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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSP - September 21, 2021r�l L 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. • ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 • (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 • WWW.CLANDOVER.MN.US TO: Mayor and Council members CC: James Dickinson, City Administra FROM: Dana Makinen, Human Resources SUBJECT: Commission Interviews DATE: September 21, 2021 Please find the attached information for the Commission Interviews • Interview Schedule Q• Application from Candidates Respectfully submitted, ja Dana Makinen 0 ANDOVER COMMISSIONINTERVIEWS—SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 MINUTES The Andover Commission Interviews was called to order by Mayor Sheri Bukkila on September 21, 2021, 5:30 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Councilmembers present: Valerie Holthus, Jamie Barthel, Ted Butler, and Randy Nelson Councilmember absent: None INTERVIEWS OF PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION Jonathon Shafto QMayor Bukkila welcomed Mr. Shafto and explained the interview process. She stated it is important to attend the meetings with few exceptions. Mayor Bukkila asked him to tell the Council about himself and why he is interested in being on the Commission. Mr. Shafto stated he is a CPA and is interested in getting involved in the community. He said it works well with his technical skill set. Mr. Shafto runs a lot of projects and strives for efficiency. Councilmember Holthus stated she was on the Planning and Zoning Commission for 9 years and the City has a large code book. She said it requires attention to detail and can be boring. She asked if Mr. Shafto had the skill set for this. Mr. Shafto said he has experience in detail -oriented projects, data, and implementing modern systems. Councilmember Barthel asked how many meetings Mr. Shafto has attended in person or online and any hot topics he has noticed. Mr. Shafto has not attended any in person or online meetings. He said his work schedule has shifted recently which allows him to attend. He said Andover is at the edge of the Twin Cities and.is growing. He stated there is a delicate balance in growth and holding on to what Andover currently has. Councilmember Butler asked if Mr. Shafto has paid attention to any of the recent developments. Mr. said he has not. Once he saw the posting for the open position, he paid more attention. Councilmember Butler asked him for his thoughts on how Andover should grow. Mr. Shafto stated he grew up in rural Wisconsin and chose Andover because of the land, parks, and schools and that is the character of Andover. © Councilmember Nelson asked Mr. Shafto how long he has been a resident. Mr. Shafto said he has lived in Anoka County for 10 years and in Andover for 6 years. © Andover City Council Interviews for Commission Openings Minutes — September 21, 2021 Page 2 Mayor Bukkila asked Mr. Shafto his knowledge of the Met Council. Mr. Shafto stated he recognizes the name and is willing to research their purpose. Mayor Bukkila explained what the Met Council does. She asked Mr. Shafto his vision of apartment buildings in Andover. Mr. Shafto stated he does not form an opinion on face value but looks at the circumstances around it. He stated he would look at the details, does it make sense, does it fit in with the City's values. Mr. Shafto is not opposed to an apartment building, but it depends on where it is being proposed. Mayor Bukkila asked Mr. Shafto's opinion on public transit in Andover. Mr. Shafto said it may be necessary at some point. He stated it depends on how congested traffic is and if there is a need for it. He explained that it is not needed in his area. Councilmember Barthel explained Andover is a mixture of rural and urban and they have different requests. He asked Mr. Shafto's opinion on the right mix between rural and urban. Mr. Shafto stated he has rural roots and lives outside the city water system on a large lot. He said he likes Andover because he is close enough to businesses and restaurants. Mr. Shafto said he would like to keep the balance and not overrun the rural areas entirely. Councilmember Nelson asked Mr. Shafto why he should be selected as a Planning and Zoning ® Commissioner. Mr. Shafto stated he is passionate about the community and is involved in other community organizations. His work experience, attention to detail, ability to interpret regulations, efficiency, accuracy, and looking at things holistically make him a good candidate. Mayor Bukkila asked Mr. Shafto's experience with codes, ordinances, and property rights. Mr. Shafto stated most of his experience is when his dad was on the Zoning Commission in his hometown. He said he is good at learning new things. Mayor Bukkila encouraged Mr. Shafto to continue to apply if he is not selected for the open position. Don Berthiaume Mayor Bukkila welcomed Mr. Berthiaume and asked him to tell the Council about himself and why he is interested in being on the Commission. Mr. Berthiaume comes from a line of St. Paul firefighters and chose to go into marketing and product development. He builds business cases, gathers data, and makes recommendations to committees. Mr. Berthiaume stated he has the time and skills to fulfill the position. He does not have a single issue and is applying to serve. Councilmember Butler stated the Commission deals with development and contributes to the character of the community. He asked Mr. Berthiaume his vision of the character of Andover. Mr. Berthiaume explained Andover is on the edge, with rural and urban, and will continue to be a mix. He said Andover is growing and not totally mature yet. He said