3. Planning Commission Interviews
CITY OF
CHANHASSEN
7700 Market Boulevard
PO Box 147
Chanhassen, MN 55317
Administration
Phone: 952.227.1100
Fax: 952.227.1110
Building Inspections
Phone: 952.227.1180
Fax: 952.227.1190
Engineering
Phone: 952.227.1160
Fax: 952.227.1170
Finance
Phone: 952.227.1140
Fax: 952.227.1110
Park & Recreation
Phone: 952.227.1120
Fax: 952.227.1110
Recreation Center
2310 Coulter Boulevard
Phone: 952.227.1400
Fax: 952.227.1404
Planning &
Natural Resources
Phone: 952.227.1130
Fax: 952.227.1110
Public Works
1591 Park Road
Phone: 952.227.1300
Fax: 952.227.1310
Senior Center
Phone: 952.227.1125
Fax: 952.227.1110
Web Site
www.cLchanhassen.mn.us
[I]
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Planning Commission
FROM:
Kate Aanenson, Community Development Director
DATE:
March 4, 2008
SUBJ:
Planning Commission Interviews
Attached are the applications and questionnaires for the Planning Commission
interviews along with a scoring sheet. After the interviews the Commission
generally ranks their preference for candidates. The preference ranking, as well
as the incumbents' applications, will be forwarded to the City Council for their
interviews on March 10, 2008. The interviews will be conducted immediately
following the Planning Commission meeting. The applicants are as follows:
Denny Laufenburger
Robert Kircher
Corey Bergman
Gary Foster
Christopher Thorp
Jennifer Thorp
Steve Donen*
*This applicant is unable to attend the Planning Commission meeting but will be able to be interviewed by the City
Council.
Attachments:
1. Planning Commissioner Interview Scoring Sheet.
2. Planning Commissioner Applications and Interview Questionnaires (7).
g:\plan\planning commission\pc interviews 3-4-08.doc
The City of Chanhassen · A growing community with clean lakes, Quality schools, a charming downtown, thriving businesses, winding trails, and beautiful parks. A great place to live, work, and play.
PLANNING COMMISSIONER INTERVIEW
PROPOSED SCORING SHEET
5=High
l=Low
Years Lived Knowledge Commitment Knowledge Involvement Total
Name In of to Position of Major In Points
Chanhassen Communi tv Issues Community
Denny Laufenburger
Robert Kircher
Corey Bergman
Gary Foster
Christopher Thorp
Jennifer Thorp
Steve Donen (not available for
Planning Commission interview)
g:\plan\forms\planning commissioner interview scoring sheet.doc
APPLICATION FOR CHANHASSEN CITY COMMISSION
Date: J an . 10. 2 0 0 8
COMMISSION DESIRED: Planning
ALTERNATE:
City of Chanhassen, 7700 Market Boulevard, P.O. Box 147, Chanhassen, MN 55317
Name: Denny Laufenburger
Addre~: 8673 Chanhassen Hills Drive North, Chanhassen, MN 55317
Home Phone: 975 - 9059
WorkPhone: 763-971-2124
Cell Phone: 612 - 3 27 - 68 00
Ema~ laufendh@mchsi.com
No. of Years in Chanhassen: 12 years - 3/95
Highest Level ofEllucation Attained, Plus Degrees, ifany: BSB- Marketing - Uni v of Minn.
Employment History (State position, employer and brief llescription of duties:
VP of Sales, Spanlink Communications, Computer and Software Sales-
Cisco Systems Partner - Since 9/98, Various other Computer related
Sales and Marketing positions during the last 33 years.
Activities and Affiliations (Include elective offices, honors, amI recognitions received, if any):
Treasurer, Westwood Community Church, Chan; Secretary, State Council
Trout Unlimited, 1996 - 2002, 1979, Outstanding Young Man in America;
Rotary Award in 2005. Past Volunteer for the Minnesota State Services
for the Blind, 1998 - 2001
ReasonsforSeekingthisPosition: Desire to give contribution to the community.
Feel my leadership and future strategy perspective could be valuable
in shaping the continued growth and development of the community.
As I approach retirement, I believe I'll have more time to invest in
all aspects of the community.
Specific Qualifications for the Position: Finane ial acumen, sound business logic,
negotiation skills, public speaking and moderating public forums.
SIGNATURE
PLANNING COMMISSIONER INTERVIEW QUESTIONNAIRE
Name Dennv Laufenburger
1. What special qualities do you bring to the
Planning Commission?
2. What are your reasons for applying to the
Commission?
3. What are the biggest problems you foresee
facing Chanhassen in the future?
4. What do you believe are the community's
greatest assets?
5. What planning issues are you particularly
concerned with?
6. What do you believe are the biggest
concerns of your neighbors?
7. What do you believe the Planning
Commission does?
8. How would you like to see Chanhassen
developed?
9. Do you understand the time commitments it
takes to be a member of the Commission,
and are you comfortable with them?
g:\plan\forms\planning commissioner interview questionnaire.doc
FEB/26/2008/TUE 03:24 PM Phase III 3rd Floor
FAX No. 952 988 6201
P.001/001
APPLICATION FOR CHANHASSENCITYCOMMISSION Date,' Z-IZb/OfJ
"." EAlIlId.D"",rt~N7"AL
COMMISSION DESIRED: PLIf)JAlI/I~ (.O~M,$~IIJ.v ALTERNATE:'" 2., !'III'lK.{. Ilfdl~A7t().v
City ofChanhassen, 7700 Market Boulevard, P.O, Box 147, Chanhassen, MN 55317
Name: RotS ere.. r It J/UI-/-€Je..
