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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSP - January 19, 20221685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W.. ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 • (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 • WWW.ANDOVERMN.GOV TO: Mayor and Council members CC: James Dickinson, City Administrator FROM: Dana Makinen, Human Resources Manager SUBJECT: Commission Interviews DATE: January 19`h, 2022 Please find the attached information for the Commission Interviews • Interview Schedule © • Application from Candidates • 2021 Commissions Information o Planning & Zoning o Park & Rec. o Open Space • Sample Interview Questions Respectfully submitted, c/Lf Dana Makinen �a1 U X ANDOVER CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING ANDOVER COMMISSION INTER VIEWS JANUARY 19, 2022 MINUTES The Andover City Council Special Meeting was called to order by Mayor Sheri Bukkila on January 19, 2021, 6:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Councilmembers present: Valerie Holthus (remote), Jamie Barthel, Ted Butler, and Randy Nelson Councilmembers absent: None INTERVIEWS OF PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION, PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION, OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMISSION Scott Hudson— Planning & Zoning Commission Mayor Bukkila welcomed Mr. Hudson and asked him to share about his experience with the Planning and Zoning Commission and why he wants to renew. Mr. Hudson stated it has been a great learning experience. He has completed 2 terms and feels he adds value to the discussion. Mayor Bukkila asked if Mr. Hudson has seen the new development on 7t' Avenue and Bunker Lake Boulevard and asked his thoughts on it. Mr. Hudson stated he has seen it and feels it has been a good process. He stated the developer has taken input from the City and Commission and tailored it to meet the need of the City as best they can. Mr. Hudson thinks it will be a beautiful facility. He stated it will be interesting to see how the commercial side develops. Councilmember Butler asked if there was a particular aspect of the planning process or an ordinance he feels need to be modified. Mr. Hudson stated there are a lot of little tweaks in the City Code that are needed, such as guidelines for villas and apartment buildings. Mr. Hudson noted that continuing to change the City Code as the City grows is important. Councilmember Barthel asked what the most enjoyable and most challenging project Mr. Hudson has worked on while serving on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Mr. Hudson stated the Andover City Council lnterviews for Commission Openings Minutes — January 19, 2022 Page 2 recent developments have been challenging. He gave the example of Winslow Cove and other infill projects. He stated developers are taking input from residents as best they can. Councilmember Holthus asked if Mr. Hudson has voted against other Commissioners, if so, why, and how he handles disagreements on the Commission. Mr. Hudson stated he is not aware of his voting record. He stated that nobody takes things personally on the Commission and difference of opinion is acceptable. Mr. Hudson believes it is healthy to have disagreements. He stated they have voted down motions and have replaced it with something else. Councilmember Nelson asked why Mr. Hudson likes living in Andover. Mr. Hudson stated it feels like a small town, the schools are great, and reminds him of a bigger version of back home. He stated it has all the things you need in a city. Mayor Bukkila thanked Mr. Hudson for reapplying for the Planning and Zoning Commission. Reuben Ustimchuk — Park and Rec Commission; Planning & Zoning Commission Mayor Bukkila welcomed Mr. Ustimchuk and explained the interview process. She asked him how he prepared for the interview. She asked if he watched meetings or reviewed meeting minutes. Mr. Ustimchuk stated he did some basic research about the Commissions. Mayor Bukkila asked him how long he has been a resident. Mr. Ustimchuk stated he has lived in Andover for 15 years. Councilmember Barthel asked Mr. Ustimchuk to share some of the reasons he wanted to apply. Mr. Ustimchuk stated he has lived in Andover for a while, and he loves his City. He uses the parks and thinks it would be cool to be a part of the next generation of leaders. Mr. Ustimchuk is excited to bring his experience to Andover. He currently works for the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board as a carpenter and has worked as a project manager for a construction company prior to that. Councilmember Butler asked Mr. Ustimchuk what his favorite park is. Mr. Ustimchuk stated he plays tennis during the summer at a park near his house and lives by Coon Creek, where he canoes. Councilmember Nelson asked Mr. Ustimchuk his view of the role of the City Council in association with the Planning Commission. Mr. Ustimchuk stated his role would be advisory