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SOUTH DAKOTA

MUNICIPALITIES THE MAGAZINE OF THE SOUTH DAKOTA MUNICIPAL LEAGUE

FEBRUARY 2024 | VOLUME 90 | NUMBER 8

CREATING A CLEARER HEADSPACE Build Mental Mastery to Achieve Your Goals ►p.8 Inclusive Mental Health Policies in the Workplace ►p.9

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SOUTH DAKOTA

MUNICIPALITIES Official publication of the South Dakota Municipal League Managing Editor: David Reiss | Editor: Emilie Miller

FEBRUARY 2024

FEATURES

BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT Harry Weller Mayor, Kadoka

DISTRICT CHAIRS

1st VICE PRESIDENT Carolynn Anderson Finance Officer, Wall 2nd VICE PRESIDENT Leland Treichel Mayor, Roscoe TRUSTEES Fay Bueno Finance Officer, Sturgis David Barranco Councilmember, Sioux Falls Lance Lehmann Councilmember, Rapid City Dawn Murphy Finance Officer, Tea Michelle DeNeui Finance Officer, Spearfish PAST PRESIDENT Amy Leon City Manager, Yankton

L E A G U E S TA F F David Reiss Sara Rankin Emilie Miller Lisa Nold Lori Butler Jackie Lopour Rob Peterson Krista Kerns

Executive Director Director of Member Engagement Director of Marketing and Communications Director of Risk Sharing Services Director of Finance Accounting Assistant Director of Municipal Electric Services Administrative Services Coordinator

SD Public Assurance Alliance Lynn Bren Executive Director Kristina Peterson Deputy Director Becky Brunsing Member Services Representative Jerry Krambeck Member Services Representative Paytra Nichols Underwriter sdmunicipalleague.org | 1.800.658.3633 | Fax: 605.224.8655

Legislative Refresher..........................................................5 SDML: Congrats on 90 Years | Fay Bueno .........................6 Building Mental Mastery to Achieve Your Goals ...............8 Inclusive Mental Health Policies in the Workplace ............9 Is Your Community “Cardiac-Ready?".............................10 SDML Staff Adds Administrative Services Coordinator ...11 SDML District Meetings Registrations Open ...................13 South Dakota Implements Newcomers Survey ...............16 Open Meeting Laws Guide Updated ..............................17 Tourism Industry Sets Records .........................................18 Building Officials ICC Training .........................................19 Economic Development Grants Awarded .......................22 Grant Funding for Trails ...................................................23 Libraries Earn Accreditation ............................................23 Municipal Annual Report Forms Available Online...........23 Statewide Environmental Projects Awarded....................26 City Highlight | Freeman..................................................28

COLUMNS Director’s Notes .................................................................4 President’s Report..............................................................4 SDPAA News ...................................................................14 Risk-Sharing News ...........................................................20 Hometown Power ............................................................24 Washington Report | Rep. Thune ....................................34

STAY INFORMED Diredtory Updates ...........................................................11 Upcoming SDML Events..................................................12 Hometown Happenings ..................................................19 Resource Roundup ..........................................................30 Classifieds ........................................................................35 Corrections ......................................................................40 SDML Office Closures .....................................................40 Municipal Calendar .........................................................41 Cover: iStock.com/fizkes SOUTH DAKOTA MUNICIPALITIES (ISSN 0300-6182, USPS 503-120) is the official publication of the South Dakota Municipal League, published monthly at 208 Island Drive, Ft. Pierre, South Dakota 57532, phone 605-224-8654. This institution is an equal opportunity provider, and employer. Periodical postage paid at Pierre, South Dakota, and additional mailing offices. Non-member subscriptions are available for $30 annually. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the South Dakota Municipal League. Postmaster: Send address changes to SOUTH DAKOTA MUNICIPALITIES, 208 Island Drive, Ft. Pierre, South Dakota 57532. Please recycle this magazine.

COLUMN

DIRECTOR’S NOTES DAVID REISS | SDML EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Over the past couple of weeks, brutal cold set in across South Dakota. Cities across the state face challenges throughout the year, but winter operations pose unique circumstances to address for municipalities. From winter adjustments to building and facility maintenance, to road maintenance and snow removal, to assuring that emergency services are able to operate within cities to protect our residents, municipalities adjust and adapt to changing seasons and meet the public service needs of communities across South Dakota. The Municipal League is also working to adjust and address needs during this time of year at the Legislature. This year’s session has us addressing a multitude of issues in a rapidly changing environment, Issues being discussed this session include ambulance services, liquor license and video lottery allocations, the surplus property bid

threshold, economic development, firefighter training, and many others. The SDML legislative team is present and working on your behalf every day during the 2024 Legislative Session to support municipal issues and protect cities from attempts to diminish the ability to serve South Dakota citizens residing within our communities. I encourage you to review our legislative updates weekly and reach out to your local legislators about bills concerning your city. Please come support the Municipal League by attending the annual Rib Dinner on Feb. 6 and Municipal Day at the Legislature on Feb. 7. Your presence is vital to demonstrating the concerns of municipalities to legislators! Please remember, we are always available to you as a resource for your communities and I urge you to contact us if you have municipal issues or questions at 1-800-658-3633 or via email at david@sdmunicipalleague.org.

PRESIDENT ’S REPORT HARRY WELLER | SDML PRESIDENT

Well, session is in full swing. Your participation is important, and there are many ways to get involved, at any point in the process. At a minimum I hope you receive the SDML Legislative Updates emails. They come out weekly, and allow you to have the most current information. With information in-hand, you can take the next step. Does your community, school, county, or someone in the private sector hold cracker barrels on weekends during session? This is another great tool for you to express your concerns to your legislators. Or, shoot them an email or make a call. Contact information can be found on the Legislative Research Council’s website, www.sdlegislature.gov. I hope to see many of you for our day, Municipal Government Day at the Legislature. On Feb. 7, municipal officials

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and employees get front-row seats. You don’t need to register, so if you’re able, please join us. However you do it, please keep in touch with those who represent you in Pierre. Also, remember to be in touch with League lobbyists about your position on bills. I’m looking forward to everything the year has in store for us. We will be celebrating 90 years as the SDML in 2024, so be sure to check out our calendar of events to see how you can take part. Thanks to Mike Grosek, Mayor of Webster, for the great article in the January issue about his time with the SDML. We’ll hear from Fay Bueno, Finance Officer for Sturgis, this month. I, too, have seen a number of directors, from Bob Miller, John Thune, Yvonne Taylor, and now David Reiss, who leads us into our 90th year. I hope the new year will be great for you and yours. With best regards, Harry Weller, SDML President

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Legislative Calendar 99th Session of the South Dakota Legislature

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• Sign up for the SDML’s Legislative Update emails. Email david@sdmunicipalleague.org. • Find bill details, including sponsors, scheduled actions, recorded testimony, amendments, and more online at sdlegislature.gov. • Use MyLRC to receive information customized to your needs, including the ability to follow specific legislators, committees, or bills. Sign up for a free account at mylrc. sdlegislature.gov.

MAKE MEETINGS MORE EFFECTIVE

30th 31st 32nd 33rd March

Below is a quick refresher of highlights from last month’s legislature feature. For more detailed information, refer back to the January 2024 issue of South Dakota Municipalities, which is available online for free at www.sdmunicipalleague.org.

STAY INFORMED

18th 19th 20th 21st 11

As the 2024 Session of the South Dakota Legislature continues throughout February and into March, it’s important to keep your legislators informed about the needs of South Dakota’s cities. After all, no one knows your city or town better than you do. And, therefore, no one can do a better job of telling your elected representative what works and what does not work for your community than you can.

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TOP TIPS FOR SESSION

Remember, when you get involved in the legislative process and share your expertise and experiences with your legislators, your city - and all cities - have a stronger voice.

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Quick Refresher

Last day to introduce individual bills Last day to introduce committee bills Legislative Rib Dinner, Drifter’s, 6 p.m. CT Municipal Government Day Crossover Day 38th day; reserved for consideration of gubenatorial vetos

• Develop a positive working relationship with your legislator. • Have a specific agenda; present your case firmly and succinctly. • Connect your community to the issue. • Be responsive to any requests in a timely manner. • Say “Thank you!” for their time. • Keep the League informed about your correspondence.

MAINTAIN CONTACT

• Individual Legislators Find the full list in the Jan. 2024 South Dakota Municipalities magazine or at sdlegislature.gov. • SD Legislature Senate: 605.773.3821 House: 605.733.3851 • Legislative Research Council 605.773.3251 LRC@sdlegislature.gov sdlegislature.gov • SDML - Executive Director David Reiss david@sdmunicpalleague.org Lobbyist phone: 605.224.5030

sdmunicipalleague.org | 1.800.658.3633

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YEARS 1934-2024

FAY BUENO, FINANCE OFFICER, CITY OF STURGIS As a new small town finance officer, the feelings that you have about your new civic role….

an opportunity to have a seat on the Municipal League’s Board of Directors.

Overwhelming, consuming. So many hats to wear. Elections. Audits. Payroll. Liquor Licenses. Council meetings. Accounting.

I am suddenly really involved. I’m now a Trustee on the Board of Directors.

Who can give me accurate information?! Please help me?! What is this Municipal League? Municipal League Convention. Finance Officers School. District Meetings. Election School. Rib Dinner. List Serves. Annual Report Workshops. Oh my gosh, what wonderful resources! I’m feeling a little more confident in my role as a finance officer. But I still have lots of questions! The Municipal League is a lifeline to answer them or get me in touch with who can answer them. Department of Revenue, Department of Legislative Audit, Department of Transportation, DANR, SDRS. A friendly voice, a shoulder to cry on, a word of support, and then therapy through networking at events. I’m not in this alone! Now, what are these Policy Committee meetings? My voice and my community’s needs can be addressed through the power of the Municipal League’s Policy Committees. General Government, Public Health/Safety/Welfare, Public Works, and Taxation and Revenue. Dipping my toes into the leadership of the League. District meetings to help make regional contacts, learn about the Legislative session, and give

And, before I know it, I know people all over South Dakota. I realize they are not just colleagues, they are friends and sometimes even family! This isn’t fiction or a story. This can be reality for YOU. This is my personal and professional experience through my career as a finance officer and with the League. My career started as the finance officer in Whitewood and I was there for 11 years. I then joined the team at Sturgis and have been there for 16 ½ years. It has been quite a journey, and the Municipal League has been with me the entire time. I was nominated to be on the SDML Board April of 2014 and have been a Trustee for several years now. One benefit the League offers that I didn’t mention is the South Dakota Public Funds Investment Trust (FIT). I became a board member Dec. 8, 2004, and have been the chairperson since Dec. 2019. The FIT program provides alternate investment opportunities for local governments. The mission statement of the FIT program is: Governed by local officials; professionally managed funds; education for participants; safe, liquid investments and maximum yields by pooling funds. This program has helped many communities invest their monies in a safe and prosperous way. I highly recommend that you look into this investing tool. The Municipal League has grown and changed, just as I have. One major change I saw over my 27 years was the League getting a brand-new office building. The old office was at 214 East Capitol Ave

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- a small, not very convenient or welcoming space with awful parking. The new office building in Fort Pierre has proven to be a good move, with great offices, a meeting room, and additional space that can be leased out to help with expenses.

