[1:22] Mayor Clint Hooppaw: All right, good evening. We'll call this meeting to order for the December 26th, 2024, Apple Valley City Council meeting. The first item on our agenda is the Pledge of Allegiance. Tonight, we have a presentation of the colors in honor of Council Member Tom Goodwin's last meeting after over 40 years of service. Thank you to the Apple Valley American Legion Post 1776 for being here this evening. We got to get more. Now, if everyone would please stand for the presentation of the colors for— [2:50] Mayor Clint Hooppaw: Color, please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Face forward, mark. [3:46] Mayor Clint Hooppaw: Thank you, you may be seated. Next item on our agenda is to approve the agenda. Tom, do we have any changes this evening? [3:51] Tom Lawell (City Administrator): Good evening, Mr. Mayor, members of the council. The only suggested revision tonight is we certainly want to have the celebration of service for Council Member Goodwin be the final item on our agenda tonight so we can adjourn directly into the reception. So we may want to move the approval of upcoming events earlier on the agenda. We will just—we will take that after 5B is done and then we can move right into the recognition for Council Member Goodwin. [4:21] Mayor Clint Hooppaw: So with that, do we have a motion to approve the agenda? [4:28] Council Member Ruth Grendahl: So moved. [4:29] Council Member Tom Goodwin: Second. [4:32] Mayor Clint Hooppaw: Motion from Council Member Grindall, a second from Council Member Goodwin. All those in favor indicate by saying aye. Aye. Right, the agenda is approved. The next item on our agenda is the audience participation portion of the meeting. For those who are here to recognize Council Member Goodwin, we're going to have time for you to do that at during that section. So if anyone would like to speak to items that are not on our agenda, now would be the time to do so. I did not see anyone sign up and I don't see anyone coming forward, so we will close this section of the meeting and move on to our consent agenda. These items are considered routine and will be enacted with a single motion unless a council member or a citizen requests to pull an item. Council members, any items you would like to pull? Council Member Goodwin, would you like to extend your final meeting by pulling any consent item? [5:14] Council Member Tom Goodwin: No, no I would not sir. Okay, but but I would make a motion to approve. [5:23] Mayor Clint Hooppaw: All right, we have a motion from Council Member Goodwin to move the consent agenda. Do we have a second? [5:26] Council Member John Bergman: Second. [5:28] Mayor Clint Hooppaw: Second from Council Member Bergman. All those in favor indicate by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? Consent items all carry. We'll move on to 5A on our agenda, which is—which is an electric utility and natural gas franchise ordinance. And for those in the audience, you have to sit through a little business before we get to the fun. So Matt, would you like to walk us through this? [5:40] Matt Saam (Public Works Director): Yes, thank you, Mr. Mayor and Council, and I know I'm between all of us in the party, so I'll try to keep this brief. Sorry for the feedback. Um, yeah, we have two quick items to this— [6:37] Mayor Clint Hooppaw: Really, Tom? Really? What was on little green m's? They're pretty hot. Shall we—we are not sure why. Perhaps downstairs they have corrected that problem. Let's try again. [6:44] Tom Lawell (City Administrator): Well let's uh, well there's there there's a welcome. Now everyone's attention. Um, yes might be this m Mr. Mayor. [7:12] Matt Saam (Public Works Director): Um, so two quick items be why don't you—um, before you tonight maybe I'll move over here. You got your phone on? No, no no, I'm not wearing a wire either, so I don't know—oh this is seems when I put my hand in front of it it does stop. Maybe I'll just do this. Might be a little weird, but this is the way you're going out Goodie. [7:23] Council Member Tom Goodwin: Yeah I guess so. Yeah, it it is memorable. [7:25] Matt Saam (Public Works Director): Council member, it is okay. [7:30] Council Member Ruth Grendahl: First time in 40 years. I just say I've met seen this in 15, so still doesn't shut him up. [7:34] Matt Saam (Public Works Director): Thank you Mr. Mayor, C—two quick items regarding utility franchises tonight. The first is an ordinance, the second is consideration of utility franchise fees. [7:41] Mayor Clint Hooppaw: Can we—um, wonder if we can unplug that microphone and grab the handheld that's over at the Public Safety desk and because it seems to be your microphone that's—where's Charles? Why don't you take us—there you go. Yep, yep. Okay, just don't get too close. [8:10] Matt Saam (Public Works Director): No, I'm going to go right from here. Just need to grab my mouse. Okay, utility franchise ordinances. So we'll first discuss briefly our existing franchise ordinances in the city. Um, again these are related to utilities. The first would be electric utility franchise. We have one now with DEA Dakota Electric Association. They are our majority electric provider in the city. Um, in about 98% of the city they're the electric provider. Our existing franchise with them did expire earlier this year and with a one-year continuance. And then CenterPoint Energy, they are the natural gas provider for the entire city. We have an existing franchise with them also, that one expired a little over a year ago also with one-year continuance. So since then, staff and the City Attorney have negotiated with both DEA and CenterPoint Energy on the new franchise ordinances. I just wanted to touch on a few of the major elements of each of those ordinances. The first, it does grant a 20-year franchise to each of them to operate within our public right-of-way. Provides a 60-day timeline for them to sign the ordinance. It does require them to restore any work that they would do in the right-of-way according to state rules and city regulations. It also allows each of the franchisees to trim trees, shrubs, and those things that may interfere with their facilities within the public right-of-way as long as they provide sufficient notice to abutting property owners. And then finally, it does reference a franchise fee that the Council would be considering in a few moments. So with that, the request that actions for this item is to pass each of the ordinances. The first on an electric—electricity franchise with DEA, a second with a gas energy franchise with CenterPoint Energy. So with that, Mr. Mayor, I'd be happy to take any questions. [10:30] Mayor Clint Hooppaw: Thanks. Council members, any questions? We've talked about this a handful of times in informal so this isn't a new topic, but um, think we're ready to move it forward. So we have a motion? [10:48] Council Member: Move on. [11:00] Mayor Clint Hooppaw: So we will take that as A1, which is an ordinance amending Chapter 119 of the City Code for electricity franchises. Do we have a second? Have a second from Council Member Bergman. All those in favor indicate by saying aye. Aye. That passes unanimously. Our second is A2, which is to pass an ordinance amending Chapter 119 entitled Gas Energy Franchise. Do we have a motion for that item? [11:08] Council Member Mellander: Move. [11:10] Council Member Tom Goodwin: Second. [11:14] Mayor Clint Hooppaw: Motion from Council Member Mellander, second from Council Member Goodwin. All those in favor indicate by saying aye. Aye. That passes unanimously as well. Matt, do you want to take us through 5B as well? [11:17] Matt Saam (Public Works Director): Certainly, Mr. Mayor and Council. So this is, of course, the second item related to utility franchise fee ordinances. So again, just stepping back, discussing briefly our existing franchise fee ordinances. We do have one with DEA. Um, currently it's set at 2% of electric usage for all of their account holders with a maximum or not to exceed $25 per month. With CenterPoint Energy, we do not have any franchise fee currently. So the proposal, again as the Mayor said, this has been discussed at previous Council informal sessions. The proposal would be for a 3% franchise fee with both the electric provider DEA and CenterPoint Energy for natural gas. For residential properties, the 3% would have a cap of $25. For commercial industrial properties, the 3% would go along with a $75 cap per account. And you can see there on the screen, based on data provided from both DEA and CenterPoint Energy, it's estimated that the 3% franchise fee would raise just over $1.6 million um, on an annual basis. As for uses of the