7.3. EDSR 08-16-2021 City of
Elk �-- Request for Action
River
To Item Number
Economic Development Authori 7.3
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
General Business August 16, 2021 Colleen Eddy, Economic Development Specialist
Item Description Reviewed by
Beautification Committee Appointment Brent O'Neil, Economic Development Director
Reviewed by
Cal Portner, City Administrator
Action Requested
Approve,by motion,the appointment of Deb Hjermstad to the Beautification Committee.
Background/Discussion
Deb Hjermstad has applied to fill the Master Gardner vacancy on the Beautification Committee left by
Ann McCormick's resignation. The appointment and/or removal of committee members are at the
discretion of the EDA.
The Beautification Committee consists of five members,three members at large, one member
representing the Sherburne County Master Gardeners Club,and one member representing the Chamber.
At Large: Rhonda Magnussen,Local Business Owner
At Large: Melissa McAlpine,Local Business Owner
At Large: Ashley Welsh,Long-time resident
Sherburne County Master Gardeners Club: Open
Chamber Member/Representative: Ryan Hardin, Realtor
Financial Impact
N/A
Mission/Policy/Goal
Elk River Mission Statement
Attachments
■ Deb Hjermstad application
The Elk River Vision
A Y�elcoming community nvith revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional P U W E H E o s r
service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity ,g /` UR
Thank you for your interest in serving the Economic Development Authority!
APPLICANT INFORMATION
Name: Debra Hjermstad (informally, you may call me Deb)
City of Residence: Elk River
Occupation: Controller Employer: Kris Lindahl Real Estate
Statement of Interest: Please state briefly why you are interested in serving on this
board/commission for which you are submitting this application.
My husband and I moved to Elk River from Maple Grove 18 years ago. We have had a difficult
time connecting within the community as empty nesters without a school involvement and I view
this committee appointment as an opportunity to become more involved in the community. I have
a life long interest in gardening and began the Master Gardner program in January 2021.
Education/Professional Experience: Describe your educational and professional experience or
skills that qualify you to serve on this board/commission.
My professional background is in accounting and tax. When I worked in a CPA firm, I worked
mainly for small business owners preparing their monthly and annual books, records and tax returns.
In private industry, I have worked with financial audits, tax return preparation for multiple states,
due diligence projects, acquisitions and software conversions.
I grew up in southeastern MN on a 900 acre farm with a 1 acre vegetable garden surrounded by
perennial gardens; several of my 4-H projects involved gardening or landscaping. Currently, I am
working with a City Park Board in SE MN to design and plant a memorial Peace Garden in my
Mom’s memory.
Relevant Personal/Professional Experience: Please describe your professional, civic, or
community participation, which may be relevant in serving on this board/commission.
My husband is a Shriner and was Potentate (its CEO) of MN in 2015. That position involved a 10
year commitment as a couple in various leadership roles; public speaking to groups, planning and
orchestrating fundraising activities, etc. I am a member of the Shriners Children’s Healthcare
APPLICATION FOR APPOINTMENT TO
CITY BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE
Women’s Auxiliary and have served as its Treasurer in the past. Currently, I serve as Vice-Chair,
Board of Elders, for my church.
These experiences have given me exposure in communicating with a multitude of people from
various backgrounds, public speaking and the business meeting design of timeliness and
organization.
Attendance: Are your aware of the importance of regular meeting attendance including the time
commitment involved in preparing for meetings, and do you feel you have the time available to be
an active participant? X-Yes No
Comments: I am employed fulltime and have the flexible ability to attend meetings during the day
and evenings.