, Me (Fay), center in front of the SD Capitol with d Dave Smith an Lisa Katzenstein. Feb. 2022.

One other change that I was happy to see is when the League moved the Legislative Rib Dinner to a new location. This gave us a much better atmosphere to network. The Municipal League has been there for all the crazy moments that public service brings. The many eyes of the League see a problem, an opportunity, or even an outdated codified law (like when special election petitions didn’t have deadlines and were eventually submitted after several years circulating; or when the Buffalo Chip incorporated; or the third penny infrastructure sales tax proposal), and then we collectively take a proactive approach to try and solve these situations. From my career as a finance officer and as a member of the League, having a colleague in every City Hall in South Dakota was amazing. The Municipal League was the catalyst that gave me those connections.

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Rib Dinner socia l with Dave Sm ith Katzenstein, an d Daniel Ainslie , Lisa . Feb. 2023.

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With Executive Director Yvonne Taylor. April 2014.

But it wasn’t all work. I have fond memories of many unexpected adventures during my career, such as sitting in the pilot seat of a B-1 bomber, touring the Governor’s home, and drifting down the Missouri River in a pontoon. I never imagined my career would include those things! In closing, I want to congratulate SDML for 90 wonderful years of helping towns and cities throughout South Dakota. I want to thank SDML for giving me a chance to be a part of this wonderful organization. I will be retiring on Feb. 15, but I may pop in for an event or two in the future!

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In the cockpit of a B-1 bom ber with Karl Albert from Aberdeen. Jun e 6, 2019.

- Fay

7 iStock.com/radenmas

Human Services Center Mental Health Memo

TIPS FOR BUILDING MASTERY TO ACHIEVE YOUR GOAL S IN 2024 KATIE ANDERSON | PSYCHIATRIC SOCIAL WORKER, SD HUMAN SERVICES CENTER The New Year is a new beginning filled with opportunity, inspiration, and optimism. Folks often set ambitious resolutions with good intentions of getting a fresh start in the New Year. After all, it can be exciting to use that motivation to amp ourselves up for a big challenge! While there is certainly nothing wrong with having enthusiasm for personal growth, the momentum unfortunately tends to fade as the year progresses. In fact, a variety of studies have estimated that nearly 80% of New Years resolutions are given up by February. Maybe you’re already experiencing this. Or maybe you avoided setting a resolution this year for just that reason!

Building Mastery means scheduling doable tasks that make you feel effective and capable of getting things done. Over time, a series of accomplishments leads to increased self-efficacy. Not only is this strategy helpful for achieving goals, but it is also an important component of treating depression. Dr. Linehan indicates that the Build Mastery skill can be a “line of defense against helplessness and hopelessness.” Feeling competent prepares you for difficult challenges, which can be especially helpful when feeling disheartened by New Years resolutions or other goals. Below are three guidelines for Building Mastery adapted from Dr. Linehan’s DBT Manual:

Why do so many of us forego our New Years resolutions? When we adopt the ‘Go Big or Go Home’ mindset on January 1, it does not leave much room to give ourselves grace. Ambitious goals can become a daunting source of stress when we settle back into our day-to-day routines. And when we slip up on those big resolutions, that type of polarized mindset may tempt us to throw in the towel and leave us feeling disappointed in ourselves again. Unfortunately, goals that are rooted in shame and guilt rarely result in lasting changes.

1) DO AT LEAST ONE THING PER DAY.

So, are all resolutions just futile efforts? No, this is luckily not the case. Your goals can still be achievable with the right approach. One way to do this is by using the “Build Mastery” skill. The concept of Building Mastery originates from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a mental health treatment approach developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan. DBT provides a variety of skills to help individuals regulate their emotions and create “a life worth living.”

Lasting benefits are the result of many small, incremental changes. Ask yourself, what slight change would make the smallest noticeable difference? These actions are sometimes referred to as ‘micro-steps.’ Want to become an avid reader in 2024? Start with 15 minutes of reading per day, every day. It may seem like micro-steps aren’t significant enough to make a difference; however, small successes are the catalyst for big changes. For example, just 15 minutes of daily reading is the tipping point for increased reading achievement and growth in students, according to the world’s largest annual study of K-12 students (Renaissance Learning, 2023). Think of this approach as a domino effect for personal growth.

2) CHOOSE SOMETHING THAT IS CHALLENGING, BUT POSSIBLE.

As Dr. Linehan notably states, “Lives of failure are lives where expectations are too high.” It is important to balance challenge and achievability by choosing goals that will be attainable given

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your circumstances. If your goal is to become a marathon runner, it may be tempting to jumpstart your training with high-mileage workouts; however, if your current weekly schedule does not involve exercise, starting with a fivemile run may be an unrealistic starting point. Make sure to acknowledge your current fitness level without selfjudgement when setting a new fitness goal. Self-improvement can co-exist alongside self-acceptance.

3) GRADUALLY INCREASE DIFFICULTY.

Once you’ve consistently accomplished 15 minutes of daily reading, increase it to 20 minutes per day. Once you’ve mastered running one mile with ease, practice running two miles. Building confidence in our capabilities helps us be more resilient to discomfort. I’ve personally experienced this by implementing a 10-minute nightly cleaning routine. Although 10 minutes may seem insignificant, now 20 or 30 minutes of cleaning doesn’t seem so daunting when I’m already accustomed to setting a timer for at least 10 minutes of cleaning every night. There are endless opportunities for growth when you build mastery with micro-steps of progress. By challenging ourselves in these small ways every day, we can move closer towards achieving our goals in the New Year. And most importantly, selfimprovement is always best achieved when balanced with self-acceptance. I wish you good mental health, much personal growth, and great success in 2024! ■ References: Linehan, M. (2015). DBT skills training handouts and worksheets (2nd ed.). The Guilford Press. Renaissance Learning. (2023). What kids are reading: 2023 edition. https://www.renaissance.com/wkar

INCLUSIVE MENTAL HEALTH POLICIES: A WORKFORCE IMPERATIVE ADRIANA ROCHA GARCIA, PHD | COUNCILWOMAN IN SAN ANTONIO, TX Reprinted from National League of Cities, www.nlc.org.

This past September, I joined a National League of Cities (NLC) webinar that explored these crucial issues and their effects on cities, towns and villages. Co-sponsored by NLC and the U.S. Department of Labor-funded State Exchange on Employment & Disability, the event highlighted the important link between mental health and employment, and ways cities can adopt effective work-related mental health policies, plans and practices. Creating a resilient, inclusive workplace and community is a top priority for me. During the webinar, I shared some of the mental health-related strategies and tactics we are implementing in San Antonio. First and foremost, I model mental health-friendly practices for my own staff by taking a “Mental Health Monday” when needed. Each year, I designate certain Mondays every other month as days that I will take off work to rest and recharge. In that same vein, city governments can foster workplace cultures that are supportive and welcoming of workers with mental health conditions. For many organizations, one strategy includes offering Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), which help employees and family members experiencing personal difficulties. In the City of San Antonio, our EAP offers 24/7 access to mental health care for employees. We also permit city employees to work remotely and seek other workplace accommodations that will help them succeed on the job.

iStock.com/dusanpetkovic

It’s no secret that our nation is in the midst of a mental health crisis. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, about 1 in 5 American adults will experience a mental health condition in a given year. Rates of anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions are on the rise, as is demand for behavioral health professionals, who are frequently in short supply. And, all of this impacts our workplaces and our local economies, because when left untreated, mental health conditions can lead to absenteeism, performance issues and people leaving the workforce entirely. We often host employee Lunch & Learn webinars on a range of wellness topics, from healthy eating, to reducing stress, to boosting your mental health. These webinars frequently spark important conversations and reduce stigma around mental health conditions. And, for certain cultures and communities that tend to avoid talking about mental health, these forums are a great opportunity to promote dialogue and openness. Cities should also bring mental health support to their residents. In San Antonio, we have invested $26 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds into mental health, which has bolstered services for youth and facilitated the creation of a Chief Mental Health Officer position. In addition, our police department has partnered with our schools on the Handle with Care program, which ensures children exposed to traumatic events in their home or community receive appropriate interventions. To address the behavioral health care workforce shortage, our city sponsors the Ready to Work program, which offers individuals training and education, often leading to better skills and higher-paying jobs. To date, more than 1,700 individuals have received training for jobs in the healthcare field, resulting in skilled professionals who can deliver critical mental health care to people in need. Similarly, SA CORE (Community Outreach and Resiliency Effort) is a pilot program we launched to bring a holistic response to certain 911 calls focused on mental health crisis intervention. A common theme throughout these efforts is meeting our residents where they are. We as city leaders need to lead with empathy and engage our employees and community members at a service level that makes sense for them as individuals. By doing so, we can foster inclusion and help our residents and workers thrive. To receive guidance on disability-inclusive policymaking, visit dol.gov/agencies/odep/state-policy. ■ sdmunicipalleague.org

IS YOUR COMMUNITY “CARDIAC-READY?" CHRISSY MEYER, AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION Seven in 10 people in America say they feel powerless to act in the face of a cardiac emergency. As a result, less than half of all people who need this lifesaving skill receive CPR from bystanders before professional help arrives. More than 350,000 out-ofhospital cardiac arrests occur in the United States each year, according to the American Heart Association, and more than 90% of people who experience a cardiac arrest outside of the hospital will not survive. In 2018, the South Dakota Cardiovascular Collaborative, a group of stakeholders working in collaboration with the South Dakota Department of Health to improve the quality of life for all through the prevention

and management of cardiovascular disease and its associated risk factors, introduced the Cardiac Ready Communities initiative. The focus of the Cardiac Ready Communities (CRC) Program is to educate, equip, and empower local community members to be better prepared and more confident in helping a patient experiencing a cardiac event prior to the ambulance arriving. Communities which have been designated as Cardiac Ready have a documented increase in bystander CPR rates, bystander use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) and increased survival rate of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA).

• If someone in your community suffers a SCA tomorrow, how likely is he or she to survive due to rapid access to life saving treatment? • How many residents and public safety officials in your community can recognize the symptoms of cardiac arrest and know how to help? • How many people who live, work and play in your community, business or campus can recognize the signs of cardiac arrest and know how to help? • Do all of your buildings, auditoriums, and meeting areas have effective emergency response plans? How many public AEDs are available and are ready in case of an emergency?

