Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2026/01/26APPROVED PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting January 26, 2026 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Mounds View Boulevard, Mounds View, MN 55112 6:00 P.M. 1. MEETING IS CALLED TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL: Clark, Gunn, Lindstrom, Meehlhause and Smith NOT PRESENT: None. 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A. Monday, January 26, 2026, City Council Agenda. MOTION/SECOND: Clark/Smith. To Approve the Monday, January 26, 2026, agenda as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approval of Minutes: January 12, 2026. B. Just and Correct Claims. C. Resolution 10204, LELS 204, Police Patrol and Investigators, Memorandum of Understanding, Multi Language Pay. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Gunn. To Approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS None. 7. PUBLIC COMMENT Mounds View City Council January 26, 2026 Regular Meeting Page 2 Mayor Lindstrom encouraged the public to speak with kindness and respect when addressing the City Council during Public Comment. There were no comments from the public. 8. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. PUBLIC HEARING: Second Reading of Ordinance 1053, Amending the 2026 City of Mounds View Fee Schedule Regarding Residential and Commercial Plumbing Permit Fees ROLL CALL VOTE. City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council approve an Ordinance amending the 2026 fee schedule regarding residential and commercial plumbing permit fees. Mayor Lindstrom opened the public hearing at 6:02 p.m. Sharon Kirscher, 8406 Red Oak Drive, asked if the proposed changes were making the City’s fee schedule consistent with the State. City Administrator Zikmund reported this was the case. Hearing no further public input, Mayor Lindstrom closed the public hearing at 6:03 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Smith. To Waive the Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance 1053, Amending the 2026 City of Mounds View Fee Schedule Regarding Residential and Commercial Plumbing Permit Fees directing staff to publish an Ordinance summary. ROLL CALL: Clark/Gunn/Meehlhause/Smith/Lindstrom. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. Second Reading and Approval of Ordinance 1054, Amending the Zoning Code Regarding Maximum Height Requirements ROLL CALL VOTE. Kribashini Moorthy, Stantec, requested the Council adopt an Ordinance amending the Zoning Code regarding maximum height requirements. She reviewed the proposed building heights for the County Road 10/Mounds View Boulevard overlay zone and recommended approval of Ordinance 1054. Council Member Gunn asked if staff could review a map of the overlay district. Ms. Moorthy reviewed a map of the Mounds View Boulevard overlay district noting the areas in red would allow for the new maximum building heights. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Clark. To Waive the Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance 1054, Amending the Zoning Code Regarding Maximum Height Requirements directing staff to publish an Ordinance summary. Mayor Lindstrom stated he believed this Ordinance was a movement in the right direction for the Mounds View Boulevard overlay district. Mounds View City Council January 26, 2026 Regular Meeting Page 3 ROLL CALL: Clark/Gunn/Meehlhause/Smith/Lindstrom. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. Resolution 10201, Authorizing repairs to the Sediment Collection Trench in the Public Works Facility. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson requested the Council authorize repairs to the sediment collection trench in the Public Works Facility. He explained that the Public Works Facility was constructed in 2016 which included a sediment collection trench. He indicated this trench was within 50 feet of Well No. 2. Staff discussed the problems that were occurring within the trench and recommended the proposed repairs move forward. MOTION/SECOND: Clark/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10201, Authorizing repairs to the Sediment Collection Trench in the Public Works Facility. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 10202, Authorization to Replace the Boilers and Water Heater for the City Hall building. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson requested the Council authorize the replacement of the boilers and water heater for the City Hall building. He explained the boilers at City Hall were used for heating and cooling at City Hall and were originally installed in 2000. He indicated the boilers have had several failures and repairs cost $5,000 to $6,000 per year. Staff commented further on the project and recommended the Council approve the replacement of the boilers and water heater at City Hall. Mayor Lindstrom asked how long the new boiler system would last. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson anticipated the new system would last the City 30 years and explained the new system would be much more efficient than the existing system. Council Member Smith indicated the City would be going from three boilers to one boiler in the new system. She commented this was possible due to the new technology that was available. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported this was the case. Vince Meyer, 8380 Spring Lake Road, questioned why the City only received one bid for this job. Dennis Romson, 7840 Bona Road, cautioned the City from moving forward with only one boiler noting the City would no longer have a backup boiler. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson stated this project was on the Omni contract and did not require the City to go out to bid. He explained the project was already bid through the Omni Group. City Attorney Riggs reported this type of service has already been bid and going through the State contract saved the City money in the long run. Mounds View City Council January 26, 2026 Regular Meeting Page 4 Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported the City has purchased playground equipment and other Public Works items through the State contract. He commented further on how the State bidding process simplifies the bidding process for the City. He explained he would reach out to Trane to see what they have to say about having only one boiler instead of three and to receive information on what would happen if the one boiler were to go down. Mr. Romson questioned what the backup contingency plan would be if the boiler were to go down at City Hall. Mr. Meyer asked what the City’s rebate would be for this project. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson stated City Hall served as the emergency operations center in the event of an emergency and noted the City does have a backup generator. He reported he would reach out to Trane to better understand what would happen if the boiler were to go out. City Administrator Zikmund explained in the past 10 years, the A/C unit has gone out, but the City kept working. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson indicated he could reach out to Xcel Energy to see if the proposed boiler meets there rebate requirements. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10202, Authorization to Replace the Boilers and Water Heater for the City Hall building. Council Member Meehlhause reported the City recently purchased another piece of equipment through the Omni Group. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported this was the case. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. E. Resolution 10203, Authorization to Repair the Skylights at the Mounds View Community Center. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson requested the Council authorize the repair of the skylights at the Mounds View Community Center. He explained the roof at the Community Center was replaced in 2011 and the skylights were not replaced. He indicated the skylights have since begun to leak and replacement of the skylights was necessary at this time. Council Member Smith asked if the skylights would be repaired or replaced. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson explained the skylights would be replaced. Mayor Lindstrom asked what the benefits were of the new skylights. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reviewed the design of the new skylights, noting the new skylights would better hold snow loads in the winter months. Vince Meyer, 8380 Spring Lake Road, stated it was his experience that skylights fail, and he does not install them in new construction, especially given the climate in Minnesota. He questioned if Mounds View City Council January 26, 2026 Regular Meeting Page 5 the skylights could be removed, so the City did not have to replace them again in the future. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson explained the City was trying to get natural sunlight into the building. He reported staff had investigated covering the skylights, but the roofing contractor indicated this would cost the City more and the natural daylight would be lost. Mayor Lindstrom commented there was value in having natural daylight in the Community Center building. Dennis Romson, 7840 Bona Road, reported the cost to replace the skylights was quite high. He suggested the skylights be covered and encouraged the City to pursue LED lighting throughout the Community Center that mimics daylight for this space. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson stated the roofers indicated to him it would cost more to cover the skylights than to replace them. Mr. Meyer stated he could provide the City with a bid to cover the skylights noting he could prove that it would be more efficient and lower cost to cover the skylights than to replace them. Council Member Clark reported she supported the skylights being replaced. MOTION/SECOND: Clark/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10203, Authorization to Replace the Skylights at the Mounds View Community Center. Council Member Meehlhause stated this project was long overdue. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 9. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Mayor Lindstrom explained it has been the position of the Council to not have a quorum of the City Council present at non-profit organization meetings. He stated he would recommend Council Member Smith serve as the City Council liaison for the Festival in the Park Committee because she was the president of the committee. Council Member Smith noted in the past the City has not had a liaison to the Festival in the Park Committee, but rather the liaison was staff member Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson. Council Member Gunn indicated the Council has had liaisons in the past. Mayor Lindstrom commented that the City has had liaisons in the past and he would like to move away from this practice. Mounds View City Council January 26, 2026 Regular Meeting Page 6 Council Member Clark stated she supported Mayor Lindstrom’s recommendation and suggested Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson be named the staff liaison. MOTION/SECOND: Clark/Meehlhause. To recommend Council Member Kathryn Smith serve as the liaison and that Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Don Peterson serve as the staff liaison to the Festival in the Park Committee. Mayor Lindstrom thanked Council Member Gunn for being willing to serve on the Festival in the Park Committee but noted he wanted to move forward with Council Member Smith as the liaison for this committee. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Abstain – 1 (Smith) Motion carried. Council Member Clark indicated she attended the Mounds View Police Foundation meeting and noted the Daddy Daughter Dance would be held on Saturday, January 31 at the Mounds View Community Center from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. She noted tickets for the event could be purchased through Eventbrite or at the door. Council Member Clark explained the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission met last week. She noted this group was taking applications for one vacant position. She was happy to report that the skating rinks in the community were open for use. Council Member Clark stated the next Mounds View Matters would be coming out in early February. Council Member reported the City was still holding the food distribution events on Sunday at the Community Center from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. She noted that over 400 families were being served weekly. She thanked the Manna Market and all the volunteers who were making these events possible. Council Member Smith stated the Mounds View Festival in the Park was looking for donations of Easter egg candy and these donations could be dropped off at the Community Center. Council Member Smith indicated she attended an Airport Commission meeting two weeks ago and noted this group was looking for volunteers to assist with organizing an aviation day’s festival. Council Member Smith reported she would be attending a Cable Commission meeting on Thursday, January 29. Council Member Smith read a statement from the Ramsey County League of Local Government noting she understood her neighbors were carrying a heavy emotional burden at this time. She stated it was important to honor the shared experience everyone was going through. She discussed how local leaders were serving on the front lines of community well building through public safety and the trust that was built during times of trauma. She noted that the Ramsey County League of Local Government was built on community, collaboration and shared growth. She discussed how this organization was striving to create a culture of connection as they navigate what comes next. Mounds View City Council January 26, 2026 Regular Meeting Page 7 She indicated Ramsey County League of Local Government would be meeting on Friday, January 30 at 8:00 a.m. and would be discussing mental health and crisis support, community engagement and civic resources, public safety and officer support, along with legal rights and information. Council Member Smith explained she spoke with the police chief earlier today and then reviewed a press release from the Law Enforcement Labor Services that called for federal and state emergency summit on immigration enforcement in Minnesota. She then reviewed a statement from Executive Director Jim Mortenson noting he believed the lack of clarity, cooperation, communication and coordination between federal, state and local government was unsustainable. She commented on the need for clarity and coordination going forward to get everyone on the same page and to begin rebuilding trust. Council Member Meehlhause reported the City Administrator and himself attended the Charter Commission meeting last week where the group discussed Council vacancies and compensation. Council Member Meehlhause explained City Administrator Zikmund, Police Chief Zender, Council Member Gunn and himself attended a celebration at Fire Station 3 in Blaine last week. He stated this event was held to celebrate the Centennial Fire Department becoming part of the SBM Fire Department. Council Member Gunn stated she was part of the 50,000 people that were in downtown Minneapolis. She explained this was an amazing event to be a part of. She indicated this made her proud to be a Minnesotan and she was proud of the people who were willing to gather and protect what she believed was important to the community. She reported she did not believe ICE or DHS were law enforcement. Rather, she saw the Mounds View Police Department as law enforcement because they were not hidden and wore badges. Mayor Lindstrom indicated he would be attending the Daddy Daughter Dance this Saturday with his daughter. Mayor Lindstrom explained he would be attending a joint school board meeting on Thursday, February 5. Mayor Lindstrom stated he would be conducting clemency work on Friday, February 6. He noted on Tuesday, January 20 he attended a Board of Pardons meeting. Mayor Lindstrom reported the Community Engagement Committee met and discussed events that would be hosted in 2026. Mayor Lindstrom explained on Thursday, January 22 he celebrated eight years of sobriety. He commented if it wasn’t for the first responders in the community, he would not be alive. He thanked the first responders for serving the community well and for doing their work with dignity and integrity. Mayor Lindstrom stated the community saw a person get killed this past weekend in a very reckless manner. He did not imagine there was a need to have eight people on top of one person and then Mounds View City Council January 26, 2026 Regular Meeting Page 8 for this person to be shot. He stated this was not okay. He reported his dad used to work at the VA and his father knew him. He indicated he has a series of ordinances he would like to see passed. He did not believe it was unreasonable for federal law enforcement agents to let the City of Mounds View know when they will be in the community. He also did not believe it was unreasonable to ask federal agents to wear a body camera. He explained this was a matter of transparency as was having name tags on federal agents. He reported he was married to an immigrant that does not look like him. He noted his wife came to this country when she was 13 and will no longer leave the house to get groceries, but rather has the groceries delivered. He stated this was not the America that he knows. He explained he wanted things to be better in this community. He stated he wanted the senseless violence to end. He was of the opinion the Council had an opportunity to say certain activities would not be allowed in Mounds View. He discussed how he loved and trusted the police department and indicated he did not want this to go away. He reported the community was hurting and he wanted to see the City Council doing everything in its power to ensure full transparency was occurring when federal agents were in the community. Council Member Gunn stated she heard whistles and horns coming from the apartments in her building and noted this was very concerning to her. Mayor Lindstrom explained he was getting calls almost every day from people who are concerned about ICE being in Mounds View. He indicated he has received a lot of messages from residents who are afraid to leave their house. He stated this was happening every day and emotions were running very high at this time. He understood that everyone processes this in their own way. He encouraged residents with other opinions to consider how their neighbors are being impacted. B. Reports of Staff. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson discussed the $170,000 grant the City was awarded from Federal Highway Transportation for safe streets for all. He indicated this grant would require the City to provide a $40,000 match. He requested the Council authorize staff to work with the City Attorney on an agreement. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Clark. To direct staff to work with the City Attorney to draft an agreement with the Federal Highway Transportation. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported the City was awarded $146,200 through the DNR for employees to be certified as arborists to assist with creating a forestry plan. He indicated this grant would also help with education materials and planting of Judicial Ditch 1 Branch 5 up in Greenfield. He discussed how the trail in this area was in need of better maintenance in the winter months. He requested the Council authorize staff to work with the City Attorney to have the property surrounding the trail transferred to the City of Mounds View. Mayor Lindstrom asked if it was best to get the State out of the equation when it came to the land surrounding the trail. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson stated this would be Mounds View City Council January 26, 2026 Regular Meeting Page 9 his recommendation and why he was recommending he work with the City Attorney to have this land transferred to the City. Mayor Lindstrom inquired what direction the Park Commission provided regarding this matter. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson explained the Park Commission supported the trail being better maintained going forward, which meant better maintenance and building the trail back up. He noted he met with the Rice Creek Watershed District, and he understood they would like to remove the bridge, which would make maintaining the trail easier. Mayor Lindstrom questioned if the trail would be plowed in the coming weeks. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson indicated the trail would not be maintained until the land was transferred to the City. He stated he had the City Attorney review the snowplow policy and he was advising the snowplow policy be amended to state this trail will be plowed once the land was transferred. Mayor Lindstrom explained he understood this trail had been a topic of conversation for some time and he was pleased to see the wheels being set in motion. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Gunn. To direct staff to work with the City Attorney to have the State of Minnesota property surrounding the Greenfield trail transferred to the City of Mounds View. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. City Administrator Zikmund discussed how the Lexington Fire Department was interested in SBM Fire Department providing fire protection services on a contract basis. He noted conversations were being held and he anticipated a contract would be coming forward later this year. City Administrator Zikmund stated he has had many conversations with the City Council in the past two weeks surrounding immigration enforcement and the challenges this was imposing on the local police department. He explained he has been communicating with the Police Chief and City Attorney regarding these concerns and ordinances that have been drafted for the Council’s consideration. He noted these ordinances could be considered and reviewed by the Council at this meeting with approval taking place on Monday, February 2. He provided the Council with a copy of a recent court case for the Council to also review and consider. Police Chief Zender discussed the challenges the police department was facing when it comes to immigration enforcement officers being in the community. He explained he has been on phone calls and Zoom calls with the Minnesota Chiefs of Police, Department of Public Safety, the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office and with various elected officials. He noted the National Chief’s of Police were also getting involved. He thanked the Council for their continued support as he works to navigate this issue. He discussed how scene security was very challenging, as has been seen in Minneapolis. He reported these were unprecedented times and explained he would continue to do his best to navigate this situation. He thanked the residents of Mounds View for knowing he was in a tough spot. He indicated he did not want to be pitched against federal law enforcement officers. He commented this issue was taking a great deal of his time and it was his hope he would Mounds View City Council January 26, 2026 Regular Meeting Page 10 begin making positive progress. He stated in the two events that occurred over the weekend, his officers were on scene with their body cameras rolling. He reported at the end of the day, his officers would continue to be on scene to ensure people remained safe. City Attorney Riggs reviewed a memo of options available to the City Council, which included draft ordinances. He stated the last three weeks have been unprecedented times. He indicated his office represents 75 different cities and his firm was trying to address this issue. He commented on the memo he provided to the Council when it came to what they can and cannot do. He reported he put together an ordinance that had