Address: 6 ~t2.o f f:D lv/AI {j. LAAJE
2085"
HomePho1te..9SL..'f70....~orkPhone:rJ2,-9ga- 666'2.... Cell Phone: 9,,8-'11'2-262-"7-
Email."l!.llet..J.JT.~_RC@Jf1.S~.Ci}Y..jNo.ofYearsinChanhassen:2-.I1l
Highest Level of Education Attained, Plus Degrees, ifany: 13.5,,, II1EL.HA.J/lclk. 1!-AJ6/pJ5;.Ete/M6
Employment History (State position, employer and brief description of duties:
1/1.00(1 10 f~€56P7"., 1..151'1-0 e.,u6/.M~EI(! 6t: IvJf7c~ I E.1tI61A1~e'n Iv/'1-1'EIt 11tCl4-7PfeNY E611JI,tJPf~
,/zoo? 70 II'Loo 8 ~ PIi "JEer E.1.I61J1e~Jt" 1..Ih'NE CHIt11,aJ.e"P' EA/6/A/E'EX tvlf1tJt TII!J!1f-7#/~A/l' CQtJtfJPlCU7;
. , , (tJlfp;IJ{P,;t! &6Iv€Z/l.I"v6 OG-$FoA/
I 1 70 7/z.t,07 EAJGIAli!IDt!. fJ11t.vif'~~ rllEs'1f ~~EfiX ~H. ~ItI".TI? WA-7~ ittl!.4TI"1e:N7
d?j)IJf'~~ r()~ S;()/b" '.4/-'?'EIt!, ~U~
Activities and Affiliations (Include elective offu:es, honors, and recognitions received, if any):
Al.l~/)€jt1 It or A,DeL A-crloult'tlil~,j - AI/JO/u'1'Cb Orr/C6.Jl "!'tJ Alii-filM/I'lL /f6IfotPt,I;4ttr~
fYJfJ-SOA/IC. Lo06C 4.. scorrt!"H 1l1T'~ - thEfl1I!EI2 o~ fjo-rl/
eve ~LOU-r.f - 17/1-57' 7/ll!A5Ih'lCJe e AOV/~€.J(
Reas01lSforSeeking tltis Position: l' rC-l:L TH-Jll-T #1 Y !J6law L/57ED t!pV/jLJf1CI1-7itJvS
Htl€ A- fJJ.&rfE~7 Fir roll wolllll.v6 IvrrJ.l ,liG CCr'1mlsncus:. .::r wl4-;Vr 1"0
Ht.LP K 6Ej/l t../ll4pHl'1sfrA) If. 6((f~/lr "J"otC/,;V 7"0 LIve .rv~ wrrl-i c.oA/7IPtJlE-J)
"SA-FE t!. Got>o 6lCouvrl-l.
SpecificQualificationsforthePosition: ;r lItl-v~ Wl)J(f(E.O ~A/ Tlfe wA-"'7EI( T/l6Jl/--rfi1~
~A/Dvs-rt?'1 FtJll ovcll. '3D YEI1~S. OVI(/.u6 11115 Y"/Pt!f; r JJ41/E:.. t:v6I.1/EE~ ~f)
tv'if1ed -rIlEfI,,,,,c,v; E~vJfJ"Ii:A.r/ F"//. crrv ~/PE jI()TI/~1L. lvF1-r~ 6Y5rEP15.
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5miUL.
/'1l,;AT tJ;()I((11I1/IJ-Tt::R. ::J:# POM.lb -r#I$~ f J/l/vC wp,eK~O wlrl/ lAtf6E/j6U61A!t-F;(/.vb
Fu'l.1'15,. C"A/,(Il.A-t.;"'o~S: Llhvl/ OeV&Lo/~. fJLt/5 LocAL, f1HE { Frl)~i!Jl/L
w6~ke~/oFA~~~5~ .
~~~~
. SIGNATURE
PLANNING COMMISSIONER INTERVIEW QUESTIONNAIRE
Name Robert Kircher
1. What special qualities do you bring to the
Planning Commission?
2. What are your reasons for applying to the
Commission?
3. What are the biggest problems you foresee
facing Chanhassen in the future?
4. What do you believe are the community's
greatest assets?
5. What planning issues are you particularly
concerned with?
6. What do you believe are the biggest
concerns of your neighbors?
7. What do you believe the Planning
Commission does?
8. How would you like to see Chanhassen
developed?
