Director's Notes Well, the annual highlight of our year is over again, and it is safe to say that the 83rd Annual Conference of the SD Municipal League was a great success. The city of Rapid City proved once again that it is the highest standard of hospitality, and we sincerely appreciate all the hard work of the Mayor, Council, and staff who made it all happen. Members of the SDML Board of Directors led the First Time Attendees meeting, and were active throughout the Conference – activity that serves everyone well. Not only is it a nice chance for everyone to know the Board, but the Board can turn the feedback into action as they direct the League into the next year. This year’s conference had a couple of very special moments – a personal favorite was the great event planned by the City
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of Rapid City at their beautiful Main Street Square. Another high point was the induction of 41 people into the SD Municipal League Hall of Fame – recognition for having served 20 or more years in municipal public service. The other most special moment was a mayor from a town of under 500 catching me in the hallway to tell me how he was in a rush, getting from meeting to meeting, because he was learning so much he hated to miss a minute of anything. “Next year will be different,” he said, “We’ll have more of our council and staff here so we can all learn.” The policy process was especially interesting this year, and we had numerous people sitting in on the committees as they reviewed their work and prepared the Statement of Policy for a vote of the membership. With the election upcoming, and so many new people coming to the Legislature, it will surely be a time when your local input will be extremely important. Until next month, remember we are always available at 1-800-658-3633 or yvonne@sdmunicipalleague.org. Yvonne Taylor Executive Director
SOUTH DAKOTA MUNICIPALITIES
