Reappointments to Boards and Commissions: Auston Marineau to Planning Commission - term ending 7/1/28. Chris Raphael to Zoning Board of Appeals - term ending 7/1/28

City Council Agenda Item Report FROM:

Jamie Wolters, City Clerk

MEETING DATE:

June 26, 2025

SUBJECT:

Reappointments to Board and Commissions

DESCRIPTION: I provided notice to City Council on May 27 of upcoming board and commission vacancies. I provided notice the public on June 6 that the city is accepting applications for the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals. Per City Ordinance Section 152.06, appointments shall be made by the Mayor subject to the confirmation/approval of the City Council. Copies of the applications are in your meeting packet. The following have applied for re-appointment: Planning Commission: Zoning Board of Appeals:

Auston Marineau - term expires 7/1/25 Richard Crawford - term expires 7/1/25 Chris Raphael - term expires 7/1/25

BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: N/A COMMITTEE/COMMISSION REVIEW: N/A LEGAL REVIEW: N/A SAMPLE MOTION: Motion to re-appoint the following: • Auston Marineau to the Planning Commission with a term ending July 1, 2028. • Richard Crawford to the Zoning Board of Appeals with a term ending July 1, 2028. • Chris Raphael to the Zoning Board of Appeals with term ending July 1, 2028.

Auston (AJ) Marineau Saugatuck, MI 49453 ⎪

October 21, 2024 Saugatuck City Council 102 Butler St PO Box 86 Saugatuck, MI 49453 Dear Members of the Saugatuck City Council, With the recent appointment of Joe Clark to the City Council and the forthcoming vacancy on the Planning Commission, I am writing to express my interest in serving on the city’s Planning Commission. Having returned to Saugatuck, the community where I grew up, I feel a deep connection to both its history and its future. Although my qualifications may not be traditional for this role, I believe my diverse experiences, combined with my unique perspective as a young professional, can contribute meaningfully to the city’s long-term vision. This past May, I graduated with honors from the University of Michigan Law School, and shortly after began clerking for the Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court. This role has given me substantial exposure to legal research, drafting key legal documents, and understanding the intricacies of governance. During my time at the University of Michigan Law School, I held positions in both the private sector at some of the world’s largest law firms and in public service, including working in Governor Whitmer’s Office of Legal Counsel as a senior law clerk for nearly a year. These experiences have helped me develop a well-rounded approach to solving complex issues—something I believe is essential to the evolving challenges faced by Saugatuck. Before embarking on my legal career, I served as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army for seven years, with deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. In leading diverse teams in high-pressure environments, I honed skills in project management, coordination across various stakeholders, and making strategic decisions in rapidly changing situations. These experiences instilled in me a sense of discipline, responsibility, and teamwork that I believe can be a valuable asset to the Planning Commission. Growing up in Saugatuck, I had the privilege of being involved in various roles within the community—attending Saugatuck Public Schools, working in local restaurants, at the Saugatuck/Douglas Convention and Visitors Bureau, and as a tour guide for Saugatuck Dune Rides, among others. All of these experiences provided me with an intimate knowledge of our local history, natural beauty, and what makes Saugatuck such a special place. My personal experiences, combined with my family’s longstanding connection to the area—my grandfather having served as the town doctor for over 40 years—have helped me build a strong connection with residents and visitors alike, a connection that I would like to deepen by giving back to the community that shaped me. These experiences have also given me a unique perspective on the balance between preserving our heritage and fostering growth. At 32, I recognize that I am younger than many who have served on the Planning Commission. However, I see this as a strength rather than a limitation. My generation has a vested interest in shaping Saugatuck’s future, ensuring it remains a vibrant, thriving community for decades to come. I believe my age provides a fresh outlook, and I am deeply committed to working with the city to build a long-term vision that honors Saugatuck’s past while preparing it for future challenges and opportunities. Thank you for considering my application. It would be an honor to contribute to the ongoing success of our community, and I look forward to the opportunity to serve on the city’s Planning Commission. Very Sincerely, Auston Marineau