9. Do you understand the time commitments it
takes to be a member of the Commission,
and are you comfortable with them?
g:\plan\forms\planning commissioner interview questionnaire.doc
RECEIVED
APPLICATIONFORCHANHASSENCITYCOMMISSION FEBj 7 2008 Date: Z-Z6~oB
COMMISSION DESIRED: Pl,:f)J}/ fIG mD'~HAs..C:;EN
City ofChanhassen, 7700 Market Boulevard, P.O. Box 147, Chanhassen, MN 55317
Name: ~Ii'f; Y 8e1if'7ln4Al
Address: ?;, 7q f R c b WING LN
Home Phone:q>Z"Zl7~~~~2- Work Phone: 7G~"1f76" 00'0
Cell Phone:
Email: ~8~P.GlnAN€JrrlPl/.fI. '\I}rvJ
No. of Years in Chanhassen: Z
Highest Level of Education Attained, Plus Degrees, if any: g . S . C, It,L G/~(i,IN'G61..f f..b
Employment History (State position, employer and brief description of duties:
. f~':f;t!cl t11ffAl~~ . (YJ f'R,/\ I J>p~(., /lIf~AC;efl'\~JIJ1 0-- (it'AblfJ ~'(ON OJJ
/ '
t.~l\Ib ~/tUfft1t.M1 ?Ao~ K-(
Activities and Affiliations (Include elective offices, honors, and recognitions received, if any):
"lA.
ReasonsforSeeking this Position: LlM""Nb H;~ /..v'A-y~ -(0 .p~A-rIClfl1''(c "" U~"r Oua CoMmlllllr~
(?(J.ow Q" 1>AJj~p~\,
Specific Qualificationsfor the Position:-.JJi,~ IYl'I CAI2'f.€r1. ~ ~14~ )tAn ()~f\lunrrfY "to NOQ~
{AJ((U C"fV~ . ~/frJJllftNb .doAAb5 I r- CoIJIkIU . 'fJ.bs J.ht- ~lJttJ m~ ~ 1J1oApuE>" l)k\I\Hl.SfAlJOIN'(?
f
Df J.I,.(,I' iU~ P!~,"'~I!l'!~ ~ ~#'YIm. CIIlW t" ,o{).(.(< J.- Uc.w It''1~A1~!Jf (j If, 70 1w::.
Ctim(J7I("I'iY t 1m; 1,fYlf. Corl1t11,it(16Jff ,..q~,.. 15 lJ&a...,QJ:D
7~--
- ATURE
---
PLANNING COMMISSIONER INTERVIEW QUESTIONNAIRE
Name Corey Bergman
1. What special qualities do you bring to the
Planning Commission?
2. What are your reasons for applying to the
Commission?
3. What are the biggest problems you foresee
facing Chanhassen in the future?
4. What do you believe are the community's
greatest assets?
5. What planning issues are you particularly
concerned with?
6. What do you believe are the biggest
concerns of your neighbors?
7. What do you believe the Planning
Commission does?
8. How would you like to see Chanhassen
developed?
9. Do you understand the time commitments it
takes to be a member of the Commission,
and are you comfortable with them?
g:\plan\forms\planning commissioner interview questionnaire.doc
APPLICATION FOR CHANHASSEN PLANNING COMMISSION
Date: 2/27/2008
City ofChanhassen, 7700 Market Boulevard, P.O. Box 147, Chanhassen, MN 55317 RECEIVED
Name: Gary Foster FEB 2 7 2008
Address: 710 Carver Beach Road. Chanhassen. MN 55317
CITY OF CHANHASSE~
Home Phone: (952) 474-1366 Work P/lOne(952) 380-2200 No. of Years in Chanhassen:
5
Highest Level of Education Attained, Plus Degrees, if any:
See attached resume
Employment History (State position, employer and brief description of duties: See attached resume
Activities and Affiliations (Include elective offices, honors, and recognitions received, if any):
See attached resume
Reasons for Seeking this Position: See attached resume
Specific Qualifications for the Position: See attached resume
~m~
SIGNATURE
Gary Foster
710 Carver Beach Road
Chanhassen, MN 55317
Home Phone: (952) 474-1366 Work Phone: (952) 380-2200
Number of Years in Chanhassen: Owned a home here since 2003
Specific Qualifications for the Position
I have deep knowledge of residential and light-commercial construction and have worked
with city building departments in three states. I'm extremely interested in both the
technical and policy issues surrounding sustainable building and development and have
the technical background to understand these issues.
I've successfully worked with and led teams through the process of working through
competing interests in multi-million dollar projects.
Reasons for Seeking This Position
I believe every citizen has a duty to participate in government service for some period of
time. I want to help make Chanhassen a place that people from all over will want to move
to, set up their businesses, and participate in our thriving community.
Chanhassen is a great place to live and I would like to do my part to help make it even
better.
Education
Forsyth Technical College, Winston-Salem, N.C., and Gwinnett County Technical
Colleg.e, Atlanta, Georgia: coursework in carpentry, electronics, residential wiring,
computer programming, 1972 - 1988
Employment History
Employee, 2003 - present
Eckankar. Software analyst and programmer.
Information Systems Professional, Employee and consultant 1985 - 2003
Self-employed, General Contractor, Residential and Light Commercial
Construction, 1972 - 1985.
Participated in all phases of building and remodeling.
Career Highlights
Residential and light-commercial construction
Carpenter and general contractor for 13 years. Highly knowledgeable in all areas of
residential construction, both single and multi-family. Certified and worked on BUD
projects.
President of Devin Construction, the construction arm of Devin Management in Atlanta
GA. Examined large multifamily properties for structural concerns prior to purchase and
made recommendations as to suitability.
Experienced with light commercial construction and renovation such as shopping centers
and office space.
Currently remodeling my fifth home.
