Hendricks School has contingency plan ready

July 8, 2011

By Tammy Mathison
hendrickspioneer@gmail.com
The ISD 402 Hendricks School Board held a special school board meeting on Thursday, June 30.
The purpose of the meeting was to provide information to the community on the future direction the 402 (Hendricks) School District.
A power point presentation providing information including a brief overview of how the district got to where they are now beginning with the May 4 meeting in Ivanhoe, which ended with Ivanhoe wanting to go for a consolidation vote in November. Listed next was the June 7 meeting in Hendricks with members of the Ivanhoe Board, at which Hendricks and Ivanhoe Board members discussed the pros and cons of consolidation. Following that was the June 16 meeting of the Hendricks School Board at which time they voted 3-3 on presenting a consolidation timeline which slated a vote on a consolidation plan for September of 2012. The board stressed that they just voted on the timeline, not on consolidation, and that they had wanted to keep the “status quo” with the current contract with Ivanhoe.
The presentation also included a vision statement for the school that has been developed  and information on what the Hendricks School has to offer students, such as veteran teachers who are familiar with the students and families, a large amount of state of the art technology, things that are being added to support and improve the current curriculum such as the Guided Reading, Daily 5 and Singapore math. Also listed were improvements to the building itself. All of the classrooms have received a fresh coat of paint and new tiles have been installed.
The Hendricks 402 District also has made contingency plans to implement a middle school program and possibly high school if the Ivanhoe 403 District ratifies their minutes from their June 20 meeting to move forward with their K-12 plan. As of June 30, the Hendricks 402 District would be ready for students up to eighth grade. Grades 9-12 are still in the planning stages.
Following the meeting, the board had the public write their questions on note cards and were read and answered by the board. One of the questions asked at the meeting and around the community has been what the name of the Hendricks School would be. The board indicated that they are open to suggestions but at this time, the name is really not a priority.
In a follow up interview, Principal Shelly Jensen said that she would be putting a Principal’s Corner in this week’s issue of the Pioneer and that if anyone had any questions to call the school.

By Tammy Mathisonhendrickspioneer@gmail.com
The ISD 402 Hendricks School Board held a special school board meeting on Thursday, June 30. The purpose of the meeting was to provide information to the community on the future direction the 402 (Hendricks) School District. A power point presentation providing information including a brief overview of how the district got to where they are now beginning with the May 4 meeting in Ivanhoe, which ended with Ivanhoe wanting to go for a consolidation vote in November. Listed next was the June 7 meeting in Hendricks with members of the Ivanhoe Board, at which Hendricks and Ivanhoe Board members discussed the pros and cons of consolidation. Following that was the June 16 meeting of the Hendricks School Board at which time they voted 3-3 on presenting a consolidation timeline which slated a vote on a consolidation plan for September of 2012. The board stressed that they just voted on the timeline, not on consolidation, and that they had wanted to keep the “status quo” with the current contract with Ivanhoe. The presentation also included a vision statement for the school that has been developed  and information on what the Hendricks School has to offer students, such as veteran teachers who are familiar with the students and families, a large amount of state of the art technology, things that are being added to support and improve the current curriculum such as the Guided Reading, Daily 5 and Singapore math. Also listed were improvements to the building itself. All of the classrooms have received a fresh coat of paint and new tiles have been installed. The Hendricks 402 District also has made contingency plans to implement a middle school program and possibly high school if the Ivanhoe 403 District ratifies their minutes from their June 20 meeting to move forward with their K-12 plan. As of June 30, the Hendricks 402 District would be ready for students up to eighth grade. Grades 9-12 are still in the planning stages. Following the meeting, the board had the public write their questions on note cards and were read and answered by the board. One of the questions asked at the meeting and around the community has been what the name of the Hendricks School would be. The board indicated that they are open to suggestions but at this time, the name is really not a priority. In a follow up interview, Principal Shelly Jensen said that she would be putting a Principal’s Corner in this week’s issue of the Pioneer and that if anyone had any questions to call the school.

