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Somali community for the comments that have been made noting he wants his Somali friends to feel loved and welcomed in this community. <br /> <br />Mayor Lindstrom spoke to the town hall event that was held on Saturday, December 6 with the Annunciation parents at City Hall. He explained he took full responsibility for the event <br /> that took place in the Council Chambers. He noted there were community members that did not support this event. He made it clear that none of his fellow Councilmembers had a part in <br /> planning this event. Rather it was him and him alone. He asked that all feedback regarding this event be directed to him. He noted he was available to talk to residents about what occurred <br /> at City Hall on Saturday. He asked that comments not be directed to his fellow Councilmembers. <br /> <br />Mayor Lindstrom noted he received two complaints about this event from residents and an uncountable amount of gratitude and support. He understood issues like this were polarizing and <br /> tough. He reported this conversation would only become more intense and more polarizing in 2026. He indicated he would advocate for the Annunciation parents to be heard at every opportunity <br /> he can. He stated his fellow Councilmembers can disavow this work, and he was okay with that. He understood this was an intimidating topic and that it may not be a space they want to <br /> associate with. He indicated he would not stop. He stated for 101 days these parents were ignored and were questioning if anyone cared. He commented on December 6 these parents had <br /> their first chance to speak and feel cared for. He was proud of the fact Mounds View had opened its doors and made a space for them. He explained he was happy these parents had a space <br /> to share their story and that residents showed up to hear from them as there was a record number of people in the Council Chambers. He stated this event showed that the events from <br /> August 27 was not a one day event and that the pain and trauma was still very real. He indicated this was not the last town hall event because he would stand with these parents to ensure <br /> their voices were heard at the capitol. He understood that Annunciation was not in Mounds View, but they were neighbors, friends and fellow human beings. He was grateful for the residents <br /> who showed up and confirmed that they care and that these parents’ matter. He reported the Annunciation parents were eternally grateful for this. He clarified for the record that no <br /> money was paid to any of the presenters that attended the event on Saturday. <br /> <br />Mayor Lindstrom sent his love and wished every Mounds View resident a happy holiday and a Merry Christmas. <br /> <br /> B. Reports of Staff. <br /> <br />City Administrator Zikmund thanked his entire team for their tremendous efforts over the past year. <br /> <br />Finance Director Bauman reported her department was working on payroll and setting field dates for the 2025 audit. <br /> <br />City Administrator Zikmund commented on a Charter Commission that would be coming to the Council in January.