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Home My WebLink About02-24-2025 CC Agenda Packet - work sessionAgenda City Council Work Session Monday, February 24, 2025, 5:00 PM City Council Chambers 12780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356 952-249-4600 /oronomn.gov Roll Call Work Session Item 1. Park & Planning Commission Applicant Interviews Adjournment Sign up for email notifications at oronomn.gov AGENDA ITEM Date: February 24, 2025 Title: Park & Planning Commission Applicant Interviews Presenter: Laura Oakden, Community Development Director Section: Work Session Item Purpose: Conduct Park and Planning Commission applicant interviews. Item: 1 2. Background: City Code Section 22.32 stipulates the Park Commission is composed of seven members, who serve staggered three-year terms. The council may, by majority, vote to appoint one or more alternate park commission members to serve when regular members are absent. The director of public services and one council member shall be members of the commission, ex officio and without a vote, and are in addition to the seven -member commission. The Planning Commission is made up of seven regular members who serve staggered 3-year terms. City Code Section 74-2 prescribes membership to include individuals from all areas of the city, including lakeshore, rural (2+ acre lots), and urban areas (<2 acre lots) in order to provide diverse perspectives. A commissioner can serve up to three 3-year terms. The City Council appointed 3 new planning commission members and 1 new alternate at the February 10 City Council Meeting. This resulting in a 7 member commission and 2 alternates for the February 18 Planning Commission. 3. Summary: There are four (4) openings in the Park Commission, due to expired terms on March 1.2025 that required new appointments. Mr. Rick Carter has requested to be reappointed. His reappointment would result in three (3) vacancies for the Park Commission to be filled. Planning Commissioner Mark McCutcheon's term is set to expire March 31, 2025. Additionally, Commission Scott Kirchner has submitted his resignation at of February 20, 2025. This results in two (2) openings on the Planning Commission that require new appointments. Time Applicant 5:00 pm- Park Janie Delaney 5:08 pm- Park Mollie Reynolds 5:16 pm- Park Kim Carswell 5:24 pm- Park Jacob Selseth 5:32 pm- Planning Sam Tift 5:40 pm- Planning Shane Weltzin 5:50 pm Adjourn P' 4. Cost: The commissions are volunteer appointed positions by the City Council; commissioners are not paid. COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED Council should interview the applicants and direct staff to bring a resolution to the March loth Council meeting. Exhibits Planning Applicant Interview Form Park Commission Applicant Interview Form 2025.pdf Janie Delaney Park Comm Application Mollie Reynolds Park Comm Application Kim Carswell Park Comm Application Jacob Selseth Park Comm Application Sam Tift Ping Comm Application Shane Weltzin Ping Comm Application 3 PLANNING COMMISSION APPLICANT INTERVIEW Applicant Name: Potential Questions: 1. Tell us why you are interested in servings as a Planning Commissioner. 2. How do you feel about implementing city regulations? How do you feel about regulating your neighbors? 3. Describe your familiarity of the City's Comprehensive Plan and zoning regulations. 4. Describe your experience with development projects and reviews including; variances, CUPs, site plans review, or applying city codes. 5. Provide a little background about yourself (Career, Education, Interests) Evaluation: Criteria Excellent Good Fair Poor Interest in serving on the Planning Commission Knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience Familiarity with the following items: a. The City's Community Management Plan b. Orono City Code- Zoning Regulation c. Environmental Issues/ Protection of Lakeshore and sensitive areas Perspective on Council/Planning Commission responsibilities and relationship Perspective on ways to develop or maintain good Planning Commission/applicant/staff relations Perspective on key issues facing the Planning Commission 4 PARKS COMMISSION APPLICANT INTERVIEW Applicant Name: Potential Questions: What is your understanding of the role of a parks commissioner? 2. What interests you most about this position? 3. Why should the City expend resources on Parks, Open Spaces and Trails? 4. Which of the Orono Parks/ Trials do you spend your time in? 5. Describe your understanding of the City's Comprehensive Plan as it pertains to parks. Evaluation: Criteria Excellent Good Fair Poor Interest in serving on the Park Commission Knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience Familiarity with the following items: a. The City's Community Management Plan b. The City's Parks, open spaces and trails Support of current Programs/Policies and Philosophy of City Perspective on Council/Parks Commission Responsibilities and relationship Perspective on ways to develop or maintain good Parks Perspective on key issues facing the Parks Commission Notes: 5 Citizen Advisory Commission/Committee Application Commission/Committee Park Commission Applying For First Name Janie Last Name Delaney Address City Wayzata State MN Zip Code 55391 Phone Number Email Address Work Experience Janie Delaney Inc., President - 2004 - present Graphics and communications - semi -retired Delaney & Hill LLC, Partner - 2019 - present Garden maintenance and estate property management The Donation Garden, Inc. a 501(c)(3) - 2016 - present The Donation Garden located in Orono, MN and created in 2011 has planted, harvested and delivered fresh, healthy produce to local food shelves. 