Minutes - 2025/01/13 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council January 13, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 5 Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobsen thanked the Council for their time. He appreciated how the City Council was looking to recognize and honor the significant events, tragedies and many heroes in the community. He thanked the Spano’s for welcoming him back into their home and hearts. He explained Mr. Spano and the Spano family was a real tribute to the community. He commended the Spano family for moving on and for their resiliency. He appreciated the Spano’s kind words for first responders and discussed how it was his honor and calling to serve this community. He stated he would never forget the day he spent with Bev on the day of her passing. He explained he appreciated reconnecting with the Spano family noting out of bad things, there are often good things that come. He discussed how the Office of Pipeline Safety came out of the Mounds View tragedy and noted he now oversees this office. Council Member Gunn stated she has served as a Councilmember for a lot of years. She discussed the surveys that have been completed in the community over the years and one thing people really like about Mounds View is the small town feel. She explained the Council and staff have had discussions about what small towns have that Mounds View doesn’t have. She reported a veteran’s memorial was at the top of this list. She commented on how discussions continued and it was determined the City’s first responders should also be honored, along with those who were lost to the three tragedies in the community. She thanked former Council Member Bill Bergeron for his work to bring about the Tribute Park. She introduced the members of the Tribute Park Committee to the City Council and thanked them for all of their hard work in planning for the park. She discussed how the committee has been working to fundraise for the park with the assistance of a 501c3 through the fire department. She urged residents to consider purchasing a paver in memory of a loved one. She was pleased that people passing through the community would be able to see the Tribute Park from Mounds View Boulevard and perhaps these individuals would stop, reflect and remember. Council Member Meehlhause reported he had the privilege of representing the Mounds View Lions at this meeting. He explained 2025 represents the 61st year the Mounds View Lions have served and partnered with the City. He was proud to announce the contribution of $2,500 towards the Tribute Park construction. He noted the club also hopes to donate another $2,500 as the group will be applying for a grant with a charitable foundation that works to impower Minnesota Lions Club by boosting their ability to complete community projects with matching grants. He stated the club will also be purchasing a paver to honor the Lions Club members who have served in the United States military. He noted the Lions will also be purchasing a paver honoring Amanda Lee, who grew up in Mounds View, currently serves in the US Navy and is the first female F-15 fighter pilot. He reported a private individual has made a $1,500 contribution to the club and the club has agreed to donate this generous contribution to the Tribute Park. Fire Chief Retka stated it was an honor to be in attendance at this meeting. He explained as the Fire Chief of the SBM Fire Department, he understood that tragedies strike every community. He was very proud with how the City of Mounds View was stepping up and recognizing the tragedies the community has faced. He noted he had the privilege of meeting with the Spano family in Wisconsin and he appreciated how deeply touched Commissioner Jacobsen was. He appreciated going back and reading the stories from the police reports when the pipeline event occurred. He thanked the City for recognizing the first responders who serve this community and stated he