a very broad spectrum that would require anyone operating as law enforcement in Mounds View has to operate like the local police officers. He indicated these provisions may be challenged by the federal government. He stated the goal of this ordinance was to provide transparency. He commented further on what local staff members can do. He discussed how people are trying to work through this issue and there have been communications between the governor and the president, which was a positive thing. However, the reality is, the City Council controls how law enforcement is conducted in the City of Mounds View and the proposed ordinance would assist with setting regulations for all law enforcement activities in the community. Prosecuting Attorney Katrina Joseph introduced herself to the City Council. She discussed the federal court lawsuit that was heard today in Minnesota by Judge Hernandez. She reported on January 12 the State of Minnesota, city of Minneapolis and the city of St. Paul filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security as to how it was carrying out operation Metro Surge. She indicated there was a request for a temporary restraining order. She explained on Friday the city of Golden Valley received some communication from the Attorney General’s office asking for suburban law enforcement agencies to file an amicus brief. She stated she heard from the Golden Valley prosecutor around 4:30 p.m. on Friday and on Saturday morning after the ICE shooting in South Minneapolis there was an emergency meeting of the Hennepin County City Managers and at this meeting the City Administrators indicated they would like her office to file supporting briefs. She inquired if the City Council would like to also file an amicus brief on behalf of the City of Mounds View. She reviewed the five items addressed within the amicus brief noting it was limited in scope. Prosecuting Attorney Joseph commented on a current case that was being heard against a US citizen who has a wife with valid status. The wife has indicated to the advocates at Tubman that if she cooperates with prosecution, he will divorce her and turn her over to ICE. She indicated she takes her job very seriously and discussed how impossible it was to prosecute a domestic violence case without a victim present in court. She stated if victims are worried about being picked up by ICE in court, they will not come forward. She commented further on how the jury pools were being impacted by what was happening in the community. Prosecuting Attorney Joseph reported there was a lot of anger and fear in the community with how local law enforcement was not keeping people safe. She requested the City Council vote to join the amicus brief. Mayor Lindstrom stated he was concerned with the fact the BCA was not allowed to participate in the investigations. He indicated there was no accountability for the federal agents, which was very Mounds View City Council January 26, 2026 Regular Meeting Page 11 alarming. He explained he supported the proposed ordinance moving forward with the City of Mounds View joining the amicus brief. Council Member Smith asked if Mounds View was already a part of the amicus brief, without the City Council’s knowledge. Prosecuting Attorney Joseph reported in speaking with the prosecutor from the city of Golden Valley she learned there was miscommunication and she apologized for this. She indicated the City could withdraw from the amicus brief if that was the desire of the City Council. Council Member Smith expressed concern with the fact the City of Mounds View was added into the amicus brief without the City Council’s permission or knowledge. City Attorney Riggs reported the City of Mounds View was not part of the lawsuit, but rather the amicus brief was offering support. Council Member Meehlhause asked if the City Attorney had concerns about Mounds View offering support to this lawsuit. City Attorney Riggs indicated there were a few other cities that were considering joining the amicus brief. Council Member Smith questioned if the City could potentially lose federal funding by supporting the amicus brief. City Attorney Riggs reported there was language in place that could apply to any funding from the federal government. Mayor Lindstrom indicated the funding that was being cut was being cut from the entire State and not just the City of Mounds View. Council Member Smith inquired if the City Council had to decide on this matter at this meeting, or could action be delayed to Monday, February 2. She indicated she would like to read through all the documentation that was provided to the City Council prior to deciding. City Attorney Riggs reported the Council could wait to act. He noted the City was on the amicus brief at this time and the Council would have to let the Prosecuting Attorney know if this status should change sooner rather than later. Council Member Meehlhause stated he could decide on this matter at this meeting. Mayor Lindstrom, Council Member Clark and Council Member Gunn concurred. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To direct staff to work with the City Attorney to file an amicus brief on behalf of the City of Mounds View. Ayes – 4 Nay – 1 (Smith) Motion carried. City Attorney Riggs reviewed the proposed ordinance that would require ICE agents to be identified for transparency purposes. He explained the premise behind the ordinance would ensure that residents of Mounds View were being treated in the same manner as they would be treated by Mounds View Police Officers. He commented further on the provisions within the ordinance and Mounds View City Council January 26, 2026 Regular Meeting Page 12 asked for comments or questions regarding the ordinance language. He reiterated that this ordinance was a tool and starting point for the City Council. Mayor Lindstrom recommended the body cameras not have SD cards that could be removed. Rather he wanted to see the body cameras having the videos stored in a system that was in the cloud. Council Member