E. Presentation of AwardsPresentation of Certificates of Appreciation
· Bruce Feik, Planning Commissioner: Bruce served three years on the Planning
Commission, from April 2001 to April 2004. While on the Commission, Bruce assisted with
updating the Chanhassen City Code and studying the 2005 MUSA AUAR. Bruce took a
pragmatic approach to development reviews and was an advocate for Southwest Metro Transit.
Thank you, Bruce, for your insight and service to the community.
· Amy O'Shea, Park & Recreation Commissioner: Amy served on the Park & Recreation
Commission from April 2002 to April 2004. Amy came to the commission with a background
in recreation and a desire to serve her community. Relocation to Hudson, Wisconsin has
forced Amy to resign from the commission. Her fellow commissioners will remember Amy
for her passion, desire to make things better, and sense of humor. Thank you, Amy, for your
contributions. You will be missed.
· Susan Robinson, Park & Recreation Commissioner: Susan served on the Park &
Recreation Commission for one year, from April of 2003 to April of 2004. Susan was a
committed contributor whose tenure was cut short by family obligations. Fellow
commissioners appreciated her ability to reason and quick smile. Thank you, Susan, for your
contributions to the commission.
· Steve Nalefski, Environmental Commissioner: Steve was appointed to the Environmental
Commission in August of 2001 and served until this year. He was a dedicated member who
volunteered his time on behalf of the commission at events such as Arbor Day and the 4th of
July parade. During his tenure, the commission accomplished many tasks, including the
Environmental Excellence Awards, the environmental book purchase for the library, cloth
shopping bag sales project, and the Blue Sky Guide/new resident project. Steve, thank you for
your dedication to the community.
Presentation of Maple Leaf Awards
· Tom Faust, Senior Commissioner: Tom is unable to be here tonight, but I would like to
recognize his efforts over the past 5 years as a member of the Senior Commission. Tom
served from April of 1999 through April of 2004. He was instrumental in incorporating into
the Chanhassen Residents Guide the senior services that are available in the city.
Additionally, he advocated for the expansion of the Senior Center into the former Library
space. Thank you, Tom, for your commitment to the senior population.
· Albin Olson, Senior Commissioner: Tonight we are presenting this award to Al's wife,
Marion, and his family. For those of you who don't know, A1 passed away late last year, but
his contributions to the community remain evident. A1 served on the Senior Commission for
101/2 years beginning in April of 1999. A1 worked hard to convince business owners to put up
"senior citizen" parking signs in their parking lots. He also was actively involved in the
planning stage and groundbreaking for Centennial Hill Senior Housing, and was one of the
first tenants to move into the building. It was through Al's love of gardening that the
Chanhassen Community Gardens were born. He didn't just take care of his own plot, but
weeded and nurtured other people's gardens. A1 volunteered at the City's Special Events,
including all seven Arbor Day Celebrations where he distributed tree seedlings to the public,
February Festival, and the Septemberfest Celebrations. His contributions to the community
are truly endless. Marion, please accept this Maple Leaf Award with our most sincere
appreciation for all of Al's contributions. We certainly miss him around here.