Council appoints local business owners to parks and planning boards

Lake Forest Park — The city council appointed two local business owners to citizen advisory bodies during its March 12 meeting.

Josh Anderson, who the chair introduced to the podium as Josh Anderson, was appointed to Position 6 on the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board. Anderson described himself as a business owner of Volpine Taproom and the Burrow Cafe and said he hopes to help expand community‑focused events, arts collaborations, and outreach to bring more people into underused parks. Councilmembers asked about his priorities and suggested ideas such as art walks and town center event collaboration; the motion to appoint Anderson passed by voice vote.

The council next appointed Hannah Shahed (the appointee introduced herself as "Hannah, Shahed") to Planning Commission Position 7. Shahed said she and her partner own Alba/Summer Ice Cream Cafe and emphasized her background in interior and design management, interest in meaningful city growth, and ideas to expand town‑center economic activity. Councilmembers welcomed her focus on town‑center activation and asked her about housing affordability and economic development; the appointment was approved by voice vote.

Both appointees emphasized outreach and partnerships between small businesses and city programs to boost local events and civic engagement. Council members welcomed the appointments and thanked both for volunteering.