Filed under Government, School |

Water main break discussed at council meeting

February 9, 2011

By Violet Nelson
vanelson@yahoo.com
The meeting was called to order and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. All members were present except for Scott Pearson.
Findings for the National Children’s Study were to be discussed, but will be postponed until an upcoming meeting.
The maintenance report was read. A water break occured Saturday night, with 45,000 gallons lost. Kevin Huber said plowing would be greatly improved if all cars were removed from the streets. Brad Olson asked if a semi parked next to the school was an issue. Huber confirmed this has been an issue and has been for many snowstorms. The Toro snow broom is going back to Canby. Huber and the council discussed the public library heater having issues. A heat tape may be placed around the waterlines to make sure lines do not freeze up. Julie Hogie asked if the issue with the ripple effect in the snow removal has been addressed. Huber confirmed he had taken measures that will reduce or eliminate the chance there are waves in the snow packed roads during snow removal. Karol Nelson thanked Dale Anderson, who was present, for promptly removing an ice formation.
The council and Huber disWatercussed septic inspection issues. Tom Reeves will read through inspection guidelines and the topic will be discussed at a later meeting.
The police report was read. The only issue discussed was a possible peeping Tom.
The fire department report was read. The council said Dustin Hauschild has done a great job as fire chief. David Blees says the fire department could use more members. The Hendricks
Fire Department will continue to serve parts of six different townships.
Each township has paid $135 to the fire department per section per year, for a total of $18,000 income each year for the fire department. The council
discussed township budgets may be stretched with all the recent snow removal expenses. Brad Olson mentioned financial strains for the fire department
will likely get worse in coming years.
The council discussed improvements to the public library bathroom. Pictures of the bathroom were passed around and received many favorable comments.
The council discussed a recent settlement received from last year’s flooding. The settlement was for $4,094, with 75 percent funded by FEMA and 25 percent from the State of Minnesota. The city was reimbursed for sand bags that were used, for a total of $1,000. Another $1,500 worth of unused bags were not refunded.
Brad Olson motioned to pay all claims, seconded by Karol Nelson. All approved with no one opposed. The council adjourned.
Filed under Government |

Hendricks School Board elects new chairman

January 28, 2011

By Tammy Mathison
hendrickspioneer@gmail.com
The ISD 402 Hendricks School Board met for their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 18. As a chairman had yet to be elected, Superintendent Bruce Houck called the meeting to order and, following the board’s approval of the agenda, called for nominations for board chair.
Chester Frank nominated Tom Olson, with Lisa Schmidt seconding.
Tom Olson nominated Angie Schumacher with Schmidt also seconding that nomination. Schmidt then nominated Nick Citterman with Olson seconding.
Phil Moen made a motion that the nominations cease, with the board passing that motion by unanimous consent. The board then voted for the nominees by a show of hands. As there was no majority vote for any of the nominees, the process was begun again with another call for nominations, followed by a motion, that was passed, for nominations to cease.
As Schumacher had voiced a preference to not hold the position of chairperson, those nominated the second round were Olson and Citterman, with Citterman receiving the majority vote.
A motion was then made, which the board passed by unanimous
consent, for Citterman to be chairman.
Citterman then called for election of the board clerk, with Schumacher
nominating Schmidt, seconded by Frank. Schmidt then nominated Schumacher list who was the incumbent in the position. Frank also seconded this nomination. Following a motion for the nominations to cease, a vote by show of hands was taken, with no majority vote. Another call for nominations
was made, with Schumacher again being nominated. Following the second vote, Schumacher was again elected to board clerk.
Citterman then called for the election of the board treasurer, with Schmidt nominating Chester Frank, who was incumbent in the position. No other nominations were made and a motion to cease nominations was made and passed. Following the vote, again by show of hands, Frank was again elected to board treasurer.
Committee appointments were then made, with the following results:
Lincoln HI Personnel Committee – Chester Frank and Angela Schumacher;
MSBA Liaison – Phil Moen; MREA Liaison – Nick Citterman, replacing Lisa Schmidt; Community Education Advisor Committee – Tom Olson and Lisa Schmidt, Schmidt will replace Gary Johnson on this committee; Curriculum/Wellness Committee – Tom Olson and Angela Schumacher; School and City Committee– Phil Moen and Tom Olson.
Chester Frank and Tom Olson are also part of a new committee with Ivanhoe School Board members Matt Landrus and Marty Rost. Hearing no objection from Landrus, who was present during this Jan. 18 meeting of the Hendricks School Board, the committee was dubbed the Directional Committee.
In the board member report, Schmidt, Frank and Citterman reported on their attendance of a recent convention. Schmidt spoke to the board of project
based school which, after speaking with a student about his project at the convention, had impressed her. Schmidt suggested the possibility of adding this to the curriculum for the older students.
Frank mentioned a smoothie machine that he had seen at the convention and there ensued a lengthy discussion on the possible fund-raising possibilities of having one of these machines.
As the cost of the machine is over $6,000 for one flavor and twice that for three flavors, it was suggested to speak to the PTO or other organizations
about purchasing the machine. It could then be rented out for events.
Citterman informed the board that he attended a break out session on four-day schools. He said that he had learned that in addition to saving money on heating and transportation, an additional savings was in substitute teacher pay. MACCRAY school had reported a savings the first year of about $176,000. It was pointed out that MACCRAY does have three facilities, so the dollar amount would be higher. Their week is Tuesday through Friday, with the day one hour and eight minutes longer, and they use block schedules for teaching. This time adds up to more education time for the students per year than a five day a week school.
In her report, Principal Jensen spoke to the board of having emergency bus routes in winter. “We used to have emergency routes plotted out,” said Phil Moen. “We would have to make it clear to parents that they would have to stay with their kids and not just drop them off,” said Schmidt. “We ran those in 96-97,” said Citterman. Moen went on to say that those routes were kept in place for a while but the bus routes have probably changed some since then. “The bus drivers can pin point problem areas,” said Olson.
The board decided to speak with head bus driver Scott Pearson about setting up the emergency routes. “Once the routes get set up, when they will be used we can put that out on the school outreach and KELO,” said Jensen.
The board also discussed the need to get the snow off of the roof. A suggestion
was made to get a bunch of guys together to clean it off as soon as possible.
Filed under Government |

