SDML District Meetings Persevere Despite Initial Weather Difficulties

While the weather did not cooperate for the first several South Dakota Municipal League (SDML) annual district meetings this year, they were able to get back on track and finish strong, with over 475 people from 72 cities attending the eight meetings held so far.

“Those blizzards not only had us implementing Plan B, but Plan C and D as well,” said David Reiss, SDML Executive Director. “But that speaks volumes for our city hosts, caterers, and attendees. They adapted to each new situation, even with short notice. They use those skills every day as they serve their communities, and they were reflected in this situation, too.”

Three of the first five meetings scheduled had to be postponed due to poor travel conditions. Additionally, a blizzard in central South Dakota prevented SDML staff from traveling to the (already rescheduled) April 5 meeting in Alcester, but local staff and board members stepped in to run the meeting.

All but one of the meetings were able to be rescheduled. The District 6 meeting had to be pushed back almost two months to find a suitable date. That meeting is now scheduled for May 16 in Helca.

As the only event cancelled for this year,

Sisseton will get another opportunity to host the District 1 meeting in 2024. The current district chair and vice chair have agreed to serve another term.

Despite the weather issues, Reiss was encouraged by the attendance and engagement at the meetings. The program included speakers who outlined the outcome of the 2023 Legislative Session, the effect new laws will have on South Dakota municipalities, the direction and future of the Municipal League, and services offered to the municipalities.

“More and more we are seeing the need to get better information out to the citizens and legislators. Municipal government provides a vast  array of services, and people need to be informed of where  their tax dollars are going,” he said. “This type of education  can only benefi t municipal government. The taxpayers would  be very proud of their local government if they were fully  aware of how much service a municipality provides at a  relatively low cost.”

Following the meal and presentations, attendees elected their  leadership for the year, designating a chair and vice chair to  represent their district. The district chair acts as a contact  for and represents their district as a member of the SDML  Board of Directors, with the vice chair assisting with duties as  needed. District chairs and vice chairs are elected for a oneyear term. The list of district representatives can be found at  www.sdmunicipalleague.org/about.

The SDML district meetings are held each spring and are  open to any SDML members. Mayors, town presidents,  council members, and city offi  cials are especially encouraged  to attend. Area legislators, State agency representatives, and  congressional delegates are also invited. ■

SDML DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVES 2023-2024

District 1*

Chair | Mike Grosek, Mayor, Webster Vice Chair | Terry Jaspers, Mayor, Sisseton *2023 election was not held due to weather; chairs will serve until 2024.

District 2

Chair | Paullyn Carey, Finance Director, Huron Vice Chair | Jameson Berreth, City Manager, Madison

District 3

Chair | Derick Wenck, Mayor, Harrisburg Vice Chair | Elaine Johnson, Finance Offi  cer, Beresford

District 4

Chair | Chandra Weidner, Finance Offi  cer, Winner Vice Chair | Shauna Meyerink, Finance Offi  cer, Platte

District 5

Chair | Renae Phinney, Board President, Ree Heights Vice Chair | Kristi Honeywell, City Administrator, Pierre

District 6

Election for the 2023-2024 chairs will be held May 16.

District 7

Chair | Gary Weismantel, Mayor, Herreid Vice Chair | Gene Cox, Mayor, Mobridge

District 8

Chair | Brittany Smith, City Administrator, Philip Vice Chair | Krysti Barnes, Finance Offi  cer, Murdo

District 9

Chair | Laurie Woodward, Finance Offi  cer, Custer Vice Chair | Teresa Hall, Mayor, New Underwood

District 10

Chair | Michelle DeNeui, Finance Offi  cer, Spearfi sh Vice Chair | Adam Hosch, Deputy Finance Offi  cer,  Sturgis