[music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] >> Good evening. Tonight is Monday, July27th. This is a special study session of Minnetonka City Council.Uh we'll call this meeting to order and we'll do introductions.Uh Sarissa, why don't you start?>> Sarissa Seriky, senior management coordinator.>> Brian Damon, assistant city manager. >> I'm [cough] Jeff Werd, ward two.>> Kimberly Wilburn, at large. >> Paul D'Amelio, ward three.>> Rebecca Schack, mayor. >> Kizzy Colley, ward four.>> Deb Calvert, at large seat A. >> Patsy Foster Bolton, ward one.>> [clears throat] >> Hi.>> No. >> Julie Wischnack, city>> Oh, that's good. >> Great.>> All right, thanks everybody. Just very briefly before we start, we're here forinterviews for what will be one or two plan openplanning commission seats. So, we will do the interviews. We will start We'vegot four questions per applicant. Is that right?Um and so, I'm just going to give everybody an opportunity to askquestions going in a line and some people will go go first and some peoplego second. And provide yourwritten feedback, anything that you'd like me to consider when consideringthis appointment. And you know, we can use that information in making I'll makethe recommendation and then ultimately the council will approve. If forwhatever reason we have two openings and we don't feel comfortable with bothcandidates, we'll regroup at that point. So, please indicate your feedback on theform and you'll turn that in to me at the end of this meeting.All right. So, um Teresa's going to go get our first applicant, who's JordanLambert. Did I miss anything, Miranda? Hi, come on in. We'll get y'alls You'reall set up right there. >> I love the fever and a little morecasual study there. >> Yes. So, and you're right. As you mentionedWell, you're getting settled, I'll just give you a little overview. This is verycasual. You uh um we've got just the few questions for youand we'll take some notes and ultimately we'll collate that information and thenmake some decisions on who we're going to appoint and somebody will be in touchwith you within the next several days about the decision.Um so, we'll introduce ourselves very briefly first and we'll start withAmanda. >> Hi, I'm Amanda Maxwell. I am the councilmember for Ward 2. I was the chair of the Planning Commission last year andI've been on the Planning Commission since 2020.>> I'm Ken Willcox, I'm at large which means I represent the whole city.>> I am Paula Ramaley and I represent Ward 3.>> Rebecca Shack, I'm the mayor. >> Kizzy Cocklin, Ward 4.>> Deb Calvert, at large seat A. >> Patsy Foster Bolton, Ward 1.>> And the rest of the folks in the room are city staff and you'll get to knowthem a few and up on the Planning Commission. So,um we'll just go right down the line the line with our questions and Amanda, doyou want to go ahead with the first question?>> Sure. Uh please tell us about yourself andwhat in your background makes you the right person for this position.>> So, I am a mother of three. I was born and raised in Minnetonka and my husbandgrew up in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands and then moved here when he was 11 yearsold so he grew up here as well. Um we both love Minnetonka. We met inhigh school and it's it was always our end goal to live in Minnetonka andthere's never a talk to live anywhere else. Umunfortunately, when the time came to buy our first home, we couldn't findanything that we could afford in Minnetonka.So, life brought us to South Minneapolis umand happenstance how things work out um we ended up in Minnetonka about 3 yearsago. We found an affordable home just one street over from where I grew up.Full circle, things are working out the way they're meant to be.Dating back to 2020, thanks to wonderful AI andaligning with my interests, City of Minnetonka and what all of you wonderfulfolks have been doing over the years kind of just started popping up on myphone. More signs and regarding buckthorn and brush and ourtrees and uh various things, what you guys have withthe marsh and the comprehensive plan. So, it's been on my radar for quite awhile, what everyone's been doing and aboutright around the time we actually bought our house, so 4 years ago,my husband fortunately got a promotion at work, which allowed me tocut back and spend more time with my kids andfocusing on more of my interests andmuch of that was community service in our South Minneapolis home cuz my kidsstill go to school there. Likewise, how it happened, they startedschool before we found the house here. So, I became PTA president at thatschool. Not something that I have sought after,but was asked by the current president to take on the rolewhich quickly spiraled to looking at the bigger picture of how everything isinterconnected. We had a wonderful social emotionalwellness committee, wonderful equity committee,but they weren't talking and weren't aligning. And so, the first thing I didwas bring us all together so we could meet at the table and discuss things,and we all had the same goal, but we're working separately.So, I I appreciate that the City of Minnetonka focuses so much onenvironment, DEI initiatives, and how everythingoverlaps cuz that's how it should be for it to be efficientand circling back to planning commission,I uh I'm actuallypart of the QuickTrip proposed development.And though I had already had planning commission on my mindset 3 years priorto that, it really solidified the importance of this to me and how muchwhat one seemingly small decision can impact the greater overallenvironmentally speaking, DEI, uhand it just kind