Sunday snow removal discussed at council meeting

January 6, 2011

By Violet Nelson
Hendricks Pioneer

The Jan. 3 council meeting began with everyone reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Julie Hogie moved to approve the last meeting’s minutes. Scott Pearson seconded the motion. Brad Olson moved to approve the night’s agenda, which was seconded by Hogie.

The first item was discussing the maintenance report. Kevin Huber was unable to update the council in person as he was babysitting for a grandchild. The 1982 Toro lawnmower has 4,800 hours, which is quite a bit. There have been discussions with the Toro dealership in Canby about a snow removing broom attachment that could possibly be used to remove snow. Scott Pearson noted an air conditioning issue should be addressed.

The council discussed snow removal on Sundays. The maintenance workers receive double time on Saturdays and Sundays, which can be costly for the city. Some snow removal may be optional, such as removing the wind row of snow in the Main Street areas. The consensus of the council was to have maintenance delay any optional snow removal from Saturdays and Sundays when possible.

The police report was read. The council reviewed a list of parking citations recently issued. All parking tickets were related to citizens parking on streets during snow removal.

Dustin Hauschild gave the Fire Department report. The department had 12 calls in 2010. A new tanker truck was received and a pumping engine rebuilt in the past year. Hauschild reported the chassis on the yellow tanker and the grass rig are worn out and will eventually need fixing or replacement. The Fire Department can use money budgeted for these repairs. The Fire Department needs members.

There are 21 members and their roster is for 30 members. Hauschild requested a liquor license for both the Feb. 19 Beach Bash and the March 5th Pheasants Forever Banquet. Scott Pearson made a motion to grant the liquor licenses. Karol Nelson seconded the motion. All council members were in favor, but Brad Olson dissented.

The council discussed issues with the library bathroom.

The council agreed the First Security Bank should be the official depository.

Attorney Tom Reeves was made the city’s attorney, with the provision he’s allowed to go to an attorney’s conference. The Hendricks Pioneer was made the official newspaper. Julie Hogie made the motion for Brad Olson to be acting mayor, seconded by Nelson. All were in favor but Olson abstained.

The siren issue was discussed. A new relay box will be installed in the coming week which should resolve any siren issues.