and getting input from residents on projects. © Mayor Bukkila asked if Mr. Ustimchuk was involved in any associations. Mr. Ustimchuk stated he is not. Andover City Council Interviews for Commission Openings Minutes —January 19, 2022 Page 3 Councilmember Butler asked Mr. Ustimchuk what he thinks can be improved on in the Andover park system. Mr. Ustimchuk stated nothing pops into his head. He believes it is a great park system with good staff and amenities. Councilmember Barthel asked Mr. Ustimchuk strengths he could bring to one of the Commissions. Mr. Ustimchuk stated he brings in a great attitude, youthfulness, and has experience in parks and recreation and project management. Mayor Bukkila asked if Mr. Ustimchuk was familiar with the meeting schedules of the Commissions and asked if he was available. Mr. Ustimchuk stated he is available to attend the meetings. Mayor Bukkila thanked Mr. Ustimchuk for taking the time to interview. Jonathan Gwinn — Open Space Committee Mayor Bukkila welcomed Mr. Gwinn and explained the interview process. Mayor Bukkila asked Mr. Gwinn to tell the Council about himself and the experience he brings. Mr. Gwinn stated he has been in the community since he has been born. He enjoys seeing how the community has grown, even with growing pains, and it's a safe community. Mr. Gwinn is a college student at the University of Northwestern with a major in business. Mr. Gwinn stated he lives on Coon Creek and the trail system has been enjoyable for him. He wants to help others enjoy it and to continue access to the north. Mr. Gwinn stated park development in the MUSA is more expensive than in the rural area. He would like to see something done before the land is added to the MUSA. Mr. Gwinn has a desire to increase and maintain the nature preserves for future generations. Councilmember Nelson asked Mr. Gwinn why the Council should select him over other applicants. Mr. Gwinn stated collaboration is an important aspect with City Council as well as listening to the community. He stated he has done research on open spaces, and he is passionate about preserving them. Mr. Gwinn is speaking for others that feel the same. Mr. Gwinn brought up the City of Woodbury which has land put aside for future parks. Councilmember Butler asked why Mr. Gwinn didn't apply for the Park and Recreation Commission. Mr. Gwinn stated open spaces are a high priority for him because they are preserving land that is not developed. © Councilmember Holthus asked Mr. Gwinn his major. Mr. Gwinn stated his major is business administration and his application reflects his personal passion for open spaces. Councilmember © Andover City Council Interviews for Commission Openings Minutes —January 19, 2022 Page 4 Holthus stated the referendum was in 2006 and asked if he supports another referendum to buy more land to preserve for open space. Mr. Gwinn stated, absolutely. He would fully support it and give the community a say in how to fund it. Mr. Gwinn stated there are other ways to fund open space and gave the example of Blaine, which contributes 35% of park dedication fees to open space. Mr. Gwinn stated some cities have a tree preservation plan that requires payment for trees that cannot be replaced through the development process. Mayor Bukkila asked Mr. Gwinn if he has participated in other boards and clubs in his background. Mr. Gwinn stated he has been involved in his church in a leadership role. He stated he wants to be involved in open spaces because it is a passion of his. Councilmember Butler asked if Mr. Gwinn's current job is a family business. Mr. Gwinn stated he has helped his mother work from home during COVID and set up screens, lights, and cameras. He worked from home for school and was able to assist her as needed. Councilmember Butler stated the Open Space Commission works on properties purchased from © the Open Space Referendum and the Park and Recreation Commission has natural spaces under their supervision. Mayor Bukkila stated nothing will stop the Open Space Commission from crossing over into natural areas operated by the Park Commission. Councilmember Barthel stated Mr. Gwinn is very well spoken and sounds intelligent. Councilmember Barthel asked where Mr. Gwinn did his research for the interview. Mr. Gwinn stated he has spent hours researching the Metropolitan Council, park planning policies, land use maps, the Comprehensive Plan for Andover and other cities, the DNR, and the Andover City website, among many other listed websites. Mr. Gwinn stated his research has been self-taught and based on his passion. Mayor Bukkila asked what his motivation was for that deep dive. Mr. Gwinn stated the reason for the deep dive was the Fields of Winslow Cove development. He lives near the development and sees it as a good thing, but the clear cutting was difficult to watch. Mayor Bukkila asked if Mr. Gwinn communicated with the Council during that process. Mr. Gwinn stated he had. Mayor Bukkila thanked Mr. Gwinn for interviewing. Kristin Lackie —Park and