Wetland Preservation Study
Part of the community effort to study the effect of proposed I35W /62 Crosstown
intersection redesign on local wetland.
Participated in long-range bird study on endangered Grass Lake and developed the
computer software used by the data collection teams.
Corporate re-engineering
Led the reengineering of mission-critical software systems for three companies since
1987 and participated in others.
Accounting
Over twenty years of business programming and analysis-budgets, estimating, job cost,
inventory, business-to-business communication.
Activities and Affiliations
Membership chair for the Judo Minnesota Inc. (state governing body for U.S. Olympic
Judo) Board of Directors, 2003 - present.
Past president, church board of trustees, Prepared local and state church budgets and
presented to board; advised local groups.
Twice represented Starkey Labs, at that time the largest hearing aid manufacturer in the
world, in technical negotiations in Copenhagen, Denmark with HIMSA, a Danish
standards organization that certifies hearing industry software, as well as other Danish
business partners.
Member of a city arbitration board that resolved a dispute between a building owner and
contractor in Winston-Salem, N.C., 1980
PLANNING COMMISSIONER INTERVIEW QUESTIONNAIRE
Name Gary Foster
l. What special qualities do you bring to the
Planning Commission?
2. What are your reasons for applying to the
Commission?
3. What are the biggest problems you foresee
facing Chanhassen in the future?
4. What do you believe are the community's
greatest assets?
5. What planning issues are you particularly
concerned with?
6. What do you believe are the biggest
concerns of your neighbors?
7. What do you believe the Planning
Commission does?
8. How would you like to see Chanhassen
developed?
9. Do you understand the time commitments it
takes to be a member of the Commission,
and are you comfortable with them?
g:\plan\forms\planning commissioner interview questionnaire.doc
~LILb/L~~8 23:19
41212-533-1423
NATUREWORKS
PAGE 1212/1215
City of Chanhassen
Letter of interest - Chanhassen Planning Commission
I am interested in taking the recently planning commissioner position. My resume is attached for a more
detailed description of my experiences, qualifications and history.
From the experiences of my many movC?s throughout my career and during my 9 years in the city of
Chanhassen, I can really appreciate the ex.cellent leadership and high standards this city represents and has
maintained for its citizens. This only comes with visionary leadership that is also closely involved and
understands what is n.eeded by the community and its citizens. The reason I am seeking this position is to
continue this tradition of excellent leadership, further citizen participation in local government, and continue
to make Chanhassen the great city it is and has b~en recognized for over the 'years. My k~y area of interest as
part of the planning commission is to maintain the proper balance between development, the citizens and
community needs and the environment. .
My career in the private sector has given me the many experiences neede4 to excel in this position. I have
been involved with business development as a technology leader in the companies I have been employed by.
including Dow Chemical, Cargill and now NatureWorks I;LC. I have worked with local governments in
India, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, and China trying to find the best fit for the businesses and technologies I
represented. Through t~ese experiences I have seen the negative impact that happens when government
leadership does nof use long term community planning; congestion, traffic, safety issues, pollution, and
business investment non~xistant. I have also seen the positive things that happen when a government does
good long tenn community planning; efficient traffic patterns, low environmental impact, safety and strong
business investment. Along with opportunities to work with government organizations, I have had many
leadership positions throughout my career which have taught me how to manage responsibilities and goals and
priorities toward an overall objective. These opportunities have resulted in many different successes in my
career but the one that I believe really demonstrates it is when Cargill approached Dow Chemical and said
they have a technology to produce a biodegradable plastic from com. Dow's leadership out of the 45,000+
people in the company picked me to go represent Dow in this new to the world business opportunity. I was
the technology leader as Dow and Cargill worked to make this wonderful new product a reality. It has grown
from that initial meeting between these two companies to a multi-million dollar sustainable business for
Cargill and I have been instrumental to the success this business has experien.ced.
I have taken an active role in the Chanhassen government and community. r participated in the Lotus Lake
No-Wake Committee, I am president ofthe Lotus Lake Clean Water Organization, Vice President of the Lotus
lake Home Owners Association and I have been recently appointed to the Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek
Watershed District Citizen Advisory committee. All these organizations are attempting to improve the current
standards through community and government involvement, working together for the continuous
improvements wanted by the citizens and community of Chanhassen.
If appointed to the vacancy I know I will be a positive influence for the city to continue its leadership among
cities, setting the example of how to best meet community needs through the proper balance of development,
and the environment.
!/!;~
Steven A. Donen
~LfLbfL~~~ ~~:l~
402-533-1423
NATUREWORKS
PAGE 03/05
SUMMARY
Visionary and talented executive with experience leading manufacturing operatiollS, engineering and technology
organizations in the United States and abroad. Recognized expert in technology development, plant operations. and
engineering for neW and large scale bio. chemical and plastics manufacturing. Have spend career leading new to the
world and major step change improvements in manufacturing processes. &perienced in successfully implementing
new process technologies from piloting through to world scale manufacturing.
