2022-02-02 Council Work Session Packet-Interviews PRC CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
Mj CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION AGENDA
February 2, 2022
4.30 pm
1. Call to Order
2. Interviews for Park and Recreation Commission Vacancy
4:30 MichaelO'Hair
4:45
5:00 Michelle O'Connor
5:15
3. Adjourn
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DATE: February 2, 2022
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Cheryl Jacobson, City Administrator
SUBJECT: Parks and Recreation Commission Interviews
At a work session on February 2, the City Council will interview two candidates for one vacancy
on the City's Parks and Recreation Commission.
The interviews will be held in person, and will begin at 4:30 pm. Each interview is expected to
take approximately 15 minutes.
Following the interviews, the City Council should discuss, and come to a consensus on which
candidate to appoint to the one vacancy. The appointment process will take place at the regular
City Council meeting on February 2, 2022.
Wednesday, December 15, 2021
Michael O'Hair
Dear Cheryl Jacobson and Park board commission,
I am interested in joining the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission for the term
commencing February of 2022. My wife Kate and our 3 children have been residents of Mendota
Heights since 2015 and have had the pleasure of using many of the fine parks and facilities in the city
over that time. The parks and opportunities in which they bring to the community are vital for building
relationships and town pride. As a small suburb, we don't have a lot of regional or national attractions,
so it is paramount that we are able to capitalize on the facilities, land, and opportunities that we do
have. As my family has become more involved with athletics and other activities that utilize the park
system, I have become aware of just how important it is to get the most out of what we do have. By
joining the Parks and Recreations Commission I will be ever cognizant of how our actions affect the town
we live in and will strive to expand opportunities for all citizens of Mendota Heights. (I do not know the
proper term for citizens of Mendota Heights... Mendota Heightsians)?
I have worked in the logistics industry most of my adult life, owning a nationwide logistics company
(Precision Logistics Group, Inc) from 2010 up until this past Summer. I own two office condos and sit as
the Vice President on the Ridge Run Office Condo board in Burnsville. I am active in coaching my 3 sons
in various sports in Mendota Heights and use of the Par 3 course or playgrounds around the city on a
daily basis. Utilizing the facilities, coaching kids, communicating with parents has allowed me to see
firsthand how the actions of the Park and Recreation Commission, and subsequent actions of the City
Council, affect our children and how parents perceive the city.
I want to be part of the continued growth of the park system and strive to bring opportunities and
investments to the city that may not be common to those of our size. Expect more, provide more,get
more.
Thank you for the opportunity,
1 �
miC1-'4AE1 01'1-'4Ai'.R
...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Former owner of Precision Logistics Group, inc. Current owner of Brawndo Holdings, LLC.
Prominent in the logistics industry in being able to establish and manage national delivery and service
networks.
EXPERIENCE
2011.0 20211.
CEO, PRECISION LOGISTICS GROUP, INC
2010-2018 Oversaw all operations, including contract negotiations, project planning, pricing and service
provider management
2018-2021 Managed all sales, accounting, and employee hiring and training.
2011.6—IPRIES11""(NIT
OWNEll't, BIRAWNDO HOLDINGS, LLC
Own and manage 2 office condos, with 15 tenants. Manage and repair the properties, negotiate and
manage leases and lease terms. Vice President of Ridge Run Office Condo board in which my properties
reside.
EDUCATION
J.996 2000
B.A. I)OLITICAL SCIENCE, AUGSBURG COLLEGE
SKILLS
• Contract negotiations 0 Project planning and rollout
• Customer management 0 Business management
0 Employee training
ACTIVITIES
Wife and 3 sons. l coach Baseball, Basketball, Football, and occasionally soccer. Anything not on ice.
When not playing sports we are fishing or traveling around the country in our motorhome.
Michelle 'Connor
December 29, 2021
Cheryl Jacobson
City Administrator, Mendota Heights
1101 Victoria Curve
Mendota Heights, MN 55118
Dear Ms. Jacobson,
I'd like to express my interest in the open Parks and Recreation Commission seat. As a
committee member I would be able to provide feedback for three generations of
recreational needs.
As a current Mendota Heights resident and growing up in the community, I have enjoyed
many of the amenities that the Parks and Recreation Department offers. My parents are
long time Mendota Heights residents and some of my fondest childhood memories are of
Super Saturdays,the annual Fire Open House, using bike trails to travel throughout the
city, and the many amenities of our neighborhood parks. More recently, music in the park,
fishing at Rogers lake, coaching and watching my children's athletic activities.
It's been an honor to raise my three children with such amazing Parks and Recreation
community programs. Their involvement began as small children and continues today-
Park camp at Mendakota, Safety camp,various sports camps, golfing at the Par 3, and a
variety of sports through Mendota Heights Athletic Association.
In addition to my personal and family interest, I'm a Health and Physical Education teacher
with a masters degree in Community Health Education. I also have nine years of youth
programming experience, including seven with St. Paul Public Schools Community
Education Department. In addition, I worked through college for the St. Paul Parks and
Recreation department. My professional and personal goal is to encourage activity for
people of all ages in order to maintain their physical and mental health.
The Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation amenities provide amazing opportunities for
our community. If chosen for the vacant seat I will ensure our next generation of
community members have access to these amenities and continue partnerships with
Dakota Country, neighboring cities, ISD 197 and the Dodge Nature Center. I will ensure
that our facilities and programs are accessible and inclusive to all members in our
community.
Sincerely,
Michelle O'Connor
Michelle R O'Connor
EDUCATION
Minnesota State University Mankato Edina, Minnesota
Graduate Teacher Licensure Program May 2015
Health and Physical Education K-12
Southern Illinois University Carbondale Carbondale, Illinois
Master of Science, Health Education May 2013
University of Minnesota Duluth Duluth, Minnesota
Bachelor of Applied Science, Community Health Education August 2004
TEACHING EXPERINCE
Parkway Montessori Middle School St. Paul, Minnesota
6th—8th grade Health and Physical Education Teacher 2019—Present
Humboldt High School St. Paul, Minnesota
6th—12th grade Health and Physical Education Teacher 2018—2019
12th grade Advisory Period Teacher
Linwood Monroe Arts Plus St. Paul Public Schools St. Paul, Minnesota
4th—8th grade Health and Physical Education Teacher 2015—2018
6th grade Advisory Period Teacher
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Saint Paul Public Schools- Linwood Monroe Arts Plus St. Paul, Minnesota
215T Century Community Learning Center Site Coordinator 2008—2015
Directed the Flipside after school program four days per week with a daily average attendance of 135 4th-8th grade
students. Directed the before school program five days per week with a daily average attendance of 115 pre-kindergarten
through 8th grade students. Develop appropriate program opportunities for a diverse school population including Hmong,
Latino,African American,Somali,and families from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds. Ensure a safe environment for
students to learn and explore interests. Design activities to help students transition between schools and explore career
possibilities.Work closely with the principal,school staff,district departments and vendors to ensure good communication,
appropriate enrollment and activities,the utilization of space,transportation,and proper vendor contracts. Recruit and
supervise teachers and community instructors to teach classes.
Boys&Girls Club of Collier County Naples, Florida
Health and Life Skills Coordinator 2007—2008
Develop and implement creative programs that instill a sense of competence, usefulness,belonging,and influence.
Programs are designed to help youth ages 6-18 years old become responsible citizens, maintain healthy lifestyles,and
create aspirations for the future. Program topics include career exploration,character development,healthy habits,and
gang prevention.Additional responsibilities include coordinating Junior Women of Style,a mentorship program for middle
school girls and assisting the Resource Development team in implementation of fundraising events.
HealthPartners Minneapolis, Minnesota
Behavior Change Counselor 2006—2007
Worked one-on-one with both HealthPartners members and external clients as a Health Coach to set goals and provide
education and support to individuals making lifestyle changes.Assisted clients in reviewing their personal Health Risk
Assessment to determine positive health behaviors and areas of improvement. Courses taught included A Call to Change:
Healthy Lifestyles, Healthy Weight and A Call to Change: Balancing Stress for Healthy Living.
Southern Illinois Healthcare Carbondale, Illinois
Graduate Assistant, Coordinated School Health Program 2004—2006
Assisted 41 schools in 26 rural school districts with implementing Comprehensive School Health curriculum. Primary
responsibilities included providing individual support in assessing the school's specific health services and health promotion
needs by using the School Health Index. Developed and implemented staff wellness programs, provided trainings,and
developed program material for adolescents.Additional responsibilities included implementing Heart Smart for Women,a
twelve-week grant-funded program through the Illinois Department of Public Health,grant administration,and
collaborating with local health departments, University of Illinois Extension,and Boys&Girls Clubs of Carbondale, Illinois.
St. Paul Parks and Recreation
Refractory Attendant, Highland National Golf Course, Phalen Golf Course St. Paul, Minnesota
2000—2006
Food and beverage sales and services on golf course.Assisted golfers with making and checking in for tee times. Club house
and pro shop sales,customer service,cleaning and maintenance of facility.Assistance with golf tournaments. Using the POS
system,opening and closing the register and club house.
TRAININGS & ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
Mendota Elementary PTA Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Assisted in planning and chairing school events including Trunk or Treat and Carnival 2016—current
Soccer Coach Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Mendota Heights KG soccer and Boys 1-2 grade soccer. 2019—current
Girls On The Run St. Paul, Minnesota
Coach for 4-6th grade girls using curriculum that is founded on 2017—2019
dynamic discussions,activities and running games.
Positive Behavior Intervention System(PBIS)Committee Member St. Paul, Minnesota
Creating equitable behavioral support for all students,data-based problem 2016—2018
solving to assess current intervention practices and regularly recognizing positive
student behavior through the Way of the Wave recognition awards.
Pacific Educational Group's Beyond Diversity St. Paul, Minnesota
An introduction to courageous conversations and a foundation 2014
for deinstitutionalizing racism and eliminating racial achievement disparities.
References available upon request