The council went agreed upon committee appointments. Jim Beer, Jim Nuese and Roger Holmlund are on the Energy Committee. Gail Kvernmo, Florence Dorn, David Blees and Rick Hammer are on the Park and Cemetery committee. Al Molascon, Karon Nelson, and Scott Pearson are on the Street and Sidewalk Committee.
Dr. Tabb McClusksey, Dr. Todd McCluskey and Julie Hogie are on the Board of Health. Rick Hammer, Kevin Huber and Scott Pearson are on the Water and Sewer Committee. Ton Reeves, Julie Hogie, Brad Olson, David Blees and Faith Olson are on the Public Safety and Law Enforcement Committee. Corrine Olson, Lolly Thomsen, Muriel Dorn, Coralie Overby and Karol Nelson is on the library committee. Brad Olson, David Blees and Rick Hammer are on the Personnel Committee. David Blees and Rick Hammer are on the Hendricks Preservation and Restoration Committee.

Julie Hogie and Rick Hammer are on the Economic Development Authority. Brad Olson, David Blees, Paul Olson and Al Molascon are on the Tree Board. Dirk Pearson is the Civil Defense Director. Julie Hogie motioned to approve, seconded by Pearson and all approved.

The council agreed to pay all outstanding bills and claims. All approved.

Blees informed the council they were invited to the Lincoln County Economic Development Committee at The Local, Jan. 12 at noon. The Jan. 29 Fired Department Annual Social and Supper.

The council took a few minutes to marvel at the recently completed restoration of the city’s historic oak assembly table. The table has been used for school council meetings from at least the 1920s and became the city council’s table about 40 years ago. The council motioned to adjourn.

Filed under Government |

Hendricks School Board honors Gary Johnson

December 30, 2010

By Tammy Mathison
hendrickspioneer@gmail.com

During the Dec. 21 meeting of the Hendricks School Board, Superintendent Bruce Houck presented Gary Johnson with a plaque in recognition of Johnson’s eight years of service on the Hendricks School Board. As Johnson did not file for re-election last fall, the Dec. 21 meeting was his last.

The ISD #402 Hendricks School Board met on Tuesday, Dec. 21 for their regular meeting.

During the open forum, a parent asked the board to define the bullying policy. Principal Jensen responded by telling the parent that the bullying policy is going to be revisited and redone, as it is “vague” and needs to be more clearly defined and that in addition, the handbook would also be revamped.
The parent thanked Jensen and the board and agreed to discuss the matter with Jensen further at a later time.
In the board member report, Lisa Schmidt spoke to the board about the upcoming bloodmobile which will take place on Dec. 29 at Christ Lutheran Church. Schmidt told the board that Coordinator Maryanne Engesmoe had spoken to her about the need for more donors in Lincoln County. Schmidt suggested a friendly competition between the school board and another organization to see who could get the most donors, as a way to encourage people to donate.  The rest of the board agreed that the bloodmobile is a good cause and should be supported.
In the principal’s report, Jensen informed the board that the new website and the new program Study Island are both “up and running.”
Superintendent Houck reported that there is a group of superintendents asking that education become the first priority, so that education be the first thing that is acted on by the legislature so schools’ budgets would be known by March. Continue reading »
Filed under Government |

Ash trees to be tagged in Hendricks

June 11, 2010

By Violet Nelson

Volunteers will be tagging ash trees in the community, raising awareness of the number of trees infected with the emerald ash borer, an exotic insect invading and killing our ash trees. Since 2002 emerald ash borers have killed tens of millions of ash trees in Minnesota and neighboring states. At Monday evening’s city council meeting, David Blees thanked the volunteers who trained as emerald ash borer detectors. He said he is waiting for response for potential dates for refresher courses for the volunteers.

The minutes of the May 24 meeting and the evening’s agenda were approved.

David Blees reviewed Kevin Huber’s maintenance report. The ballpark is being used as a temporary holding area for trees.  Trees are being planted here until a final transplant location is designated. Some people have been using the tree pit southeast of Hendricks for prohibited materials. A new lock has been installed and no one will be allowed to borrow the key during off-hours. A controlled discharge  of the three sewer ponds has been approved.

The council reviewed the police report. Ticket issues were at the top of the list. Verbal warnings were issued for exhibition driving, speeding, bad headlights,  double parking and failure to stop at stop signs. The council unanimously decided that written warnings only should be issued.