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The answers to these questions illustrate the importance of achieving the Cardiac Ready Community Designation. The mission of the Cardiac Ready Community Designation is to help communities evaluate their readiness for cardiac events. It includes evaluation, planning and development of new awareness, prevention programs, CPR & AED training, and AED location information. This program is administered by the South Dakota Department of Health with support from South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care and aims to help communities improve the chances that anyone suffering a sudden cardiac arrest will have the best possible chance for survival. Through the Cardiac Ready Communities program, a community can strengthen what the American Heart Association has called the “chain of survival,” which has six critical steps: early access to emergency care, highquality CPR, defibrillation, advanced resuscitation, postcardiac arrest care, and recovery. Any South Dakota community is eligible to apply for the Cardiac Ready designation. The application process for a Cardiac Ready Community Designation includes several steps and can take as little as a few months or, in some cases, more than a year. However, a key factor is not only applying and receiving the designation but the effort and plans that your community will put together for ongoing awareness and education about sudden cardiac arrest, CPR training and AED location identification. Communities that receive a Cardiac Ready designation receive a number of promotional benefits, including highway signage, to help promote their status. But the number one benefit is the number of lives that can be saved through early intervention in a cardiac emergency. It just could be the life of someone you love. For more information on the Cardiac Ready Communities program, visit the program website at https://doh.sd.gov/ topics/heart-health/cardiac-ready-communities. ■

SDML STAFF ADDS ADMIN SERVICES COORDINATOR The South Dakota Municipal League welcomed Krista Kerns, Pierre, to the staff in early January. As the Administrative Services Coordinator, Kerns serves as the initial point of contact for SDML members and provides a variety of administrative support functions for the association. Kerns’s background includes 10 years with the Stanley County School District as an administrative assistant and volleyball coach, and 20-plus years of customer service helping with her family’s business in Murdo. A life-long South Dakotan, Kerns grew up in Jones County before moving to Pierre. She has two children, one attending South Dakota State University and the other attending Stanley County Middle School. ■

FEBRUARY 7, 2024

MUNICIPAL DAY AT THE LEGISLATURE Claim your front row seat to the legislature in action.

RECENT DIRECTORY UPDATES For the 2023-24 Directory of South Dakota Municipal Officials This list reflects updates to the directory received since the list included in last month's magazine. View the comprehensive list of updates at www.sdmunicipalleague.org.

Municipality

Delete

Add

Grenville

FO Lori Herrick

Valley Springs

FO Donna Van Hout

Worthing

FO Donna Van Hout

Purchase your directory online Sdmunicipalleague.org

sdmunicipalleague.org | 1.800.658.3633

UPCOMING SDML EVENTS Feb 6 7

LEGISLATIVE RIB DINNER, Fort Pierre

Apr 1-3

MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT DAY AT THE LEGISLATURE, State Capitol, Pierre

DISTRICT 3 MEETING, Harrisburg

DISTRICT 2 MEETING, Madison

DISTRICT 1 MEETING, Sisseton

ELECTION TRAINING | WEBINAR 3

BUILDING OFFICIALS ICC TRAINING, Rapid City

ELECTION TRAINING | WEBINAR 4

DISTRICT 6 MEETING, Groton

DISTRICT 7 MEETING, Mobridge

AIRPORT MANAGERS MEETING, Deadwood

DISTRICT 5 MEETING, Wessington Springs

BUILDING OFFICIALS ICC TRAINING, Sioux Falls

ELECTION TRAINING | WEBINAR 5

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DISTRICT 4 MEETING, Gregory

POLICE CHIEFS’ AND SHERIFFS’ SPRING CONFERENCE, Deadwood

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DISTRICT 10 MEETING, Belle Fourche

STREET MAINTENANCE MEETING, Oacoma

DISTRICT 9 MEETING, Hill City

ELECTION TRAINING | WEBINAR 6

DISTRICT 8 MEETING, Kadoka

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Mar 11 13

CITY MANAGEMENT MEETING, Pierre

sdmunicipalleague.org/events

ELECTRIC CONFERENCE AND TECHNOLOGY EXPO, Watertown

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INVIGORATING COMMUNITIES The infrastructure projects we choose to invest in play a major role in establishing the framework of a prosperous community.

SDML DISTRICT MEETING REGIS TR ATIONS OPEN Registration is now open for the South Dakota Municipal League (SDML) annual district meetings, which will be held throughout the state in March and April. The meetings will update member municipalities with the outcomes of the legislative session and provide an opportunity for in-person networking. “The district meetings are a great opportunity for official updates and information,” said SDML Executive Director David Reiss, “but they’re also a chance for members to meet, swap stories, and share ideas with their peers from neighboring cities.” Each meeting includes a social and meal as well as remarks from Reiss and League President Harry Weller of Kadoka. District business will also be conducted, including the election of district chairs and the selection of next year’s district meeting location. The meetings are open to any SDML members. Mayors, town presidents, council members, and city officials are especially encouraged to attend. Area legislators, State agency representatives, and congressional delegates are also invited. Attendees are able to register and bring guests. Meal fees vary for each meeting. One meeting will be held in each district of the South Dakota Municipal League. If members are unable to attend the meeting in their district, they are welcome to attend any of the other meetings. Pre-registration is required at www.sdmunicipalleague. org/events. Registrants can pay online or send a check through the mail. ■

SDML DISTRICTS Meetings will be held in each of the Municipal League's 10 districts this March. Find a list of cities in each district at sdmunicipalleague.org.

sdmunicipalleague.org

COLUMN

SDPAA NEWS LYNN BREN | SDPAA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Property reviews: You’ll be much happier if you do… As I prepare this, south central South Dakota has seen a major accumulation of snow, and that always puts extra stress on everything, our people, and our buildings. But this is normal, right? Every year we get cold temperatures, wintry weather, and sometimes, an abundance of snow. It’s the time when we can’t open the windows for fear of the air freezing our faces off. The time when we have space heaters under every desk serviced by overloaded electrical cords. You just don’t know when the cord or heater, or anything really, has reached its breaking point and a loss will occur.

their property coverage with us. This property survey is conducted through our partnership with Safety Benefits and currently serves as the starting point for where your property values should be at the time of the survey. While the SDPAA does help offset inflation by trending each year, we encourage Members to review their property statement of values to determine whether or not their schedules are keeping up with the common market. One word of advice, take a look at your more vulnerable structures, those which are more likely to be damaged by our most common occurrences such as wind, hail, and fire.

While this year is no different, I’m inclined this month to talk with you about property valuations and inventory, because I’ve watched, from not far enough, people struggle with putting together an inventory of all their property because they were the victims of a fire.

If you’re unsure what value you should have as you come up to a renewal, review the COPE data for that structure, and then give your local contractor a call, and ask what the approximate rebuild price is per square foot. This will not be an exact number but will give you an idea of whether or not you are in the ball park. This is generally a cost approach to valuing your structure. If you are aware of a similar structure going up in the area, you can use that as a comparison. This would be a market approach, what is the market doing for structures that are similar to yours.

Regardless of where you are securing your property coverage, it is important to realize that property values and property inventories play a critical role in not only your coverage analysis each year, but also becomes the focus of any property claim. Having proper inventories in place, and an updated property value will save you and your team a tremendous amount of time when it comes to working on your renewals, and if you have a claim, with your adjuster. Valuations and inventories are not only for the claims and coverage worlds, however, keeping these up to date also assures those you serve that you are properly accounting and caring for the assets of your community. Property valuations come in a variety of ways. The SDPAA provides a property survey to each Member securing 14

It is imperative to keep in mind that some of your buildings are unique in nature, and you may not find something comparable, and pricing per square foot is simply not an option given the potential historical or specialized materials used to construct your original building. Another component to consider when looking at your building values is what do you have attached to the structure that would increase the building replacement cost? Vehicle hoists, water and wastewater treatment equipment,

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chemical processing equipment in your swimming pool bath house, coolers, and security systems; each of these pieces of equipment which may be affixed to your structure and impact the replacement value of that structure. It’s important to keep these things in mind when reviewing the values that you have associated with your individual locations. There’s one other aspect of valuation that comes into play, especially in South Dakota: Construction costs are not created equal across the state. The price to build a building, of any kind, is not the same in the Sioux Falls area as it is in Pierre. Rapid City construction prices are different than those in Buffalo County. The cost to rebuild a building varies, so when looking at a market survey, make sure that your survey is appropriate for your area. Once we’ve tackled and are comfortable with the values that you have on the structures, the next step is the contents.

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Here’s how we describe contents during Member visits: If you take your building and shake it out, all the smaller items that you keep in their daily… that aren’t attached by more than a plug in… that’s contents. Contents is not equipment like mowers, tractors, trailers, etc. It’s smaller items like your pens, paper, folders, computers, desks, phones, refrigerators, microwaves, and other items used in the daily activities required to run your entity. Inventory management is going to help not only with decision making but also will help to enhance accountability. Inventory doesn’t just mean how the stock you have on hand at the liquor store, inventory can include making sure you have enough note pads and pens to keep your finance or auditor’s office running smoothly, printer ink to print the documents needed for your upcoming council or commission meetings. If you’re aware of what you have, it’s easier to make sure that supplies are sufficient to meet your needs, both daily and in advance of a potential emergency. Also, inventory at departmental levels creates accountability. If a department is responsible for their inventory, they will be mindful of what they have, how they use it, and when they need to replenish it. Having a reliable inventory will save you countless hours of time if you ever have a claim in which you need to provide an inventory of damaged items. Your adjuster will thank you for a

spreadsheet of items rather than a note pad full of handwritten notes, which is an approximate best guess of what you think you had. And your department heads will be thankful that they have their inventories ready, so rather than trying to create a list, they can focus on getting things back together. There are a variety of methods that an entity can use to track inventory, but frankly the simplest method that uses the technology that each of you has access to is a simple spreadsheet. Contents inventory should include the description of the item, quantity you have, the serial numbers of those that you have when appropriate, age of the item – especially for electronics, quantity, and current replacement cost. Using this list, you can determine whether or not you have an appropriate amount of coverage for your contents at an individual location. In my years of claims handling, contents coverage was one area where fire claims quickly eroded the limit of coverage available. Even where the fire doesn’t completely consume the contents, they are rendered unusable either due to the soot damage or water from putting the fire out. There are always special options available for how you wish to cover your contents, especially when dealing with your electronics. Be sure to talk to your Member Services representative or your agent about whether or not you should

be securing any additional coverage for items like computers, radios, iPads, or other items which are not routinely located at a specific location. Equipment and tools are another special part of your inventory which requires additional attention. Larger items such as mowers, tractors, blades, graders, and vehicles each have a special place to be covered, and that’s not under the contents section of your property form. Inventorying these items is similar to contents coverage. Tracking the year, make, model, VIN or serial number and value are critical pieces of information that is needed to ensure that you have accounted for the item and that you are covering it properly. It’s important to remember that at the end of the day, it’s not your agent, the SDPAA or your carrier who is responsible to make sure that your property and inventory values are sufficient, it is yours. Being diligent in keeping your property and inventory values up to date will certainly save you time, and likely money, in the long run. If you need information regarding how the SDPAA addresses property coverage and valuations, please contact any one of our Administrative Team! The SDPAA values the opportunity to serve each of its Members. If you’re not a Member of the SDPAA but would like to be, please check out our website at www.sdpaaonline.org for additional information. ■

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SURVEY TO GATHER INFORMATION ON NEWEST RESIDENTS TO SOUTH DAKOTA KARA HARDERS | SDSU EXTENSION COMMUNITY VITALITY FIELD SPECIALIST South Dakota is set to embark on an exciting venture to better understand and welcome its newest residents through a statewide Newcomers Survey. Inspired by the successful initiatives in Minnesota and Montana, this groundbreaking survey aims to gather invaluable data, insights, and opinions from recent arrivals to enhance the state's community-building efforts and address their needs more effectively. By reaching out to those who have made South Dakota their home within the last five years, the survey seeks to identify key factors that attracted them to the state and explore their experiences, challenges, and aspirations. This will enable policymakers and community leaders to create initiatives that cater to the unique needs and preferences of newcomers and foster a welcoming environment. The survey is currently active, and will remain open through at least March 31, 2024. Due to the fact that there is no singe

database with information to reach all new residents of South Dakota, the team hopes local governments, Chambers, Economic developers, and community members will help share the survey with new residents in their communities. “Based on conversations we have had with the teams that conducted this survey in Minnesota and Montana, the most difficult newcomers to find are those who are renting and those living on reservations, these are the groups we need the most help from local levels collecting data from” said Kara Harders, SDSU Community Vitality Field Specialist. Ben Winchester, who developed the first of these studies shares, “Since the 1970s rural communities have experienced a “brain gain” in people in their 30s, 40s, and 50s moving to rural communities for reasons related to increased quality of life. We see this today in our full housing stocks, this increased demand for rural living has led to our current shortage in housing. As our aging population turns over, we will be welcoming in a whole new wave of residents to our rural communities, which prompts the question, “How welcoming are we?” Key objectives of the South Dakota Newcomers Survey include: 1. Identifying Reasons for Relocation: Understanding the specific reasons that led newcomers to choose South Dakota will provide essential insights into the state's appealing attributes and competitive advantages. 2. Assessing Satisfaction and Challenges: Gathering feedback from newcomers on their overall satisfaction, experiences, and challenges will allow South Dakota to address areas of improvement and build on its strengths. 3. Gathering Demographic Data: Collecting demographic information will help in tailoring services and resources to diverse newcomer communities.