100% of the produce grown is donated to those in need. www.thedonationgarden.org Education Currently attending U of MN/Arboretum Pro Hort classes on Botany and Horticulture "Leading with Cultural Competence" Training for WeCan "Building a Culture of Equity, Inclusion and Belonging" Training for WeCan University of Minnesota - studied Psychology and Women's Studies Aveda Institute - Massage Therapist - graduated with honors Healing Touch Program - Golden, CO Civic and Volunteer 2016 - present Activities (Past and The Donation Garden Inc., Orono, non-profit - Volunteer while Present) managing 15 volunteers. Developed processes to facilitate fresh food distribution, food safety protocol and same day delivery of fresh produce to surrounding communities for those in need. The garden and its volunteers foster and maintain relationships with local businesses, neighboring cities and communities the who support us. My role also includes fundraising, teaching and training. All of our raised beds are made from recycled and reclaimed materials. Our wash station is built from discarded cedar dock sections. The garden's philosophy is to create sustainable habitats using the concept of permaculture... the building of healthy soil, employing organic farming methods, practicing no -till farming and discouraging the use of any chemicals. Volunteers also created a regenerative pollinator garden inside the garden. 1994 - present - Meals on Wheels Program - delivery driver, advocate, relationship builder WeCan - volunteer for various projects. Participate in local activities sponsored when WeCan needs community volunteers such as the Spirit of the Lakes Festival, stocking supplies. Facilitated Christmas tree donations to local food shelf. Host Orono SPARKS Program kids at the Donation Garden annually. Community Wellness Expo participant hosted by Orono Public Schools. Tour de Tonka volunteer - routing bikers Minnesota State Horticultural Society - volunteer, Garden -in -a - box program, plant distribution, seed sorting. https://northerngardener.org/what-we-do/minnesota-green- photo-gallery/ 2013 - 2016 Created "Stay the Course". An organization made up of community members who wanted to get the Orono Public Golf Course renovated for its 90th Anniversary. Major renovations were completed along with the purchase of the current outdoor By the Yard Eco-Friendly Furniture. Benches were available for adoption and they still grace the golf course. A major overhaul of the interior (painting, cleaning, repairing) and exterior of the building came from donated labor and local organizations. Landscaping and flowers were donated and chosen to 7 Please state your reasons for wanting to serve on this represent the era of the historic club house. Auction items were collected and auctioned off. A memorial entryway was created and dedicated to Leo Feser. A local family donated much of the labor for repairs. The election in 2016 displaced Stay the Course. It was a wonderful example of community coming together and raising up a city asset. I would like to see that happen again at all the parks. If you would like before and after pictures for your archives, please reach out. To preserve OUR land and open spaces we hold so dearly. When it's gone, it's gone for good. Commission/Committee. To make a difference in our parks by preserving our green spaces while ACQUIRING NEW land for new ideas and infrastructure. The idea of over -developing our current parks is not only detrimental to the neighborhoods they are located in, but harmful to the environment and the delicate eco-system that exists within our parks. Our current park system consists of many "pocket" parks located and tucked neatly into neighborhoods. They are not located in a campus environment nor near a school nor next to a downtown. A careful examination and look is needed to see what fits this very different model both long-term and short-term. All this being said, it needs to be done while considering conservation, preservation and sustainability. However, that is hardly doable if we do not know what our citizens want. We are way overdue for a professional citizen survey. We are going to see some very dramatic changes with the loss of ash trees and climate change. What is our plan? With the canopy lost, the lay of our parks will change. What will that look like and what is our strategy? I have visited all the parks in Orono and most of the access