franchise fee, again it's been discussed with Council previously, it's also in the adopted budget to use approximately $1 million of the—of the new franchise fees toward the pavement management street program. The remainder of the fees can be for other priorities as determined by the City Council. So with that, there are three requested actions tonight, Mr. Mayor. The first would be to hold the public hearing and then consider adoption of the two ordinances. I'd be happy to take any questions Council may have. [13:00] Mayor Clint Hooppaw: All right, let's start with any Council Member questions for that. All right, seeing none, we'll go ahead and open the public hearing for on electric utility franchise fee and natural gas utility franchise fee ordinance. Anyone who would like to speak to the public hearing? Anyone who would like to speak to the public hearing? One last opportunity for the public hearing. Seeing none, we will close the public hearing and we will look for a motion to pass an ordinance amending Chapter 119 adding Section 119.6 entitled Franchise Fees. This also includes a recommendation to waive the second reading. Do we have a motion? [13:54] Council Member Tom Goodwin: Move. [13:58] Council Member John Bergman: Second. [14:02] Mayor Clint Hooppaw: Motion by Council Member Goodwin, do we have a second? Second by Council Member Bergman. All those in favor indicate by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? That item carries. And we'll move on to B3, which is to pass an ordinance amending Chapter 19—119 of City Code adding Section 119.61 and to recommend a waiving of the second reading. Do we have a motion? [14:14] Council Member John Bergman: So moved. [14:16] Council Member Mellander: Second. [14:19] Mayor Clint Hooppaw: From Council Member Bergman and a second from Council Member Mellander. All those in favor indicate by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? That item carries. Matt, thank you. We're going to move on to what—what is Item 7 in the printed agenda if you're following along, and that's our calendar of upcoming events. Our next informal City Council meeting is Thursday, January 9th at 5:30, and our next regular City Council meeting is Thursday, January 9th at 7 p.m. along with a reminder that the city offices are closed on January 1st in observance of the New Year's Day holiday. Do we have a motion to approve the calendar? [15:02] Council Member Ruth Grendahl: Move. [15:03] Council Member John Bergman: Second. [15:04] Mayor Clint Hooppaw: Motion from Council Member Grindall, from Council Member Bergman. All those in favor indicate by saying aye. Aye. Be—you are always welcome at our meetings. I believe we had enough votes to pass that. I think that was unanimous. So let's move on to the real reason we're—we're here this evening, which is 5C on your agenda, which is a celebration of service for City Council Member Tom Goodwin. I'm going to just start us off a little bit here as we get going, but you know, Tom—just hit order of events here so people know a little what to expect. Um, we'll have a few comments, we've got a video that people submitted, we'll have some Council Member comments—I know people have heard a few things—and then it's open mic night. So we're going to invite anybody up after that who might want to say a few words. Just—just a reminder that, you know, this is recorded and people can see it. There's kids at home and all those good things. So, um, and then we'll have some presentations after that as we wrap up. So, Tom, I—I don't know where we start on this. 40 years of service, right? And that's just the 40 years of service to Apple Valley. That doesn't begin to include— [16:18] Council Member Tom Goodwin: 40 years and 10 months. [16:20] Mayor Clint Hooppaw: And 10 months. 40 plus years of service, but also a few years of service before you were elected as well. Um, 40 years of impact, decisions, directions. 40 years of accomplishments. You'll see that later as we do a—it wouldn't fit on normal paper. Tom had to go—our City Administrator go out and find big paper to list all the accomplishments over 40 years. So we'll see that in a bit. Um, a lot of people impacted, a lot of lives impacted, Tom. And um, I'm going to turn it over to our City Administrator because a few of those folks—some are here and some couldn't be here—wanted to share a few thoughts in video. Tom, you want to play us that video? [16:58] Tom Lawell (City Administrator): Happy to. We'll uh, get that run right now. [17:23] Will Browning (Video): Hi, Tom. Will Browning wants to thank you for your 40 years of service. Thanks for what you've done for Tom and for the city of Apple Valley. Thanks again. [17:35] Veteran Resident (Video): Hi, Tom. This is a heartfelt gratitude from one Vietnam veteran to another. Uh, when you were appointed to the Council in 1984, the city of Apple Valley had approximately 25,000 population. As you go out the door 40 years later, we're pushing 60,000. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your stewardship and helping our city grow. Going forward for you and Linda, may you be blessed with clear skies and following winds. [18:02] Legion Post 1776 Representative (Video): Oh, Tom, on behalf of the over 1,000 men and women who make up the American Legion family here at Apple Valley Post 1776, congratulations on your City Council retirement. You came to us as a young Marine Corps veteran and got involved in the business of running a Legion. We own Patriot's Restaurant and Bar, we operate a lawful gambling entity, and we have a place that welcomes veterans and the public to help celebrate America. Thank you for your service to our post and our Apple Valley community. Congratulations, Tom. [19:11] Ed Carney (Video): Tom, you've been around for almost as long as the city's been here. Your fingerprints are on everything in town. We see them and uh, I've got to hand it to you, you've really gone out of your way to not just inspect everything you have to vote on, but you're out talking to all the people. You're talking—talking to us at the Chamber of Commerce, you're talking out to all the businesses. I hear when you visit people and that's the best way to make decisions on behalf of our community and our business community and all the growth. Um, really you've uh, built this city. I don't know how—how else to say it. And uh, I just hope that now that uh, you and Linda are going to have a little extra—a few extra nights on your hands, I hope you really get out to enjoy the city and this community that literally and figuratively you help build. Congratulations on your new found time and we really appreciate all your vision and your wisdom that you've shown us. [20:00] Luke Fischer & Ann Finn (Video): Hi, I'm Luke Fischer, executive director at the League of Minnesota Cities. And I'm Ann Finn, intergovernmental relations director at the League. Tom, we wanted to say congratulations on the job well done. You've been around cities for a long time now and thank you for your service on our policy committees. You've made a huge difference, Tom. Thanks so much for all that you've done, for always showing up with a big smile and that infectious laugh. We love. Congratulations on a job well done. Thank you, Tom. [20:40] Michael Bolson (Video): Hello, Tom. This is Michael Bolson, superintendent in District 196. I want to send a sincere thank you for your many years of service and dedication to our community, specifically our schools. Your support of our students and their many endeavors in academics, arts, and athletics has had a tremendous and positive impact, not only in Apple Valley but beyond. I want to thank you and congratulate you on your retirement. [20:56] MV (Video): Hi, Tom. Uh, this is MV and uh, uh, I'd like to congratulate you on your services here that you've had for 40 years. I know I met you in Rotary; you were a charter member and uh, I joined shortly after that. And over that time, we end up forming a good friendship. And with this friendship, uh, along with you and I and our wives, we had other mutual friends. We started doing a lot of traveling over in Europe, which was a great time. And most of those trips were done on river cruises. And part of the river cruise was stopping in various cities. And I know in those cities you always went and bought like a—a booklet or a book on each one of the cities about their—the detail of their history. And with those books, we kidded you about whether you were going to read them or just look at the pictures or whatever. And as a result of that, I remember discussions got back to you were an avid reader. And I know part of that was you read the Star