Successful senior executive with proven ability to drive and improve corporate revenues through broad-based
competencies in:
STEVEN ALAN DONEN
7341 Frontier Trail + ChIlt1JIl'l~en, Minnesota 55317 + (952) 974-9163 + c _ sdonen@yahoo.com
. Bio, Chemical and Plastics Process Technologies
. Process Development
Engjneering and Project Management
. ContinnonslBreakthrough Process and Cost
Iropl'ovements
. Manufacturing excellence
. Environmental Impact Planning
. Supply Chain'
. Health and Safety
. :8udgeting and Planning
CAREER EXPERIENCE
NATUREWORKS LLC (PRE 2005 NAMED CARGn..L now LLC) - Minneapolis, Minnesota 2000-Preseot
Director of Manufacturing Technology and Engineering ,
Responsible for the Manufacturing Technology deployed at Cargill Dow LLC. Responsibilities include leading the
Manufacturing Technology and Engineering organization in developing, building and starting up the new
NatureWorks PLA plants, along with continuous improvements in capacity, costs, reliability, quality, environment,
health and safety.
. Successfully led the engineering, research and development organizations through the development, design,
construction and startup of the worlds first world scale polymer plant that makes plastic from com called
Polylactide (PLA) and the development design and startup of the worlds largest Lactie Acid Fermentation
facility more than tripling the worlds supply of Lactic Acid. Continue to lead these organizatiollS through the
tripling of the original capacity and reducing costs by 50%.
. Leading the organization through the challenges of both the initial fermentation development and the 2nd
generation improved fermentation microbial development and scale up to world scale implementation which will
reduce operating costs by 25%.
. Using a process called Asset Utilization. continued the identification and implementation of process
improvements reducing the costs by over 50% sinCe startup.
. Led the continued efforts between Cargill Dow and the Nebraska Environment organization (NDEQ) to work
through the environmental pemrlts for this new process technology. As we have operated the new facility, we
have identified issues with our original permits and are currently in the process of identifying and implementing
modifications to meet Nebraska requirements.
THE Dow CHEMICAL COMPANY -Midland, Michigan 1979 - 2000
Promoted continually through a series of important and escalating projects and management responsibilities for the
Worlds largest US chemical company, Dow is the world leader in the production of plastics, chemicals,
hydrocarbons. herbicides and pesticides. Dow specializes in chlorine, caustic, ethyleno, polyethylene, epoxies and
polystyrene, which are used to process chemicals and treat water and petroleum.
Director of Manufactu1ing, Engineering and Process Development, Cargill Dow, UC 1998 - 2000
Selected as a key member of the leadership team of a new joint venture between. Dow Chemical and Cargill that is
commercializing a revolutionary new plastic from corn - Polylactide (PLA). Responsible for Cargill Dow Polymers
manufacturing senli-wotks facility, engineering, and process development, along with the design and construction of
the first world scale PLA manufacturing plant. Working with Cargill Dow's commercial and R&D teams
manufacturing waS able to supply development customers with products to assess ;I11Mket nec::d.s and value, and to
determine product performance requirements. Used feedback from developmental customers to design and begin
construction of the: first world scale PLA production facility.
. Successfully completed the process definition engineering for the first of its- kind world scale PLA plant.
. Efforts in plant and product design were critical to earning the funding of $300 roi11ion necessary to move the
venture from developmental stage to commercialization.
1
~LILb/L~~~ L~:l~
41::12-533-1423
NATUREWORKS
PAGE 04/05
STEVEN ALAN DONEN
7341 Frontier Trail + Chanhassen, Minnesota 55317 + (612)974-9163 + c_sdonen@yahoo.com
. Developed and led the manufacturing organization for the PLA semi-works facility through defining the
characteristics and roles of the organization. recruiting top talent, developing two~year business objectives and
maintaining focus on achievement ofthosc objectives.
. Managed the development of the new PLA technology through identification of technology gaps in cost, product
consistency and performance, resulting in a PLA manufacturing process with competitive costs to other
hydrocarbpn-based polymers.
. Doubled the capacity of the plant and improved the quality of products through the implementation of new or
improved unit operations including the conversion from batch to continuous operations.
Global Technology Manage,. for Polystyrene Business - Midland, Michigan 1996 - 1998
Led the technology team., which was responsible for both developing the long-tenn technology strategies, identify
new technology opportunities for the polystyrene business along with solving any tecbnology/equip:ment related plant
problems. Worked with the plants and individuals to find and implement new technologies for future needs.
Traveled worldwide to solve problems and complete technology reviews. Developed, approved and implemented
global budgets including facility capacity, maintenance and quality improvement goals.
. Led the Dow Chemical manufacturing due diligence efforts of a new process owned and developed by Cargill to
produce a plastic Polylactide (pLA) from com. Along with the coznmetcial organization u.,o;ed Dow's develop
and commercial teclmology process (D&CT) in combination with the manufacturing due diligence to develop
the recommendations reviewed with the CEO of the Dow Chemical company. The recommendations resulted
in a Joint Venture between Cargill and Dow Chemical called Cargill Dow LLC. Through my leadership Cargill
Dow is a company with a manufacturing process capable of producing PLA plastic at over 300 MM lbslyr at
competitive costs with oil based plastics and as sales continue to grow the company is on its way to being a
successful addition to both Cargill and The Dow Chemical Company businesses.
. Led the global technology improvement team that consisted of engineers located at the central technology center
in Midland, Michigan and at each plant to implement technology strategies using the most effect technologies as
defined by the global business strategy. The improvement team consisted of7 process engineering and subject
manner experts and 18 engineers located at each ofDow's polystyrene locations across the globe.