points. I didn't intend to at first, but I became friends with one of my Meals on Wheels clients who is 94 years young. She is a retired gym teacher from Orono who implemented the Title IX program at Orono schools for girls. I tell you this because she loves Lake Minnetonka. On our weekly outings to get ice cream, Bev loves to go to the "Lake" to see the water. It was apparent in very short order that there are NOT very many access points in the "Lakeshore City", nor are there any "accessible" access points. We need to work on that by improving what we already have so there is access to all. �3 What is your view of the To become physically and geographically familiar with ALL the role of the Commission parks in Orono along with any available or possible rehabilitated or Committee? access points. Gathering information. Problem solving. Working in teams with fellow park commissioners. Meeting residents. Hold listening sessions with neighborhoods. Compiling data. Researching resources. Consider budgeting. Prioritizing projects. Working within the comp plan with staff support. Presenting the above at park commission meetings for public input before presenting to council as an advisory commission. Other Comments Thank you for an opportunity to apply. I went on a historical tour of Big Island with the Lake Minnetonka Historical Society this past summer. We boarded in Excelsior and our package included a series of downloaded photos of historical buildings and sites on Big Island. As we broke into small groups with a tour guide we were able to hear the narrative and "see" what was once there on our phones. Since Orono purchased this land, I would like to see some kind of collaboration with the LMHS that gets people out to the island. Most residents of Orono do not have this luxury. Electronic Signature I agree. Agreement Electronic Signature Janie Delaney Date 1 /30/2025 Please Note Volunteer commission/committee member's name, address and phone number will become public information. Our standard practices when filling positions on a city commission or committee is to have prospective candidates meet with the City Council. The interview process is an opportunity for the council to get to know more about a candidate and their reasons for wanting to be on a particular commission or committee. It is also a time for the candidate to ask questions, to understand more of what the position entails, and discuss expectations. Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. 9 Citizen Advisory Commission/Committee Application Commission/Committee Park Commission Applying For First Name Mollie Last Name Reynolds Address City Long Lake State MN Zip Code 55356 Phone Number Email Address Work Experience Retired 2022-present Target Corp: Sr. Manager Strategic Partnerships 2011-2022 Responsible for the selection, leadership and management of Target Marketing partnerships (creative, design and media agencies). Best Buy: Marketing Operations Director 2009-2011, Marketing Director/Production Services 2006-2009, Marketing Director/Broadcast Production Services 2003-2006, Manager Broadcast Production Services 1995-2003, Sr Producer Broadcast Production Services 1993-1995 Ultimately responsible for the management and leadership of marketing production services (print, TV, digital) as well as external marketing agency services (creative, marketing and design) for Best Buy Advertising. Departure Films (independent film production company/Mpls): Line Producer 1991-1992 BBDO Worldwide: Broadcast Producer 1984-1991 Responsible for the production of TV and Radio commercials (budget mgmt., negotiation with BBDO creative teams, production companies and film directors to realize the creative vision). 10 Education BFA University of Colorado 1981, focus: Fine Art Photography and Art History Lean Six Sigma White Belt, Best Buy Civic and Volunteer Orono Concerned Citizens -Worked with a community citizen Activities (Past and group to help Bob Tunheim win the election as Mayor 2023-24 Present) Orono Delegate/Election Volunteer 2022 Various Volunteer Activities (Target & Best Buy) 1993-2022 AICP/MN Chapter (Association of Independent Commercial Producers) Board Member 1995-2005 Courage Alpine Skiers/PSIA Certified Adaptive Volunteer Ski Instructor 1987-1997 Please state your Orono resident since 2013. 