Gunn inquired what kind of identification federal ICE agents had to provide to Mounds View law enforcement officers if asked for identification. Police Chief Zender stated this was very difficult to determine at this time. Mayor Lindstrom stated the only recourse the City has was to pass an ordinance. City Attorney Riggs reported this was the case noting there were discussions about how local municipalities need to start charging federal officers. He anticipated this would be a difficult road to go down and noted the proposed ordinance would assist the City with addressing this topic. Police Chief Zender indicated the enforceability of the ordinance was a concern for him. He stated there were a lot of cities discussing this topic at this time and he was uncertain if the proposed ordinance would be enforceable. He explained he did not want to tie up resources chasing ICE agents in the community. Mayor Lindstrom stated he understood these were unprecedented times, but it was his hope the ordinance would provide the City with a backdrop on the behavior that was expected in this community. Council Member Gunn agreed, noting the ordinance would provide the police department with a tool. Council Member Meehlhause stated even if the ordinance was not enforceable, he supported the City Council approving the proposed ordinance which would set expectations for behavior in this community. Further discussion ensued regarding how valuable body cameras were for confirming the actions and behaviors of Mounds View police officers. Council Member Smith indicated she was concerned with how some residents may come back to the City expressing concern with the fact the Council passed an ordinance that was not being enforced by the Mounds View Police Department. Police Chief Zender stated this was a concern for him as well. Council Member Clark supported the City adopting the ordinance as it would give the police department some level of authority. Mayor Lindstrom expressed concern with how ICE was not attempting to notify local agencies when they were entering a community. Mounds View City Council January 26, 2026 Regular Meeting Page 13 Council Member Gunn supported the Council reviewing the ordinance over the coming days with questions or comments being forwarded to the City Administrator. It was her hope the Council could approve the ordinance at a special City Council meeting on Monday, February 2. Council Member Smith expressed concern with the fact this item was not on the agenda and was being discussed without the public’s knowledge. She recommended the comments and questions the Council has brought forward be further addressed on February 2 for transparency purposes. City Administrator Zikmund reviewed the timeline for reviewing and approving the ordinance. He explained if an ordinance were introduced on February 2, the second reading could be held on February 9, and it would take 60 days before the ordinance could take effect. The consensus of Council was to review and hold the first reading of the ordinance at a special City Council meeting on Monday, February 2. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To direct staff to hold a special City Council meeting on Monday, February 2. Ayes – 4 Nay – 1 (Smith) Motion carried. City Administrator Zikmund explained there has not been a single substantiated claim of police misconduct since the Mounds View Police Department has instituted its body cameras. Mayor Lindstrom opened the meeting for public comment. Steve Sandquist, 2343 Hill View Road, reported that the Council has been discussing protections and protocols. He questioned why the City Council was against deporting illegal criminals. Council Member Gunn stated she was not against deporting illegal criminals but noted she was concerned with the way these actions were being done. Mayor Lindstrom explained he wanted there to be transparency in the community. Mr. Sandquist indicated that one of the ICE agents had his finger chewed off. Council Member Gunn stated two people were now dead. Dennis Romson, 7840 Bona Road, commented he was of the opinion writing tickets would not be effective. He stated he asked the police chief if an ICE agent could remove a local police officers body camera and he was told this could be done. Council Member Smith inquired body cameras had to be docked for the information to be transferred. Police Chief Zender reported this was the case. He stated he did not foresee ICE agents taking body cameras off Mounds View police officers. Mounds View City Council January 26, 2026 Regular Meeting Page 14 Murwo Mohamed, 2657 Mounds View Boulevard #203, explained she has lived in the community for almost 16 years now. She stated she loves Mounds View very much. She noted she lifts weights at the Community Center and runs in the community. She reported she was a US citizen, and she appreciated how the Mounds View Police Department and the City Councilmembers recognized her. She indicated she was terrified to visit Minneapolis at this time. She commented she worked in the Minneapolis Public School District as a teacher. She indicated she was paranoid and now has four cameras at her home. She expressed concern with the fact the American president has said an entire community was garbage. She explained that she felt under attack. She described how she saw unmarked cars outside the school she worked at, which was also terrifying for the children in the school, who were not illegal. She explained she came to the United States as a legal refuge and she was a citizen. She stated she did not trust the ICE agents working in the community. She reiterated that she loves living in this community, but she was scared. She questioned if ICE could be driving around the parking lot of her apartment complex. Police Chief Zender stated it was his understanding this was a public parking lot and ICE agents could enter this space. Mel Brandl, 2259 Knoll Drive, explained he has been a resident of Mounds View for the past 50 years. He thanked the Council