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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-18-1997 SM SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MAPLEWOOD 5:00 p.m. Thursday, December 18, 1997 Maplewood Room, Ciry Hall MINUTES A. Call to Order Acting Mayor Koppen called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. B. Roll Call Acting Mayor Marvin Koppen Present Council member Sherry Allenspach Present Council member Dale Cazlson Present Council member George Rossbach Present Others Present City Manager Michael McGuire Assistant to the Manager Tim Busse Jason Wolf C. Interviews of Council Applicants 1. Dennis Schutz Mr. Schutz is a firm believer in community service and would like the opportunity to extend that service as a member of the city council. He believes the city is moving in the right direction and would work to maintain the high quality of life. He said maintaining the housing stock and redeveloping certain areas aze high priorities. As a resident of south Maplewood, Mr. Schutz said he hoped to make those residents feel more connected to the city. Mr. Schutz told the Council that his ability to make diff cult decisions and his experience as a police officer would be beneficial to the council. In addition, his law enforcement experience and his personal life have prepazed him well to deal with change. He is a long time Maplewood resident and has been involved extensively in youth athletics including the recent ice azena project. 2. Dick Carle Mr. Cazle told the Council that as a long time resident, he wants to give something back to the community. He said that making the Maplewood Community Center profitable would be his main priority as a council member. Mr. Carle said that taking care of youth and the elderly are important to him, and that the city should Special Meeting of the City Council December 18, ] 997 page 2 work to protect those two groups. He is at the point in his life where he can commit time to the council and would like the opportunity to do so. His professional experience has required him to change constantly, and change as a council member would be another logical step. He has coached youth athletics for a number of yeazs and feels that experience would also be beneficial. 3. Jack Frost Mr. Frost said that development and redevelopment are important issues that he would consider priorities as a council member and he would work to maintain the many good things that have gone on in the past few yeazs. He told the Council that his education and professional expertise as an environmental engineer are the strengths he would bring to the Council. Mr. Frost explained that change keeps things exciting and interesting and that he enjoys change. He said he considers himself a people person and has been involved with the city Planning Commission, the Open Space Task Force, the Ramsey Washington Watershed District and the Phalen Watershed Board. 4. Kevin Berglund Mr. Berglund said his long time involvement in city issues have lead him naturally to want to be on the city council. He said his ability to bring heat to an issue also brings light, which in the long run is helpful. In addition to his municipal knowledge, Mr. Berglund said his involvement with and knowledge of other levels of government would be beneficial as a council member. He said that changes in laws and technology require change from everyone, and oftentimes those changes aze for the good. Mr. Berglund is a lifetime Maplewood resident and has been informally involved in a variety of city pursuits. D. Discussion of Council Appointment Council member Carlson lead the discussion on possible council appointment. The council agreed that the a number of issue were important and that candidates should be considered based on how they fit the following issues: South end representation; Maintaining positive accomplishments; City involvement; Housing redevelopment as a priority; and How they would fill the two year council seat With those criteria in mind, the Council decided to discuss the following seven people in greater depth as possible candidates; Special Meeting of the City Council December 18, 1997 page 3 Kevin Kittridge Jeanne Ewald Peter Fischer Dominic Ramacier Pete Frank Dennis Schutz Jack Frost Discussion continued on the good qualities of each candidate and how each might fit the criteria outlined. It was noted that three candidates would represent the south end. Questions were raised about how each might fit in with the current members of the Council, and whether gender balance should be a priority. The Council agree that gender balance did not seem to be an issue. The discussion then centered on the experience and background that each candidate would bring to the Council. After discussion, the Council narrowed the list further and agreed to continue to consider the following candidates: Kevin Kittsidge Jeanne Ewald Pete Frank Jack Frost The Council considered each response given to the interview questions and discussed again how each candidate would fit with the criteria identified. After extensive discussion, Council member Rossbach moved to appoint Kevin Kittridge to fill the open seat on the city council. Acting Mayor Koppen seconded the motion. Discussion continued that each of the candidates could be effective members of the City Council. Acting Mayor Koppen called the vote. Ayes: All Mr. McGuire then explained the process of swearing in Mr. Kittridge. The sweazing in will take place January 12. Mr. McGuire said he would send letters of appreciation to all of the applicants and the decision was made to call Mr. Kittridge that evening. Acting Mayor Koppen agreed to call each of the applicants that evening and inform them of the Council's decision. E. Adjournment Acting Mayor Koppen adjourned the meeting.