of showcased that though uhyou guys are doing things in such a great manner, there's always room forimprovement and I think I can bring that additional viewpoints to the table,um given that I've been raised in Minnetonka and I've now returned and I'mnow a mother and seeing things from a different perspective andI'm also on the state's PTA board and through being at the national PTAconvention and communicating with the DEI board of thenational PTA, uh we have now formed and I'm now thechair of the DEI for Minnesota State PTA.Um so, I think I can bring that perspective. I'm also a Hennepin Countyrecycling ambassador. Um so, one of the thingsthat came to mind when QuickTrip was brought out,and I felt that the planning commission, as well as city council, everyonebrought up really good questions and a really good perspective. One thing thatwas not brought up that stood out to me is the amount of black plastic thatwould be consumed by that store. And it's notcommon knowledge that black plastic is not recyclable.Um so, it's just little details like that thatis not necessarily clear to everyone, cuz you don't know what you don't knowand it's just happens to be an interest ofmine. I also have a background in constructionand business. I grew up in a family of builders,growing up with that and had summer jobs.Professionally, I am actually a patient advocate.So, when someone is having a health crisisand they're not feeling their voice is heard,I come to the table and help communicate with the doctors and figure out what'sgoing on. And thankfully, I'm proud to say that many of my clients they werelooking at a few months to a year, and many of themlived 8 9 years thanks to being that voice for them and looking at all timeand looking at things from a different perspective and taking a step back andlooking at them from all angles, which I think is important for allelements, especially planning commission. Every decision has a ripple effect andyeah, it's important. >> Great. We'll move on and we've just got10 minutes slated, so we'll we'll try to get through these next three questionsin the in the remaining time. >> Really? Go ahead. They're like, "Oh,this is a big big thing is for in 10 minutes." But>> Yeah, a lot of Yeah, [laughter] yeah. All right.The The Planning Commission holds public hearings on land use items, during whichthe public provides feedback that may be positive or negative and may differ fromstaff recommendations and or commissioner's opinions. What is yourapproach when trying to make difficult decisions?>> So, thankfully, that's what I do professionally is deal with difficultsituations every day and often times people that arenot happy and go into it with kind of emotions on their sleeve. Andwhen that's the case, it's hard to be able to hear what you're saying.So, I'm used to working in those circumstances.Thankfully, that is what I excel in is being the neutral, calm, andseeing things from all perspectives. And often times it's the case ofwe all have the same goal and we're saying the same things, we're just notnecessarily hearing it that way. It's just a matter of listening and thenresponding and speaking and going from there. I think a lot oftimes it's people are quick to react. And it's an emotional situation andwe're talking about people's homes and you know, they invest a lot into themand there's a lot to that. So, it's it's anemotional thing understandably for the people that reside in front of theplanning commission and I think sometimes they can lose sight too thatyou guys are here for the right reasons and you're here to help.And often times I think it can be seen in a negative way.So, I just commend you guys for what you're doing cuz it's not an easyposition to be in. So. >> Excellent. All right, Pa.>> All right, the city emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion in ourbody of work. How do you think this intersects with the work of the planningcommission? >> Um I think, you know, it's full circle.They all impact one another. Another thing,again, just cuz of we're all familiar with it,that stood out to me regarding QuickTrip.And again, it's one of those things that you don't know unless life has you'veexperienced it. There was talk about it would bebeneficial to have lower cost food next to over proceeding low-incomeapartments. In reality,there's a lot of research that talks about how that's actuallyan injustice to those in low-income community and that attributes to healthrisks and attributes to them eating poorly, whereas we should be offeringthem fresh food offerings.That is a particular niche area where there's tons of fast food,plenty of fast food in that exact area. Unfortunately, to find healthy food, theonly option is Panera and that's not necessarily in everyone's budget.So, I I think it's something to be looked at. On the surface, you wouldn'tthink it's an equity issue, but it is when you're putting unhealthy food infront of low-income families and not offering them alternative solutions.So, I think I can offer that perspective ofsometimes it seems like we're doing right by giving them affordable options,and we're not looking at we're not giving them healthy options, which thenlead to XYZ for health effects, which I bring in that health care sideof things and the medical side of things.>> Great. Thank you. All right. Based on your understanding of the commission,what do you think will be an individual challenge for you and the challenge forthe group, and how do you propose overcoming the challenges?