Apple Valley Mayor Mary Hamann-Roland says she never pictured herself getting into politics.
That changed in the early 1990s when the mother of four was elected to serve on the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan School Board, a position she would hold for six years. Her desire to become involved was borne through a desire to make sure the district she and her late husband, Tim, had chosen for educating their children would continue to the kind of district it had been. The schools were a reason her family moved to Apple Valley in 1989.
Mary Hamann-Roland
Her term with the School Board began during a difficult time in her life. She learned she was pregnant with her fourth child before the death of her husband. During her time with the school district Hamann-Roland was involved with efforts that included the creation of the School of Environmental Studies on the property of the Minnesota Zoo.
City Council to review proposal
The Apple Valley City Council will have to vote on a new proposed residential zoning district that could be applied to the Apple Valley Golf Course property or other land that is considered for future redevelopment in established neighborhoods.
The Apple Valley Planning Commission voted Dec. 2 to recommend approval to the City Council for a proposed ordinance to create the âlow density flex residentialâ zoning district.
The city is also looking at possibly rezoning the Apple Valley Golf Course property from institutional to the low density flex residential if the ordinance gets final City Council approval.
Apple Valley city officials have chosen a new parks and recreation director.
City Administrator Tom Lawell told the newspaper Dec. 8 that Eric Carlson, who has served as parks and recreation director for the city of Inver Grove Heights for over 13 years, has accepted the position. His hiring is on the Dec. 10 City Council meeting agenda to be formally approved by the council with a planned start date of Jan. 19.
âEric has great experience and talent and we are fortunate to have him join our teamâ Lawell said. âOur Parks and Recreation facilities and activities contribute greatly to the quality of life we enjoy in Apple Valley. With his enthusiasm and leadership, Eric will build on our past success and will do an excellent job for the community.â