for all they do on behalf of the community. He then discussed how for four years, an unlimited number of immigrants were flooding into the country, and many were criminals. He stated these individuals were now in the United States and the president has sworn to make America safe again. He indicated he understood there were things that needed to be addressed and it was his hope these concerns would be addressed by ICE agents. He stated it was very good to hear the City Council support the Mounds View Police Department. He reported the Council has sworn to protect the residents of Mounds View and he hopes this is done. He indicated the residents of Mounds View need the belief and confidence that the City Council will continue to protect and serve the public. He commented further on the difference between protest, rally and a riot. Mohammad Samor, 7285 Hidden Hollow Court, reported his family has lived in Mounds View his entire life. He stated his parents purchased their first home on Bona Road and he attended Pinewood Elementary School. He explained in 1992 his parents moved to Pleasant View Drive where his parents still live. He indicated he has lived all over this country, has served this country in Washington DC and he chose to return to Mounds View. He stated one in three people in Mounds View was a person of color. He discussed how the people of color in this community were being treated at this time. He explained his father came to America from Uganda where all descendants of Asian descent were forced to leave the country. He stated his father came to the United States seeking a new life for his family and a place to raise his children and grandchildren. He reported his father asked him if he should be afraid about getting picked up by ICE because he was dark skinned. He indicated his seven-year-old daughter worries about his brother going to play at the park because of his dark skin. He stated that justice delayed is justice denied. He explained action was needed now because people were afraid to go to the grocery store. He commented on how he stopped going to his office because he doesn’t want to be stopped on the street. He was of the opinion this was about political retribution and not immigration enforcement. He stated people of color were being stopped indiscriminately on the streets and those with an accent are being asked for their papers. He reported this happened in Germany in the 1930’s and should not be Mounds View City Council January 26, 2026 Regular Meeting Page 15 happening in the America in the 21st Century. He asked what kind of country the City Council wants for their children and grandchildren. He stated it was not right for those who look a different way or speak a different way to be stopped on the street. He believed all people should be treated with dignity, humanity and basic respect. He appreciated the fact the City Council would be joining the amicus brief, noting there was strength in numbers. Sharon Kirscher, 8406 Red Oak Drive, stated she did not know anybody who was opposed to violent criminals leaving the country. She commented further on how the economy was based on illegal immigrants. She explained her son-in-law came to the United States and before he became a legal citizen, he worked at McDonald’s. She noted he was paying taxes, and the same deductions were coming out of his paycheck. She stated there was a reason people come to America; it was to pursue a better life. She commented further on how the community needed immigrants to support the economy, social security and to keep food costs lower. Janet Frome, 7844 Bona Road, explained she was terrified for the black and brown people. She reported she has a 15-year-old grandson who was Native American and he walks home from school every day. She feared for his safety because he looks Mexican. She stated her grandson’s father was prior military. She supported the police working with the ICE agents to get the bad people out of the community. She thanked the City Council for allowing her to speak and ended her comment by stating she was proud of the Mounds View Police Department. Brandon Muchler, 8040 Red Oak Drive, commented he believed the City Council allowed a wolf in the community when the FLOCK cameras were installed. He discussed how ICE has used feed from these cameras to track individuals. He questioned if the City understood FLOCK could use the City’s data for investigative purposes. He feared the City’s data was being sold to outside organizations. Ms. Frome indicated data from Ring cameras were also being used by ICE agents. Council Member Smith asked how data from the FLOCK cameras could be accessed. Police Chief Zender discussed how the police department utilized the 10 FLOCK cameras that were located in the community. He reported the FLOCK cameras were a great tool in solving crimes. He explained the City has policies in place, noting a data request would have to be made to access data from the FLOCK cameras. He explained no information has been released to any federal agency, nor have there been any data requests. City Administrator Zikmund questioned who was putting the data into FLOCK. Police Chief Zender stated this data was being put in by NCIC (National Crime Information Center) for licensed law enforcement. City Administrator Zikmund reported the FLOCK cameras provide law enforcement with a tool that makes officers safer. Mayor Lindstrom closed the meeting for public comment. C. Reports of City Attorney. Mounds View City Council January 26, 2026 Regular Meeting Page 16 City Attorney Riggs had nothing additional to report. 10. Next Council Work Session: Monday, February 2, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. Next Special Council Meeting: Monday, February 2, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, February 9, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. 11. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:17 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther Minute Maker Secretarial