Minutes - 2025/01/13 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council January 13, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 4 the committee was seeking donations at this time by selling pavers. She hoped the construction bids came in as expected, noting the committee has already raised 12% of the expenses. She hoped the Tribute Park could be dedicated on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2025. City Administrator Zikmund introduced the next speakers, Cindy and Don Spano. Cindy Spano thanked the Council for allowing her to speak. She spoke to the Council about what a first responder means to her and what an impact they had on her family after the pipeline burst. She indicated she was not in Mounds View at the time, but she heard about it from her husband. She discussed how she had been contacted regarding the Mounds View Tribute Park and she appreciated the fact the City would be recognizing those lost in local tragedies, along with veterans and first responders. She explained after speaking with Commissioner Bob Jacobsen, she learned how tragic events can impact first responders as well. Ms. Spano stated on July 8, 1986 the Williams pipeline burst in Mounds View. She commented on how there were two critical victims that needed attention, which included both Bev (Don’s previous wife), and Don’s daughter, Jennifer. She noted fellow firefighters worked to put out flames amidst the hysteria. She indicated Commissioner Jacobsen went home a changed man after seeing the horror that occurred that day. She stated she was eternally grateful that Bev was not alone, in pain and waiting. She explained for first responders, these events are never ending. These first responders have to push through the events, go home and show up for work again the next day. She commented on how first responders provide hope and care loved ones so desperately need. She appreciated the fact the Tribute Park would include a beautiful space for reflection on those who have been lost, those who have suffered and those who have served this community. Don Spano thanked the Council for inviting him to speak. He felt honored when the City Administrator contacted him regarding this project. He noted he had a meeting at his home which included the City Administrator, Police Chief Zender, Fire Chief Dan Retka and Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobsen. He noted this was the first time he had met most of these individuals, but this was not the first time he had met Commissioner Jacobsen. He noted the first time he met Commissioner Jacobsen was on July 8, 1986 in the front of his Mounds View home. He stated Commissioner Jacobsen was the first responder he had contact with that day. He saw Commissioner Jacobsen as a heroic, helpful and dedicated person. He noted there were many EMT’s onsite that day, who assisted him and the entire Mounds View population. He commented on how the emergency responders acted like best friends that day to the citizens of Mounds View. He discussed how the emergency responders in Mounds View were loyal, trustworthy, supportive, honest and reliable. In addition, they exhibit traits of leadership, problem solving, compassion and teamwork, while performing whatever task they are assigned too. He believed first responders served an admirable purpose. He thanked the City for pursuing the Tribute Park and for honoring those who sacrifice their time, effort and lives, to make Mounds View a great place to live and work. He reported he no longer lives in Mounds View, as he moved out of the community in 1994. However, he noted he has fond memories of the City and the friendships he made and retained. He thanked the City again for thinking of him and for working to complete a Tribute Park. Police Chief Zender introduced Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobsen to the City Council.