. Spearheaded the design and implementation of the business IP strategy that protected t.~e most important
innovations from competitors while profitably licensing other processes without risking the position as the
industry leader in polystyrene.
. Championed development and implemented a vision to decrease both. the capital requirements and
manufacturing costs while providing product quality to meet the customers' needs, resulting in a 20% increase in
existing plant capacity, 12% improvement in plant reliability and 30% increase in new plant capacity.
. Achieved reduction in costs through mechanical reliability iInprovements, modeling, automated process control
and improved design of various unit operations.
. Instrumental in the introduction of technologies that led to two new global products: one product improved the
aesthetics and product strength at a lower price than competitors did and another product improved the strength
of a very brittle product without sacrificing product clarity.
Polystyrene Plant Superintendent - Midland, Michigan 1994 - 1996
Fully responsible for personnel and plant operations that included a $100 million annual budget. Provided
leadership and suppon through coaching and guidance of teams and individuals.
. Along with operations responsibilities had re..~onsibilities for the supply chain for all the Midland Michigan
based Styrene Polymer facilities shipping over 2 Billion Ibslyr globally. One of my direct report lead the
implementation of SAP in the Midland polystyrene facilities.
. Structured an effective Environmental, Health and Safety (EH&S) program that achieved corporate goals and
complied with regulatoI)' and permit requirements while utilizing internal self-audits and inviting external
analysis.
. One of my direct reports 'WaS the building facilities manager for 433 building in Midland Michigan. The
building is Dow's largest single building with over 300 occupants including offices, labs and pilot facilitie~ with
over 400,000 sq ft of space.
. Devised and implemented an integrated quality assurance/quality control program that improved finish product
quality ratings by reducing variations. producing quality products and meeting customer expt:ctations.
2
~L/Lb/L~~~ Lj:l~
402-533-1423
NATUREWORKS
PAGE 05/06
STEVEN ALAN DONEN
7341 FrontierTrai1 + Chanhassen, Minnesota 55317 + (612) 974-9163 + c_sdonen@yahoo.com
. Through modeling and advanced process control techniques set the new world capacity standard for any Dow
Chemical polystyrene plant by increasing the capacity by 20%.
Project Manager Plant of the Year2000-Midland, Michigan 1993 -1994
Led the definition of the project to create the polystyrene manufacturing processes and organization of the future,
year 2000, by working with commercial, R&D, EH&S, quality and manufacturing divisions around the world.
. Assisted in implementing the visioD$ that achieved globally a 50% reduction in operating costs and a 30%
increase in capacity without sacrificing the high quality of the product.
. Identified and developed improved asset utilization opportunities on a capital spending budget of $100 million
and an expense budget ofless than $5 million.
Technology Superintendent Pacific Area - Hong Kong 1989 - 1993
. Researched opportunities to expand manufacturing and operations presence throughout Asia. Completed due
diligence efforts in India, Japan, Thailand and Indonesia. The India and Japan analysis resulted in
recommendations to not pursue while 1bai1and and In.donesia resulted in Dpw starting Joint Ventures and
investing in new manufacturing plants.
. Managed the technology implementation for three new plant startups in Hong Kong, Thailand and Indonesia
total capital spending on these new facilities was over $180 MM.
. Oversaw capital spending to upgrade the e;lcisting facilities to improve plant reliability, product quality and
capacity with a capital budget greateJ: than $ 60 million per year.
Assistant Stlperintendent Caustic and Brine Plants - Pittsburg, California 1986 - 1989
. Managed the day-to--day operations for the plant including people supemslon, process improvements,
maintenance, budgeting, goal setting, qlUtlity and environmental, health and safety for the facility.
. Increased capacity of a 50-year-old facility by 20% through improvements in maintenance reliability and good
operating discipline techniques.
Production Supervisor, Torrance, California 1984-1986
. Managed the day-to-day operations for two polystyrene plantS including people supervision, maintenance and
quality.
Project Manager - Torrance, California 1983 - 1984
. Oversaw the im."tallarion of new reactor technology, state of the art process control, opern.tions and control
facilities. .
Senior Production Engineer, Research Ellgineer- Torrance, California 1981-1983
. Coordinated troubleshooting and process improvement projects along with maintenance planning.
Senior Production Engineer, Research Engineer - Torrance, California 1979 - 1981
. Designed and engineered the construction and startup of 8 polystyrene roini~p1ant.
. Implemented two new ABS products that improved the toughness of resins.
. Developed a new molecular weight control additive for polystyrene.
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Creating High Performance Teams, Management Essentials, Effective Presentations, Continuous Improvement,
Investing in People, Tennessee Associates Statistical Analysis, Burner management, Performance Management, and
Managing Interpersonal Relations.
EDUCATION
BACHELOR OF SClENCE IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
Washington State Unil'efsiry
GPA- 3.79, Magna Cum Laude
1979
Pullman, Washington
3
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NATUREWORKS
PAGE 05/05
STEVEN ALAN DONEN
7341 Frontier Trail + Chanhassen, Minnesota 55317 + (612) 974-9163 . c_sdonen@yahoo.com
VOLf.iNTEERlPROFESSXONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District citizen advisory committee
President of Lotus Lake Clean Water Organization
Vice President of Louts Lake Home Owners Association
President of Lotus Lake Water Ski Club
Member of American Institute of Chemical Engineers
Member of American Water ski Association and a qualified Scorer and Assistant Judge
PERSONAL DATA
FAMILY: Married to Carol K. Donen, Two children, Adrienne (21) senior at University of Wisconsin-Madison,
Heather (19), freshman at University ofWisconsin-Maclison, Member of Temple Beth Shalom, Carol is on board of
DirectOrs (over 700 families) and works at Datacard in Minnetonka, Minnesota.
