04-08-2024 City Council Meeting Minutes

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LINO LAKES CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES DATE: April 8, 2024 TIME STARTED: 6:32 PM TIME ENDED: 7:14 PM MEMBERS PRESENT: Councilmembers, Lyden, Stoesz, Ruhland, Mayor Rafferty MEMBERS ABSENT: Councilmember Cavegn Staff Members Present:City Administrator Sarah Cotton; Finance Director Hannah Lynch; Human Resources and Communications Manager Meg Sawyer; Public Safety Director John Swenson; Community Development Director Michael Grochala; City Planner Katie Larsen; City Clerk Jolleen Chaika. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Rafferty at 6:32 PM. PUBLIC COMMENT Farraz Yussuf Mohammed, 12724 Leyte Street NE, Blaine. Mr. Mohammed came forward again to speak and noted that he is before Council humbly and to share his story. He noted that over the past weekend, members of the community became aware of his conviction 11 years ago. He said that it is a chapter of his life that he does not shy away from; that he did make mistakes in the past. He noted he served his time and paid his dues and that he has worked hard to get to where he is now. He said that as an entrepreneur he has faced challenges and frivolous lawsuits and that as a builder, he has fewer lawsuits than most. Mr. Mohammed said he finds himself at the forefront of his venture, Madinah Lakes, and that he is aware that there are those who are seeking to use his past to undermine his efforts and to cast doubt on his integrity. He said that Zikkar Holdings will continue forward and asked that Council evaluate the project on its merits and what he sees as potential benefits for the City. He asked for open minds and thoughtful consideration. He advised he remains available to the community for questions or concerns regarding both his past and the proposed development. Dr. Sara Shady, 7668 Palomino Lane, advised that she and her husband have lived in Lino Lakes for 22 years and have raised their sons here.She said she is a professor at Bethel University where she also serves as Associate Dean of Academic Inclusive Excellence. She has focused her life's work on building bridges across religious, ethnic, and racial divides. She spoke in support of the Madinah Lakes community. She said that she and her husband met with Farraz (Yussef Mohammed) about the project; she is excited about the project and what it will bring to the City. She referenced misinformed opinions about the development and noted she believes the City will benefit from the development. Dr. Shady encouraged the public to refrain from rejecting 1