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Maplewood council settles recommended slate for boards and commissions; formal appointments set for May 20
Summary
At a May 13 work session, the Maplewood City Council reviewed applicant pitches and agreed on recommended nominees for several boards and commissions, including Planning & Zoning, Human Services, Library, Parks & Recreation and Sustainability; the council will bring formal appointment resolutions to the May 20 meeting.
Maplewood — At a May 13 City Council work session, council members reviewed applications and agreed on a recommended slate to fill seats across multiple boards and commissions; formal appointments will be brought forward at the May 20 council meeting.
The recommendations affect the Design and Review Board (historic preservation), Human Services Commission, Library Board, Parks and Recreation Commission, Planning and Zoning Commission, Sustainability Commission and the Special Business District tax advisory body. Council members emphasized placing incumbents where appropriate, finding business representatives for the Special Business District and bringing a prepared slate for a formal vote on May 20.
Council members opened the session with applicant pitches. Ward 3 resident and applicant Andy Nelker said he applied to Planning and Zoning, Sustainability and Human Services and described his priorities: “we thought Maplewood was a beautiful city…we're losing some of that diversity, pricing out residents,” and said he wants the city to grow “in ways that are equitable, sustainable, and, support a diverse population in ways that are affordable.” Ward 1 resident Matt Correll, who applied for Planning and Zoning, said, “I think my track record has proven that I've been a very, involved supporter of the planning and zoning commission,” and outlined his experience working on zoning changes and the comprehensive plan.
After discussion, council members recommended specific placements and a slate to present May 20. Highlights of the recommendations discussed at the work session: Nikki Bissell was nominated for the Design and Review Board to fill a business-seat requirement; Andy Nelker was selected by council discussion as the Human Services Commission nominee (council members said they would bring that nomination forward for formal action); Fiac Mukunda was also recommended for Human Services; Marie Long was discussed as a candidate for human services or other boards; Teresa Rogers was recommended for the Library Board; Patty DeForest and Brad Nicholas were recommended as Parks and Recreation candidates, with Marie Long discussed for a second Parks & Recreation opening; Matt Correll was nominated to return to Planning and Zoning and Keenan Ender was noted as another qualified applicant for Planning & Zoning; Stefan Denson and Thomas Van Schyck were recommended for renewal on the Sustainability Commission.
Council members said the Special Business District (SBD) tax advisory commission needs a business representative and that they would continue recruiting rather than appoint someone from the current pool. One council member summarized the plan: because the SBD seat requires a business or property owner or employee working in the district, the candidate pool is narrower and staff and council will continue outreach.
No formal appointments were made at the May 13 work session; council members asked staff to prepare resolutions with the recommended slate and bring them for a vote at the May 20 meeting. Council discussion repeatedly distinguished tonight’s slate-building from the formal appointment vote that will occur at the next regular meeting.
The council thanked applicants for applying and noted the high level of interest for human services and other boards. Staff said it will prepare the appointment resolutions and return them at the May 20 meeting for formal action.
Council members closed the item and continued with the work session agenda.
