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City of Yankton
City Manager
Position Profile
The City of Yankton is situated on the banks of the Missouri River in
southeastern South Dakota.
Yankton is home to 14,000 residents and serves as the commercial, medical,
financial, and manufacturing center to a regional population of 85,000.
Spectacular scenery, a rich history, and an abundance of recreational and
cultural opportunities have produced a vital tourism component for Yankton.
A Yankton highlight is the Lewis & Clark Lake and Recreation Area - the second
most popular state park in South Dakota, located just west of the community. The
25-mile lake is bordered by impressive chalkstone bluffs and features the Lewis
& Clark Recreation Area offering tremendous recreational opportunities with
beautiful park land; campgrounds and cabins; swimming beaches; and a marina,
resort and visitors center.
Yankton’s colorful history goes back two centuries when the Lewis and Clark
expedition, also known as the Corps of Discovery, traveled through the area
along the Missouri River. Another prominent event in Yankton’s history was its
tenure as the capitol city of the newly formed Dakota Territory, a distinction
it held for 22 years. When gold was discovered in the Black Hills, Yankton
became a staging area for the gold rush and the population expanded
dramatically. General George Custer and Wild Bill Hickock have left their
historical impact on Yankton. Also playing a dramatic role in the formation of
Yankton was the wild and scenic Missouri River, which provided significant
commercial steamboat traffic and numerous great floods that affected the land
and area residents.
In 1924, the unique double-decker Meridian Bridge was built to span the Missouri
River from Yankton to Nebraska. Shortly thereafter, the last of six Upper
Missouri dams was constructed at Gavins Point. The dam effectively provided
hydroelectric power and created Lewis & Clark Lake and recreational areas that
shaped an attractive tourism industry for Yankton. The historic Meridian Bridge
is due to be replaced in the next five years, but the landmark bridge will be
preserved for pedestrian and recreational traffic.
Many other historic attractions may be found in Yankton. Most notably, the Grand
Army of the Republic (GAR) Hall and Art Gallery that was built at the close of
the Civil War. The gallery provides a beautiful setting for meetings and
receptions and serves as home to the Yankton Area Arts Association. The Lewis &
Clark Visitors Center on scenic Calumet Bluff provides information about the
geology and history of the region. The County Historical Society Museum, the
Dakota Territorial Museum and the Dakota Territorial Capitol Replica at
Riverside Park are other popular attractions.
Commerce, Industry, and Housing
The Yankton Historic Riverfront District is a well-preserved commercial center
and features over 150 businesses and shops. Unique 1870 to 1920 architecture and
year-round events and attractions contribute to the viability of the downtown
area.
The City’s most prominent industry is manufacturing. Some of the firms providing
employment opportunities in Yankton’s industrial sector include Alcoa Aluminum
Manufacturing with 485 employees, Kolberg-Pioneer Inc. with 300, Vishay
Electronics with 325, Wilson Trailer with 222, and Cimpl Packing Company with
221 workers. Several industrial sites are located along U.S. Highway 50, which
intersects the city and in the East Yankton Industrial Park. A minimum security
Federal Prison Camp is located on the grounds of the former Yankton College and
employs 106.
Housing choices are numerous and range from historic districts to new housing
developments by the golf courses, on the banks of the Missouri and James Rivers,
or near the banks of the Lewis & Clark Lake. Single family homes, townhouses,
condominiums, apartments, and all types of senior housing are available at all
price levels.
Education and Recreation
The Yankton School District serves over 3,000 students. A 21,000 square foot
combination high school and the Summit Activities Center, a multi-facility
community center that includes a theater, auditorium, meeting rooms, sports
complex and an indoor swimming pool. Upon completion, Yankton High School was
designated as one of the 50 best schools in the nation. Yankton is also home to
three public elementary schools and a middle school; a private elementary school
and middle school; and a Regional Technical Education Center.
Post-secondary education is available from Mount Marty College in Yankton and
the University of South Dakota in nearby Vermillion.
Each August, Yankton hosts two major outdoor festivals, which showcase the
beauty of the river and the lake area. The annual Riverboat Days celebration is
held in the municipal Riverside Park and attracts approximately 100,000 visitors
for a weekend of fun, musical entertainment, food, arts, and crafts vendors. The
Lewis & Clark Festival is held in the vicinity of Gavins Point Dam near the hill
where Lewis and Clark sat in counsel with Sioux tribes. Native American
participation has been integral to the event by providing cultural activities
and demonstrations.
Biking and hiking trails are easy to find in Yankton with 13 different trails
totaling over 30 miles. The Auld-Brokaw Trail, which links schools, parks and
nature areas throughout Yankton, was built through the generosity of Yankton
High School graduate Tom Brokaw and his wife Meredith (Auld) Brokaw. Other
trails may be found along the river, the lake and within the City’s abundant
park system. One of the most popular parks is Riverside Park featuring
playgrounds, a baseball field, dock facilities, a fishing pier and an
amphitheater for public concerts. The nearby Corps of Discovery Center provides
opportunities for bird and nature watching. The City operates and maintains an
18-hole municipal golf course and a private country club features an 18-hole
course.
Health Care
A variety of health care organizations form the nucleus of a solid medical
community that services residents in a 100-mile radius of Yankton. Facilities
include the full-service, 144-bed Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, several private
medical clinics, two nursing homes, a congregate living center and various
private counseling services. Other health services are provided through the
Lewis & Clark Behavioral Health Center and the George S. Mickelson Center for
the Neurosciences. Over 70 physicians and numerous dentists, optometrists, and
chiropractors are employed in Yankton.