1 personally enjoy many of the parks reasons for wanting to and trails that Orono offers and am keen to preserve our serve on this beautiful city landscape while also keeping up with changing Comm ISSIOn/COmmittee. needs of residents. Because I'm retired, I have time to give and this feels like a good fit for where I'm at in life. I believe I have translatable skills from my many years working in the corporate setting that would be of benefit. One area of particular interest for me is the Orono Golf Course. There is so much history here that should be preserved and celebrated. The golf course itself is in terrible shape and there is so much potential. I'd hate for Orono to lose this treasure. What is your view of the Guardians. Listeners. Change Agents. Activators. role of the Commission or Committee? Ensure that the parks in Orono are maintained, that they evolve to serve the needs of it's citizens while maintaining the natural beauty we moved here for. Other Comments I'm curious to learn more about this role and hope to have an opportunity to interview. Thank you for your consideration! Electronic Signature I agree. Agreement Electronic Signature Mollie W Reynolds Date 1 /19/2025 Please Note Volunteer commission/committee member's name, address and phone number will become public information. Our standard practices when filling positions on a city commission or committee is to have prospective candidates meet with the City Council. The interview process is an opportunity for the council to get to know 11 more about a candidate and their reasons for wanting to be on a particular commission or committee. It is also a time for the candidate to ask questions, to understand more of what the position entails, and discuss expectations. Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. `V Citizen Advisory Commission/Committee Application Commission/Committee Park Commission Applying For First Name Kim Last Name Carswell Address City Orono State MN Zip Code 55356 Phone Number Email Address Work Experience I am a retired engineer with over 40 years of experience working at large consumer goods companies (General Mills, Kraft Foods, Target). The focus of my work was packaging design and I spent the last 10 years in the sustainable packaging realm. I have served on the boards of the University of Minnesota Raptor Center, Michigan State University School of Packaging, the GreenBlue organization (non profit focused on sustainable packaging) and The Recycling Partnership (chair) over my career. Currently I teach a packaging class at the University of Minnesota every other year. Education B.S. Dairy Science 1979, Michigan State University M.S. Packaging Engineering 1982, Michigan State University Civic and Volunteer Past Activities (Past and Present) Tutor (primary students) Mentor (students, professionals) 13 Present Volunteer at The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota Training my rescue dog to be a therapy dog Please state your After becoming engaged in local government by attending reasons for wanting to council meetings, speaking out, and help organize volunteers serve on this for the recent election I am keen to continue to stay engaged in Comm ISSIOn/Committee. a positive and constructive way to support the new council. What is your view of the I believe the role of the commission is to provide thoughtful, well role of the Commission researched recommendations to the city council for or Committee? consideration. It is important for the commission to understand the direction the council wants to take Orono to help them in their role as a commissioner. Other Comments Field not completed. Electronic Signature I agree. Agreement Electronic Signature Kim Carswell Date 1 /21 /2025 Please Note Volunteer commission/committee member's name, address and phone number will become public information. Our standard practices when filling positions on a city commission or committee is to have prospective candidates meet with the City Council. The interview process is an opportunity for the council to get to know more about a candidate and their reasons for wanting to be on a particular commission or committee. It is also a time for the candidate to ask questions, to understand more of what the position entails, and discuss expectations. Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. 14 Citizen Advisory Commission/Committee Application Commission/Committee Park Commission Applying For First Name Jacob Last Name Selseth Address City Orono State MN Zip Code 55356 Phone Number Email Address Work Experience I have worked in the Energy Sector for 27 years including Electric Generation, distribution and end use residential and commercial. I am a trained energy manager by education and I have completed certification with with Association of Energy engineers. I continue t be active in the space working with The University of MN RSDP in helping communities incorporate clean energy into their homes, business and cities. Business Energy Eff. Consultant CERTs, U of MN RSDP Manager of Energy Services and Business Development Stearns Electric Association St. Joseph, MN Supervise Office Manager, Communications Department, Load Management Technicians and Administrative staff ensuring productivity towards cooperative strategic goals. Directed switch to grid enabled water heaters. ETS water heating has operated as a primarily residential water heater program utilizing large capacity water heaters. Led department demand side management, conservation programs and technology development. Key Account Executive. - Commercial Programs Leader Great River Energy, Maple Grove MN 15 Managed nine electric distribution member cooperatives providing member service in areas regarding rates, economic development, efficiency, load