SIBLEY, Iowa -- Dan Zulkosky's last day as Sibley's city administrator was a day of mixed emotions.
On Friday, Zulkosky, who has been the administrator for more than three years, was finishing up his last-minute duties. He is sad to leave a city he cares about, but also excited to begin his new job at Lewis and Clark Rural Water System.
"It was a hard decision," Zulkosky said. "Sibley's a great community, and I've been an administrator for 20 years."
Zulkosy will serve as the construction administrator/assistant executive director for LCRWS. He will be based out of Sioux Falls, S.D., but will work closely with the 20 communities in three states involved in the project.
"My passion is utilities," Zulkosky said. "I enjoy this work, and it is a chance to make a difference."
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Right now, 20 miles of the LCRWS is completed, and bids have been let for the South Dakota part of the project. LCRWS will be the largest single water distribution system in the United States when it is completed. In the future, the system will provide water to Luverne, Worthington, Sibley and other area towns.
"For me I am excited to be a part of something that's of that magnitude," Zulkosky said. "I will have the opportunity to continue to work with municipalities and state officials."
According to Zulkosky, teamwork has been the key to accomplishing projects in Sibley. During his time as administrator, grants have been received for a daycare facility, Osceola Community Hospital's wellness center, Sibley-Ocheyedan Schools' fitness center and Hope Haven. Three new businesses have made their home in the city's industrial park.
"Sibley's been doing good," Zulkosky said. "They're trying to be aggressive to get new businesses."
In recent years, Sibley has made improvements to its infrastructure and streets. Currently, the city is looking into building a new water tower and fire hall.
"All in all, the thing that's helped me the best is the employee cooperation," Zulkosky said.
City officials are sad to see Zulkosky leave, and they are looking for a new administrator to keep the city moving forward.
"We are really going to miss him. He was qualified in every aspect we needed in the city," city councilwoman Vicki Van Westen said. "He's really started us in the right direction, and we are really hoping we can continue on with that."
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Zulkosky wrote the job description and placed advertisements for the position. The ad is running in Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota and Nebraska. Applications for the job are due by Oct. 13. Already the city has received a few applications. Until a new administrator is hired, the city clerk and utilities superintendent will oversee the city operations.
A citizens committee will also help the city council choose a new person for the administrator job.
During the next three months, Zulkosky will be available to assist the city if needed.
"We wish him the best," VanWesten said. "It's a big promotion for him and something he really loves."
