At their meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 9 the Prior Lake City Council formally recognized outgoing Planning Commissioner Dan Ringstad for two decades of dedicated public service and welcomed several new members to the city’s Planning Commission during its recent meeting.

Ringstad was honored for his 20 years of service on the Planning Commission, serving from 2001-2009 and then returning from 2016-2025. Ringstad played a key role in guiding land use decisions, development proposals, and long-range planning efforts that helped shape Prior Lake’s growth. Council members thanked Ringstad for his mentorship, thoughtful leadership, commitment, and steady presence.

In addition to recognizing Ringstad, the City Council welcomed two new planning commissioners, Sam Rook and Bryan Fleming, who will begin serving full terms on the Planning Commission. The council also appointed two alternate planning commissioners, Shelley Schmokel and Daniel Nicholson, who will step in as needed to ensure continuity and quorum for commission meetings.

City officials expressed appreciation to all appointees for their willingness to serve and contribute to the community, noting that the Planning Commission plays a vital role in advising the City Council on development and planning matters.

The newly appointed commissioners will begin their terms immediately.

(Pictured left to right, Councilmember Zach Braid, Mayor Kirt Briggs, Planning Commission Members Christian Fenstermacher, Sam Rook, Kate Yurko, Shelley Schmokel, and Bryan Fleming, Councilmember Victor Lake, Councilmember Ethan Hellier)