; Mayor Mary Bjerke presiding.  Members present: Keith Benson, Ken Fideler, Craig Howell, Marty Strasburg, Marcia Thompson, and Kelly VanderWal.  Also present: City Attorney Steven Britzman, City Administrator Steve Meyer, Fire Chief Dave Jacobson, Finance Officer Nicole Rawden, Jane Utecht from the Volga Tribune, Al Heuton from Brookings Economic Development Corporation, Mark Kisely, Blaine Hoff, Scott Goeman, Steve Tietjen ,and Karen Tietjen.

Following the Pledge of Allegiance, a motion was made to approve the agenda with Benson requesting the addition of Steve Tietjen presenting a law enforcement change and Fideler requesting the addition of Scott Goeman discussing animal control and garbage concerns.  Strasburg seconded the motion. All in favor; motion carried.

Fideler moved to approve the minutes of the July 14th, 2009, special meeting. Benson seconded the motion. All in favor; motion carried.

Al Heuton from the Brookings Economic Development Corporation discussed with council the developments objectives, goals, and progress of economic development of the outline cities of Brookings.  Mayor Bjerke inquired about a possibility of preparation of a new proposal for Volga. 

Two sealed surplus bids where received and opened at 7:30.  The surplus bids where as follows:  T & R Electric $3,740.70 accompanied by a cashier’s check for $187.04 and Jerry’s Electric, Inc. $3,597.48 accompanied by a cashier’s check for $179.87.  Fideler motioned to accept T & R Electric surplus bid of $3,740.70 for the surplus transformers.  Howell seconded the motion.  All in favor; motion carried.

Fideler moved to approve the following claims and ordered them paid.  VanderWal seconded the motion. All in favor; motion carried.

Claims

Scott Goeman discussed with council his concerns regarding animal control especially skunks.  Traps have been set and Steve Meyer City Administrator will follow-up with Brookings Animal Control officer Duane Walberg.  Goeman also addressed concerns with garbage placement and accumulation prior to garbage day.

Steve Tietjen addressed the council and discussed changing law enforcement from Brookings County Contract Law to a Volga City Police force with up to two officers.  Additional discussion was held during committee reports.

Mark Kisely shared information and asked the council permission to a set off a fireworks display for Sioux Valley Homecoming Game north of the football field.

Blaine Hoff presented to the council requested improvements to the baseball field.  Improvements would consist of moving the backstop, dugout, moving some fencing, replacement of some poles, and the possibility of using netting vs. chain link fence.  Hoff indicated that volunteer labor would be provided.  Strasburg requested a pricing quote for netting. 

City Attorney Steve Britzman presented Ordinance No. 2009-02 an ordinance amending sections 2 and 3 of Ordinance 1991-01 of the code of ordinances of the City of Volga, South Dakota and pertaining to the municipal sales and service and use tax in the City of Volga, South Dakota.  Council discussed the possibility of increasing sales and use tax by 1%.  Action on Ordinance No. 2009-02 was tabled until September Meeting.

Mayor Bjerke presented information regarding the United States Census 2010. Volga will participate in the Complete Count Campaign which consists of forming a committee comprised of public citizens and partnering with the U.S. Census Bureau to achieve an accurate count. A 10-question Census questionnaire will be mailed or delivered to households during February – March 2010.

City Attorney Steve Britzman presented Resolution No. 2009-16 A RESOLUTION SETTING FORTH A SCHEDULE OF PROPOSED FINES FOR VIOLATIONS OF THE ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF VOLGA, SOUTH DAKOTA.BE IT RESOLVED by the Governing Body of the City of Volga, South Dakota, that the following Schedule of Proposed Fines shall be effective as prescribed by law for all violations of Ordinances set forth herein.

SCHEDULE OF PROPOSED FINES WITH COURT COSTS

Passed and approved this 3rd day of August, 2009.  Fideler made a motion to accept Resolution No. 2009-16.  Strasburg seconded the motion. All in favor; motion carried.

 Strasburg made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2009-17 BE IT RESOLVED that in accordance with SDCL 35-1-5.3, prior authorization for persons to consume or blend alcoholic beverages on Friday, August 7, 2009 , from 1:00PM. to 12AM, in the Volga Community Center, is hereby given. All such consumption or blending shall occur during the private party Tucker Wedding Rehearsal Dinner. Said property shall be considered for purposes of the Resolution to be the location of a special license and shall not constitute a public place as defined by Ordinance 145 of the City of Volga. Sale of alcohol beverages shall not be permitted at any time at the above described location. There shall be no consumption of any alcoholic beverage by any individual who is under twenty-one years of age. This permit shall commence at 1:00 PM on August 7, 2009 and shall conclude at 12 AM on August 8, 2009. Dated this 3rd day of August, 2009.  Benson seconded the motion.  All in favor; motion carried.

Committee reports were given.  Discussion on law enforcement continued and Benson provided preliminary costs vs. contract law.  Mayor Bjerke indicated City of Volga will remain with Brookings County contract law for 2010. Benson said City of Volga will see a 3.5% increase in rate for contract law which is lower than initially anticipated.  Budget tasks were assigned.  September council meeting will meet on Tuesday September 8th due to Labor Day.

A motion was made by Strasburg to adjourn at 10:20 pm. Motion seconded by Fideler. All voted in favor; motion carried.

s/ Mary A. Bjerke
Mayor, City of Volga

s/ Nicole A. Rawden
Finance Officer, City of Volga