Tribune and the Pioneer Press on a daily basis. And you also read uh, all the local newspapers that are generally issued each week. And as a result of that, you were very well prepared and well versed for all the issues that would come up in front of Council. And I think as a result of that, why Apple Valley ended up being one of the cities that stayed at the forefront of the southern metro area for a long time. So again, congratulations and keeping Apple Valley being a great city and a great place to live. [22:45] Mary Hamann-Roland (Video): Dear Tom, I'm with my grandchildren and I know you would support me being with them. Unfortunately, that means I'm not physically able to be here with you at the final Council meeting. It's been my honor and pleasure to serve the residents and businesses at the city of Apple Valley with you, my friend. You have been a champion of our youth and Parks and Recreation. The Corey Park Youth Athletic Complex is a shiny example of your dedication and commitment to the community. We created a sustainable road reconstruction program so that our residents were able to have their streets and utilities reconstructed without receiving a bill at the end of the project. And because of your and our financial stewardship, our community's taxpayers can know that we are at the top 1% of cities with two AAA bond ratings. That credit rating helps our taxpayers save money. Serving our community for 40 years as a City Council Member and Mayor Pro Tem—or what you know I affectionately called you, Mayor Pretend—you're probably in the top 1% of all who have served in municipal government. I value that you are not only a leader that makes smart decisions for our community, you also have a passion to make sure that our youth, our seniors, families, veterans, businesses, Chamber, and service organizations thrive. We need more people in the world who care as deeply about each other as you do, my friend. Lastly, thank you for caring how I make it through my life after losing my beautiful son David. You know he always thought so highly of you. Remember when he was five and he told you that I was the boss of our house, the boss of the city, but not the boss of the whole world? Well, he wanted to ride his bike to Burnsville. Well, I will never forget that and that you were the person that he—he wanted to share it to. I wish you the best in the next chapter of your life, Tom. May you and Linda and the family stay healthy and enjoy all the fruits of your dedication and commitment to our beautiful community of Apple Valley. Thank you, my dear friend. [25:52] Mayor Clint Hooppaw (Video): Tom, congrats on your retirement. 40 years—that's nearly 75% of Apple Valley's history. When you were first elected, I was busy getting C's in middle school civics class. You've always made sure that the good of Apple Valley is a priority in all of our decisions. Because of that, we've had a great Council relationship, made good decisions, and done—always done what's best for all of Apple Valley. You also knew that individual cities do better when we work together, so thank you for your advocacy and your involvement in the National League of Cities, the Minnesota League, MLC, and Metro Cities. Our entire region is better for it. And who could forget your involvement in the community—Rotary, the Legion, garage sales, Chamber events, and so many more times we saw you out in the community. Tom, thank you for 40 years of service. Thank you for your advice, your guidance, and your support. We're lucky to have had you and wish you for the very best in your retirement. Congratulations, Council Member Goodwin. I have some treats especially for you. [27:31] Mayor Clint Hooppaw: Thanks to everyone who took a few minutes to record a video and to our uh, incredibly talented video staff for stitching all those together and making us all look good. Uh, Tom, is there anything we need to jump into before we hit Council Member comments? I don't think so. All right, so uh, council members, who wants to go first? We're going to go by seniority, I suppose. We—we'll go by whoever got their light on first, and that's Ruth, so go ahead. [27:42] Council Member Ruth Grendahl: I'll go first. First of all, Thomas, I've been here 27 years with you and we're bookends. I'm going to miss the bookend down there. But many of you don't know our relationship started—we were living together. That's right, Linda was there too. Don and I were at Rascals and they were homeless. They didn't know where to go for a month and so he said, "You move in with us." And it was a big house, I didn't have to see much of him. Um, but anyway, um, there were—there were many times that I wish there had been term limits. Would you like to change spots with me so you can put a rag whenever I was at National League of Cities and other places? They're always talking about term limits and they all have like eight years and I mean there's no time to even move up in organizations to um, be leadership. And they—they'd say, "Oh, you've been there 27 years." I say, "Oh gee, I'm just the pup. I'm Council Member Goodwin's been there 40." And then they all laugh. Um, anyway, so there's—um, I can't say we were always on the same side of all the issues but I had to accept that. I just figured you were wrong half the time. But—but then on the other hand, you know, I mean you've done a lot for this city, but sometimes you didn't quite get it right. I mean, how can you not have chickens in the backyard but you can have a chicken store on every corner selling chicken? I don't know. Um, anyway, I really think we need to name a pickleball court after C—Goodwin. The whole thing, all of them. Anyway, no thank you for everything. I mean, not just for the city, but your service in Vietnam, the rifle guard that what—once a week you do. Um, so no, thank you for everything you've done for the community. [29:36] Council Member Tom Goodwin: Thank you. And I'm right more than half the time. [29:40] Council Member John Bergman: Thanks. Uh, to the Goodwin family, thanks for—for lending them out to us every now and then. I'm sure it was a breath of fresh air when he walked out the door we got him and the signs we wanted to send him back just as fast. But um, uh, no, I—I've had the privilege of—I I think it's the privilege of sitting next to Tom for 22 years up here. And he hasn't put a rag in my mouth yet. However, it's probably been pretty close, very close. Um, so part of the uh, about Goody that you know, we—well there was comments about what he's done locally and everything, but behind the scenes you get to see what Tom does. Um, one of the things that is interesting—was interesting to me when you get—when you get into Council, for the first couple years you're quiet as a church mouse. Okay, you're learning, you're listening to what goes on. Um, Goody, after about three years, I decided, "Well, it's time to start talking." And Tom allowed it, okay. And at an informal, across the table, um, and as he will say, and there's some people in the audience that are still on it, um, he didn't care about the people behind us or him. That was staff; they're all on probation by the way. And there is a person sitting over to my right um, that I think is still on probation—see he's—he's pointing at it. But Tom was one that gave us as—as elected body a little um, insight of what went on before. For example, myself came on as a council member. Um, and what Tom did was he gave you a little past history, he gave you a little uh, middle of the road, um, what it was currently and in the future. What Tom did as he did and—and we went up to the different steps you can take—Tina Turner's music, you know, starts slowing and it gets to a crescendo way up. Tom was one that did that. And Tom, at the same time you get to the middle where he wanted to talk and he was very passionate and wasn't having one of his nice little real hard talks to all of us and letting us know who was right and who was wrong and uh—but Tom was uh—yeah I was right—yeah. And so Tom got to the middle of, you know, in the middle of the conversation as far as what was current and what could be future. But at that point, he knew his audience, and his audience was us—us as elected body. And what I took from this over all the times was that Tom gave you um, dialogued on how to make a decision, how to think about it, and it's not about yourself. And when it got to the point where the informal was done, we went about our business and we didn't have to do any discussion, we didn't have to—we would talk about it later. You always thought about what he said. So when it came time to make important votes, you made it on the basis of what