The Organization
The City of Yankton operates under the Manager/City Commission form of
government. The City Commission is composed of nine Commissioners elected at
large for three-year staggered terms. Each year, the Commission elects one of
its members as the Mayor. The City Commission appoints the City Manager, Finance
Director, City Attorney, and members of the City Advisory Boards and
Commissions.
The City of Yankton is the county seat of Yankton County and a leader in South
Dakota for its achievements in coordination of delivery services with other
governmental entities in the region. The Police Department handles all emergency
communications and jail services for Yankton County. The County provides
ambulance services for the city and surrounding area. The City and School
District joined in the construction of the $21 million high school and community
center facility known as the Summit Activities Center. The city operates a
transfer station and solid waste landfill under a joint powers agreement with
three other governmental entities. The City of Yankton is charged with
maintaining the Chan-Gurney Municipal Airport.
The city employs 140 regular and part-time employees. The current annual budget
is $30.8 million, including $10 million for capital projects.
Organizational Structure
The Position
The City Manager has statutory authority for the administration of the
day-to-day affairs of the city and appoints all city employees except for the
City Attorney and Finance Director. The City Manager provides direction and
support to seven major Departments: Finance, Fire, Library, Parks and
Recreation, Police, Public Works, Community Development, and Information
Services.
Specific duties include:
• Oversee the preparation of the city budget and advise the City Commission on
the financial condition of the city.
• Coordinate and oversee the Capital Improvement Plan.
• Attend City Commission meetings and provide staff support and make
recommendations to City Commissioners.
• Ensure compliance with city ordinances, state, and federal mandates. Prepare
and introduce ordinances.
• Promote cooperation with other local government agencies.
• Develop and maintain a positive climate of customer service and foster
relationships with the news media and citizens.
• Work with the Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Council and the
Convention and Visitors Bureau for the positive promotion and economic
prosperity of the region.
Background and Experience
Qualified candidates for the City Manager position will possess a Bachelor’s
degree in Public Administration, Business, Finance, or a closely related field
plus six years of management level experience in public sector administration. A
Master’s Degree in Public Administration may substitute for two years of related
experience.
Specific background includes:
• Working knowledge of all municipal functions.
• Experience in team building, performance evaluations and staff development.
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning and community visioning.
• Experience in finance, budget, and capital improvement development tied to
strategic planning.
• Successful experience in economic development with a strong emphasis on
commercial development.
• Understanding of the tourism/visitor industry.
• Knowledge of public financing techniques, including the utilization of
assistance programs and Tax Increment Financing. Understanding of state highway
fund allocation.
• Background in working effectively with the county, adjacent communities, and
governmental agencies.
• Strong supervisory background.
• Understanding of technology and the use of computer programs pertinent to the
operation of the city.
• Experience working productively with elected officials. Knowledge of board
governance training processes.
Management Capabilities
• Take a strong, active leadership role oriented towards making Yankton a
regional leader.
• Enjoy a high level of visibility in the community. Take an active interest and
involvement in the community. Be available to make public presentations.
• Be willing to take risks. Be decisive and assertive.
• Be a builder of strong relationships outside of the city.
• Work with the Commission to adopt an acceptable governance model.
• Possess strong teambuilding and consensus building skills.
• Prioritize and communicate projects to Department Heads.
Position Priorities
• Work with other cities along the river corridor to promote tourism. Initiate a
strategic planning process for economic development.
• Evaluate the city’s financial condition within current budget restrictions.
• Work with higher education institutions (such as Mount Marty, University of
South Dakota, and the Regional Technical School), businesses and other local
resources to develop a regional high tech center.
• Develop a five-year strategic plan with objectives for each department.
• Explore options for financing a possible new Aquatic Center.
• Oversee the River Bridge replacement project.
• Evaluate the allocation of sales tax funds.
• Devise additional funding mechanism for the operation of the Summit Activities
Center.
• Evaluate department organizational structure with an eye to clarifying
reporting relationships.
• Continue with trail improvements within the community.
Announcement
City Manager, Yankton, SD (pop. 14,000). Salary range low $80s to low $90s.
Located in southeastern South Dakota on the Missouri River. Yankton serves as
the commercial, medical, financial, and manufacturing center to a regional
population of 85,000. Vital tourism components of scenic beauty, and
recreational, cultural , historical assets attract 2.5 million people to the
area annually. Position reports to a nine-member City Commission. Seven Managers
since 1955. Requires B.A. degree with 6+ years of management level experience in
public sector administration or an MPA with 4+ years experience. Responsible for
providing direction and support to finance, fire, library, parks and recreation,
police, public works, community development and information services. Specific
experience in finance/budgeting, staff supervision, commercial development, and
the tourism industry. Position Profile available. Send resume by 4/18/05.
The Brimeyer Group Executive Search
Fifty South Ninth Avenue, Suite 101
Hopkins, MN 55343
Phone: (952) 945-0246
Fax: (952) 945-0102
e-mail: brimgroup@aol.com
web: www.brimgroup.com
Timetable
4/18/05 Deadline for Application
5/9/05 Present Candidates/Select Finalists
5/20 and 5/21/05 Interviews/Selection
June 2005 Start Date
 City of Yankton Web
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