Andover is in the teenage years and will have to figure out what it wants to be as an adult. Mr. Berthiaume believes Andover should maintain a mix to serve the different generations and listen to constituents wants. © Andover City Council Interviews for Commission Openings Minutes — September 21, 2021 Page 3 Councilmember Holthus asked if Mr. Berthiaume knew what the MUSA is and how it affects Andover. Mr. Berthiaume stated he knows the term. Councilmember Holthus asked how he sees the City developing within the Met Council guidelines with density, housing, and transit. Mr. Berthiaume said Andover is growing and density is increasing. He stated he would consider buses coming into Andover. Mr. Berthiaume stated Andover was considered one of the worst commutes into the cities and now that more people are working from home, Andover is more attractive. He said transit may be less of an issue. Mr. Berthiaume said the City needs to fulfill obligations to the higher authorities and suggested senior housing. Mayor Bukkila asked if Mr. Berthiaume has experience with codes, ordinances, and property rights. Mr. Berthiaume stated he works with the Environmental Protection Agency every day and deals with their rules. He has worked with the FDA and now works with a chemical company. He is familiar with EPA rules and regulations. Mr. Berthiaume stated he does not have experience in building codes. Mayor Bukkila asked if he had personal experience with codes. Mr. Berthiaume said they built their home in Andover. Mr. Berthiaume said his greatest experience was grading the backyard and finding the easements limited his backyard usage. Councilmember Barthel said the Planning and Zoning Commission is a recommendation body and consists of individuals with differing opinions. He asked how Mr. Berthiaume would handle disagreements within the Commission and if the Council did not follow the Commission's recommendation. Mr. Berthiaume manages cross -functional teams and needs to maintain relationships. He stated he is stern when people aren't getting their jobs done one on one, and praises them in public. He explained he manages people he has no authority over. Mr. Berthiaume oversees the product development steering committee with executive level members. He is processed oriented, completes the process, and then brings it to the steering committee with a recommendation. Councilmember Nelson asked Mr. Berthiaume why he is the best candidate for the Planning Commission. Mr. Berthiaume stated he is objective and is not here for one single issue. He is offering his services and has no hidden agenda. Mr. Berthiaume stated he is highly educated and motivated to give back using his skills. Mayor Bukkila encouraged Mr. Berthiaume to continue to apply if he is not selected for the open position. Andrea Raedel Mayor Bukkila welcomed Ms. Raedel and asked her to tell the Council about herself and why she is interested in being on the Commission. Ms. Raedel is a surgical nurse and grew up in Andover. She stated Andover means something to her and she chose to raise her family here. She would like to see some changes in Andover but keep some the same. ® Councilmember Barthel asked if Ms. Raedel has attended or watched any meetings and what hot issues she sees. Ms. Raedel stated she attended meetings regarding the landfill. Ms. Raedel went © Andover City Council Interviews for Commission Openings Minutes —September 21, 2021 Page 4 to school district meetings when they rezoned the schools. She also watched online meetings about the Community Center. Ms. Raedel stated one of the hot issues for her is the development off of Prairie Road. She attended the meeting and spoke about it. She likes that Andover is not an overpopulated suburb. She feels passionate about keeping it that way. Ms. Raedel stated it is troublesome to her that a national builder is coming in that has no care about the community. Councilmember Butler said a landowner sold property to develop Ms. Raedel's home and asked what she would say to another landowner who wants to sell and develop. Ms. Raedel said it is a land right to sell. She isn't against developing, but feels 382 houses by a nationwide builder is not great for that land. Ms. Raedel said what a landowner chooses to do affects the whole community. Councilmember Nelson asked Ms. Raedel if she prefers Planning and Zoning over other Commissions. Ms. Raedel prefers Planning and Zoning and would like to bring new things into Andover and was motivated by the development on Prairie Road to apply. Councilmember Nelson asked if Ms. Raedel had the time to attend the meetings. Ms. Raedel said she does have the time and she is good at balancing and time management. Councilmember Holthus asked what needs Ms. Raedel sees for Andover. Ms. Raedel stated trail © connections are a need. She would like to see a splash pad. Councilmember Holthus stated Ms. Raedel would enjoy being on the Park and Recreation Commission. Ms. Raedel stated she is concerned about new homes and how it will impact traffic and the schools. Mayor Bukkila asked Ms. Raedel if she is familiar with the Met Council. Ms. Raedel stated she is not familiar with the Met Council. Mayor Bukkila explained the purpose of the Met Council and asked Ms. Raedel her opinion on apartment buildings and public transit. Ms. Raedel likes that Andover does not have apartments and feels it is too much density and would impact roads and schools. Ms. Raedel stated she is not against public transit. Councilmember Nelson asked Ms. Raedel why she should be selected as a Planning and Zoning Commissioner. Ms. Raedel says she can bring a new perspective to the Commission and is passionate about it. She stated she is reliable and cares. Robert VanWhye