Recreation Commission © Mayor Bukkila welcomed Ms. Lackie, asked her what she has done to prepare for the interview, and why she is interested in the Commission. Ms. Lackie stated she home schools and her © Andover City Council Interviews for Commission Openings Minutes —January 19, 2022 Page 5 youngest is 12. She is looking for entry level involvement and stated Park and Recreation resonated with her. Ms. Lackie stated she knows parks and has been to many of them. Councilmember Barthel asked if Ms. Lackie has watched any Park and Recreation meetings or read minutes. He asked her what passions she has that she will bring to this Commission. Ms. Lackie stated she has skimmed minutes but hasn't done the deep dive. She will bring a passion for communicating outside the Commission. Councilmember Nelson asked Ms. Lackie how many years she has been a resident and what is the number one thing that led her to apply for the position. Ms. Lackie stated she has been a resident around 6 years. Ms. Lackie wants to give back to the community and learn more about city government. She stated she does not have a lot of experience and is interested growing and developing. Councilmember Butler asked if Ms. Lackie had some favorite parks and why. Ms. Lackie said they live close to Kelsey Round Lake Park and walk it a lot. She is close to Sunny Acres and uses © the Community Center. Councilmember Holthus asked which groups Ms. Lackie is involved in. Ms. Lackie stated she is involved in home school groups in the larger community, and they often use parks to gather. Councilmember Barthel asked Ms. Lackie to share her strengths that will help the Park and Recreation Commission. Ms. Lackie stated she is organized and can merge people's thoughts and ideas into something that works well. She stated writing is her forte and she teaches writing. Mayor Bukkila thanked Ms. Lackie for taking the time to interview. RECESS AND RECONVENE The Council recessed at 6:48 p.m. The Council reconvened at 6:59 p.m. Anthony Kowalewksi — Park and Recreation Commission © Mayor Bukkila welcomed Mr. Kowalewksi and asked him to tell the Council about his background and why he applied for the Commission. Mr. Kowalewksi stated he was on the Park and Recreation Commission for two terms and likes to inform the public about the direction of the © Andover City Council lnterviews for Commission Openings Minutes — January 19, 2022 Page 6 Commission and communicate with the Council. Mr. Kowalewksi has been in education for 20 years as a coach and an advisor. He has written a grant for the City. Councilmember Barthel asked which projects Mr. Kowalewksi would focus on if he returned to the Park and Recreation Commission. Mr. Kowalewksi stated it depends on new neighborhood parks and if the money goes into Park Dedication fees. Mr. Kowalewksi stated he would like cell phone tower revenue to go back to the parks. He would like to look at parks that have been removed and look at park maintenance. Mr. Kowalewksi would like to get more kids at the parks instead of wandering the streets. Councilmember Butler asked Mr. Kowalewksi if his experience with children with disabilities has given him a different perspective on park development. Mr. Kowalewksi would like to see the playgrounds be accessible with swings and playground equipment. Councilmember Holthus asked how Mr. Kowalewksi would deal with not having enough money to do the things the Park Commission wants to do. Mr. Kowalewksi stated it is important to © prioritize what the City needs and space it out. Councilmember Nelson asked what Mr. Kowalewksi likes about living in Andover. Mr. Kowalewksi stated he has been in Andover for 33 years and plans to retire here. He loves the direction the Park and Recreation Commission is going by focusing on adults as well as youth. Councilmember Nelson asked Mr. Kowalewksi why he left the Commission previously. Mr. Kowalewksi stated he served two terms and stated he is adamant about education and sports. He stated at that time, he felt there needed to be another ice rink in Andover. Mr. Kowalewksi stated he was voted as an alternate after his second term. Councilmember Butler asked if there was an accomplishment Mr. Kowalewksi was proud of during his term on the Park Commission. Mr. Kowalewksi stated he was the co-chair of getting the skate park. Mayor Bukkila thanked Mr. Kowalewksi for taking the time to interview and explained the follow up process. RECESS AND RECONVENE © The Council recessed at 7:12 p.m. The Council reconvened at 7:30 p.m. © Andover City Council Interviews for Commission Openings Minutes — January 19, 2022 Page 7 Kim Kovich —Open Space Commission Mayor Bukkila welcomed Mr. Kovich and thanked him for being on the Open Space Commission. She asked him what he is hoping to accomplish and why he reapplied. Mr. Kovich stated he has been on the Commission since it started. He said there are a few things left to do, like Dahlske Woods. He stated they changed the name to Nature Preserves which is more fitting. Mr. Kovich