12-16-2020 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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TO:Mayor Keis and Members of City Council FROM:Heidi Heller, City Clerk DATE:December 16, 2020 RE:2021 Planning Commission Appointments 2021 Planning Commission Chair Appointment STAFF REPORT The terms of office for Bill Buesing, Chris Kwapick and Eric Thorson will expire on December 31, 2020. At this time, there are three 3-year terms and one partial term (2 years) to fill due to the resignation of Nicole Westadt in October. The City has received letters requesting reappointment from Chris Kwapick, Bill Buesing and Eric Thorson. T h r e e a p p l i c a t i o n s were also received from Isaac Mitchell, Valerie Quarles and Bruce Hall. The three new applicants were interviewed by a Planning Commission Interview Committee consisting of Mayor John Keis, Council Member Tom Fischer, C o m m u n i t y D e v e l o p m e n t D i r e c t o r C o r r i n W e n d e l l a n d Planning Commission Chair Nick Schwalbach. The interview committee was very impressed with all three candidates. Valerie is a long-time resident of Little Canada, having grown up here going to Little Canada Elementary through high school. She is finishing her Bachelor of Urban Studies/Architecture at the University of Minnesota and is an intern for the private firm, The Musicant Group, that focuses on urban design and engagement. She is interested in all things planning, giving back to the community, transportation, and the Comprehensive Plan. Isaac has been a resident of Little Canada for almost five years and works for the University of Minnesota. He has a background in Finance and Public Service, and is passionate about civic governance, public engagement, and equity. Bruce is a new resident to Little Canada and has spent the majority of his career around the world in the Navy. He is interested in our small businesses, maintaining small town character, and the Comprehensive Plan. The consensus of the Interview Committee is that Bill Buesing, Chris Kwapick and Eric Thorson should be reappointed to 3-year terms, and Valerie Quarles should be appointed to fill the partial 2- year term. Please also note that the Planning Commission Ordinance calls for the Mayor to make a recommendation for Planning Commission Chair. Mayor Keis will make that recommendation at Wednesday’s meeting, with the Council making the actual appointment. The Commission will select their own Vice Chair at their first meeting in January.