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Michael Hodges 11815 Tulip St NW Coon Rapids, MN 55433 November 14, 2022 Carol Mueller Mayor City of Mounds View 5394 Edgewood Drive Honorable Mayor and City Council, On behalf of my entire extended family, I want to thank you and the council members for the consideration of changing the name of a local park (Random) to that of 'Hodges Park' in honor of the many decades of service my father (Donald) and mother (Amelia) gave to the community. As you might know from city history, my father was involved in the early development of the Parks and Recreation Board in the 1950-60's. Don felt very strongly about creating green space for kids to play in the new and soon to be growing community of Mounds View. Don employed many young men from the city to assist in flooding ice rinks, maintaining the parks, etc. These gentlemen still speak proudly of those years for the work ethic and example provided by my father. Don went on to serve several times as a Councilman and a Mayor for this city. I can recall as a youngster the many phone calls my father would take and patiently listen to fellow villagers complain of the roads as the city converted over to city water /sewer. He would calmly explain that things would get back to normal but, yes, one has to wait for the dirt to settle before putting blacktop back in place. We also remember the many days he put in during the 65' tornadoes as he coordinated efforts within and with other agencies (state and federal). Behind every successful man is his wife. My mother, Amy, not only supported his efforts but stood out herself as a local leader in Scouting, Lions, and civic activities serving many years as an election judge. Both were honored over time with Citizen of the Year Awards from the city. Again, thank you for the approval of the park name change. As a family we are humbled and proud. Regards, Mike Hodges Eldest Son of the Hodges Family