Planning Commission vacancies draw crowded field of 11 applicants

The Healdsburg Planning Commission, charged with interpreting the complex regulations and codes that govern land use in the city, is suddenly popular.
The city received 11 applications for two seats on the commission, and a city council subcommittee will be charged with sifting through the applications and choosing who will join the seven-member body.
City councilmembers Brigette Mansell and Gary Plass will interview the applicants and are charged with recommending two commissioners to the full council, which would then make the final appointments. The subcommittee only makes a recommendation, and while councils often confirm the recommendations, it is not required.
The 11 applicants include incumbents Jeffrey Civian and Kathleen Engler, whose terms are set to expire but have indicated an interest in serving again.
Civian is a civil engineer and was appointed to the commission in 2010. He ran unsuccessfully for a city council seat last year.
Engler has a background in land development in the title and escrow industry. She was appointed to the commission in 2008.
Other applicants include:
Andrea Michelsen, who retired from Kaiser Permanente two years ago. She is married to Ted Crowell, a member of the board of trustees of the Healdsburg Unified School District.
Chris Herrod, the sales manager for Luthier’s Mercantile, which provides wood and supplies to custom guitar makers.
David L. Hagele, the president/CEO of DLH Real Estate Group, which arranges and negotiates commercial real estate financing.
Howard Smith, now retired, was the Vice President of Windsor Vineyards.
Joseph Naujokas, a technical lead for DEPLabs, which provides e-commerce.
Kelly D. Williams, a self-employed management consultant who specializes in risk management and crisis management.
Martha Sherratt, a self-employed decorator and home stager.
Tanya Scott, the tasting room and wine club manager for Thumbprint Cellars. Scott also has a law degree.
Timothy Meinken, the president and winemaker for Gordian Knot Winery. Meinken has twice run unsuccessfully for a seat on the Healdsburg City Council.