mentioned Northwoods Preserve is well put together. He noted that Dahlske Woods is the area that needs to be worked on the most. Mr. Kovich would like to see the Open Space Commission involved in plan review. Mr. Kovich stated there are some younger people on the Commission and they are taking charge of an educational component. Mayor Bukkila stated they interviewed a young gentleman tonight who has done thorough research. She stated he will need guidance and patience while learning about how government processes work. Mayor Bukkila asked if Mr. Kovich was up to the challenge of mentoring the next generation. Mr. Kovich stated it is good news to have a young gentleman involved. He noted © the Commission lost a young member to another state. Councilmember Holthus stated she appreciates the time and effort Mr. Kovich has put on the Preserve Commission and that it's been a fantastic amenity for the City. Mayor Bukkila noted the City should change the name of the Commission from Open Space to the Nature Preserve Commission. Mr. Kovich agrees on changing the name. Councilmember Barthel stated one way to get rid of buckthorn is by bringing in goats. Mr. Kovich stated buckthorn comes back unless pulled. He is happy with how the Park Maintenance Department is managing the preserves. Mayor Bukkila asked Mr. Kovich if he is interested in the Lower Rum River Water Management Organization (LRRWMO) in being the delegate or an alternate. Councilmember Holthus stated she would like to remain on the LRRWMO and asked if Mr. Kovich would be interested in being an alternate. Mr. Kovich stated he can be an alternate. Mayor Bukkila thanked Mr. Kovich for taking the time to interview. Jamie McGowan — Open Space © Mayor Bukkila welcomed Ms. McGowan and explained the interview process. She asked Ms. McGowan in which Commission she is interested. Ms. McGowan stated she was originally © Andover City Council Interviews for Commission Openings Minutes —January 19, 2022 Page 8 interested in the Equestrian Commission, but it is no longer active. Ms. McGowan indicated she does not have a second Commission but is interested in hearing about them and deciding which interests her. Councilmember Holthus explained the role of the Open Space Commission and how it was created. Ms. McGowan stated she is interested in preserving land for natural spaces and feels it is important. She stated she has been in Andover for 10 years and would like to keep the open area with wildlife. Ms. McGowan stated she stays home with her children and is part of a Mom's Club that utilizes the preserves. Councilmember Butler asked what Ms. McGowan would like to see improved in Andover. Ms. McGowan stated it is hard to see trees and farmland developed. She feels Andover is doing a good job with development. She would like to see a balance of development. Mayor Bukkila asked which Commission Ms. McGowan would prefer. Ms. McGowan said she would prefer the Open Space Commission but would be open to the Park Commission. 0 Mayor Bukkila thanked Ms. McGowan for coming into interview. Bert Koehler IV— Planning and Zoning Commission Mayor Bukkila welcomed Mr. Koehler and asked him to tell Council his background and what he would like to accomplish going forward. Mr. Koehler stated he has been on the Planning Commission for 3 terms and has served as Chair for the past 2 terms. He stated he was involved with his kids when they were growing up and needed to find something to do. Mr. Koehler said he enjoys being on the Commission. He wants to start working on crafting the meetings to be shorter, coaching members, and getting work done more efficiently. Mr. Koehler has learned he doesn't have much sway, but can voice his opinion. He stated there is a lot of collaboration with builders and residents. Mr. Koehler stated his goal is to get the Commission to work more efficiently. Mayor Bukkila stated there has been a change in personalities in the Planning Commission and she asked Mr. Koehler what he would like the Council to look for when selecting candidates. Mr. Koehler stated it is important to leave the politics at home. He explained the job is to take a look at how plans apply to current City law. Mr. Koehler asked the Council to select people who know © their political ideology but can work with the City without being polarizing and alienating. Mr. Koehler likes to have differing views but recommends checking grandstanding at the door. Andover City Council Interviews for Commission Openings Minutes —January 19, 2022 Page 9 Councilmember Barthel asked how Mr. Koehler would like to see his role changed with communication with Council. Mr. Koehler stated he would love to have a feedback session on the Commissioners annually. He explained some Commissioners have made huge strides by engaging with the Chair and making improvements. Mr. Koehler stated the Commission takes this job really seriously. He would like to talk to the Council about how they are doing. Councilmember Barthel stated he likes the idea of having a