he gave us and on what he—he—what he was committed to the community and how we voted. And it was about—not about ourselves, but what's best for the community. So um, thank you, thank you, John. Thanks. [32:51] Council Member Mellander: Tom you like—well, I'm the uh, junior member so far of the council. Come January I'll move up a step. But I've known Tom for about 25 years um, and uh, I remember my wife threw a surprise birthday party for me one time a few years back and after the party, half a dozen different people came up to me and said, "I'm surprised you have so many friends." I don't know how to take that. I chose to take it the good way. But Tom does have a lot of friends in many circles and uh, uh, one of the things I always admired about Tom is is he speaks his mind. You know, I don't like dealing with people that—that beat around the bush. You know, just talk plain, just say what you want to say. And—and uh, I'm a big boy, I can take it, and most people should be able to take it. The other thing is uh, the volunteering. Um, there's a salary associated with being on Council, but it's not a big salary, it's not a living salary. Uh, but beyond that, I mean, so he gets the credit for doing this on the Council all these years, but he's done some out and out volunteering in many areas. And there's a lot of folks that go through life and don't volunteer for a darn thing, and then there's folks like Tom on the other end of the spectrum that—he's giving of himself all the time. And that's a really admirable qual—quality and and I admired—I always have admired you for that, Tom. So that being said, I don't know if you give any blanket pardons now it's your final. Thank you, Tom. [34:31] Mayor Clint Hooppaw: Thank you. I guess I am—so I'm—we're going to make you listen to a few other comments. We're giving you plenty of time to rebut all of these as the evening goes on, but um, I'd like to open it up now to any—anyone in the audience who would like to speak. And Tom or Christine, I don't know if we want to just have somebody up, maybe help with microphones and see if we can make sure that uh, whether the podium mic is going to give us more feedback or we need to just to fall to the handheld here. But who would like to uh, start us off in the audience? Come on forward. We'll try it now. [35:36] Jackie Magnuson: What can I say except thank you, Tom? I'm Jackie Magnuson, I'm on the school board in District 196. I was an Apple Valley resident and then for some reason we moved to Rosemont which is all good too. But and I have—Tom has 40 years and I have 36, so I'm trying to—I don't think I'm going to try to go for his record, but we'll see. But what I wanted to say to you was it's always been so nice to work with you and it has not been easy. I mean, we can look at—at where we've started in Apple Valley and where we ended up and how many schools that Apple Valley had to find land for us and help us move into new schools. And it's always been a pleasure to work with you and the creative things that we've done together—ice arenas and and those kinds of things. I really want to thank you because it doesn't always work that way with cities and school districts. People don't feel like they're a community or—or they're a club together and you do and you helped make all of this move together. So thank you so very much, you will be missed and I just can't—I just thank you. [36:58] Council Member Tom Goodwin: Well, thank you. Thank you very much. The school—the school board's been wonderful to work with too. We have a retired superintendent out in the audience there. I've always enjoyed the relationship with school. One of the reasons I moved here 43 years ago is I researched the area and District 196 came up number one. Still is. Thank you. [37:11] John Huot (State Representative): How you doing? Well Tom, it's uh, an honor to be here tonight. I'm John Huot, I'm the State Rep for part of Apple Valley. Um, I've only been around seven years now uh, going into my fourth term and the first City Council person I meet out of all the cities that I represent—and at that time I represented Coates—was Tom Goodwin. The reason you meet him is because he's calling you and he—he made sure we knew who Tom Goodwin was. Between Robert Burn and myself it's like, "What did we do now? Goodwin's on the phone, what?" And somebody and staff gave you our cell phone numbers, which we really appreciate. So and I'm sure won't take them out of your phone because your service will never be done. I would—but one of the more interesting things, so um, again it's hard when you're at the state level um, you—you actually can compare your cities to other cities. And 40 years says a lot about somebody that came from Apple Valley which is now looked at as a city that you look at and how you want your city to grow. And that's a direct result of you, Tom. Um, we would refer to you and there's a private joke between Beerman and I, you're the Yoda. If you know who Yoda is? Yes, Yoda. You might not look pretty but you're very knowledgeable. Yoda. He's like a thousand years old, Tom, so just go with it. But you've not only made Apple Valley a better place for its citizens, its schools and everybody that comes here, you've made the state of Minnesota better. So thank you on behalf of the state and behalf of one of your people that I'm sure you'll call. So thank you. [39:10] Council Member Tom Goodwin: Thank you. Who's next? Bernie? You're not going to read that all. Brought a book. Is there any—are there any—are there any police officers in the room here? No, they're not. You see any back there? It's like Santa's list of naughty and nice he's got there. [39:20] Bernie Bauman (American Legion Commander): Well Mr. Mayor, members of Council, my name is Bernie Bauman, I am an Apple Valley resident and Commander of the American Legion Apple Valley Post 1776. It is my honor to represent the over 1,000 members of our local Legion family. It was also a pleasure to be here tonight to honor and thank one of our own members and one of your colleagues for the past 40 years. Tom Goodwin is a veteran, believe it or not, an honorably discharged Marine and a Legion member in good standing. We share your sentiment of goodwill and appreciation for as many years of service to our community. Legion Post Commanders have great leeway and discretion to show appreciation for a job well done. I have usurped the authority to marry couples as long as the ceremony is conducted inside the Post, the reception is held in our Bingo room, and the bride or groom membership is paid in full. I can waive bar tabs and misconduct fees when a member dies, again as long as his or her membership fees are paid in full at the time of passing. Like the mayor of a city who can bestow on an individual a key to the city, I too can present an honorary key to the Legion. I'm not going to do that in Tom's case. There's no telling what harm can come with such a foolish move like that. He may have been awarded an honorable discharge from the Corps, but that was 100 years ago. No, giving Tom a key to the Legion just wouldn't be prudent. I'm also hesitant to declare December 26th, 2024, Tom Goodwin Day at the Legion Post 1776; that could cost me dearly. I do have what I think is an appropriate gift to show our appreciation for his long public service, his representation of our Legion on issues and opportunities that came before this distinguished body, his status as a Marine, the fact that he will now have a tremendous amount of time—free time—and perhaps a gift that will keep him busy. So Mrs. Goodwin will find solace and comfort now that he'll spend more time at home. Now with your permission, I would like to come forward to present Councilman Goodwin the most appropriate gift we could find to round out his service to the Apple Valley City Council, the residents of our community, and our local veterans. All the while understanding he now is free to roam the city and spend more unfettered time at Post 1776. Is it kicking? Should I open it? [43:08] Council Member Tom Goodwin: See when you're in the Army which you—coloring? You're not colorblind are you? No. Are those safe to eat? I don't eat crayons. [43:10] Bernie Bauman: Mr. Mayor, members of the Council, my fellow Apple Valley residents and members of Post 1776, Tom Goodwin has represented us well for 40 years. A person's legacy is a gift that passes from one generation to another within a family, a group, or in a community. Tom's legacy is truly an example of a veteran taking off his military uniform and continuing to serve his community and our great nation. Tom honed his business skills to help shape good public policy. He