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Mounds View City Council June 10, 2019 Regular Meeting Page 3 1 seek the Kingdom of God and He would teach him to make the rocks cry out praises to God. For 2 all of his life, he has sought to know more about the Kingdom of God. He stated he received a 3 degree in Bible and Theology and God directed him to work in electronics where he was taught 4 the truth. He discussed the volunteer work he completed in the community that allowed the 5 rocks to cry out. He explained the Council asked for the removal of members from a body that 6 was formed by the Court. He reported the Charter Commission was intentionally separate from 7 the City Council to maintain the Charter. He commented removal of a member requires 10 to 20 8 days' notice in order to allow the accused to respond and gather witnesses to speak on his or her 9 behalf. He reported this typically ends in a closed session of a private body. He stated he was not 10 afforded this opportunity but rather was named in an open, public meeting and was accused of all 11 kinds of innuendo. He explained he has lived in this community for over 40 years. He indicated 12 he had a deep passion for this City and the City Charter. He believed there was something wrong 13 with the way this matter was handled. He believed God was truly able and was in control of this 14 situation. 15 16 Val Amundsen, 3048 Woodale Drive, explained she was Brian Amundsen's wife. She discussed 17 what happened in the Council Chambers last Monday night where the Council slandered two 18 Charter Commission members, Brian Amundsen and Jonathan Thomas. She explained Brian 19 and Jonathan were not notified of the meeting nor the fact that they would be discussed in order 20 to defend themselves. She stated this was disrespectful and a violation of the statement of values 21 the Council approved. She indicated it was not until last Tuesday that Jonathan and Brian were 22 made aware of the situation when they received a call from the City Administrator seeking their 23 resignation from the Charter Commission. She reported their conduct from the May Charter 24 Commission meeting was cited as the reason for the requested resignation, but no specifics were 25 given. She stated she watched the Council worksession meeting online and was shocked by what 26 she saw given the fact slanderous statements were made about Jonathan and Brian. She 27 commented there were also numerous misstatements and half-truths. She indicated it was 28 apparent to her that the Council seems to believe they control the Charter Commission and not a 29 citizen established body. She reported the last Charter Commission meeting had a spirited 30 discussion regarding duties, bylaws, policies and procedures. And while meetings can feel tense 31 at times, she reiterated that no personal attacks were made. She explained Brian brought his 32 concerns to the group only after he had not received any feedback from staff or the Chair. She 33 stated both Brian and Jonathan were really decent men. She explained these men deserved the 34 community's thanks for their many years of dedicated service to the community. She indicated 35 slandering volunteers was not a great way for the Council to encourage residents to speak up, 36 especially if they had a difference of opinion. 37 38 Douglas Schmidt, 2690 County Road H2, stated it was his understanding that after the June 3rd 39 Council worksession meeting, two senior members of the Charter Commission were asked to 40 resign. He explained no specific reference was made to the charges against them. He noted 41 Jonathan Thomas was one of the senior Charter members. He reported he has known Jonathan 42 Thomas since 1971. He indicated he served with Jonathan Thomas and was introduced to 43 Christianity by him. He commented on Jonathan's personal character, integrity, honesty, fairness 44 and respect for others. He stated he watched the last half-hour of the June Yd Council 45 worksession meeting where discussion was held regarding the conduct of one or more senior