City Administrator Don Whitman attended his final city council meeting April 16 before his retirement May 1.
“It’s been a pleasure and an honor to serve as your city administrator these last six years,” he said in his closing remarks. “We’ve accomplished a lot. We’ve gotten a lot of things done.
Everything we’ve done and we’ve started has been for the betterment of Flandreau.”
Whitman’s retirement culminates 39 years of working with local governments. “To say it’s bittersweet is an understatement.”
Whitman said he and his wife, Amy, look forward to traveling some and going to a few concerts. Their grown daughter lives in Kansas.
Mayor Mark Bonrud thanked Whitman and presented him with a plaque during the council meeting.
Whitman has worked in seven previous communities but said Flandreau has been the best experience. He said he hoped he is leaving things better than when he started in 2012.
Alderman Bart Sample also thanked Whitman for his service. “There is absolutely no question in my mind that Flandreau is in a better place than when you started six years ago,” Sample said.
Whitman said he appreciated working with the council.
“We did it as a team. The backing I’ve had from you all has been phenomenal,” he said. “I’m glad that I’m ending my career here. Bar none, Flandreau is the best place that Amy and I have ever been.”
Retiring city administrator Don Whitman was recognized for his six years of service by the Flandreau City Council on April 16. Mayor Mark Bonrud thanked Whitman and presented a plaque. Whitman will be replaced by Jeff Pederson who starts May 2.
