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