SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - Former longtime Sioux Falls City Planner Steve Metli died last night.
Executive Director of the Sioux Falls Convention and Visitor's Bureau Teri Schmidt says Metli's hand is everywhere including the greenway, bike path, Phillps to the Falls, SculptureWalk and the city's parks.
Schmidt says it was Metli's vision that produced Phillips to the Falls and the Visitor's Center at the heart of the Park.
Schmidt says whenever she walking with Metli he would always pick up discarded wrapper, bits of paper any kind of litter that was blowing through Sioux Falls
Mayor Rick Knobe hired Metli in 1974 and he retired in 2005.
“I am going to miss my friend, as Steve was a public service coach and mentor to me and provided tough love when I needed it most. My heart aches for his family and friends,” says Mayor Mike Huether. “Sioux Falls is so beautiful, well-planned and robust, and our city’s foundation is incredibly strong because of the vision, leadership and stewardship of Steve Metli.
Metli attended Sioux Falls O'Gorman. He served in the Army during the Vietnam war and returned to graduate from the University of South Dakota.