retired as a local businessman and went back to work to help neighbors and constituents. He represented the best of Post 1776, the city of Apple Valley, and the community, and dare I say the esprit de corps of a Marine veteran. Thank you, Tom. We truly and wholeheartedly appreciate your service to our community. We wish you well in whatever direction your Council retirement takes you in the spirit of veterans strengthening America. Look to Tom Goodwin as an example of the servant community leader. God bless Tom and Linda, our troops, and God bless America. Thank you. [45:00] Carla Toppert: Yes to uh, set the record straight I'm also part of this motley crew here and when they line up with me in it, it's a much better looking crowd. Wow. Uh oh, you're in trouble now. No, I'm not. She's got that wrap. Yeah, I—I'll let you open it. Is there more coloring books? No. Yeah, Tom and I go back about 20 years I guess. My name is Carla Toppert, I'm with the Legion too, and Tom and I have had our disagreements over the years just like— [45:51] Council Member Tom Goodwin: What were they? You'll find out when you open the box. We had one extraordinarily large—am I supposed to get in this? It's not tape, that just rip it over it's just—just rip. I don't think we need to give you a knife. Yeah, I don't think so either. Linda, he's going my way with it. Didn't—didn't—you could just open the other side. Marines, they always have to do things so—one of the biggest arguments we had was about backyard chickens. [46:12] Carla Toppert: Oh, I got—support chicken, is that what it is? Yeah, emotional support chicken. Before you walk away, young lady, I want to tell you something—heard of bird flu, haven't you? I don't think's coming out of thanks Carla. [47:04] Council Member Tom Goodwin: You have any idea how many flocks of chickens have died in Burnsville? Oh yeah, a lot of bird flu over there. [47:20] Carla Toppert: All right, who's next? Jody? All right. [47:25] Jody Steiger (Planning Commission Chair): There. I didn't know I was going to get up and talk tonight so this is coming from the either the top of my head or from the middle of my heart or whatever. But in 1992 we were living in Detroit, Michigan, and my husband came home from work and he said, "I'm being not transfer but I got a new job." And I said, "Where are we going?" He says, "Well, back to your home state but Apple Valley, Minnesota." And I go, "Where in the heck is Apple Valley, Minnesota?" That—so I remember our family was just starting out and we were coming with U-Hauls and everything else and I can remember coming into Apple Valley and I'm like, "Oh my God, I hope this isn't where we're going to live." And like I said, it was 1992, right? Anyway, we got a townhome that we rented on Cedar Avenue and my husband said, "We'll just live here for one year and if we hate Apple Valley, we'll move." Well, I've been here now for 31 years. We love Apple Valley and that has part to do with you for having all the wonderful things that we loved about Apple Valley with the school district and all the stuff that you probably have voted in, right? Anyway, I just want to take a little minute just to say thank you. I think I've told you before when I met you when I was working on the Cedar Avenue construction and everything, you kind of scared me, you intimidated me, you—I thought you were kind of crabby maybe but—but that was before I got to know you and fall in love with you. You are one of the nicest people I've ever known. You always would come to my office if there was an issue involving anything, you took the time and you cared. Many, many times you came to my office to ask certain things. So with that, you are a huge mentor of mine. I look up to you. A mentor? You're a mentor. You're a lot older than me, remember? 1984, I was barely born, remember? Okay, anyway Tom, thank you for everything you've given our city and thank you for keeping me in the city because of everything that you have done. I love it and I wish you and Linda nothing but happiness and health. Thank you for all you do. [50:20] Council Member Tom Goodwin: This young lady, by the way, is the chair of our Planning Commission. Mr. Mellander was on the planning commissioner forever and I think you kind of carried him didn't you? [50:35] Walter Nos: Good evening, my name is Walter Nos, I'm a retired Master Sergeant United States Marine Corps. And on behalf of the Fort Snelling National Cemetery Memorial Rifle Squad and the Monday Squad cohorts that we have here, we want to congratulate you Tom on your 40 years of community service to Apple Valley and we're proud to have you on Monday Squad. Semper Fi. [51:11] Council Member Tom Goodwin: Well, thank you. Well, I want you to know there's some other people in this room from other members of uh, different parts of the week. And as we all know, the Monday Squad is—is without question the most outstanding Squad. [51:24] Ed Carney (Chamber President): Oh uh, Ed Carney, President of the Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce. I already spoke on the video, that's not what I wanted to talk about. I want to follow the uh, gentleman that just spoke and that's that uh, my dad was a pilot in World War II and his best friend through World War II in the South Pacific had died. So since I live here, up at Fort Snelling had his funeral and my dad couldn't make it from New York. So I went there, went to the funeral and I'm there right over him and all of a sudden Tom walks in and—and he's the Color Guard and I was just so honored. I just—you couldn't believe it. I told my father like, "What what is leadership? Leadership is what you do when no one was looking." Nobody was looking and you were still out there. So as one veteran to another, thank you. [52:30] Council Member Tom Goodwin: Ed? Oh wait a minute, oh he's getting close to you. He doesn't want that money from far away. [52:34] Council Member John Bergman: What do you think I felt like for 22 years sitting next to him? [52:38] Mark Anderson: My name is Mark Anderson, I'm a Vietnam veteran, I served in Vietnam from '69 to '70. I've had a very, very hard time tonight sitting back there listening to all the kind things that you guys have been saying. Um, many things—I'm—I don't want to take up the whole evening but there's many things that come to mind. Um, one of them being that over the years, you must have taken thousands of dollars away from the troops at on Monday Rifle Squad because you—you sell tickets. No, no, no, there's—there's more. You happened to serve in Vietnam a couple of years before I did and one of the things you say every time we get together on Mondays is, "Well I don't know what you guys did wrong but we were winning the war when I—we were." Now I'll—I'll just stop by saying that you did such an excellent job out in the field as a Marine grunt, as a rifleman, that you were very, very proud to say that you did such a good job that you got promoted to a job in the rear. Now there's many things I'm leaving unsaid and I would really appreciate it if you ask this gentleman what some of the things that he uh, says on a bus because he actually says when we get on the bus, "What is said on the bus stays on the bus." Why is that, Tom? I can't remember. On behalf of myself and our squad, I just want to say thank you very, very much for being one of our members. I have had the unlucky opportunity of having you sit next to me for the last many, many years. Many, many years you learned a lot didn't you? Oh, unbelievable. But in all sincerity and honesty, I consider you a very, very good friend. I'm very proud of you being on our squad, I'm very proud of what you've done for Apple Valley. My wife just loves it, she was a teacher here in Apple Valley for 38 years and she even talks about you. I don't know why, but—but she does. Because she has good taste? Yes, see that—that's it, we're not going to go there either. I have one question for you before you leave. Yes, sir. I sold you a ticket for a dollar—excuse me, I sold you a ticket for a dollar—no, no, no, $5. No, I sold you five tickets for—that's what you did, a dollar each. And—and how much did you win? I forgot—$1,000. You won $1,000, pal! You know what? Everybody knows he won. So when I'm selling tickets this year, right here—what—what he fails to say is that every time I come to the squad meeting, which I haven't been able to do for the last six-eight months, I'm sorry to say, but every time that I come he says is, "You need to be buying donuts for us every Monday until we recover that $1,000." That's right, that's what I said guys. Has he done that? No. No, couple—couple times. No, you got a long way to