>> Yeah. Uh well, I've sat in on a handful of planning commission meetings eversince you were elected to your new position. I knew there was a positionopen. I sat in a handful of meetings, and I'vegot to say I'm really fascinated with the planning commissionthe way they speak to one another and the questions they ask.I've actually worked with Commissioner Chair uhfor a holding swap that Alex started with David through Hennepin County.Uh so, I've worked with her personally, andI think there's a good rapport of the group that's there, so I don't foreseethere being issues. If there is, I think communication styleit will be worked through. One question that I haveyou know, the city has the recommendation of what they would liketo see. Is thecouncil and the commissioner, are they given more details as to whythan the reasoning why they are approvingand what why the recommendation is such? >> The We all get a very detailed, and it'spublic as well, but you kind of you have to go to the website and get a staffreport that supports whatever the staff's recommendations are, yeah.>> Which I read before. I was curious if there would be even more detailspossibly or >> Uh depending on each project, someprojects will start, as you saw, a concept plan, and and that's a veryideation stage, and then through the through the planningprocess they'll work with staff, and then that if it turns into a proposal,that'll come to us in often times two meetings. They also go to theplanning commission. So, there's a lot of discussion and robust conversation,but the public sees everything that the thatthe city council or the planning commission sees regarding projects. All right. Well, thank you so much forbeing here. Really appreciate it and for your interest and your engagement. Itsounds like you do great work in the community, so really appreciate it. Well, excellent. Well, you'll hear hearfrom one of us very soon. Thanks for taking the time and braving theWe usually do these in the winter, and so usually people are braving adifferent kind of weather, but >> [laughter]>> All right. Have a good day. >> Thank you, guys.>> You too. Thanks again. >> Thanks for coming.>> And I promise I'm usually not so long-winded.>> Oh, no. Don't don't sweat it at all. It's good to know. Come on in. Hi. Welcome.You can take a seat, and there's a microphoneright there. Um well, as you're getting settled, I'lljust give you We've just got a few questions for you. We'll run down thewhile the line will start start here with Kizzy in just a moment, and we'vegot about 10 minutes. So, not a not a ton of time. Um Um but first we'llintroduce ourselves. So, Amanda. >> Hi, I'm Amanda Maxwell. I'm the councilmember from Ward 2, and I was the chair of the Planning Commission last year.I've been on the Planning Commission since 2020.>> Hi, I'm Kimberly Wilburn. I'm one of our at-large council members, which means Irepresent the whole city. >> I am Paula Rummeli, and I represent Ward3. >> I'm Rebecca Schack. I'm the mayor.>> Kizzy Copeland, I represent Ward four four.>> I'm Deb Calvert. I'm a City Council at large in Seat A, and also a former planplanning commissioner vice chair. >> Hi, I'm Patsy Foster Bolton in Ward 1.>> All right. Well, we'll get right into it. So, Kizzy, you want to start withthe first question? >> Yes, please tell us about yourself andwhat in your background makes you the right person for this position.>> [clears throat] >> All right. Um thank you guys for havingme. My name is Cindy Ali. Um I have a background in public policy and publichealth with a minor communication. I currently work with the City ofMinneapolis uh in the Neighborhood Safety Department as a public healthspecialist working with a lot of gun violence. Um I was the manager of theprogram right now, but prior to that, I worked in the City of Minneapolis incommunity as an outreach worker. So, I believe that my background in communityand government and being a public servant makes me a good fit for thisrole. I also like to add that I just became a Minnetonka resident last year.I bought my first home. >> Awesome.>> I've always been involved in the war, so I'm really excited to get involved andsee what I know in the past I've always been doing a lot of dedication andcommunity work with my job, but now living here, I want to be able to kindof get my feet wet, get in here, and try to do something for myself and my owncommunity and not just where I work. >> Awesome. Well, welcome to Minnetonka.We're really glad to have you. Deb, you got the next question?>> Sure. The Planning Commission holds publichearings on land use items, during which the public provides feedback that may bepositive or negative and may differ from staff recommendations and orcommissioner's opinions. What is your approach when trying to make difficultdifficult decisions like that? >> I think it's really important to keep alevel head. I've been in a lot of meetings where either I was on thereceiving end or and I feel like being calm and collectedis really important in this work. Not everybody hasideologies and especially even maybe on the board you might not agree on certainthings but being sure that you have your team's back and understand that at theend of the day city policies is first and your team and your work that you'redoing is a part of so just hearing what the community has to say and not takingit to heart but at the same time have your facts and making sure that youunderstand what you're speaking on. If you only go out there and speak onthings that somebody fact checks you and next thing you know there's a back andforth happening. So I just want to make sure like thatteam and myself keeps a level head, listen to what the people have to say,understand and really just listen with like open heart, understand what'shappening but always have yourinformation on deck when you need it just in case.