performance review for returning members. Mayor Bukkila stated she has conversations with Mr. Koehler periodically. She said Mr. Koehler's communication with staff and his role as a liaison is communicating with Council. Mr. Koehler stated he talks with staff and has not asked staff to be the messenger. Councilmember Butler thanked Mr. Koehler for reapplying and stated he does an excellent job of representing and articulating the process. Councilmember Butler asked if there was something about City Code or the development process that Mr. Koehler would like to improve upon. Mr. Koehler stated there are issues in Code that need to be looked at, for instance, apartment buildings. He noted there is nothing really glaring that needs to be changed. He feels there are items for © discussion, for instance roosters. Mr. Koehler explained that when items come up, he asks staff if that is something the Commission should look at to fine tune. Mr. Koehler asked Council to reach out to him if they see room for improvement. He stated it has been a privilege to be on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Mayor Bukkila thanked Mr. Koehler for reapplying and for the job he has done. Tracy Strombeck — Park and Recreation Commission Mayor Bukkila welcomed Ms. Strombeck and asked her to tell Council about her background and why she is applying again. Ms. Strombeck stated she has lived in Andover her entire life. She applied for Park and Recreation because she was a Sports Booster President for many years and her kids have played in sports. She stated she is reapplying because she would like to serve a full term. She has done a park build and has planned a movie night. Mayor Bukkila asked Ms. Strombeck what she sees as her role with the future of the Park Commission. Ms. Strombeck stated the CIP reflects what is up and coming. She feels the funds are allocated and benefits from the experience of the Commissioners. Ms. Strombeck stated she © is concerned that residents will be coming to the Park Commission asking for special projects and they won't be able to fund them because all funds are allocated. Andover City Council lnterviews for Commission Openings Minutes —January 19, 2022 Page 10 Councilmember Barthel asked what Ms. Strombeck feels needs to be changed between Council and the Park and Recreation Commission. Ms. Strombeck stated she has no changes to make to funding. She feels there aren't any communication gaps. Ms. Strombeck would like the Park Commission to meet with the Council twice per year instead of once per year. Ms. Strombeck stated she is not thrilled with a park on the west side of Prairie Road because there are enough small parks in the system to maintain. She stated she would like some non-MUSA Commission members to help support a trail outside the MUSA. Councilmember Butler asked if there is a particular project that Ms. Strombeck is passionate about. Ms. Strombeck stated she is passionate about a trail close to her neighborhood. She stated residents in the busier areas don't look at how to get to the rural area, they focus on how the rural area gets over to the busier area. Ms. Strombeck is passionate about finishing parks. Councilmember Nelson asked what Ms. Strombeck likes about living in Andover. Ms. Strombeck stated she likes that Andover feels like a small town. She does not want to see interstates or bus stops. She misses some of the open space that has been developed. © Mayor Bukkila asked Ms. Strombeck why they should select her. Ms. Strombeck stated she has longevity in the City. She will always give an honest answer and do the best job she can. She is going to do her best to do a good job for the whole of Andover. Mayor Bukkila thanked Ms. Strombeck for her time on the Commission and for taking the time to interview. DELIBERATION The City Council discussed applicants for City Commissions. Motion by Councilmember Barthel, Seconded by Councilmember Nelson, to appoint Scott Hudson and Bert Koehler IV to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Motion carried unanimously. Motion by Councilmember Barthel, Seconded by Councilmember Nelson, to appoint Kim Kovich and Jonathan Gwinn to the full -term positions and Jamie McGowan to the partial term of the Open Space Commission. Motion carried unanimously. Motion by Councilmember Barthel, Seconded by Councilmember Nelson, to appoint Tracy Strombeck, Kristin Lackie, and Reuben Ustimchuk to the Park and Recreation Commission. ® Andover City Council Interviews for Commission Openings Minutes — January 19, 2022 Page 11 Motion carried 3 ayes, 2 nays (Butler and Holthus). Motion by Councilmember Barthel, Seconded by Councilmember Nelson to appoint Kim Kovich as an alternate to the Lower Rum River Water Management Organization. Motion carried unanimously. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Barthel, Seconded by Councilmember Butler, to adjourn. The motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Shari Kunza, Recording Secretary TimeSaver OffSite Secretarial, Inc. H