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2015 Excellence in Municipal Government Award Goes to
The following is from SDML President Jeanne Duchscher’s presentation of the Excellence in Municipal Government Award during the luncheon held Thursday, October 8 at the 82nd Annual SDML Conference in Watertown.
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“There are several quotes that describe this year’s Excellence Award Winner. One former employee said, “The hotter the topic, the calmer he becomes.” Another said, “He asks for input, considers the ideas brought forward, and implements – then follows up by giving credit where credit is due.” A third added, “His competence, combined with his confidence in others allows him to positively affect change and improve the city for all who enjoy its services.”
The operations of his city have been elevated – both in equipment, infrastructure, and new businesses, but also in relations between employees and management. With his guidance, his city has formed the first combined communications center, sharing resources and dispatching for both state and local public safety personnel. A new airport terminal has been built, and a new business, estimated to bring $30 million to his community, has opened.
His commitment to the job saved property, mitigated damage, and helped his community prepare for, sustain, and recover from a major natural disaster, often at the expense of nights without sleep as he helped his city.
Whether he’s guiding the Historic Downtown Association through the process of establishing a business improvement district, or mentoring young professionals locally and statewide through the City Management Association, this person daily impacts the quality of life for his city.
His ability to stay calm under pressure, and his perpetually composed demeanor, help all stay focused and collected. We are hoping this award will allow him to show some excitement – Please help us welcome our 2015 winner of the Excellence in Municipal Government Award, Leon Schochenmaier, City Administrator for Pierre.”
Pierre Mayor Laurie Gill nominated Schochenmaier for the award and says that Leon is a tremendous leader and that his skills really become apparent during challenging situations.
“During the 2011 flood, Leon worked on little to no sleep to direct department heads, and coordinate with stakeholders to save property and mitigate damage,” said Gill. “He was indispensable in helping the community and its residents prepare for, sustain, and recover from the flood.” Leon Schochenmaier, Pierre City Administrator, receives the Excellence in Municipal Government Award from SDML President Jeanne Duchscher.
Under Schochenmaier, the City has put a renewed emphasis on infrastructure upgrades and maintenance. In 2014 alone, the City replaced the water main under 14 city blocks, laid asphalt on 26 blocks, and began the process of modernizing the city’s water and electrical utilities. Pierre also established the state’s first consolidated emergency dispatch center, and prepared 35 acres of city-owned land for development.
Schochenmaier has served as the City Administrator since 2006. In this role, he oversees more than 150 full-time employees, including those in the Administrative, Electrical, Engineering, Fire, Library, Parks, Police, Recreation, Street, Wastewater and Water Departments.
Note: Given annually, this award is granted to elected officials or municipal employees based on a two-year rotation. This year’s award was presented to an municipal employee who has made a outstanding contribution to the further improvement of municipal government in South Dakota. The Past Presidents’ Committee reviews nominations by SDML members and recommends the recipient.
