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Two Council members will depart by year's end

The Council has bid farewell to long-time member, Mary Hill Smith, and accepted the resignation of Brian McDaniel

At its Nov. 12 meeting, the Council saluted retiring Council member Mary Hill Smith of Wayzata for her 15 years of service representing District 3. Her district includes Eden Prairie, Hopkins, Long Lake, Minnetonka, Orono, Wayzata and several other Lake Minnetonka communities.

First appointed to the Council in 1993, Hill Smith has served as chair of its Transportation Committee since 1999, helping to develop the Council’s long-range transportation plans and oversee transit operations. She also served on the Corridor Management Committees for both the Hiawatha and Central Corridor light-rail transit projects.

“Mary has exemplified what it means to be a great Council member,” said Council Chair Peter Bell, who presented her with a certificate of commendation from Gov. Tim Pawlenty. “The Council and the region owe her a debt of gratitude.”

Hill Smith, who resigned effective Dec. 31, thanked her Council colleagues and staff for their support during her tenure. “You’re the best,” she said.

A nominations committee already has screened nine candidates for the District 3 seat and submitted its recommendations to the governor.

At the meeting, Council member Brian McDaniel of Apple Valley also announced he is resigning after nearly six years representing District 16. It includes a southern slice of Eagan, all of Apple Valley, Rosemount, Hastings, Lakeville, Farmington and 18 rural communities.

Bell also thanked McDaniel for his contributions to the Council. Within the next few weeks, the governor is expected to solicit applications for the District 16 seat.

The Metropolitan Council consists of 17 members who are appointed by the governor and serve at his pleasure. Sixteen are appointed from districts of equal size and the chair serves at-large.