go to spend a thousand bucks, pal. I appreciate being here tonight. Good, nice to see you. [55:45] Council Member Tom Goodwin: Oh, thank you. So that's where my thousand bucks went that I bought tickets for whatever you didn't buy $1,000. Yeah. [57:08] Tom Ty: Um, Tom Ty, Apple Valley resident since 1984. Um, I'm part of a group of Tom's constituents that meet on Sunday mornings at Caribou. And uh, he comes in and he used to not sit down, he'd just grab a cup of coffee and go. Then he for a while he—he stopped, joined our table and would brag about his wife for about 15 minutes. Yep. Is she here tonight? Never. I'm going to brag about her later. Oh, okay well good, good. I want to meet her. Oh anyway, Ruth, if you think that he's brought some bad ideas to this Council, you would not believe how many bad ideas we've talked him out of. We—the pickleball deal, I—yeah I sell pickleball stuff, we were way out in front of that but we've talked him out of as many as we possibly can. But he's stubborn, which you well know, and so uh, some of those did happen to come here. But I've in—on a more serious note um, I've told Tom on a number of occasions—a number of occasions—I think if the state and federal government were run as well as our local government, things would be a lot better. That's right. Thanks sir, thanks to all. [58:38] Council Member Tom Goodwin: A little bit more serious here. [58:48] John Rexel: Uh, John Rexel, retired Chief of Police. I served about 35 years with Apple Valley. Obviously Tom Goodwin was on the Council when I started in '87, uh, a new guy. I don't—you know, there's been a lot of joking in the room here and all that and it's fun to roast Tom, but uh, I'm going to stay serious on it. Yeah, people don't understand what kind of a public servant you had here. You had a guy that went over to Vietnam, he didn't owe anything to this country after that in my book. Uh, he came back and he chose a life of service and he has done an excellent job. And as a police chief uh, you come in in the morning and I'd get in early every day and I'd read up on our police reports, what we had going on in the community. I'd also be reading through a paper. But the problem is Goodwin would have already read three papers. So that phone would ring sometimes and there'd be a policy discussion that you weren't always ready for. I'm telling you, this guy—heck of a knowledge base there and informed decisions all the way through his career that I saw. I have nothing but respect and admiration for you and your service to the community. Thank you, Tom. [1:00:15] Roger Goodwin: Anyone else? Roger? Oh fun's now coming, just watch it. I—I got far enough away. I'm—I'm Roger Goodwin, Tom's younger brother. I'm two years younger. And when Tom came to Apple Valley he was already a pretty much finished product. But I know I—I always followed Tom's footsteps my whole life. When he flunked out of college, two years later I flunked out. When he got drunk and got in trouble with the law, couple years later I got drunk and got in trouble with the law. When he dropped out of college and joined the Marines and went to Vietnam, two years later I dropped out of college, joined the Marines and went to Vietnam. In fact, I ended up being stationed 500 yards away from where he was stationed. But then later on, Tom went back to college, got his bachelor's and master's degree and got into government at the state level. Couple years later I got my master's degree and got in government at the state level. And then the local level—Tom ended up going in the local government and now 40 years. I spent my career working for the city of Madison also following in his footsteps. But both of us followed in the footsteps of our father. Um, our father served on the Beloit, Wisconsin City Council for many years during the 1960s and then spent the last 20 years of his life as member of the Rock County Board of Supervisors. Retired at 84. And in his resignation, he was awarded this gavel which I want to present to Tom. [1:02:18] Council Member Tom Goodwin: Oh, well thank you. Also should he change his mind and want to run again for City Council, I got a bumper sticker left for my father. Congratulations, big brother. You get that. Hey man, congratulations. Thank you, thanks Roger. I don't know, I'm sure I've told you this before because I joined them—dropped out. What was that the second or third college? I dropped out that entire life. Oh, ended up going. Yeah, she was mad at me my entire life. Sorry, Mom. [1:03:07] Mayor Clint Hooppaw: Anyone else who would like to uh, offer any words? All right, we do have a few awards uh, to present Tom with. But I think given our microphone difficulties up front, Tom, I'm going to see if you want to give any comments you'd like to share first, then we'll jump into the awards. [1:03:17] Council Member Tom Goodwin: Well, I got about—oh it should take about an hour and 15 minutes. You're going to sound like the Finance Director. Well actually um, all the good things that I wasn't going to talk about—all the things in the proclamation and the resolution—well we've already talked about those. So first of all, I would like to start by introducing my family which came tonight. My lovely child-bride Linda, stand up. Well, my older son Greg—Great, no I problem was he wasn't a Marine, he was a swabbie. A swabbie, yeah. And my younger son Jeffrey. I just want to say a few things that haven't been said and um, then we'll get on to whatever we're going to do here. I'd like to make a compliment to the Council. You can't believe everything Council Member Grindall has to say. When you look in the paper and you see all the councils arguing and they're censoring each other—I've been to this Council and all the council members, those living in past—this has been a great Council. Have we disagreed? Yes, we disagreed. Uh, when I disagree with Ruth I'm right, she isn't. But—but it's been a very, very nice Council to work on and when I look at some way some of the governments operate, it's just not good at all. And I've been always very happy about that. Another thing I'm very happy about—one of the things that made my job a lot easier in my 40 years and 10 months as a council member is the excellent, excellent City Administrators, department heads, and city staff we've had. This young gentleman over here, Tom Lawell, was just awarded a prize for the top City Administrator in the state of Minnesota. All the City Administrators we had were—were very good, very outstanding. In our department heads in the room, we—we have a retired City Clerk coming back tonight, still on probation, right? Yeah, she's still on probation. But that's one of the things that made this Council job for me fairly easy. When you have an excellent staff, people say to me, "How long you work—a lot of hours as a city councilman?" Like 102—what do you work? Just off—I got a question, I call the City Administrator, one of the department heads, and within 10 minutes they're back to me with an answer. So I never have to research a thing. But I'll tell you what, our department heads, our administrator, our staff have been great. Um, it's been an honor and a privilege to be a member of the City Council. Honor, honor and privilege. But to go on a little further, when I was elected in 2000 for my 10th term, I knew that was my last term. I knew I was—because I was going to be 80 at the end of that term. And I'm an elected official that thinks after a while—some people think I was stuck around too long—after a certain number of years you should retire and pass the baton. Now Mr. Biden and Mr. Trump never got that message, but that's another story. Um, one of the fun things I did—I had a nice write-up in the St. Paul Pioneer Press, I don't know if any you read it—I had a very, very fun thing that—I mean council is serious work. Somebody asked me the other day how many millions of dollars worth of developments that I probably approved over the years and I have no idea. I mean this is a wonderful city, it's beautiful, just love this city. Drive through the neighborhoods, they're all beautiful. Every—every neighborhood I've been driving through the neighborhoods and they're just beautiful. But um, one of the most fun things I did—my son Jeffrey was a sophomore and he was a member—or junior, I can't remember—member of the Apple Valley soccer team. And his coach, the famous, infamous Chuck Scanlan, called me and said, "Council member, we got a problem." I said, "What is it?" He said, "We don't have the facilities here in the school district." Said that we had to play our home games at Eagan, Rosemount. And I said, "What? What? Watch this." And I talked