6.2 SR 01-17-2023
Request for Action
To Item Number
Mayor and City Council 6.2
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
Presentations, Awards and Recognition January 17, 2023 Cal Portner, City Administrator
Item Description Reviewed by
Proclamation: Lori Ziemer Day in the City of Elk River
Reviewed by
Action Requested
Mayor Dietz will read the proclamation and the City Council will approve by motion.
Background/Discussion
Finance Director Lori Ziemer retired in December after nearly 28 years of service to the community. She was
hired on February 27, 1995, as the assistant finance director and was promoted to finance director on August 16,
2017.
As the finance director, she was responsible for the city accounting function, information technology, liquor store
operations and building maintenance. As a result of her diligent efforts, the city has continued GFOA Certificate
of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for 32 consecutive years. The city also was recognized
multiple times for its budget presentation by GFOA.
Her efforts were instrumental in establishing and maintaining transparent finance policies which resulted in an
AA+ bond rating through S&P Global, which has saved the city significant bond interest during her tenure.
Lori is a stickler for details, ever vigilant and protective of public funds, and only interprets rules in black and
white. Yet she was also patient with her colleagues, taking the time to educate them on public finance and assist
them in finding solutions. She is an exemplar public servant and will be dearly missed.
Financial Impact
N/A
Mission/Policy/Goal
N/A
Attachments
Proclamation
The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional
service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity.
Updated: August 2020
Proclamation
Designating January 30, 2023, as
Lori Ziemer Day in the City of Elk River
WHEREAS, Lori Ziemer was hired on February 27, 1995, as the City of Elk River Assistant
Finance Director; and
WHEREAS, After faithfully and capably serving as the assistant, Lori Ziemer was promoted to
Finance Director on August 16, 2017; and
WHEREAS, During her tenure as Finance Director, Ms. Ziemer was responsible for the
management of the city accounting function, information technology, liquor store operations, and
building maintenance; and
WHEREAS, During her career, as a result of her continuing efforts, the City of Elk River received
the GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for 32 consecutive
years; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Ziemer was instrumental in achieving and maintaining the city’s AA+ S&P
Global bond rating resulting in significant bond interest savings with over 15 sales during her
career; and
WHEREAS, as the City of Elk River grew, Lori carefully collaborated with economic development
staff and city financial advisors on the development of Tax Increment Financing and Tax
Abatements to bridge financial gaps and ensure local businesses could grow adding workforce and
tax base; and
WHEREAS, Lori took great pride in the preparation of city budgets ensuring accuracy,
transparency, fiscal responsibility, and ease of understanding resulting in numerous GFOA Budget
Awards.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that I, John J. Dietz, Mayor of Elk River, do
hereby proclaim January 30, 2023, as Lori Ziemer Day in the City of Elk River.
John J. Dietz, Mayor
ATTEST:
Tina Allard, City Clerk