The fire department report was reviewed. David Blees and Rick Hamer met with the USDA Monday morning, finalizing the paper work on the new fire truck that should be arriving June 8.

Brad Olson so moved, seconded by Julie Hogie, to approve claims. A closed session was held discussing the purchase agreement on city  property.

Filed under Government |

Spring projects are underway

May 5, 2010

By Violet Nelson

At Monday evening’s city council meeting, Meulebroec, Taubert and Co. LLP presented the 2009 audit report.

The minutes of the April 19 meeting and the evening’s agenda were approved by Julie Hogie and Bob Wolf.

David Blees said the county basically owns the fish barrier area underneath the Kiwanis Bridge.  Since the county already has responsibility for the spillway, they do not want the responsibility for the fish barrier. They want to draw up an agreement making the city responsible. It was so moved by Julie Hogie, seconded by Brad Olson to scratch the amended agreement with the county.

Kevin Huber presented his city maintenance report. Spring projects are underway. Second time around mowing is necessary. Kevin would like to have a  committee meeting with the Water and Sewer Committee to discuss the plans he sketched for additional valves around town. The sanitary sewer pond is filled to the top. Painting the water tower will have to be done within a year. The water tower lining will have to be redone one of these years. “You’re looking at $20,000 for that,” Kevin said. He asked the council to look at a list of street repairs and prioritize them.

The council reviewed the police report. “There is a lot of dog action going on,” Blees said. “There are dogs running loose, dog bites and some cat bites.”

“I would encourage the police to start ticketing the owners,” Julie Hogie said. “One warning is enough,” Brad Olson added.

Dustin Hauschild presented the fire department report. The pumper apparatus the department has ordered is near completion. Hauschild said the well equipped apparatus will be delivered from Sioux Falls, S.D.

The county opened the bids today for the Cottage Avenue project. Upon review, McLaughlin and Schulz was the low bidder at 12 percent under engineer’s estimate. It came in just a little over budget. Overall cost of the project is $1.87 million. The city’s portion is only $132,000.  It was so moved by Scott Pearson, seconded by Bob Wolf to approve the bid from the county contingent upon approval from the county.

It was so moved by Brad Olson, seconded by Bob Wolf to hire Lincoln Electric to wire for generator hookup at City Hall at a cost of $1400.

It was so moved by Julie Hogie, seconded by Brad Olson to approve claims.  Please note that the May 17 meeting is changed to May 24 at 7 p.m.

Filed under Government |

Hendricks School Board votes to reduce two positions

April 28, 2010

By Tammy Mathison
hpioneer@itctel.com

The Hendricks School Board voted to reduce two educational positions during their April 20 meeting. With unanimous roll call votes, the position held by Samantha Matthys and the .14 time position held by Lisa Schmidt, the board voted to not renew either of the two ladies for the 2010-11 school year.

Superintendent Houck also advised the board that, not knowing what the state is doing in regards to funding, the board will have to be looking at other areas for reduction. Houck mentioned possible reductions in time in the kitchen and business office and changes to bus routes. Houck went on to say, “without the referendum, we would not make the budget.”

Building Designee Judy Pearson told the board the workshop convention she and the other teachers attended in Sioux Falls, S.D. on April 19 was a “great experience.” Teachers signed up and attended different workshops that day which dealt with technology. Pearson went on to talk about the MCA testing which is currently underway and mentioned school volunteer week, thanking volunteers such as the PTO, Karen Richmond, and Darlene TerMeer for all they do at the elementary.

The Missoula Children’s Theatre is coming to Lincoln HI Elementary the week of May 10 through the 15. Pearson asked the board if it would be acceptable for the students participating in the theater production to get out of school at 3 p.m. on those days to go to practice. The board was agreeable. Information was sent home with the elementary students. All students in grades K-6 are welcome to try out for the production which will take place on May 15.

Many students will be needed to participate and all of the students whether they are in the production or not will benefit from the Missoula group coming. Gary Johnson mentioned that also that week a theatre person with the Syttende Mai will be at the elementary school.