management and CIP budget/reporting. Oversaw commercial member business activity of approximately 1,500 grants/year, 40 million kWh savings/yr and $3-4 M in rebate spending. Energy Services Representative Dakota Electric Association, Farmington, MN Provided excellent member service for all DEA members energy needs. Project manager for Dencor demand controller installations. Promoted, sold and managed installations of all off peak products and services. Worked with LM techs on full menu of LM receiver configurations for off-peak products and services. Performed rate and energy analysis for members to find savings potential. Provided turnkey installations including equipment, labor, scheduling, pricing and rebates for DDC systems. Key Energy Services contact for wind and solar energy projects. Audited member facilities for energy efficiency and rate improvements. Education Bachelor of Science in Energy Management with Marketing minor. Moorhead State University, Moorhead, MN Certified Energy Manager CEM #10410 The Association of Energy Engineers, Atlanta, GA (not currently active) Civic and Volunteer Big Brother Program Activities (Past and Youth Football head and assistant coach Present) Youth T ball coach Please state your I personally enjoy using many of the parks in Orono and the reasons for wanting to surrounding area. My wife and three school age boys also enjoy serve on this the area parks. The natural beauty of the area is what we enjoy Commission/Committee. most about living in this spectacular area. With wonderful lakes, old growth forests and nice neighborhood parks we all have the ability to fish, swim, bike, play golf, baseball, soccer and many other pursuits. I would like to see our parks preserved and improved in ways that benefit the neighbors and residents of this community. What is your view of the To know our parks in a way that appreciates each park for its role of the Commission unique qualities and for how the community wants it as a part of 16 or Committee? the neighborhood. Our parks highlight nature, places to play, places to compete in sport, and places to simply find peace and quiet to relax and enjoy. Knowing our parks and how we best want to enjoy them, while finding ways to maintain and enhance is the role of park (advisory) commissioner. Other Comments Orono is a great place to live. I have had some concerns with the approach to parks in recent years and would like to be active in protecting and improving our spaces. There are many interests in the community and I think we can find good solutions for most, if not all of those folks. We are very fortunate to have such wonderful natural resources and spaces right in our backyard. Electronic Signature I agree. Agreement Electronic Signature Jacob selseth Date 1 /31 /2025 Please Note Volunteer commission/committee member's name, address and phone number will become public information. Our standard practices when filling positions on a city commission or committee is to have prospective candidates meet with the City Council. The interview process is an opportunity for the council to get to know more about a candidate and their reasons for wanting to be on a particular commission or committee. It is also a time for the candidate to ask questions, to understand more of what the position entails, and discuss expectations. Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. li IN Citizen Advisory Commission/Committee Application Commission/Committee Planning Commission Applying For First Name Sam Last Name Tift Address City Orono State Minnesota Zip Code 55391 Phone Number Email Address Work Experience For the last fourteen years I've been working in the fields of marketing, operations, and technology. I spent the last several years working remotely on behalf of nonprofit and political advocacy groups at We Are RALLY, a communications firm, based in Los Angeles. Prior to my time there, I worked for a wide range of clients, including the Minnesota Timberwolves, Lindus Construction, Game of Thrones, and most importantly, Uber, where I spent the formative years of my career working to expand ridesharing across the United States. At Uber, I developed a new advertising investment framework that allowed the company to more acutely pair marketing investments with evolving marketplace needs. I helped scale this framework globally at Uber, reshaping how advertising investments were made at the company. Education After attending Benilde St. Margaret's, I left for Washington to study government, receiving a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from American University. My experience there also afforded me the opportunity to intern on Capitol Hill, with Senator Amy Klobuchar, and later with the AARP, in the highly suspenseful months leading up to the passage of the Affordable Care Act. My years away from Minnesota taught me a great deal about the inner -workings of government, policy -making, and legislative advocacy. 