to the rest of the Council that was very, very supportive of it and we got this nice little soccer stadium up at Johnny Cake Park. And for years the boys and girls from my Apple Valley High School before they got their own fancy-schmancy field for many, many years—I don't know how many, maybe 10, 20, 15, I don't know—but um, that was—that was the home field for Valley soccer. And when the guy from Pioneer Press said, "What's—what's the most fun thing you've ever done on the Council?" he said, "I got that—I got that soccer stadium so my kid's team didn't have to play the home games at Eagan." But uh, it's just been great, I've loved it. I loved every minute and um, it's nice to see all the—all my friends here. We got—we got the Legion, we got the Rotary, we got the Fort Snelling Rifle Squad, the Sunday morning—Sunday morning Council—coffee group, and all a million of my—million of my closest friends. And uh, I just want to tell you I've been extremely proud, very proud and happy to be a member of this City Council for 40 years. But I did know when it was time to give up and um, and I will continue to be—oh, one of the last things I did and I'm uh—um, I'm pre—our prior mayor Mary Hamann-Roland became a County Commissioner and I had the pleasure and the honor to suggest that Clint Hooppaw be the new mayor. That's one of the better votes I ever made on this Council. And believe me, you've done a heck of a good job, Mayor. Thank you for—somebody—he's uh, he's kind of young to be a mayor and he's not nearly as attractive as the last mayor, but that's another story. But anyway, I just want to thank everybody. I appreciate everybody being here. The Honor Guard, you guys even—well when I'm—when I'm in the front of the line we march a little better but you got—you did as well as you can do. What can we say? And I want to thank you, Mayor, for letting me speak. Thank you, Tom. [1:11:32] Mayor Clint Hooppaw: How you don't—uh, don't—don't get too comfortable just yet, we're not quite done. Uh, Mr. Lawell, we have a proclamation. This might be the longest lead-up to a proclamation we—we've ever had, but also very well deserved. So Tom, would you kick us off? [1:11:47] Tom Lawell (City Administrator): Mr. Mayor, I'll try the microphone here to see if it works. This is the first time this microphone has acted like this. This is the first time we've had a tuxedo in the room, so coincidence? I think not. Something's going on here. Uh, so Mr. Mayor, what—the action item that we have for you tonight is the proclamation itself and uh, you've asked that I read that and I am glad to do so. Whereas Tom Goodwin has served the Apple Valley community with distinction as a member of the—of the City Council for an astonishing 40 years; and whereas prior to joining the Apple Valley City Council in 1984, Tom was already an experienced local government official with degrees in—in political science and public administration and having served in city and county local government positions in Illinois and Wisconsin; and whereas he and his wife Linda moved to Apple Valley in 1979 where they raised their family and became pillars of the community, well known for their volunteerism and civic commitment; and whereas throughout his career in public service Tom has demonstrated character, integrity, and leadership and has played a pivotal role in making Apple Valley the highly desirable community it is today; whereas his dedication and commitment earned him the admiration of his City Council colleagues over the years and led to his appointment as acting mayor for an unprecedented 17 years; and whereas he excelled as a member of the Council, ensuring that policies and procedures were crafted fairly and always represented the best interests of the community; and whereas over his 40 years as an elected official he particularly championed the development of the city park system, supporting four park bond referendums to improve the city's 50-plus parks including the development of the Johnny Cake Ridge East soccer stadium and the introduction of pickleball courts to the community; and whereas Tom was also instrumental in the development of the city's annual budget and capital improvement plans which help to ensure the city's long-term fiscal stability and the awarding of AAA bond ratings by both Moody's Investor Services and Standard & Poor's; and whereas Tom has a long record of supporting on investment in the city's infrastructure, particularly the street system where he championed a policy that allows street reconstruction projects in the city to be accomplished without the need for special assessments; and whereas Tom has excelled in intergovernmental relations through his involvement with the League of Minnesota Cities and Metro Cities, serving in leadership positions with both—both organizations and in establishing strong working relationships with the state and federal representatives to successfully advocate for matters important to the community; and whereas Tom is a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps and an active member of American Legion Post 1776 where he serves as a member of the Honor Guard and as a member of the charitable gambling committee; and Tom also devotes time weekly as a member of the Fort Snelling Honor Guard at Fort Snelling Cemetery; and whereas Tom is a long-term member of the Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce in support of the local business community and is a charter member of the Apple Valley Rotary Club where he furthers his commitment to always providing service above self. Now, therefore, the City Council of the city of Apple Valley, Dakota County, Minnesota, hereby recognizes Tom's extraordinary public service career and hereby proclaims December 26th, 2024, as Tom Goodwin Day in Apple Valley. Proclaimed this 26th day of December 2024. Thank you. [1:15:53] Mayor Clint Hooppaw: I will make a motion—I'd like to make a motion that we accept and approve that proclamation. [1:16:08] Council Member Ruth Grendahl: Second. [1:16:11] Mayor Clint Hooppaw: Second from Council Member Grindall. All those in favor indicate by saying aye. Aye. Four ayes and one enthusiastic guy. Minutes. Tom, please—please uh, proceed. [1:16:16] Tom Lawell (City Administrator): Yes, Mr. Mayor. Um, so there's been a lot said about Tom's dedication tonight uh, to the community. He's truly been there for all of us and all of our residents to make sure that our community developed in a way that makes us all very proud. Uh, and thanking Tom for his service I want to reflect just a bit on uh, sort of what led us here to tonight. And uh, you know, we all make decisions in the course of life and you think how faithful those can be. When Tom and Linda made a big decision years ago to raise their family in Apple Valley, uh, it was a decision that others had made before them back in—in the Orrin Thompson days of the 1960s. And it was a decision that is still being made today as people will come to Apple Valley for a good place to raise their family. But simply moving to a community was not enough. That uh, Tom took the next step. Um, he knew the community was special, but he knew that he could make it even better. And uh, he didn't just sit back and wait for somebody else to do it. He stepped forward and he volunteered and he offered his service to the community. He joined the Rotary Club when it first formed in 1985, becoming a charter member of that group, so he has another 40-year anniversary with the Rotary Club. Uh, he took a particular interest, as you've heard, in youth sports and championed soccer and the fields that were built over on off of Eastview and Johnny Cake Park. And he cared enough to step forward and um, help us out. And he—he came primed with a dedication to public service. And so where does that passion and interest come from? It started years before and as his brother had pointed out, uh, I've had many conversations with Tom to kind of understand a little bit of that motivation and the fact that uh, his father had served as an elected official in the state of Wisconsin. Uh, so the seed that would one day lead to Tom Goodwin being on the Apple Valley City Council uh, was planted long before. And based on his father's experience, he saw firsthand the hard work that came with it, but he also saw the great reward that came with it and uh, what you could do for your local community. But first, he answered his call to service for his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps. The service took him to Vietnam where he served with distinction and thankfully he returned home safely. Tom shared with me that returning veterans at the time didn't feel much