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Mounds View City Council February 28, 2000 Regular Meeting Page 9 suggestions the audience members brought forward, and he believed the Council would take these suggestions to heart, and make a sincere effort to find the solutions. Mayor Coughlin expressed his appreciation to Police Chief Clark, adding that he was aware he had worked on this matter weekend, as had he and City Administrator Whiting. He stated there was much pain among the residents. He indicated he had lost a cousin to a road similar to Highway 10, and that was one of the impetuses for calling for the construction of the pedestrian bridge. He stated he could not turn back time and change what had happened to either his cousin or this young individual, however, they could attempt to learn from this, and do the best they can to insure that this never happens again. He stated this does not make the pain any easier, and does not make the loss any less. He stated he spent the entire weekend talking with his wife about this, in terms of how to best approach this without placing blame, and how to get through the situation and learn from it. He stated the only thing they have control over is today, and Lord willing, the future, Lord willing. He stated he experienced flashbacks of his cousin’s accident, and of having to go through the wake. He stated the pain is immeasurable. He explained that no words could fill the hole in the hearts of those that are grieving. An audience member stated she had been involved in the first proposal for the pedestrian bridge. She stated in her recollection, the project was set to proceed, however, the next thing she remembered, the City got a new Mayor and City Council, and the bridge was turned down. She stated she attended the City Council Meetings at that time, and the location of the bridge had been brought forward. She indicated that they could have done something about it then, however, they let it go. She pointed out people had advised that someone would be killed if they put a movie theater across the street, and it was an excuse to say they did not care for the proposed location of the bridge. She stated they could have found a different location for the bridge, however, it was voted down. Mrs. Gunn presented the Council with letters prepared by the classmates of the young man, and the petitions that had been circulated by the children. Mayor Coughlin requested Pastor McKinney pray for them all, and for the peace of God that surpasses all understanding. He requested all those present rise for a moment of silence. Pastor McKinney offered a prayer as follows: “Our Father and our God, every one of us here tonight care about kids. The City Fathers and the Council, the leaders and the Police care, deeply care, about kids. We grieve, our Father, over what has happened, and he we don’t understand the “whys” of life. There are so many things that happen that shouldn’t, and we just don’t understand the “whys.” I pray that You will be a comfort to the family, and be a comfort to these kids so that they will learn. I pray for wisdom for these City leaders, our Father, that You will give them great wisdom to know what to do, and what would be the best solution in this decision that involves a lot of money, and a lot of emotion, and a lot of planning and engineering, and red tape, and all that kind of stuff. Help them my Father, I pray.