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4. Enhancing Integration Efforts: By understanding the needs and preferences of newcomers, the state can improve integration programs to ease their transition and foster a sense of belonging. Learn more about the survey at: https://extension.sdstate. edu/newcomers-survey. ■

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ATTORNEY GENERAL, SD NEWSMEDIA ASSOC. RELEASE UPDATED OPEN MEETING LAWS GUIDE PIERRE, S.D. – An updated guide explaining South Dakota’s Open Meeting Laws has been released by South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley and the South Dakota NewsMedia Association (SDNA).

The South Dakota NewsMedia, formerly known as the South Dakota Newspaper Association, represents the state’s newspapers and various digital news outlets across South Dakota. The guide has been sent to journalists at more than 100 newspapers and digital The guide, released for the first time news outlets that are members of the since 2017, is designed to better explain SDNA. The guide is also being made the state’s meeting laws to both media available to local governments. outlets and local government agencies. “South Dakota’s open meetings laws “This publication is designed to are fundamental to good, transparent be a guide for both the media and government and civic engagement, and government officials,” said Attorney this updated reference guide will be a General Jackley. “We appreciate the useful tool to ensure those principles chance to partner with the South Dakota are maintained,” said SDNA Executive NewsMedia Association on this effort, Director David Bordewyk. “This guide which ultimately helps the public.” provides the information needed to

make sure potential disputes about the state’s open meeting laws can be resolved before there is a problem.” The guide can be found at the Attorney General’s website at: https:// atg.sd.gov/docs/January%2017%20 2 0 2 4 % 2 0 O M C % 2 0 b ro c h u re . p d f and the South Dakota NewsMedia Association’s website at: https://www. sdna.com/about. ■

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2023 TOURISM INDUSTRY SETS TWO RECORDS PIERRE, S.D. – Visitor spending and total visitation each set all-time records in South Dakota in 2023. Tourism officials had their eyes on success while anxiously awaiting final numbers coming off recent recordsetting years. According to the annual study conducted by Tourism Economics, visitors to South Dakota spent 4.96 billion dollars, an increase of 4.9% over 2022. This surpasses all previous records, which continues to prove the South Dakota tourism industry’s tenacity and resiliency. South Dakota welcomed 14.7 million visitors, reporting an increase of 2.3% over 2022, also an all-time record. “Visitors are discovering South Dakota’s great assets: our people, our places, and our Freedom. The word is out, and that is why we continue to see record

increases in our tourism industry,” said Governor Kristi Noem. “Year after year, this industry supports South Dakota’s economy and essential services in our communities. Together, South Dakota citizens are building the strongest economy in America.” The tourism industry remains essential to South Dakota’s economy, providing an indispensable source of job creation and household income to thousands. 57,835 jobs in South Dakota were supported by the tourism industry, which generated 2.2 billion dollars of income for those families. “Tourism in South Dakota is a jobcreating, revenue-generating machine that plays a vital role in supporting the state’s economy year after year," said James Hagen, Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Tourism. “To see this industry continue to grow

and set records shows the dedication to service, state, and community. I couldn’t be prouder of every individual in this industry.” In 2023, tourism generated $384 million in state & local tax revenue. Without tourism in South Dakota, each household would pay an additional $1,040 in taxes each year. “What we are doing is working,” continued Hagen. “Conservatively, research tells us that for every $1 we put into tourism marketing, we see $61 in visitor spending and $5 in tax revenue. South Dakotans feel the impact daily with job creation, reduced tax burden, and increased state and local tax revenue.” View the full 2023 Tourism Economics report at SDVisit.com. ■

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BUILDING OFFICIAL S ICC TR AINING SET FOR APRIL Registration is now open for the SD Building Officials' Association (SDBOA) International Code Council (ICC) Training, which will be held twice in April. The one-day class will provide an overview of changes from the 2021 to the 2024 International Building Code (IBC), identifying changes in organization and code requirements and the applicability of these requirements to design, plan review and inspection. It will assist code users in identifying the specific code changes that have occurred and understand the reason behind the change. The training is encouraged for all code users, including building officials, fire officials, plans examiners, inspectors, and design professionals. Upon completion of this seminar, participants will be better able to: • Identify the most significant differences between the 2021 IBC and the 2024 IBC. • Identify current provisions that have been clarified in the 2024 edition. • Identify key changes in organization and format. • Identify applicability to design, plan review and activities. Two sessions of the same training will be held, taking place April 9 in Rapid City and April 11 in Sioux Falls. The deadline to register for either session is March 26.Registration fees are $85 for a SDBOA member and $105 for a non-member. For more information and to register, visit www.sdmunicipalleague.org/events. ■

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RISK-SHARING NEWS TRACIE EVERSON | SAFETY BENEFITS, INC.

When I think back over the years to public sector job interviews I’ve been a part of (whether being interviewed or interviewing a candidate with others), I still cringe at some of the comments made and questions asked by professionals who didn’t know better. Questions and comments such as “Aren’t you a little young/old to be interviewing for this position?” or “What does your spouse think of you having to relocate if you get this job?” or even “Do you plan to have any more children?” weren’t uncommon. Fast forward to 2024 and most public sector employers understand that certain topics should be avoided during an employment interview. This article addresses some of those topics. W h e n p re p a r i n g t o c o n d u c t employment interviews and considering the questions to ask, it is important to train those who will be participating in the interviews to ensure only appropriate job-related questions are asked. All candidates being interviewed should be asked the same questions. Safety Benefits, Inc. (SBI) provides safety and risk management services on behalf of the SDML Workers’ Compensation Fund (SDML WCF) and the South Dakota Public Assurance Alliance (SBI). The rule of thumb SBI shares with Members regarding interview questions is that everything discussed should be job related. Is small talk acceptable? Yes. But stick to the basics like thanking the individual for coming in, introducing the interview team, discussing specifics about the job, etc. More information regarding topic areas follows.

iStock.com/LuckyBusiness

Out of the Question! What can we ask at employment interviews?

AGE

CRIMINAL HISTORY

CITIZENSHIP / NATIONAL ORIGIN

DISABILITY/GENETICS/ MEDICAL

CREDIT HISTORY

FAMILY OR MARITAL STATUS/ PREGNANCY/GENDER/SEXUAL ORIENTATION

While most of us understand that we can’t ask a candidate’s age, asking things like “When did you graduate from high school?” or “How old are your children?” are off limits as well because that information could be used to determine the candidate’s approximate age. “Did you graduate from high school or earn a GED?” is acceptable if such a requirement is necessary for the position.

Generally, the only question safe to ask in this category at the employment interview is “Are you authorized to work in the United States?” If job related, you could ask “What languages do you speak fluently?” Questions asked to confirm U.S. citizenship or authorization to work in the U.S. aren’t valid until after an offer of employment is made. Some positions warrant a background check that includes looking into a candidate’s credit history. Most do not. Before inquiring about credit history consult with legal counsel to determine if it is appropriate. Questions like “Do you own or rent your home? Where do you bank? Do you have a mortgage?” don’t belong in the employment interview.

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Past convictions do not automatically disqualify a candidate for every position. The relationship of the conviction and the position for which the candidate applied must be considered. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) can provide guidance on such matters; so can your legal counsel and the SDPAA Employment Practices Hotline.

The only question permitted in this area is “Can you perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations?” Stay away from “Have you ever been injured at work? What is your general health? Do you smoke? What medications do you take?” None of these questions is appropriate during an interview.

You can ask “Are any of your references or qualifications under another name?” But inquiries about living arrangements and having a spouse or children don’t have anything to do with job qualifications and should not be asked. In addition, don’t ask for emergency contact information until after hire.

MILITARY SERVICE

Certain benefits such as military leave are afforded to those who are currently serving. However, the fact that an employee may be entitled to periodic absence as part of his or her service in the National Guard or Reserves can’t be a hiring consideration; so, it shouldn’t be asked about. A public sector employer can request information necessary to determine if Veterans’ Preference applies. Visit the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs at www.vetaffairs.sd.gov for more information.

POLITICAL AFFILIATIONS/ MEMBERSHIPS

Any such inquiry could reveal information about protected areas – religious, political, sexual orientation, family status, etc. A suitable interview question would be “Are you a member of any professional group relevant to this position?”

RACE

There are no job-related questions regarding race that are appropriate for a job interview.

RELIGION OR CREED

The only reason this topic might be of interest to an employer is because of the work schedule for the position being hired. If that is a valid concern for the position you are filling, consider asking “Can you work the days/ schedule required for this position?”

UNION MEMBERSHIP

You can tell a candidate about the union associated with the position for which he or she is applying but inquiries about a candidate’s current or past affiliation with a union are off limits. In general, the rules above apply to any communication with or about an applicant, including application forms, interviews, and reference checks. The EEOC notes that in a very limited

number of circumstances, you may consider a candidate’s sex, religion, age, or disability when making hiring decisions. As these rules can be complicated you’ll want to reach out to legal counsel for assistance. It is important to note that this list of topics is only a guide and does not address all of the laws governing preemployment inquiries. As noted within this article, for guidance on specific questions or situations, consult with legal counsel. Questions about the information in this article can be directed to Safety Benefits, Inc. at 605.334.9567 or 1.888.313.0839. ■ Acknowledgements • U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission • 2023 League of Minnesota Cities, HR Reference Manual, Chapter 1, Hiring • Employment Practices Hotline is available to Members of the South Dakota Public Assurance Alliance (SDPAA). To consult with the EPH contact Safety Benefits, Inc. (SBI) at 605-334-9567 or 1.888.313.0839.