HOBBIES: Competitive Water Skiing, Snow Skiing, Snow Mobiling, Running and swnmer water sports.
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RECEIVED
APPLICATION FOR CHANHASSEN CITY COMMISSION . 7 Date: 26 February 2008
FEB 2 2008
COMMISSION DESIRED: Planning conunission ALTERNATE: None
CITY OF CHANHA~~I::N
City ofChanhassen, 7700 Market Boulevard, P.O. Box 147, Chanhassen, MN 55317
Name: Christopher Thorp
Address: 1050 Lake Susan Dr., Chanhassen, MN 55317
Home Phone: 952-974-7848Work Phone:
Cell Phone: 612-382-0208
Emaik cthorp@spacia.org
No. of Years in Chanhassen: 1
Highest Level of Education Attained, Plus Degrees, if any: Master of Science, Bioengineering
Employment History (State position, employer and brief description of duties: See attached resume.
Activities and Affiliations (Include elective offices, honors, and recognitions received, if any):
None
ReasonsforSeeking this Position: I am interested in becoming involved with the
city. I want to help maintain the high standard of living in
Chanhassen, encourage responsible land development, growth of
independent businesses, and preservation of green spaces within the
conununity.
Specific Qualificationsfor the Position: As an engineer, I am good at problem
solving, seeing all sides of an.issue, and finding solutions that are
as fair as possible.
~~
SIGNATURE
Christopher Thorp
1050 Lake Susan Dr.
Chanhassen, MN 55317
(612) 382-0208 - thorp@spacia.org
SKILLS
· Electronics:
· Analog design, digital design, prototyping, and testing: including filters, discrete logic,
biopotential amplifiers, power monitoring, and microcontrollers.
· Fine-pitch manual soldering in prototype quantities with sub-millimeter pin spacing.
· Schematic capture and 4+ layer PCB layout.
· Power line and intersystem interference debugging.
· Power supply monitoring subsystem design.
· Fluent oscilloscope use.
· Computer hardware:
· Microcontroller and embedded system design and prototyping.
· PC and Apple hardware integration.
· Computer software:
· Java, C, PIC assembly, Matlab, and SQL.
· DSP filter design and implementation.
· Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X system administration.
· Eclipse IDE.
EDUCATION
Arizona State University, Fulton School of Engineering Tempe, AZ
Master of Bioengineering August 2007
Thesis topic: A model of interference sources in human intracranial microwire EEG
recordings.
Papers:
· Thorp, C.K., Peter N. Steinmetz. In review, December 2007. External Noise
Interference in Human Intracranial Microwire Recordings.
Presentations:
· Thorp, C.K., Peter N. Steinmetz. (2005). Noise Sources in Human Intracranial
microwire Recording. Biomedical Engineering Society meeting, 1115/P5.79.
· Thorp, Christopher. Design and implementation of a system for human intracranial
recording. Bioengineering department seminar, April 7th, 2006.
· Thorp, C.K., Peter N. Steinmetz. (2007). Pre-selection and Multiple Testing
Contaminates Neural Response Analysis. Computational and Systems Neuroscience
(Cosyne) meeting.
Page 1 of 2
Christopher Thorp
-Continued from page 1-
· Isham, Eve, Christopher Baker, C.K. Thorp, William Banks, Peter Steinmetz. (2007).
Separate image durations activate distinct neuronal populations in the human medial
temporal lobe. Computational and Systems Neuroscience (Cosyne) meeting.
University of Minnesota, Institute of Technology Minneapolis, MN
Bachelor of Biomedical Engineering May 2004
Bachelor of Computer Engineering
Bachelor of Electrical Engineering
Minors: Computer Science and Women's Studies
WORK EXPERI ENCE
Devicix, LLC Eden Prairie, MN
Electrical Engineer July 2007 - Present
· Designed and implemented DSP firmware for a number of different external devices.
· Designed hardware and software for a long-term temperature data logging module.
Brain Modeling Laboratory, Arizona State University Tempe, AZ
Graduate Research Assistant Nov 2004-June 2007
· Designed, prototyped, and constructed a 64-channel, 2 Megasamplelsec, human,
intracranial, microwire EEG recording system.
· Solved electrical interference including power line noise and intersystem interference.
· Assisted with clinical research.
· Hired and supervised technicians who manufactured disposable recording electrodes.
· Worked effectively in system and experiment design teams.
· Used pair-programming to reduce software bugs and increase quality.
· Performed lab administration including supply purchasing and vendor selection.
Brain Modeling Laboratory, University of Minnesota Minneapolis, MN
Undergraduate and Graduate Research Assistant May 2002-Dec 2004
· Designed and supported human, intracranial recording and testing equipment.
· Developed a prototype headstage amplifier for intracranial microwire recordings.
· Designed, coded, and tested mission critical Java applications for experimental data
collection, online analysis, and offline analysis.
