2000_0925_Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Dennis P. `�'e(sch .-�,ugust 4, 2000 PAGE 2 �vith developers, architects, engineers, citizens. commissions, and the Ciry Council. In doing so, he demonstrated how to be professional. credible, and understandable. Dennis can take the most complex issue and determine how to best match his presentation w7th his audience. Though he is a registered landscape architect and holds Master's degrees from Yale and E-Iamline University, he has the most wonderful down-to-earth approach when dealing with people. Dennis is truly a genius packaged in a regular guv persona. Dennis completed a Highway 6 1 Corridor Study to determine how the Highway could be integrated into the downtown rather being a divisive element. Dennis also worked to complete a downtown preservation plan and he was instrumental in selecting the site for the City's new City Hall. After White Bear Lake, Dennis accepted a position as the Community Development Director in Apple Valley. His successes were numerous. He delivered Apple Valley their vision of a suburban downtown. He created a process of checking the City's Comprehensive Plan against its Zoning Map and correcting inconsistencies. He was instrumental in forming a Dakota County Economic Development initiative to bring businesses to Apple Valley and the County. Like his experience in White Bear Lake, Dennis won over the hearts of all who came in contact with him in Apple Valley. I was fortunate to eventually wark with Dennis again. I was hired as a Planner in Apple Valley and, thanks to Dennis, I obtained my Master's degree from Hamline. Dennis knows the importance of continuing education and he teaches by example. I was at a point in my personal and professional career where it would have been easy to get caught up in day-to-day activities and not continue my education (at that time anyway). Dennis made certain that I did continue. I am very happy that I did and I can thank him for that victory. Today, Dennis continues with his excellence in leadership. His involvement in the 35 Corridor Coalition is an example of where he continues to look globally and deliver `Big Picture" solutions to his community. Another planner fiend of mine now has the good fortune of working with Dennis. As a result, he will undoubtedly become an excellent planner, He was also encouraged by Dennis to continue his education and will complete his Masters degree later this year. In conclusion, I would say that Dennis is truly an inspiration. His successes have been with physical improvements in all the communities where he worked, as well as in the tal ts on 1' es of ose who he has led. Please consider Dennis for this most prestigious of ank u. ott . k anning oordinator City of Fridley