City of Sioux City recently issued the following announcement.
On December 9, 2021, the Siouxland Interstate Metropolitan Planning Council (SIMPCO) held its annual awards ceremony at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Dakota Dunes, South Dakota. The following individuals were acknowledged and honored for their services to the organization and the Siouxland region.
Ron Rapp Award:
In Memory of Ron Rapp, The SIMPCO Board of Directors approved establishing an award to honor long-standing members who have served on the Board of Directors or have supported the organization.
This year’s Ron Rapp award was presented to both Jon Winkel, Mayor of Sergeant Bluff, and Dan Moore, Sioux City council member. Jon is the Chair of the SIMPCO Board of Directors and Executive/Finance Committee, and Dan serves as the Vice-Chair for SIMPCO. Dan also serves as the Chair of the Regional Policy and Legislative Committee. Jon and Dan have led SIMPCO through major transition years. In the past year, both Jon and Dan led the organization through a pandemic which changed the way we work and how we operate. They continue to support the staff, members, and mission of the organization during it all!
SIMPCO relies on its members to promote regional coordination in Siouxland. Without Board members like Jon and Dan, SIMPCO would not be able to provide the regional leadership it is known for.
Community Leader Award:
The Community Leaders award recognizes individuals for their roles as community leaders. Nominated by the SIMPCO staff, recipients of this award demonstrate a positive impact in their community, leadership qualities, serves as a role model for their community, they show concern for and promotes the welfare of their community, and have contributed to a cause or has been an advocate for a need in the community.
Matt Salvatore is a recipient of the 2021 Community Leaders award. Matt became the Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Sioux City in August 2014. In that seven-year time frame Matt has led the City of Sioux City in improving parks and recreational opportunities not only for city residents but as a regional destination. As you all know quality of life amenities such as parks and recreation are imperative to the success of communities and regions. Matt has taken Sioux City and the region to the next level. Projects that stick out to me include the completion of the Expo Center, Pearl Street Park in Downtown Sioux City, our first winter park - Cone Park and many trail projects including the Riverfront trail completion, Riverside trail connections, Clark school connection, Floyd and Outer Drive Connection. Matt has even more projects in the works including the Riverfront Park improvements, mountain bike trails, connecting Iowa to South Dakota by trail, and the railroad museum trail and Big Sioux campgrounds. Matt makes himself available not only to the city staff and Council, but also to SIMPCO staff, to neighboring communities, and the general public. Matt has a vision and a drive which is hard to match!
Outstanding Support Award:
Dave Carney is a recipient of the 2021 Outstanding Support award. Dave Carney currently serves as the Chair of the MPO Transportation Technical Committee. Both through Dave’s current position as the Public Works Director for the City of Sioux City and his previous role as County Engineer in Monona County, Dave has been a great partner and supporter of the SIMPCO organization. Dave has worked closely with the SIMPCO staff on bicycle/pedestrian issues, programming of road & bridge projects and special projects – such as the recent Hamilton Blvd. Study, the Downtown Transportation Study and the Bike Lane Study. Dave is always available to SIMPCO staff for questions and support while he leads the MPO TTC.
Original source can be found here.
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