HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-09-2026 SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION - BOARD AND COMMISSION INTERVIEWS
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION -
BOARD AND COMMISSION INTERVIEWS
Mayor
Amáda Márquez Simula
Councilmembers
Connie Buesgens
Rachel James
Justice Spriggs
Laurel Deneen
City Manager
Aaron Chirpich
City Hall—Shared Vision Room, 3989 Central Ave NE
March 5, 6, 9, 2026
The City Council met in Special Work Session on March 5, 6, and 9 in the Shared Vision Room, City Hall,
3989 Central Avenue NE, Columbia Heights, Minnesota to interview candidates for open Board and
Commission positions.
MARCH 5, 2026, WORK SESSION ITEMS
1. Interview Candidates for Board and Commission Vacancies.
The City Council conducted interviews for Board and Commission positions as follows:
Thursday, March 5 4:00 PM Teresa Brown
Thursday, March 5 4:15 PM Cassie Leoni-Helbacka
Thursday, March 5 4:30 PM Catherine Vesley
Thursday, March 5 4:45 PM Matthew Lupkes
Thursday, March 5 5:00 PM Chris Christopherson
Thursday, March 5 5:15 PM Janis Arnold
Thursday, March 5 5:30 PM Brie LaPlante
Thursday, March 5 5:45 PM Layla Rismoen
MARCH 6, 2026, WORK SESSION ITEMS
1. Interview Candidates for Board and Commission Vacancies.
The City Council conducted interviews for Board and Commission positions as follows:
Friday, March 6 2:00 PM Michael Kleppen
Friday, March 6 2:15 PM Valarie Wiig
Friday, March 6 2:30 PM Michael Hartel
Friday, March 6 2:45 PM Lisa Levitt
Friday, March 6 3:15 PM Madeline Jensen Christen
Friday, March 6 3:30 PM Stan McFall
Friday, March 6 4:00 PM Emily Coveyou
Friday, March 6 4:15 PM Molly Nelson
Friday, March 6 4:30 PM John Gianoulis
City of Columbia Heights MINUTES
Special City Council Work Session - Board and Commission Interviews
Page 2
MARCH 9, 2026, WORK SESSION ITEMS
1. Interview Candidates for Board and Commission Vacancies.
The City Council conducted interviews for Board and Commission positions as follows:
Monday, March 9 4:30 PM Stephanie Woods
Monday, March 9 4:45 PM Angie Heitz
Monday, March 9 5:00 PM Beth Al-Qudah
Monday, March 9 5:15 PM Jordana Matson Brady
Monday, March 9 5:30 PM Donia Abu Ammo
Monday, March 9 5:45 PM Julienne Wycoff
2. Post Interview Candidate Review.
The Council discussed which candidates to appoint to the Boards and Commissions by
Resolution at the March 23, 2026, City Council meeting. The following applicants were
recommended by at least a majority of the City Council:
Library Board
Beth Al-Qudah
Park and Recreation Commission
Donia Abu Anmo* , Lisa Levitt, Matthew Lupkes
Planning Commission
John Gianoulis
Sustainability Commission
Jordana Matson Bradley, Stephanie Woods, Brie LaPlante, Madeline Jensen Christensen, Molly Nelson,
Cassie Leoni Helbacka, Emily Coveyou
*1 year term, from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027
Respectfully Submitted,
______________________________________
Sara Ion, City Clerk/Council Secretary