18 Civic and Volunteer I began working as Election Judge in 2020, as it became clear Activities (Past and the pandemic could make it more difficult for others to safely Present) continue in that capacity. I mostly recently served as election judge at the Calvert Memorial Church this November. This experience always refreshes my appreciation for the hard work that goes into making our democracy possible. I also served on the St. Louis Park Planning Commission, prior to moving and purchasing my home in Orono. I learned a good deal about evaluating development proposals, the process for getting a variance approved, and many other city planning issues. I enjoyed the opportunity to contribute to my community, never missing a meeting during my tenure as a commissioner. Please state your I'm applying to the Planning Commission because I believe this reasons for wanting to is the best opportunity to serve and contribute to the community serve on this where I intend to raise children. I was born and raised just a few Commission/Committee. miles from here, where my parents taught me to show gratitude toward neighbors and to not shy away from the hard work that can move communities forward. I remember my dad regularly attending neighborhood meetings, serving on the Fire Commission, and my mom organizing Art Adventure, teaching our classes about the joy of painting. I believe my resume will speak to my qualifications that prepare me for this position, but I believe my passion for public service, and for my home of Orono will make me an effective contributor to the Planning Commission. What is your view of the I see the Planning Commission as a citizen advisory panel to role of the Commission the City Council. Individuals who hold this responsibility should or Committee? do their best to represent what's in the best interest of not just them, but their entire city. I believe the best way a Commissioner can accomplish this is by keeping an open -mind to the concerns that their neighbors might raise during public comment periods, just as they should pay close attention to details provided by city staff as they evaluate a new proposal. This process is designed to equip Commissioners with all of the background, and public input, they need to cast an informed vote on a particular topic. I intend to trust this process as a Commissioner. I will not develop knee jerk opinions and instead, do my best to understand each issue in its entirety, and cast my votes accordingly. Other Comments I was excited by the new tone in city leadership set forth by Mayor Tunheim when I attended the most recent City Council meeting. With that, I am not naive about the challenges facing the city in the years ahead, but I also believe the people of this city are better than the divisive rhetoric we heard these past few years. I hope to play a small part, in serving on this Commission, in addressing these challenges, and greeting my 19 neighbors, with open -mind and a willingness to learn, as we work to rebuild trust in this government. Electronic Signature I agree. Agreement Electronic Signature Samuel J Tift Date 1 /20/2025 Please Note Volunteer commission/committee member's name, address and phone number will become public information. Our standard practices when filling positions on a city commission or committee is to have prospective candidates meet with the City Council. The interview process is an opportunity for the council to get to know more about a candidate and their reasons for wanting to be on a particular commission or committee. It is also a time for the candidate to ask questions, to understand more of what the position entails, and discuss expectations. Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. 20 Citizen Advisory Commission/Committee Application Commission/Committee Planning Commission Applying For First Name Shane Last Name Weltzin Address City Orono State MN Zip Code 55391 Phone Number Email Address Work Experience My professional background spans over 20 years in various roles requiring collaboration, problem -solving, and a keen understanding of design and technology. As a Technology Designer, I work closely with architects, builders, and interior designers to seamlessly integrate technology into residential spaces. This involves a deep understanding of spatial planning, aesthetics, and the impact of technology on living environments. Prior to this, I held several positions at Best Buy, including Sr. Merchant and Associate Manager, where I honed my skills in project management, strategic planning, and financial analysis. I have a proven track record of improving profitability, negotiating contracts, and leading teams to achieve business objectives. I am eager to apply my skills and experience to serve the Orono community and contribute to the planning and development of our town. Education While I pursued a psychology/pre-med track at the College of St. Scholastica and later transferred to the University of Minnesota, my career path ultimately led me to diverse roles at Best Buy in Marketing, Sales and Operations design. 