Auston (AJ) Marineau Saugatuck, Michigan 49453

• EDUCATION UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN LAW SCHOOL Ann Arbor, MI Juris Doctor May 2024 Honors: Graduated Cum Laude; Pro Bono Pledge; Dean’s Scholarship Recipient Activities: Michigan Journal of International Law – Executive Editor; Michigan Law Veterans Society – Co-President; National Security Law Society – CoPresident; Syrian Accountability Project – Chief Investigator; Michigan Law Softball Team Member INDIANA UNIVERSITY Bachelor of Arts in History Activities: Men’s Soccer Varsity Letterman (Lake Forest College) Worked 25-40 hours per week in restaurant and tourism industries during undergraduate studies

Bloomington, IN May 2014

EXPERIENCE MICHIGAN SUPREME COURT Judicial Law Clerk to Chief Justice Elizabeth T. Clement Lansing, MI (August 2024 – Present) • Responsible for researching and drafting all manners of memorandum, opinions, and orders; assist in coordinating the Chief Justice's communications within the court and assist with her administrative responsibilities and taskforce work COOLEY LLP Litigation Summer Associate (received offer of employment; will begin as associate in Chicago following clerkship) Boston, MA (May – July 2023) • Conducted legal research and drafted memoranda on complex litigation matters, providing critical support in case preparation, strategy development, and legal analysis • Drafted and reviewed various legal documents, including motions, briefs, and discovery requests, ensuring accuracy, adherence to procedural requirements, and alignment with client objectives OFFICE OF LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR OF MICHIGAN Senior Law Clerk Lansing, MI (August 2022 – May 2023) • Analyzed legislation for regulatory, constitutional, and other legal and policy deficiencies; delivered legal research, analysis, and memoranda regarding a variety of legal and policy issues concerning both the state of Michigan and the Office of the Governor MILLER, CANFIELD, PADDOCK AND STONE, P.L.C. Summer Associate (received return offer for 2L summer) Detroit, MI (May – July 2022) • Drafted a $5 million bond purchase agreement; created a 50-state survey regarding the implications of remote work on various state tax and employment laws and regulations; managed two expungement cases in coordination with the City of Detroit’s Project Clean Slate • Authored 10+ memoranda on topics including commercial litigation, guaranties, labor and employment, immigration, and real estate UNITED STATES ARMY (November 2014 – August 2021) Infantry Officer, Honorably Discharged at the rank of Captain Aide-de-Camp to Deputy Commanding General Iraq; Syria; Fort Hood, TX (April 2019 – August 2021) Assistant to a Two-Star British General charged with oversight of Coalition Forces in Iraq and Syria and ~95,000 U.S. soldiers • Planned, facilitated, and prepared the General for engagements with a variety of entities, including the United Nations, NATO, and senior Defense and State department representatives from over 40 countries • Managed the efforts of a 500 person staff tasked with preparing in-depth analysis and presenting options to shape the future of the mission to defeat ISIS, affecting the interests of 83 countries and ~20,000 military personnel • Prepared speeches and official correspondence for the General; assisted with drafting whitepapers regarding Coalition and U.S. policy in Iraq and Syria which were routinely distributed to heads of state and top U.S. officials Executive Officer Iraq; Kuwait; Fort Hood, TX (June 2017 – March 2019) Second-in-command of an 850-person multinational company focused on logistics during a 13-month combat deployment • Ranked in the top 1% of Army Officers in formal evaluation • Designed and implemented company accountability program to secure ~3,000 pieces of highly sensitive military equipment valued at $200 million across 11 bases, spanning three countries, without any loss Platoon Leader Afghanistan; Fort Hood, TX (January 2016 – May 2017) • Planned and conducted ~90 combat missions, synthesizing complex information and competing priorities into coherent and understandable orders; ranked as the #1 officer over 22 officers in formal evaluation • Directed the daily operations of a 45-person team with military experience ranging from 1-17 years SAUGATUCK DUNE RIDES Tour Guide Saugatuck, MI (May 2013 – October 2014; May – September 2024) • Operated a 20-seat dune buggy, providing one-hour guided tours filled with local history, folklore, and a bunch of corny jokes ADDITIONAL Volunteer: Service to School Undergraduate and JD Ambassador Interests: Playing all sports, trail running, Detroit professional sports teams, long walks and frequent beverage stops with my wife and dog Security Clearance: Top Secret / Sensitive Compartmentalized Information Security Clearance