· Designed, configured, and. tested a computer cluster.
PC Tech
Owner
· Provided excellent customer service for clients.
· Designed, assembled, and tested custom PCs.
· Troubleshot complex hardware and software issues.
· Managed delivery and service schedules.
Page 2 of 2
Minneapolis, MN
Jan 1997-Present
Christopher Thorp
-Continued from page 1-
· Created bids for customers while meeting specific price/performance points.
· Installed, configured, and upgraded Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux computers and
networks. .
Page 2 of 2
PLANNING COMMISSIONER INTERVIEW QUESTIONNAIRE
Name Christopher Thorp
1. What special qualities do you bring to the
Planning Commission?
2. What are your reasons for applying to the
Commission?
3. What are the biggest problems you foresee
facing Chanhassen in the future?
4. What do you believe are the community's
greatest assets?
5. What planning issues are you particularly
concerned with?
6. What do you believe are the biggest
concerns of your neighbors?
7. What do you believe the Planning
Commission does?
8. How would you like to see Chanhassen
developed?
9. Do you understand the time commitments it
takes to be a member of the Commission,
and are you comfortable with them?
g:\plan\forms\planning commissioner interview questionnaire.doc
APPLICATION FOR CHANHASSEN CITY COMMISSION
Date: 2/26/08
RECEWEfYSSION DESIRED: Planning
FEB t '1 2008 City ofChanhassen, 7700 Market Boulevard, P.O. Box 147, Chanhassen, MN 55317
ALTERNATE: Parks. and Recreation
crrv OF CHAN~nifer Thorp
Address: 1050 Lake Susan Dr., Chanhassen, MN 55317
Home Phone: 952-974-7848WorkPhone:
Cell Phone:
Email: jthorp@spacia.org No.ofYearsinChanhassen: 1 in Chanhassen
10+ in Eden prairie
Highest Level of Education Attained, Plus Degrees, if any: Bachelor of Science,
Environmental Science
Employment History (State position, employer and brief description of duties: See attached resume.
Activities and Affiliations (Include elective offices, honors, and recognitions received, if any):
None
ReasonsforSeekingthisPosition: I am interested in becoming involved with the
city government. I moved to the city because of its many community
amenities and access to the metro area, while maintaining a small
community feel. I want to help maintain the aspects of the city that
I enjoy. I think it is important that Chanhassen maintain its character
as a city.
Specific Qualificationsfor the Position: I have experience though my work with all
types of governments including watershed districts, local, county and
state agencies. I have experience working with zoning codes and
ordinances while looking for project compliance. I deal well with all
types of people, looking for compromises and working to resolve
problems.
/;f ;/~
rp /. NATURE
Jennifer Thorp
1050 lake Susan Drive
Chanhassen, MN 55317
Home: (952) 974-7848 - Cell: (480) 720-0028 - Email: jthorp@spacia.org
EDUCATION
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
College of Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Sciences
Bachelor of Environmental Science, Soil Science Emphasis
Minneapolis, MN
May 2006
WORK EXPERIENCE
Houston Engineering, Inc. Maple Grove, MN
Environmental Scientist July 2007 -December 2007
· Prepare Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) plans for substations
throughout Minnesota and North Dakota.
· Created information sheets and a database for SPCC plans for an internet GIS
application.
· Research information for business development in new business sectors.
URS Corporation Phoenix, AZ.
Graduate Environmental Scientist June 2005-June 2007
· ASTM Standard E 1527-05 and custom Phase I Environmental Site Assessments on
commercial properties and raw land including: field work, historical data research,
regulatory file review, and final report preparation.
· Comprehensive Asbestos Surveys of multiple and single-family housing units and
various commercial properties.
· Asbestos abatement and pre-demolition oversight including field audits and
inspections.
University of Minnesota, Dept. of Soil, Water and Climate
Soil Laboratory Teaching Assistant
· Setup and maintain weekly laboratory experiments.
· Answer student questions regarding coursework.
· Grade and give feedback on laboratory reports.
Minneapolis, MN
Sept. 2004-May 2005
HTPO: Surveying, Engineering, and Landscape Architecture
Survey Crewperson
· Operated manual and robotic total stations as part of 2-person teams.
· Maintained accurate field notes.
· Participated in biological surveys.
Eden Prairie, MN
Summer 2003
Jennifer Thorp
-Continued from page 1-
CERTIFICATIONS
· AHERA Asbestos Building Inspector, EPA, Arizona - Expiration 9/8/07
· Certified in adult Red Cross CPR and first aid.
· Minnesota Class D Drivers License
Page 2 of 2
PLANNING COMMISSIONER INTERVIEW QUESTIONNAIRE
Name Jennifer Thorp
l. What special qualities do you bring to the
Planning Commission?
2. What are your reasons for applying to the
Commission?
3. What are the biggest problems you foresee
facing Chanhassen in the future?
4. What do you believe are the community's
greatest assets?
5. What planning issues are you particularly
concerned with?
6. What do you believe are the biggest
concerns of your neighbors?
7. What do you believe the Planning
Commission does?
8. How would you like to see Chanhassen
developed?
9. Do you understand the time commitments it
takes to be a member of the Commission,
and are you comfortable with them?
g:\plan\fonns\planning commissioner interview questionnaire.doc