Seeing success from a financial PERSPECTIVE “Financial plans are more than just about money. They’re really about education and providing you with the knowledge you need to make the best decisions for your community.” Miranda Kleven, PE, AE2S Special Projects Engineer

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SD TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION AWARDS $4 MIL IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GRANTS PIERRE, S.D. – At the South Dakota Transportation Commission meeting held Dec. 21, 2023, commissioners awarded $4.4 million in economic development grants for infrastructure improvements to counties and smaller communities across South Dakota. The economic development grant funds are designated to improve roads leading to schools, main business areas, hospitals, grain elevators, and other economic areas within a community. The grants provide funding for 80 percent of the construction costs up to a maximum of $600,000. “The economic development grant program is a key way for the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) to assist local governments with infrastructure improvements,” said Transportation Secretary Joel Jundt. “Without the grant funds, many

rural communities would not have the financial ability to improve access and foster quality of life opportunities for residents today and into the future.” Grants awarded by the Transportation Commission include: Community Access Grants: • City of Colton – Grant awarded in the amount of $600,000 for 4th and 6th Street which serve the downtown business area • City of Garretson – Grant awarded in the amount of $600,000 for 4th Street which serves a business area. • City of Mount Vernon – Grant awarded in the amount of $538,300 for Railroad Avenue and Main Street which serve the local elevator and the downtown. • Oglala Sioux Tribe – Grant awarded in the amount of $600,000 for Manderson Main Street which

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serves a business area, school, and the pow wow grounds. • Tripp County – Grant awarded in the amount of $334,450 for 317th Avenue which serves a business area. • City of Tyndall – Grant awarded in the amount of $600,000 for 14th Avenue which serves a school. • City of Wagner – Grant awarded in the amount of $600,000 for Walnut Avenue SW which serves a school, nursing home, and a hospital. Agri-Business Grant: • Union County – Grant awarded in the amount of $545,000 for 306th Street which serves Farmers Cooperative Society Grain Elevator. Find economic development grant program information on the SDDOT website at https://dot.sd.gov. ■

GRANT OFFERS FUNDING FOR TRAILS PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) has announced that the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) 2024 grant application is now open. The grants are available for trail projects sponsored by municipalities, counties, state parks, federal land management agencies, or tribal governments.

RTP funds come to the state through the Federal Highway Administration and are apportioned to states by Congress to fund both motorized and non-motorized public recreation trail projects. The amount of funds available is based upon the number of recreational vehicles licensed in each state.

The grant provides up to 80% reimbursement for approved trail projects. Eligible projects include construction of new public trails, rehabilitation of existing public trails, development of trail-related facilities, and educational programs that relate to recreational trails.

Application packets are available online at the Game, Fish and Parks website, www.gfp.sd.gov. The application deadline is April 5, 2024. For more information, contact Grants Coordinator Randy Kittle at 605.773.5490 or by e-mail at randy. kittle@state.sd.us. ■

MUNICIPAL ANNUAL REPORT FORMS AVAIL ABLE ONLINE The Municipal Annual Report Forms for 2023 are now available online from the Department of Legislative Audit (DLA) website.

ACCESS THE CURRENT FORMS

https://legislativeaudit.sd.gov/ resources/resources.aspx Click on “Municipalities," then on the best fit: • Small Municipalities < $600,000 • Large Municipalities – Special Purpose • Large Municipalities – GAAP Basis

FILE COMPLETED ANNUAL REPORTS

File the forms with Department of Legislative Audit through one of the following methods: • E-mail: sheri.doolittle@state.sd.us or rod.fortin@state.sd.us • Fax: 1-844-509-6554 • Mail: Department of Legislative Audit 427 S. Chapelle C/O 500 E. Capitol Pierre SD 57501-5070

ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT REQUIREMENTS

The finance officer shall report to the governing body no later than the first regular meeting of May each year, the receipts, expenses, and financial condition of the municipality. The report shall include the amount of funds in the treasury at the time the report is made and where and in what amounts the funds are deposited or invested. The report shall be published in the official newspaper, or any other newspaper as the governing body may direct within thirty days after the report is made to the governing body or on completion of an annual audit. By the last day of May each year the financial officer shall file a copy of the report with the Dept. of Legislative Audit. (SDCL 9-22-21) ■

LIBRARIES EARN ACCREDITATION PIERRE, S.D. – Seven South Dakota public libraries were recently accredited by the State Library for 2024. These accreditations designate these libraries as some of the best in the state. Accreditations signify that they are meeting important benchmarks for providing high quality library services to their communities. Accreditation in South Dakota is voluntary, and public libraries are accredited at one of three levels: Essential, Enhanced, or Exemplary. “By participating in this volunteer program, the staff and trustees of these libraries prove their commitment to quality library services,” said State Librarian George Seamon. “I invite all who live in these communities to go to your library and experience what they have to offer.” Accredited libraries must meet the South Dakota Public Library Standards in the areas of governance, administration, access, collections and resources, funding, staffing, technology, and public relations. The following libraries were awarded accreditation: • Canton Public Library – Essential • Custer County Library – Exemplary • Piedmont Valley Library – Essential • R E Rawlins Municipal Library (Pierre) – Exemplary • Scotland Community Library - Essential • Tripp County Library Grossenburg Memorial – Enhanced • Wall Community Library – Essential Accreditation is valid for three years. A complete list of all currently accredited libraries is available on the South Dakota State Library’s website, https:// library.sd.gov. ■

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HOMETOWN POWER ROB PETERSON | SDML DIRECTOR OF MUNICIPAL ELECTRIC SERVICES

State of Public Power 2023 was a year of change for the South Dakota Municipal Electric Association. As you may know, Chris Hill stepped down from the role of Director to return to a career in education. However, thanks to Chris, the Board of Directors, and the excellent staff at the Municipal League, 2023 was also a year filled with growth and successes. Our Superintendent and Foreman Conference had the largest attendance ever. The SDMEA Annual Golf Outing and SDMEA Sporting Clays Shoot both raised more money than ever before. These successes provide a strong foundation for us to build upon, and they are worth celebrating. The overall state of public power in our member communities is strong. This does not mean that we do not still face challenges ahead. Rather, despite these challenges, our member communities continue to provide the least-cost, most reliable power to their customers.

Looking into 2024 and beyond, I ask myself this question: How can we, as an association, help our member communities address the challenges they face? Since taking over as director in September, I have wrestled with how to answer this question. After spending much of the last four months on the road, visiting communities, and speaking with people on the ground, I believe I have an answer. Going forward, we must continue to grow our legislative and regulatory capabilities in order to best represent our communities’ interests in Pierre. We must grow our communication and outreach capabilities to promote the benefits of public power. We must work to be proactive in identifying the needs of our communities before they arise to best address any challenges they may face. Guided by these priorities, I believe we will be able to provide more value to our member communities than ever before. I look forward to continuing to visit our communities, gathering your input, and working with you. ■

Registration opens soon!

SDMEA CONFERENCE Technology Expo April 1-3, 2024 Watertown, SD

Join us for presenters and topics regarding municipal electric utilities. Geared towards the operations aspect but is open to all employees interested in the electrical system. At least one representative from each SDMEA member municipality should attend. Hope to see you there!

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DANR AWARDS OVER $98 MILLION IN STATEWIDE ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS PIERRE, S.D. – In January, the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) announced the Board of Water and Natural Resources has approved $98,188,425 in grants and loans for drinking water, wastewater, and storm water projects in South Dakota. The $98,188,425 total consists of $1,609,000 in grants and $96,579,425 in low-interest loans, including $1,682,000 in principal forgiveness to be administered by the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. “I am pleased to announce this financial assistance is available,”

said DANR Secretary Hunter Roberts. “Safe and reliable water and wastewater infrastructure helps protect our environment and strengthen communities for our kids and grandkids.” Funds were awarded from DANR’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Program, Clean Water State Revolving Fund Program, Solid Waste Management Program, and the Consolidated Water Facilities Construction Program to the following: Davison Rural Water System received a $250,000 Consolidated Water Facilities Construction Program grant and an

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additional $1,000,000 Drinking Water State Revolving fund loan to improve water supply and pressure issues within its system and upgrade to automatic meter reading technology. Davison Rural Water previously received a funding package in April 2022 for this project. The loan terms are 2.125 percent for 30 years. Geddes received $1,186,000 Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan to upgrade a ditch and culvert system with an in-ground stormwater conveyance system. The loan terms are 3.25 percent for 30 years. Hanson Rural Water System received

an additional $3,700,000 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan to improve water supply and pressure issues within its system and upgrade its meter technology. Hanson Rural Water previously received a funding package in April 2022 for this project. The loan terms are 1.625 percent for 30 years. Hecla received $2,500,000 Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan with $1,682,000 in principal forgiveness to clean and televise wastewater lines and replace a portion of the wastewater piping with new PVC pipe. The terms of the loan are 3.25 percent for 30 years. Humboldt received a $390,000 Consolidated Water Facilities Construction Program grant and an additional $330,000 Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan for sanitary sewer upgrades. The city previously received a funding package in in April 2022 for this project. The loan terms are 3.25 percent for 30 years. Humboldt also received $145,000 Consolidated Water Facilities Construction Program grant and an additional $270,000 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan to replace aging water mains. The city previously received a funding package in in April 2022 for this project. The loan terms are 3.25 percent for 30 years. Lead received a $841,425 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan to replace aging water lines and better accommodate flow demands. The loan terms are 2.75 percent for 20 years. Sioux Falls received a $61,000,000 Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan to install force main from Pumpstation

240 to the city’s water reclamation facility. The terms of the loan are 3 percent for 20 years. South Eastern Council of Governments received a $100,000 Solid Waste Management Program grant for its regional revolving loan fund program. This funding allows the Council to provide low-interest loans for solid waste management and recycling projects in the region. Spring Creek/Cow Creek Sanitary District received a $492,000 Consolidated Water Facilities Construction Program grant and an additional $300,000 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan for the construction of an elevated drinking water storage reservoir, including the installation of PVC water main pipe and all necessary appurtenances. The district previously received a funding package in April 2022 for this project. The loan terms are 3.25 percent for 30 years. Watertown received an additional $25,000,000 Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan for wastewater treatment facility improvements. The city previously received a funding package in April 2022 for this project. The loan terms are 3.25 percent for 30 years. Valley Springs received a $232,000 Consolidated Water Facilities Construction Program grant and an additional $270,000 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan to construct new well houses. The city previously received a funding package in June 2022 for this project. The loan terms are 3.25 percent for 30 years. The Solid Waste Management Program provides grants and loans for solid waste disposal, recycling, and waste tire projects. The Legislature annually appropriates dedicated funding for the Solid Waste Management Program through the Governor’s Omnibus Water Funding Bill. The Consolidated Water Facilities Construction Program, funded in part by revenues from the Petroleum Release Compensation Tank Inspection fee and the sale of lotto tickets, provides grants and loans for water, wastewater, and watershed projects. The Legislature annually appropriates dedicated water and waste funding for the Consolidated Water Facilities Construction Program through the Governor’s Omnibus Water Funding Bill. The State of South Dakota and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency fund the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Programs, which provide low-interest loans for wastewater, storm water, water conservation, nonpoint source projects, and public drinking water system projects. The programs are funded through a combination of federal appropriations, loan repayments, and bonds. The board approved the funding at their Jan. 4 meeting in Pierre. ■

sdmunicipalleague.org | 1.800.658.3633

CITY HIGHLIGHT

FREEMAN

CAROL J. EISENBEIS FOR THE CITY OF FREEMAN Photos by Carol J. Eisenbeis

Food. It brings people together. And, in Freeman, it’s food that brings people together from miles around for three annual festivals. One of South Dakota’s longest-running festivals got its start nearly by accident back in 1959. That’s when the auxiliary organization of what was then Freeman Junior College decided to serve up some favorite German dishes as part of a fundraiser. Schmeckfest was the name they gave to what was expected to be a one-time “festival of tasting.” The response was overwhelming and the food quickly ran out. Word of the event, however, began to circulate and soon people were asking for another Schmeckfest celebration. More than sixty years later, Schmeckfest has become a homecoming of sorts for those familiar with the longstanding spring tradition. Noodle soup, sausage, and kuchen are just some of the favorite foods enjoyed during this annual multi-day festival, with 1,000 guests enjoying the full, sit-down meal each day. A variety of demonstrations and displays showcasing the heritage of local residents, as well as the staging of a full-scale musical – complete with orchestra – are elements that have been added along the way. The 2024 Schmeckfest is set to take place on the campus of Freeman Academy on March 15 and 16.