gratitude from having served in what had become an unpopular war, but nonetheless his service was noble and it remains noble. And his service was important and it remains important. And his service was worthy of our thanks and it remains so today. So Tom, even though we're here to honor your commitment to the community, we can't miss the opportunity to also thank you for your military service as well. Thank you. So he then went on to get his formal education in government, earning his bachelor's degree in political science and his master's degree in public administration. He served local government, state government in Illinois and Wisconsin prior to devoting his career to county government consulting which made him with the move to Apple Valley. So thus begins the 40-year run of amazing community service. Tom was the consummate elected official, serving the residents and the businesses of Apple Valley. He stayed up to date on community events, he sought out the opinion of community members, he worried about the delivery of basic city services so the rest of the citizens wouldn't have to do that. He kept an eye on the bottom line, he made sure that resources were—were spent in a responsible manner. He carefully guided the community's growth and he approved a total of 541 subdivisions during his time in office—subdivision being the precursor to a development. He knew the importance of high-quality schools and he worked hard to forge partnerships with our school district; it keeps our schools strong. He knew the value of relationships and he worked tirelessly to build them at the county and the state and the federal levels. And he also understood the important role that the employees play in delivering and providing the critical services that a community needs. He always supported our dedicated staff and he showed his appreciation for the work done by our many departments including Police and Fire and Public Works and Parks and Recreation, Finance and Administration and so many more. So Tom, I just want to say thank you for your support. Absolutely critical to—our success as a community over the last four decades. And—and uh, you leave behind a—a great city with a lot of grateful admirers as well. So with that, I'd like to invite you to come forward here to the lectern so that we may uh, start the process of giving you a few awards. Something that we are are proud to do, that Apple Valley is a—has a great symbolism in the apple that we have in our community and those who serve us well, we gladly bestow on them this memento. Um, just a token of all the appreciation that we have. Uh, I'll let you hold that while I get the base right, the base is separate, it will not so be careful. Tom Goodwin, from March 27th, 1984, through January 6th, 2025, is when Tom's official term will end. So with that, Tom, on behalf of a grateful community and a grateful organization, we present you the marble apple of the city of Apple Valley. Thank you. [1:22:12] Mayor Clint Hooppaw: Thank you, Tom. I had a few things uh, prepared and then listening everything else, I had—had to quickly scribble some—some new things uh, down today. Tom, you mentioned earlier people asked you how much time you spent and you really couldn't tell them, right? Because this wasn't a job, this was a—a lifestyle. This was something you did; it was part of kind of everything you do. And I hear you laughing because you also realize that, right? When you're in public service, it's not a job, it's just kind of part of who you are and what you do every day. A lot of what we do and say and get to see every day, Tom, your fingerprints are on and will always be on, and we thank you for that. MV mentioned in the video the travels and the pieces you brought back, right? You uh, speak of lifestyle—you took a vacation, you took a trip, you did your other job, and you came back to Apple Valley with some ideas and things to implement. Maybe they weren't all good ideas as somebody mentioned, but even if uh—but we don't get to good ideas if we don't come in with ideas. And so Tom, thank you for bringing those in. Uh, demeanor of the Council—you mentioned is something being proud of. Um, you're a big part of that. Uh, you and I have disagreed. Uh, that's ended up in a 9 p.m. or 10 p.m. phone call saying, "Hey, let's not do that again." But that's the way those things should go. We can disagree on an issue, we can go out in the parking lot—not that way—we can go out in the parking lot and talk about what the kids are up to or what's going on on for Christmas. And that's the way those relationships should go. And Tom, thank you for that part. Well-informed was mentioned. I don't know how you get your newspapers earlier than I got mine because mine would be delivered and by the time it would hit the mailbox, you'd be on the phone saying, "Hey, did you see that article?" or "Did you see that letter to the editor?" So I don't know how you got your information earlier, but yeah, that's probably true. But to your credit, you never kept that information to yourself. You made sure that we all knew the things we saw, the things we had, the information you had, so we were all coming into these meetings so we could make the best decisions we could. You always shared the history of "Hey, we tried that before and maybe we should do it different this time." So that knowledge has made us a better city. Your work on policy and advocacy for all of us—those are the things that you do and to some degree we all do that don't make headlines, don't seem super exciting. But um, as our State Rep over here will tell us, right? Uh, without those voices, we don't move the state stuff forward. Without the state stuff, there's all an impact here we all need to deal with. So a lot of time in meetings, a lot of time uh, combing through policy and understanding what's there um, and time that frankly many people just don't understand or see uh, that spent on this job have even straighten that other State Rep—we're both of them—both of them—what's that guy name? So Tom, you've been a champion for our entire community um, and made it a lifestyle. We're better for it, our schools are better for it, our community is better for it, and we thank you. With that, I'd like to present you with this key to the city. It does open the Legion, sorry Bernie. You can open the Legion. It—it does if you—if you hit the window hard enough, it will open the Legion. There's no vaults here in City Hall. All right, Tom, I think we have one more award. [1:26:14] Mayor Clint Hooppaw: Yeah, you want to bring that up? One more quick—one more quick comment as we uh, present this award and uh, maybe a bit of a personal story. So you mentioned suggesting, twisting an arm—I don't know—Mayor bit a few years ago. But what you might not remember is many, many years ago, probably before I lived in Apple Valley, we were on a Minnesota Zephyr uh, train ride that the uh, Rotary Club had pulled together. And you may not recall, but I certainly do, that my wife and I got to enjoy that train ride and dinner with you and Linda up and down that—that path. Um, you want to talk about fill and welcomed? Uh, getting to get a lot of Apple Valley history. You never know the the little things that put you where you are today, but that was a big part of why we're here today and uh, thank you for that kindness and that welcome. I was some dumb young kid who barely knew what he was doing at that time, but uh, you were kind and gracious, shared a lot of stories, and uh, we're—it's been an honor to uh, share this time and this seat with you. So Tom, thank you. That beautiful. So what the inscription says is, "With admiration for 40 years of dedicated service to the city of Apple Valley on behalf of a grateful community. Thank you." [1:27:52] Mayor Clint Hooppaw: Thank—thank you. Think we'd like to—we have one more—one more thing to present and I'd like to have the rest of the Council come down so we can get some pictures with this. So I mentioned earlier we needed bigger paper and so we found bigger paper to present this proclamation. So if we can get everybody uh, here in front, we'll slide over here and get some pictures. [1:29:21] Mayor Clint Hooppaw: Leave—we assemble uh, for these pictures. We only have one official action left on the agenda and that's actually to adjourn the meeting. So I was going to ask Tom to make that motion. [1:29:34] Council Member Tom Goodwin: We did that all in. [1:29:36] Council Member Ruth Grendahl: Second. [1:29:40] Mayor Clint Hooppaw: Ruth, I think that was the second that I saw you nod to be adjourning the meeting and all in favor? Aye. All right, we're adjourned. Let's take some pictures.