1.2 Consider Appointment to Fill Council Vacancy

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January 17, 2024 This letter is to express my interest in the open City Council seat, after the recent resignation of Councilwoman Seils. Our family moved from Nisswa to greater Pequot Lakes when our children started school 20 years ago. We wanted them to be part of a school community known for education and extracurricular opportunities, yet able to keep the appeal and pride of a small town. Little did we realize at the time that pride and appeal would grow tremendously in all of us. It remains our pursuit to be part of and to give back to the village that we hold dear. I have served on the Planning and Zoning Commission since 2018 and have been Chair for the last two years. I thoroughly enjoy being part of the commission and feel that we are making changes and decisions with the heart of Pequot in every advisement. In my time with the Commission, we have completed downtown plan revisions, neighborhood evaluations, sign ordinance updates, Heart of the Good Life, short-term rentals, and resident requests, and with all decisions made, have held the values of our hometown in mind. While some things within the city were recognized as needing change (ex: short- term rentals, garage with living quarters, accessory structures), with the help of city staff and the direction of the commission, we have made the suggested updates to ordinances that make Pequot a growth -thinking and business -positive city. My professional capacity finds me working full-time for Crow Wing Power. Similar to the city's, we are member -owned and keep the cooperative principles in mind when assisting our membership and the day-to-day decisions of the coop. When the core of decisions is member or residence -focused, it makes for better outcomes and a sense of belonging for communities of any category. I am also the right-hand (wo)man of my husband's local construction company, assisting with all the behind -the -scenes aspects of building projects. Within this role, I possess a great knowledge of what is required to bring homes and families to our community to transition Pequot Lakes into the next rise of growth and pride. I hope to continue to serve Pequot Lakes in a new role and to keep Pequot Lakes evolving while honoring it as the best little hometown. Our residents today and into tomorrow are hopeful for involved and hands-on councils and agencies. A servant -minded approach, fiscal responsibility, and sound communication are my viewpoints and standards in helping our city into the next generations. Thank you for your consideration. Laura Larson 28393 Mayo Hills Rd Pequot Lakes MN 56472 218-839-1081