RATHDRUM — Rathdrum City Council took a break from regular business Wednesday night to honor American Legion Post 154 Commander Dee Sasse for her tireless work enhancing the lives of Rathdrum citizens.

Sasse, a retired member of the U.S. Coast Guard, is behind the planning of many of the events Rathdrum is known for.

“Dee donates hours and hours of her time attending planning meetings and coordinating sponsorship, press coverage and logistics for events,” said Sheri Holmes, a Parks and Recreation commissioner and wife of Mayor Vic Holmes.

Sasse’s involvement brings to fruition the community Easter-egg hunt, the Memorial Day Remembrance and Veterans Recognition ceremonies, and Wreaths Across America.

Last year, as the 20th anniversary of 9/11 approached, Sasse reached out to the city with the idea of holding a community service.

“The event was a huge success, with many people coming out to honor and remember everyone affected by the attacks,” Sheri Holmes said.

The award may have her name on it, but Sasse credited the teamwork of all Post 154 members for her success.

Also at the meeting, Finance Director Melissa Taylor said the city is working on a large software conversion.

“Eventually what you will be able to do is anybody could go on our website and pull up any report they want,” Taylor said. “It’s live data, so when somebody pays their bill, you can go online and see it immediately.”

Sandpoint, Moscow and Hayden are using the same software, Taylor said.

“I think it will be really good for the city moving forward,” Taylor said. “Especially with as much growth as we’re seeing.”

Council members and the public welcomed new city attorney Emily Smith, who came on board a few weeks ago. Smith is getting oriented, meeting people and reviewing Rathdrum city code, she said.

Mayor Holmes gave a brief update on the Meyer and Boekel Road intersection. A roundabout is still on schedule for this summer and “budgeting is still all in place,” Holmes said.

The city is still waiting, however, to install traffic lights along Highway 53, Holmes said. Due to a nationwide metal shortage, they have been on backorder for several months.

“Once they get all the parts set up, it will be synchronized,” Holmes said. “So it’ll actually be a quicker trip to Post Falls.”

Councilman John Hodgkins implored the public to fully participate in council meetings.

“If you have concerns, there are things you want to tell the council, there are things that need to be actioned, how you feel, what do you want us to do — you need to come to the meetings,” Hodgkins said. “You need to show up and you need to tell us.”

Rathdrum City Council meets the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month at 6 p.m. at Rathdrum City Hall on Main Street. Agendas are posted in advance at rathdrum.org.