The crowd at the annual CHISLIC FESTIVAL stretches throughout the Freeman Prairie Arboretum.

Chislic is another food that’s drawn thousands of guests to the little town of Freeman in recent years. Named South Dakota’s official nosh, chislic is a cubed meat – most commonly mutton or lamb – that arrived in the state along with Germans from Russia settlers in the 1870s. Here, in the “heart of the chislic circle,” locals decided put together an event in celebration of this popular food. Much to the surprise of Freeman’s 1,300 residents, more than 8,000 guests showed up for the launch of the event. Like the first Schmeckfest, crowds descending on the first South Dakota Chislic Festival in 2018 quickly overwhelmed organizers.

In response to all who flocked to that first festival in celebration of chislic, organizers spent the next ten months securing a larger outdoor venue, planning for increased infrastructure and making sure plenty of chislic would be on hand. The beautiful 40-acre Freeman Prairie Arboretum became home to the annual event in its second year. In this expansive space, festival-goers can be assured of finding plenty of chislic, along with an array of other food vendors, a beer tent, stage entertainment, bean bag tournaments, a Kidz Zone, shopping opportunities and more on the last Saturday of July. With the exception of a pause in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival has continued to evolve and

Dinner is served at SCHMECKFEST (LEFT), which draws 1,000 guests each day. Participants enjoy traditional German foods including sausage, sauerkraut, noodle soup, and kuchen (RIGHT).

improve and provide fun for all ages. In January 2023, the South Dakota Governor’s Office of Tourism presented the South Dakota Chislic Festival with the Peter Norbeck Award for Excellence in Tourism Innovation in recognition of ongoing efforts to enhance the visitor experience in South Dakota. Freeman’s food celebrations don’t end there; they span to the month of August as well. That’s when the Freeman Volunteer Fire Department hosts their annual Fire House Rib Cook-Off, inviting other fire departments to compete for the honor of serving the best-tasting ribs. The 2024 cook-off will mark the eleventh year for the event that takes place under the shade of the trees at Freeman’s Swimming Pool Park. While the one-day celebration is scheduled for Saturday, August 10, the park will become busy with set up the day before. The enticing aroma of ribs smoking on the grills will begin to waft through the air. People will gather with lawn chairs to visit and enjoy ribs, along with an assortment of other foods and beer. Activities for all ages will get underway throughout the day as music plays in the background. And, of course, prizes will be awarded for the best ribs before the evening caps of with a band to entertain the crowd. So, if you love great-tasting food - along with some festival fun - know that Freeman's the place where you can experience it all! ■

(TOP) Volunteers prep noodle soup for Freeman's annual SCHMECKFEST. (BOTTOM) Participants await the winner of the FIRE HOUSE RIB COOK-OFF, in which area volunteer fire departments compete for the top prize.

RESOURCE ROUNDUP Awards All-America City Award, The National Civic League Due: Feb. 13 Designates cities for their outstanding civic accomplishments. The award celebrates exemplary grassroots community problem-solving and honors communities that have united to achieve stunning results. Learn more/apply: www.nationalcivicleague.org Police Chiefs’ and Sheriffs’ Association Awards Due: March 1 Recognize outstanding contributions in law enforcement. Awards include Medal of Honor, Officer of the Year, Citizen’s Award of Merit, Sheriffs’ Service Award, and the Chief Wainman Sr. Service Award. Awards presented during the SDPCA and SDSA joint meeting in Deadwood in April. Learn more/submit nominations: www. sdmunicipalleague.org/page/Affiliates-PoliceChiefs Code Enforcement Officer of the Year Due: March 15 Recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to their municipality as a code enforcement officer and their community as citizen. Award presented at the association’s spring meeting. Learn more/submit nominations: www.sdmunicipalleague.org/page/ Affiliates-CodeEnforcement

Grants Stan Houston ICS Saw Grant, SDML Workers' Compensation Fund Due: Opened Jan. 1, awarded first-come, first-served Provides funds towards purchasing saw packages to reduce risk of injury during activities that require the use of a chop saw. Applicants must be a member of the SDML Workers' Compensation Fund. See grant application for full details. Learn more/apply: www.sdmlwcfund.com

Stryker EMS Equipment Grant, SDML Workers' Compensation Fund Due: Opened Jan. 1, awarded first-come, first-served Provides funds towards purchasing equipment to provide a safer workplace for employees that assist in emergency transfer of patients. Applicants must be a member of the SDML Workers' Compensation Fund. See grant application for full details. Learn more/apply: www.sdmlwcfund.com Trenching and Confined Space Entry Safety Equipment Grant, SDML Workers' Compensation Fund Due: Opened Jan. 1, awarded first-come, first-served Provides funds towards equipment to mitigate the risks of trenching and confined space entry. Applicants must be a member of the SDML Workers' Compensation Fund. See grant application for full details. Learn more/apply: www.sdmlwcfund.com RAISE Grant, US Dept. of Transportation Due: Feb. 28 Provides $1.5 billion to state, local and tribal governments for projects for planning or constructing surface transportation infrastructure projects that will improve safety; environmental sustainability; quality of life; mobility and community connectivity; economic competitiveness and opportunity including tourism; state of good repair; partnership and collaboration; and innovation. Learn more/apply: www.transportation.gov/ RAISEgrants/raise-nofo Traffic Control Device Grant, Street Maintenance Association Due: April 1 Provides funds to offset the costs of Traffic Control Devices such as speed display units, traffic count units, and flashing warning signs. Learn more/apply: www.sdmunicipalleague.org/ page/Affiliates-StreetMaintenance Recreational Trails Program Grant, SD Game, Fish and Parks Due: April 5 Provides partial reimbursement for approved trail projects including the construction of new public trails, rehabilitation of existing public trails, development of trail-related facilities, and educational programs that relate to recreational trails. Learn more/apply: www.gfp.sd.gov/partnerships; Grants Coordinator Randy Kittle at 605.773.5490 or randy.kittle@state.sd.us

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Hazard Mitigation Grant, SD Office of Emergency Management Due: May 1 Funding is available for local governments and certain private-non-profit organizations to apply for hazard mitigation projects that will reduce the loss of life and property by lessening the impacts of future disasters. Learn more/apply: https://dps.sd.gov/ emergency-services

Scholarships Street Maintenance Training Scholarship Due: Extended to Feb. 15 Provides funds for several association members for continuing education in either the Public Works Training or Technical School Course categories. Learn more/apply: www.sdmunicipalleague.org/page/ Affiliates-StreetMaintenance Code Enforcement Training Scholarship Due: April 1 Provides funds for an association member to attend a training of their choice to enhance their performance of duties as a code enforcement officer. Learn more/apply: www.sdmunicipalleague.org/page/ Affiliates-CodeEnforcement Finance Officers' Training Scholarship Due: April 1 Provides funds for continuing education for an association member. Applicants may apply for a scholarship to attend Finance Officers' School (FO School) in June or another professional development class/college course of their choosing. Learn more/apply: www.sdmunicipalleague.org/page/ Affiliates-FinanceOfficers

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Human Resource HR School Scholarship Due: April 1 Provides funds for an association member from a second- or third-class municipality to attend the SD Governmental Human Resource School (HR School) in June. Learn more/apply: www.sdmunicipalleague.org/page/ Affiliates-HumanResource Police Chiefs' IACP Scholarship Due: April 1 Provides funds for an association member to attend the annual International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Annual Conference and Exposition in October. Learn more/apply: www.sdmunicipalleague.org/page/ Affiliates-PoliceChiefs

Trainings Election Training Four sessions in March, online webinars Registration: Free Due: One week prior to workshop Multiple sessions assist officials in conducting municipal or school elections. Topics for each webinar available to view online. New finance officers and business managers are encouraged to attend all webinars. Sponsored by the Secretary of State's office, Associated School Boards of South Dakota, and the South Dakota Municipal League. Remaining Training Dates: Webinar 3: March 11, Webinar 4: March 13, Webinar 5: March 21, Webinar 6: March 28 Learn more/register: www.sdmunicipalleague.org/ events Electric Conference and Technology Expo April 1-3, Watertown Features several presenters and topics regarding municipal electric utilities. Geared towards the operations aspect but is open to all employees interested in the electrical system. At least one representative from each SDMEA member municipality should attend. Learn more/register: www.sdmunicipalleague.org/ events Building Officials ICC Training April 9 in Rapid City; April 11 in Sioux Falls Registration: $85 - SDBOA member; $105 - Non-member Due: March 26 Identifies and reviews selected significant changes from the 2021 International Building Code (IBC) to the 2024 edition. Focuses primarily on the fire- and life-safety aspects of the 2024 IBC. Learn more/register: www.sdmunicipalleague.org/ events

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WASHINGTON REPORT U.S. REPRESENTATIVE JOHN THUNE

Rules of the Road for Artificial Intelligence The launch of a new wave of consumer-facing artificial intelligence (AI) applications over the past year has ushered in a renewed focus on AI. Amazon chatbots, Netflix recommendations, and even directions on our phone all use AI, but recent developments demonstrate that the technology is about to take a giant step forward. While the applications with which most people have already interacted are trained to perform narrow tasks, the next generation of AI is designed to produce original content and make complex decisions based on massive amounts of data. This new technology brings with it seemingly endless possibilities. It promises potentially tremendous advances in medicine, farming, and manufacturing. It can improve everything from national defense to daily life. But, as with any sophisticated technology, this next generation of AI also presents risks. The challenge, then, is how to encourage the promise of AI while ensuring there are basic safeguards in place to minimize potential dangers. I believe the light-touch approach the United States has taken on internet regulation is a good model to follow for AI. The explosive growth of internet innovation in our country is in large part a result of government not weighing down a new technology with heavy-handed regulation. Leadership in AI will benefit our economy and make America more competitive, so we need to be sure we’re promoting innovation while protecting consumers from the riskiest applications of AI.

