Council appoints Wendy Otten to vacant Parks and Recreation Board seat

The Isanti City Council appointed Wendy Otten to the vacant Parks and Recreation Board seat after interviews with two applicants at the meeting.

During interviews, applicant Rebecca Waller, who said she has lived in Isanti nearly eight years and volunteers frequently in local schools and events, described priorities for parks as "sustained maintenance, cost effective opportunities to grow and improve our existing parks, and create opportunities for community events." Wendy Otten, who said she has lived at 221 East Broadway Street for about 20 years, said the board should "provide opportunities for enrichment in a safe environment for our community." Both candidates said they did not have prior parks board experience and both indicated they could meet the board's fourth-Tuesday 6 p.m. schedule.

The nut graf: The council interviewed both candidates and then voted to appoint Otten; the record shows a divided council but no recorded formal objections beyond the roll call. Council member Peterson moved to appoint Wendy Otten; Council member Heaman seconded. The motion carried 3-1.

Council discussion noted both applicants were qualified. Council members who spoke during the discussion cited personal familiarity with Otten and with both applicants; one member said, "I think they're both very qualified." The mayor thanked both applicants for applying and encouraged them to apply for future openings.

Because the vote was recorded as 3-1, the council adopted Otten as the appointee and directed staff to complete the appointment paperwork. The council did not adopt any new policy changes in relation to the board appointment.