>> Excellent. Very good. Patsy. >> The city emphasizes diversity, equityand inclusion in our body of work. How do you think this intersectionintersects with the work of the planning commission?>> So I like the planning commission what I've heard about it, what I'veheard in different environments I've been in.They're like kind of the heart of the whole like the city sojust like presentation parts like planning and community developments areall something that the planning commission overlooks.And when we consider the diversity, equity and inclusionI really like when we talk about a very beautiful place to live and thecommunity is amazing and what there's been done in the pastcan be going well. I believe that what prompts people when they come andlive here. At the same time, like things change often, and just being aware ofthings as they change, I feel that sometimes people don't think that theirvoices are heard as much. Um just going out there, I'm not surehow the planning commission here works, but just know if there's a developmentthat needs to be made, just go out and talk to the community around it. Talkingto the business owners nearby, asking their opinions on what's going on. Ithink it's important because some people may not be able to come and voice theiropinions in the council chambers or something. But,you know, just checking out in your little time of your day, just lookaround and see for yourself so that once you're looking at the ordinances anddifferent things that the city has, you could also use that information, like,"Hey, we've heard from multiple neighbors and multiple business ownersin the area that such and such has been having a problem." Then maybe how doesthis coming to change might be a problem forthe community as a whole. But, I always feel like a lot of people don't know umwhen these stuff are happening, and I tell my kids a lot,"Not everything on the website is going to be seen. Not everything that you poston social media is going to be seen. You see, half of stuff in my department Ididn't know until I started working in it. So, until you're in it and seeingwhat's happening, you really don't know what what is happening." And I feel likeit's like my first time seeing a lot of your faces, but I didn't know there wasa city council here. I come here to this building often, butthis is my first time seeing you guys, too, you know, so it's on both of usguys to try to get out there and meet the community as well.>> Great. All right, I'll take the last question.Based on your understanding of the commission, what do you think will be anindividual challenge for you and also a challenge for the group? And then how doyou propose overcoming the challenges? >> So, for myself, it's definitely going tobe getting to know more about the planning commission and what ishappening in the zone. I know that different commissions like public healthand safety are definitely things throughout different cities, butdifferent cities have different ways of doing things. So, I'm the terminology,like really just studying up on it. Um I looked at some of the meeting minutesand the agendas from the past meetings and justfinding out more of like how you guys do it.You guys have agendas set for higher or just learning more about how City ofMankato does the planning commission. And really learning and taking the timeout of my day and just figuring things out. And if I do join it, like reallyjust getting in track, getting to know everybody that's on the team, justbuilding that community here. Um as for a whole is really umI'm not sure if this happens here, but I've seen in the pasta lot of like butting heads Um so just building a relationship witheach other, understanding that we're all here for greater good of the community.But just like developing that communication and thatum I mean I don't know, just getting toknow people I think is really important, butthe community is changing, there's a lot of changes in the nearby communities aswell and there's a lot of things that have been happening with the youth andalso really understanding um what's happeningin the future, but specifically like the planning because I think in my mindsetI'm a lot of like City of Minneapolis or umpublic health and safety, this is Okay, this is the topics that we need tofigure out where the scoreboard is going this week and like talking about it andreally having my mind here and the way to overcome that I think is just to talkabout it. Um I don't know how long, when I lookedonline there's different meetings um hours, some will go for like 15 minutes,some will go for 2 hours. So just having that mindset of hey, this one takes sometime out of my day, but if I just put my heart to it and really understand it umI would love to make a difference in my community in any way I canand just being a part to work with great people in the community and just tryingto be present I guess. >> Great. Well, thank you so much. Thanksfor coming in and we're going to make decisions soon. So somebody will be intouch with that decision one way or another. And umthank you for your interest and also again welcome to Minnetonka.All right, take care. >> Sorry, I was talking really fast.>> Oh, no, no, no, no. We appreciate it. >> 10 minutes.>> [laughter] >> hot day >> Well done. >> Okay, Council, thank you. We'll adjournthis meeting and we will move on over to Council Chambers for the regularmeeting. >> How was everything?