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To this end, I have introduced bipartisan legislation that would establish some basic rules of the road for artificial intelligence. Our proposal focuses on two things: transparency for consumers and riskbased oversight of high-impact AI applications. On transparency, our bill would require big internet platforms to clearly inform consumers if the platform is using generative AI to create content. For AI being used to make high-impact decisions – such as those related to health care or critical infrastructure – our bill establishes an oversight framework to ensure it meets certain standards. This bill won’t be the last word on AI, but it’s the right place for Congress to start to preserve space for innovation while protecting against serious dangers and the knee-jerk reaction from Washington to overregulate. It’s clear that a race to regulate AI has already begun. President Biden has issued a sweeping executive order that empowers multiple government agencies to regulate AI systems. The European Union is pressing forward with a heavy-handed regulatory regime. But this is the wrong approach. It risks stifling innovation just as it’s getting started, which we cannot afford to let happen. If we fall behind adversarial nations, particularly China, there will be profoundly dangerous implications for our national security and economic prosperity. Unlike these heavy-handed approaches, the bipartisan bill I’m proposing does not assume the worst about artificial intelligence, and it doesn’t rush into sweeping regulation of all uses of AI. Instead, the bill puts guardrails in place to mitigate dangers on high-risk, high-impact AI applications, while leaving American innovators and entrepreneurs free to move forward. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to get this bill across the finish line, and to ensure the United States is once again the leader in an important new technology. ■

CLASSIFIEDS

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Assistant City Engineer - City of Watertown, SD. Our ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering with three years of progressively responsible related engineering experience. We are open to candidates with or without a PE license. Please submit your cover letter, resume and city job application online at https://watertownsd.seamlessdocs.com/f/ job_application. Open until filled. Chief of Police - City of Scotland, SD. Responsibilities include management of the police department personnel and policies, enforce city ordinances, police patrol and other law enforcement duties. SD Law Enforcement Certified Required. Salary is dependent on qualifications and experience. Applications and job descriptions can be picked up at the City Finance Office located at 530 Juniper Street, Scotland, SD or call 605-583-2320. Completed applications can be sent to City of Scotland PO Box 316, Scotland, SD 57059. Open until filled. EOE. City Administrator - City of Spearfish, SD. Responsible for directing, managing, and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the City of Spearfish while planning for and providing guidance to the Common Council regarding future operations. Should have knowledge and a level of competency commonly associated with the completion of a baccalaureate degree in a course of study related to the occupational field. A master’s degree is preferred.

Candidates need experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the diverse objectives and functions of the departments in the city to direct and coordinate work. The ideal candidate will have ten (10) years of related experience, with at least five (5) years in a leadership capacity. Starting salary range $145,121.60 - $185,764.80; excellent benefit package. Apply at www. cityofspearfish.com. Open until filled. EOE. Communications Officer – City of Pierre, SD. Works as part of a team operating the Central South Dakota Communications Center, the 911-Emergency Dispatch Center for central South Dakota. Receive calls for assistance from the public, document and dispatch appropriate public safety personnel for those calls. Receiving, processing, and sending radio communications for various Law Enforcement Agencies, Emergency Medical Services, and local Fire Departments. UP TO $3000 HIRING BONUS! Comprehensive benefit package. Apply to Human Resources Office, City of Pierre, Box 125, Pierre, SD 57501, Phone (605) 773-7429 or www. cityofpierre.org. Open until filled. EOE. Communications Officer - City of Spearfish, SD. Responsible for performing emergency and non-emergency communications functions. Requirements: Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with completion of specialized training in the field of work, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high school education. Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or

sdmunicipalleague.org | 1.800.658.3633

CLASSIFIEDS having had a similar position for one to two years. Starting wage $21.33 plus an additional $2.00 per hour rotating shift stipend ($23.33). Comprehensive benefits. ~Sign-On Bonus $4,000~ Learn more and apply www.cityofspearfish.com. Open until filled. EOE. Communications Specialist (E-911) - City of Mitchell, SD. Responsible for answering emergency and non-emergency calls and for dispatching appropriate personnel. Provides guidance to callers until emergency personnel arrive on scene; receives and transmits radio and telephone communication; monitors security cameras; and greets and assists visitors at the customer service window. No experience in the field is necessary; however, sufficient experience to understand basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position. Possession of or ability to readily obtain NCIC and EMD Certification. Starting wage: $21.332 per hour (2023) and $22.477 per hour (2024). Full-time benefits. Applications: Human Resources Office, City of Mitchell 612 North Main Street, Mitchell, SD 57301. 605.995.8417, www.cityofmitchellsd.gov. Open until filled. Construction Inspection Engineering Technician I or II – City of Rapid City, SD. Oversees the construction of public infrastructure and improvement projects to ensure compliance with regulations and City standards and improve the overall quality of the infrastructure systems in our community. Should possess the communication skills needed to maintain effective communication with contractors, engineering and inspection staff, and consultants

to resolve issues that arise in the field while also interpret and enforce regulations, ordinances, and policies. Starting salary is $23.60 -28.40 hourly. Fantastic benefits. Find full description and apply at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/rapidcity. Open until filled. Deputy Finance Officer - City of McLaughlin, SD. High school graduate or GED certificate is required. Experience in customer service and computer knowledge is required. The ability to work well with people is important. Pay based upon experience. Apply at the City of McLaughlin, PO Box 169, McLaughlin SD 57642. Contact the City Office at 605-823-4428 for more information regarding job description and application. Open until filled. EOE. Deputy Fire Chief - City of Yankton, SD. This career is for a creative, team-oriented and emotionally intelligent fire service leader to empower a group of dedicated volunteers and collaborative peers to save lives from fire. The applicant must be a lifelong learner who is passionate about developing others. The ability to work in ambiguous situations with limited resources is paramount to this role. The Deputy Chief in our City wears many hats, including Fire Marshal responsibilities and duties that accomplish strategic priorities of the organization. Works under the Fire Chief and must be able to make “Fire Chief” decisions in his absence. The application form and full job description are available on the city website www.cityofyankton.org or by calling 605-668-5222. Open until filled.

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CLASSIFIEDS Digital Engagement Strategist - Missouri River Energy Services, Sioux Falls, SD. Assists in planning, developing, implementing, and managing the overall digital marketing strategy and initiatives to engage in meaningful exchanges and create lasting relationships with the organization’s members and customers. Creates communication assets that help the organization accomplish its strategic priorities. Provides research and analysis for all MRES social media activities. As a vital member of the Communications Team, you will assist with efforts including analytics, tagging, user journey, and adapting campaigns to deliver higher quality responses and improve conversion rates. Learn more and apply at https://careers.mrenergy.com/jobs. Open until filled. Engineering Technician/Project Manager - City of Yankton, SD. The City of Yankton is seeking qualified applicants for an Engineering Technician/Project Manager in the Public Works Department. This position is regular full-time which requires a degree in Civil Engineering or related field; American Concrete Institute Field Technician Grade 1 certification; four (4) years full time technical Auto CAD drafting, surveying and staking, construction review and testing related to public works and general construction work. Engineer-In-Training certificate preferred. The salary for this position is $64,020 to $81,050 (Range 43) per year, plus benefits. Open until filled. EOE. Finance Officer – City of Chancellor, SD (pop. 300). Job duties are those commonly associated with the position, and other duties as assigned by the Board of Trustees. Wage DOE. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact Shelly at: 605-351-3043. Open until filled. EOE.

Finance Officer – City of Madison, SD. Responsible for directing and overseeing the financial needs to meet the strategic plan. This department head role performs data analysis, assists other departments, directs investment activities, and develops plans for long term financial goals. Should have excellent management skills with a wide range of accounting experience. Directs the annual budget process and present it to the Mayor and Commission. Prepares, directs, and reviews resolutions, ordinances, municipal elections, liability, and property insurance as well as Board of Commission meetings. Full description and apply online at www. cityofmadisonsd.com/Jobs. Open until filled. EOE. Maintenance – City of Chancellor, SD (pop. 300). Job duties are those commonly associated with municipal maintenance and other duties as assigned by the Board of Trustees. Wage DOE. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact Shelly at: 605351-3043. Open until filled. EOE. Patrol Officer - City of Mitchell, SD. Responsible for the enforcement of federal, state, and local laws and the protection of life and property. Some of the job duties include: patrol the city to detect and deter criminal activity and traffic violations and to provide assistance as needed; monitors commercial and residential areas for signs of criminal activity; responds to calls for service, including domestic disputes, assaults, burglaries, traffic accidents, lost or missing persons searches, public service requests; completes required reports and forms, including accident and incident reports. Starting wage: $27.306 per hour (2023) and $27.386 per hour (2024) plus benefits. Applications: Human Resources Office, City of Mitchell, 612 North Main Street, Mitchell, 57301 605.995.8417, www.cityofmitchellsd.gov. Open until filled. Patrol Officer - City of Pierre, SD. Performs law enforcement & public safety duties as necessary to maintain law & order in the City of Pierre. Must be at least 21 years of age, have a high school diploma or GED, & pass the police entry level examinations including a background investigation. Prior experience in law enforcement is desirable. Certified officer preferred. Comprehensive benefit package. Up to $3,000 hiring bonus. Apply: Human Resources Office, City of Pierre, Box 1253, Pierre, SD 57501, (605)773-7429, www.cityofpierre.org. Open until filled. EOE.

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Planning Director/Building Inspector - City of North Sioux City, SD. Responsible for setting the agenda for the Planning Commission and acts as the liaison between the Planning Commission and the City Council. A bachelor's degree in urban planning or a related field is desired but will consider applicants with a significant history of relevant work experience. Salary is commensurate with similar positions depending on qualifications. Excellent benefits package. Full description at www.northsiouxcity-sd.gov. Submit cover letter and resume to the City Administrator by email to eric.christensen@ northsiouxcity-sd.gov or by mail to The City of North Sioux City, Attn: Eric Christensen, 504 River Drive, North Sioux City SD 57049. Open until filled. EOE. Police Officer - City of Milbank, SD. Enforce local, state, and federal laws, prevent and suppress crime and accidents, and promote public safety through community policing principles. Responsible for the investigation of criminal cases as assigned. Full-time position. Salary: Grade 14 Non-certified, $20.35; Grade 15 Certified, $21.78 - $25.94/ hourly DOE. Competitive benefits package. Full description and apply at https://www.milbanksd. com/city-of-milbank/employment. Open until filled.