21 Though I did not complete a formal degree, I have continued my education through various certifications and courses relevant to city planning: Lean Six Sigma Green Belt: This demonstrates my understanding of process improvement and efficiency, valuable for analyzing municipal operations. CAD drafting: Provides me with foundational knowledge in spatial design and technical drawings, directly applicable to city planning. Interior lighting design: Highlights my awareness of design principles and their impact on the built environment. Public speaking and adult training: These skills equip me to effectively communicate with the public, conduct presentations, and participate in community discussions. This combination of formal education and practical training has provided me with a well-rounded skillset applicable to the role of a City Planner. Civic and Volunteer I have a strong record of civic engagement and volunteerism, Activities (Past and primarily focused on youth development and community sports Present) programs: Mound-Westonka Youth Hockey Association: Served as a board member for several years, holding various positions including Fundraising and Vice President. This demonstrates my commitment to community organizations and my ability to contribute in leadership roles. MWHS Girls Hockey Booster Club: Contributed as Secretary and Web Master, showcasing my organizational and communication skills. Blizzard Ski and Snowboard School: Volunteered as a snowboard instructor, sharing my passion for sports and contributing to recreational programs. YouthHockeyHub: Supported youth hockey initiatives across Minnesota, demonstrating a broader commitment to youth sports development. Benilde-St. Margaret's School: Held various volunteer roles within their school and sports programs, further highlighting my dedication to education and youth activities. These experiences demonstrate my commitment to community involvement, my ability to work collaboratively within organizations, and my passion for supporting youth development. Please state your Having lived in Orono for nearly 15 years, I deeply value the reasons for wanting to strong sense of community that makes this such a special serve on this place. I am eager to contribute to the continued growth and Comm mittee. vitality of our city by serving on the Planning Commission. My professional background in design and technology, 0+ specifically in home automation and integration, has equipped me with valuable skills in spatial planning, aesthetics, and the impact of technology on living environments. This experience, combined with my volunteer work with organizations like the Mound-Westonka Youth Hockey Association and my involvement in community sports programs, has honed my ability to collaborate effectively, understand diverse perspectives, and contribute to the success of a team. I am confident that my skills and experience, combined with my deep commitment to Orono, would be a valuable asset to the Planning Commission as we work together to shape the future of our community. What is your view of the In my view, the Planning Commission plays a vital role in role of the Commission shaping the future of Orono. It serves as a crucial link between or Committee? the community and the City Council, ensuring that development proposals and land use decisions align with the vision and values of our residents. The Commission is responsible for carefully reviewing development proposals, considering their impact on our environment, infrastructure, and the overall character of our community. This includes ensuring that development is sustainable, preserves the natural beauty of our lakes and green spaces, and maintains the small-town charm that makes Orono so special. Furthermore, the Commission plays a key role in guiding the evolution of our city's Comprehensive Plan. This plan serves as a roadmap for future development, ensuring that growth is managed responsibly and in a way that benefits all residents. By regularly reviewing and updating the Comprehensive Plan, the Commission can help Orono adapt to changing needs and challenges while preserving the qualities that make it a unique and desirable place to live. Other Comments I am confident that my skills and experience, combined with my passion for Orono and my commitment to thoughtful and responsible development, would make me a valuable asset to the Planning Commission. Electronic Signature I agree. Agreement Electronic Signature Shane M Weltzin Date 2/6/2025 Please Note Volunteer commission/committee member's name, address and phone number 23 will become public information. Our standard practices when filling positions on a city commission or committee is to have prospective candidates meet with the City Council. The interview process is an opportunity for the council to get to know more about a candidate and their reasons for wanting to be on a particular commission or committee. It is also a time for the candidate to ask questions, to understand more of what the position entails, and discuss expectations. Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. 24