Mayor Bukkila welcomed Mr. VanWhye and asked him to tell the Council about himself and why he is interested in being on the Commission. Mr. VanWhye stated he moved to Andover 4 years ago and plans on staying. He has participated in student council and other organizations. Mr. VanWhye stated he has an interest in participating in local government and believes if you don't help out, you can't complain. Councilmember Nelson asked if Mr. VanWhye has attended Planning and Zoning meetings. Mr. ® VanWhye stated he read meeting minutes before he applied but has not attended minutes. He also called Mr. Hellegers for information about the Commission. ® Andover City Council Interviews for Commission Openings Minutes — September 21, 2021 Page 5 Councilmember Barthel asked why Mr. VanWhye chose the Planning and Zoning Commission to give back to the community. Mr. VanWhye stated it establishes something beyond yourself. He stated Andover is changing and cities are planning differently for the future. He likes the aspect of having direct impact on what is going on. Councilmember Butler asked what Mr. VanWhye likes about Andover and what he would like to be different. Mr. VanWhye said Andover seems small and he likes the feel. He enjoys the bike trails and would like to see more. He would like to see growth but maintain the small feel. Councilmember Holthus explained the Planning and Zoning Commission reviews City Code which can be tedious, detailed, and not exciting. She asked if he has the ability to concentrate on detailed topics like land use and zoning. Mr. VanWhye stated he has two undergraduate degrees and a PhD. He has experience in regulations and can pay attention to the details. Mayor Bukkila asked what Mr. VanWhye knew about the Met Council and their role in City development. Mr. VanWhye state he knows very little. Mayor Bukkila explained the purpose of the Met Council and asked Mr. VanWhye his opinion on the impacts an apartment building would bring. Mr. VanWhye stated planning roads for an apartment building is important. He believes there should be amenities to sustain the population of an apartment building. Mr. VanWhye © mentioned power supply, solar power, building regulations, and jobs. Councilmember Nelson asked Mr. VanWhye why he should be selected as a Commissioner. Mr. VanWhye said he has a lot of regulatory experience, is a PhD, and has knowledge of how boards work. He stated his goal is to improve the community and if he is not the right person, then bless the person who is. Mayor Bukkila encouraged Mr. VanWhye to continue to apply if he is not selected for the open position. Sharon Cramer Mayor Bukkila welcomed Ms. Cramer and asked her to tell the Council about herself and why she is interested in being on the Commission and what she did to prepare for it. Ms. Cramer stated there is so much to learn, grow, and do with Planning and Zoning. She mentioned the City Code, Comprehensive Plan, and importance of growth with guidance. She stated there needs to be flexibility and practical applications of the standards and rules. Ms. Cramer stated she has the skillset. She understands standards and requirements and operating within them. Ms. Cramer works for a financial company as a technology manager and has skills in security, compliance, planning, defining options and making recommendations. She is experienced in working with the public and with builders. Ms. Cramer is an election judge and a committee member for the Anoka High School all class reunion. Ms. Cramer is proactive and good at collaboration. © Ms. Cramer stated she reads the newsletter, agendas, and minutes. Mayor Bukkila asked if Ms. Cramer watched the most recent Planning and Zoning meeting. Ms. Cramer stated she did not © Andover City Council Interviews for Commission Openings Minutes — September 21, 2021 Page 6 watch it, but she read the minutes. Mayor Bukkila gave examples of items that could come before the Commission and asked Ms. Cramer how she sees the City with the urban and rural balance. Ms. Cramer recognizes the concern of density and how new developments fit in with neighboring areas. She suggested buffer zones between developments and using City Code to guide it. Mayor Bukkila asked Ms. Cramer her thoughts on noise and property rights in the rural community and mentioned the proposed rooster ordinance. Ms. Cramer stated there are tradeoffs and thinks it is a change that needs to be made. She said there should be a grandfather clause for those that have them. She suggested having chickens but not roosters due to the noise aspect. Ms. Cramer feels it is fair for the community to have sound restrictions. Councilmember Butler asked what Ms. Cramer likes about Andover and what she would like to be different. Ms. Cramer likes the open space and the mix in Andover. She said the schools and parks are good. Ms. Cramer likes the feeling of community and events. She feels there is a need for balance with shopping, businesses, homes, and open space. Councilmember Barthel asked how Ms. Cramer would handle it if the City Council rejected a recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission. Ms. Cramer would want to understand why it was rejected, guiding criteria and principles, and understand why variations are © being requested. She would make her position, listen to the feedback, and accept it. Discussion: The City Council discussed the candidates. The City Council selected Jonathon Shafto for the Planning and Zoning Commission. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Bukkila declared the meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Shari Kunza, Recording Secretary TimeSaver OffSite Secretarial, Inc. 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