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Police Officer - City of Spearfish, SD. Enforce local, state, and federal laws, prevent, and suppress crime and accidents, and

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CLASSIFIEDS promote public safety through community policing principles. Responsible for the investigation of criminal cases as assigned. Requirements: Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with completion of specialized training in the field of work, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high school education; possession of or ability to readily obtain South Dakota Law Enforcement Certification. Full-time position. Starting wage: $30.13 per hour. Competitive benefit package. $6,000 signon bonus. Housing allowance. Full description and apply at www. cityofspearfish.com. Open until filled. EOE. Police Officer - City of Summerset, SD. The City of Summerset has an opening for a police officer. SD certified. A competitive wage with a full benefit package is offered. Applications can be found on the City of Summerset website at www.summerset.us "Job Openings" or contact Rich Nasser, Police Chief, at City of Summerset, 7055 Leisure Lane, Summerset SD 57718 (605) 7182163 ext. 2159. Starting wage 25.00/hr. on up depending on experience. Open until filled. Police Officer (Entry Level/Lateral Entry) - City of Vermillion, SD. Duties include performing varied assignments in motorized patrol, traffic control and enforcement, accident investigation, preliminary and follow-up investigation at crime scenes, and assisting in public safety education programs. To learn more about the police officer position and to complete an application, please visit the City of Vermillion's job page: https://www.vermillion.us/Jobs.aspx or if you have questions about the position please call/email Jack

Baustian at 605-677-7050 or jackb@cityofvermillion.com. Open until filled. Project Inspector – Public Works, City of Spearfish, SD. Responsible for providing project management for city capital improvement projects, including construction inspection, quality control, and surveying/staking as necessary. Requires knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of a baccalaureate degree in a course of study related to the occupational field. Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years. Possession of or ability to readily obtain SDDOT certification in Erosion/Sediment Control and Storm Water Management. Starting pay range $28.68 - $31.66, DOE. Competitive benefit package. Learn more and apply at www.cityofspearfish.com. Open until filled. EOE. Public Works Maintenance – City of Philip, SD. Assist in all phases of maintaining the city streets, water distribution and wastewater system. Assist with the maintenance of public buildings and open spaces including the airport, rubble site and swimming pool. Knowledge and experience with all types of equipment is desired. Must hold a valid SD driver’s license. State water and wastewater certifications, and pesticide license must be obtained within two years of employment. Full time position. Wage DOE with an excellent benefit package. For more information, contact City Administrator Brittany Smith at 605-859-2175 or cityadmin@

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CLASSIFIEDS philipsd.us Job description and applications at https://www. philipsd.us. Open until filled. EOE. Public Services Director – City of Waconia, MN. Responsible for the administration and management of the department and related activities including the department’s budget, equipment, and personnel, compliance with legal requirements, coordination and delivery of capital improvement plans of public assets, working cohesively with other department heads on financial and development improvement projects, coordinating consulting, and engineering on development, capital projects, local, and jurisdictional project development. Salary: $126,214 to $164,278 (Dependent Upon Qualifications). View the full job description at https://www.ddahumanresources.com/active-searches. Closes Feb. 13. Public Works Supervisor – City of New Underwood, SD. Performs skilled work in all phases of water treatment and supply, wastewater collection and treatment, maintenance and repair of streets and related public works, and maintenance of the swimming pool, Community Center, all city owned buildings and city park, under the direction of the mayor. Maintains files and records necessary for the operation of these departments. Supervises personnel and performs related work as required. Starting salary range is $20 to $23 an hour BOQ. Learn more at www.newunderwood.com or call 605-754-6777. Open until filled. EOE. Senior Water Plant/System Specialist – City of Pierre, SD. Responsible for leading and participating in specialized technical work at the municipal water treatment plant, distribution system, and related facilities of the raw and potable water system. This is a lead position responsible for leading other Water Plant/System Technicians in the operation of water systems, including water sampling, testing, treatment, repair, maintenance and operation of pumps, wells, motors, and installation of maintenance and repair of water distribution and wastewater collection systems. Wage offer will be based upon actual education and experience. Comprehensive benefit package. UP TO A $3,000 HIRING BONUS! Apply to Human Resources Office, City of Pierre, Box 1253, Pierre, SD 57501, www.cityofpierre.org. Open until filled. EOE. Smart Grid Technical Specialist - Missouri River Energy Services, Sioux Falls, SD. Play an active role in providing high-quality support to our members that allows them to use Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), Coordinated Demand Response (CDR) and Meter Data Management (MDM) products effectively and efficiently to complete daily operations. Provides outstanding customer service over the phone or in person, including professional services and education to members to include but not limited to consulting, software readiness, and software functionality. Partner with the members to gain an understanding of workflow, business requirements and needs to ensure the product works to the member’s satisfaction. Learn more and apply at https://careers. mrenergy.com/jobs. Closes Feb 16. EOE. Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Planner I, II, or III - City of Rapid City, SD. Assists with performing various activities including financing, economic development, and planning principles related to administering the City’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Program. Also responsible for executing economic development projects that assist in the development and implementation of community plans, regulations, and policies to support orderly growth per the adoption comprehensive plan. Should be effective at written and verbal communication, mathematical, reasoning, computer, and administrative skills. An American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is highly desirable. Starting salary is $59,628.43

to $85,015.88 depending on experience. Fantastic benefits. Learn more at www.rcgov.org. Open until filled. Traveling Code Enforcement Officer - Code Enforcement Specialists. Code Enforcement Specialists, a rapidly growing independent company specializing in code enforcement for small and medium sized communities, is looking for an individual willing to do some travel and perform code enforcement services. Excellent pay and hours are flexible. Experience is not necessary, but a background in law enforcement would be helpful. On-the-job training is provided. Please inquire at (605) 208-0786 for details. Utilities Superintendent – City of Garretson, SD. Oversee administration, operation, and maintenance of all phases of City water supply, wastewater systems, streets, snow removal, storm sewer and drainage, public facilities, including the care and maintenance of City vehicles and equipment. This individual has additional responsibilities in the areas of budgeting, purchasing, inventory management, recordkeeping, activity reporting, and training/supervision of department personnel. Please send resume and cover letter to Paetyn Dreckman at finance@cityofgarretson. com. Closes Feb. 5. Water Superintendent - City of Pierre, SD. Seeking an individual knowledgeable about water treatment and distribution who will be responsible for managing a state-of-the-art treatment plant. Responsible for managing the operations and maintenance of the city’s water treatment plant and maintenance of the distribution system including fiscal operations and administration. Plans, directs, and supervises the operations and maintenance of the water distribution and treatment system. Ensures compliance

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CLASSIFIEDS with local, state, and federal drinking water regulations. SALARY: $78,076.37-$92,585.56 plus comprehensive benefit package. Wage offer will be based upon actual education and experience. UP TO $3000 HIRING BONUS! Learn more and apply at www. cityofpierre.org. Open until filled. EOE. Water/Wastewater Utility Operator - City of Spearfish, SD. Responsible for the installation, maintenance, repair, and operation of the city’s water distribution and wastewater collection utility systems. An incumbent in this position may be designated “Water and Wastewater Utilities Operator I, II, or III.” Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years required. Starting pay range for an Operator I - DOQ: $20.87 – 25.43 per hour plus an additional $3.00 per hour CDL stipend. Competitive benefit package. Apply at www. cityofspearfish.com. Open until filled. EOE.

Water Works Superintendent – City of Aberdeen, SD. Responsible for managing the city's water works operations to deliver high quality potable water to customers. Ensures compliance with all relevant federal and state regulations; gathers data and prepares reports for compliance. Oversees daily processes, maintenance activities, watershed operations, and special projects. Supervises and provides training and direction to plant personnel. Develops annual budgets and administers approved funds. Resolves questions and concerns from the general public. Authorizes and monitors construction and repair projects relevant to potable water. Salary: $90,188.80 annually (23B) DOE. Learn more and apply at www.aberdeen.sd.us/jobs. Open until filled. EOE. ■

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CORRECTION January 2024 issue, page 37, "2024 Events" Dates were switched for the District 2 and 3 Annual Meetings. • The District 3 meeting will be held April 2 in Harrisburg. • The District 2 meeting will be held April 3 in Madison.

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MUNICIPAL CALENDAR

FEBRUARY On or before February 1 – The State Treasurer must distribute to the County Treasurers the remainder of the franchise tax on banks. The County Treasurer then apportions and distributes the tax in the same proportion as the real property taxes levied in each taxing subdivision in the previous year. (SDCL 10-43-76; 10-43-77; See Hdbk., sec. 12.255(4))

Not later than its ﬁrst meeting in February – The governing body may by resolution encumber that portion of the unexpended appropriations from the preceding year for which applicable obligations were incurred but were not paid. (SDCL 9-21-24.1; See Hdbk., sec. 12.069)

No later than February 1 – The liquor tax reversion must be made. (SDCL 35-5-22; See Hdbk., sec. 11.600)

Sales tax ordinance deadlines – The effective date of any new or amended municipal sales tax ordinance must fall on either January first or July first. The municipality must notify the Department of Revenue of the ordinance at least 90 days prior to the effective date. (SDCL 10-52-9; 10-52A-13; See Hdbk. Sec. 12.260)

February 2024 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

February 1 – All certificates for water supply and treatment systems operators expire and must be renewed. (SDCL 34A3-18; See Hdbk., sec. 6.305)

Between February 15 and March 1 – If the municipal election is to be held on the first Tuesday after the 1st Monday in June, or in conjunction with the June Primary, the notice of vacancies required in SDCL 9-13-40 must be published once each week for two consecutive weeks between February 15 and March 1. (SDCL 9-13-37; 9-13-40; 12-2-5) Follow the Municipal Election Calendar for all election deadlines. Third Monday of February – Presidents’ Day – State holiday (SDCL 1-5-1)

Boundary changes – Municipalities must notify the Department of Revenue of any resolution or amendment enacted which changes the boundaries of the municipality. Notification shall be in written form, shall contain a copy of the resolution or amendment, and may be sent by electronic means or registered mail. Municipalities shall also provide any changes and additions to streets and addresses. (SDCL 10-52-13; See Hdbk., sec. 14.172) Last Friday in February – For elections held in April, nominating petitions must be filed not later than five p.m. on the last Friday in February preceding the day of the election. (SDCL 9-13-7; See Hdbk., sec. 7.250) If no one, including the incumbent, files a nominating petition, a vacancy is created and is filled by appointment or special election. (SDCL 9-1314.1; 9-13-14.2) Follow the Municipal Election Calendar for all election deadlines. ■

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MUNICIPAL CALENDAR

MARCH March 2024 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Not later than the third Monday in March – A copy of the assessment roll must be furnished to each requesting municipality. (SDCL 10-3-28; See Hdbk., sec. 12.105)

Third Monday of March (Equalization meeting) – The governing body and the finance officer together representing the municipality with a member of the school board are required to meet for the purpose of equalizing the assessment of property. The Equalization Board may adjourn from day to day until the process has been completed within five days. (SDCL 10-11-13, 10-11-14; See Hdbk., sec. 12.120) On or before the fourth Monday of March – After completing the equalization the clerk of the equalization board is required to deliver the assessment roll to the county Director of Equalization. (SDCL 10-11-21; See Hdbk., sec. 12.120) At least six days prior to the last Tuesday of March – The county director

of equalization must publish a list of all tax exempt property in the county. This publication must be in the official newspapers of the county. (SDCL 10-415.1; See Hdbk., sec. 12.105) On or before March 31 – The Urban Renewal Agency is required to file a report of its activities with the governing body. The report must include a complete financial statement for the preceding year. (SDCL 11-8-47) The Urban Renewal Agency must file a similar report with the Auditor-General on or by the same date. (SDCL 11-848; See Hdbk., sec. 14.200, The Urban Renewal Agency) April election – Follow the Municipal Election Calendar for all election deadlines. ■

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