Filed under Government, School |

Cottage Avenue storm sewer update

April 20, 2010

By Violet Nelson

At  the Monday evening,  April 19, city council meeting the museum board asked for the councils help in finding a table for the meeting room at the Lincoln County Museum. Tom Reeves suggested giving the wooden table from the city hall.  The rest of the council gave a nod of approval.

The minutes of the April 5, 2010 meeting and the evenings agenda were approved.

Old business: David Blees presented a Cottage Avenue storm sewer update. He said the goal is to get the utility phase done ahead of time. Dustin Hauschild, Lincoln County Highway employee, said they will have a detour  from Kirkvold Oil and around.   “The project, expected to begin the first part of May, has the state’s  approval,”  Hauschild said.   The original cost of the sewer project  is estimated at $500,000. Completion date is scheduled for Oct. 1.

In other issues: David Blees said the county basically owns the fish barrier area underneath the Kiwanis Bridge.  Since the county already has responsibility for the spillway, they do not want the responsibility for the fish barrier.   They want to draw up an agreement making the city responsible. This will be put on hold until the council and the Hendricks Lake Association Committee meet together.

The fire department has a control burning request from a resident living along Dakota Shores.  Fire department chief, Dustin Hauschild said it would be good training.  “If it is a true training thing,”  he said.  Since the fire department has established fees for fire services, Tom Reeves said Ordinance #2010 would  have to be amended. This ordinance authorizes a charge for fire services with a base fee of $700 for all Hendricks Fire Department emergency callouts, emergency responses and contracted agreements for controlled burns. The controlled burn shall be pursuant to a written agreement on such terms as are satisfactory to the fire chief and city manager. It was so moved to amend Ordinance #2010 by scratching out the next sentence: The contract shall be subject to review and approval of the City Council.

It was so moved by Julie Hogie, seconded by Scott Pearson to accept the bid of $2,525 from Swanson’s for striping some of the streets and parking lots around town.  The council asked Dustin Hauschild if it would be feasible to cost share with the county.  He said he would have to consult with the engineer.

It was so moved by Scott Pearson seconded by Bob Wolf to put two intakes to the storm sewer by the Lincoln County shed and  the grassland between the county shed and the hospital. Blees said he would consult Hendricks Hospital Administrator, Jeff Gollaher, about cost sharing.

It was so moved by Brad Olson, seconded by Scott Pearson, to change the May 17 city council meeting to May 24 at 7 p.m.

Filed under Government |

Board of Appeals and Equalization hearing review

April 6, 2010

By Violet Nelson

The Board of Appeals and Equalization hearing review meeting was held  at 7 p.m. Monday evening at the April 5 city council meeting. The purpose of the hearing was to appeal the current year valuation  and appeal taxes or prior year’s assessment. Lincoln County Assessor, Bruce Nielsen and  Dean Nielsen, were on hand to hear appeals and gave the council a better understanding of what has happened in the district. There were no appeals. It was so moved by Julie Hogie, seconded by Bob Wolf, to adjourn the Board of Review meeting.

The minutes of the March 15 meeting and the evening’s agenda were approved.

Kevin Huber’s maintenance report and police report were reviewed by the council. Campground will be open for business April 24. Street sweeping will continue. Secondary stabilization ponds are now open.

In old business, David Blees presented a Cottage Avenue storm sewer update. The agreement between the city and the county was reviewed. It was so moved by Julie Hogie, seconded by Bob Wolf, to accept the CSCH agreement. It was so moved by Brad Olson, seconded by Scott Pearson to approve the resolution plans for construction and reconstruction. Plans for a new transformer box in the northwest part of the ballpark have been discussed with Otter Tail Power Co.

The original cost of the sewer project  is estimated at $500,000. Completion date is scheduled for Oct. 1.

In other issues, David Blees said the area underneath the Kiwanis Bridge is covered by city insurance. The county basically owns the fish barrier area, but wants the city to assume responsibility for insurance coverage.
Hendricks Economic Development Association (EDA) has recommended looking into acquiring the old creamery building.  David Blees will try to get the building appraised.

Regarding city police change of position, the resolution for PERA (Public Employee’s Retirement Association) will be kept the same. It was so moved by Julie Hogie, seconded by Bob Wolf to approve the resolution.

Claims were approved followed by a closed session on sale of city property.

Filed under Government |
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