Minutes - Council Work Session - 08/23/2016

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Police Chief Katers stated that as of now this has not been challenged in other cities, noting that there is Minnesota Statute which allows the authority. Mayor Strommen asked how long cities have been restricting. Police Chief Katers stated that it was more recent in 2015. City Attorney Langel stated that this is all very new and in reaction to a legal decision. He stated that there have been no legal challenges to his knowledge and believed that it would be a few years before someone does challenge and brings it through the full legal process. He noted that other cities in this area have adopted ordinances of this nature and at this time Ramsey would be without the restriction. Councilmember LeTourneau stated that he would like to have a discussion regarding whether the City has the ability to restrict someone's rights when they have done their time. Mayor Strommen stated that this would fall under the category of public safety, health and welfare. Councilmember Shryock asked for information on which portion mentioned in the staff report is unconstitutional. City Attorney Langel stated that prior to the ruling this was a perpetual confinement of these offenders and explained that once a person has served their time they cannot be kept locked up forever. He noted that this is the highest level of offender and they have the highest risk of reoffending. He stated that if someone of this level were allowed into these areas of the community and they were to reoffend, that would impact the community. Councilmember Kuzma stated that because a Level III offender is most likely to reoffend, he would not want that person living in his neighborhood. He stated that he would be in favor of the ordinance as this would restrict locations near schools, daycares and other similar areas. He noted that Andover and Anoka have already adopted ordinances of this nature. City Administrator Ulrich asked what would happen if the ordinance were passed and someone of this level were to move into one of these areas. City Attorney Langel stated that this would be an ordinance violation and could be pursued as such, noting that could also be pursued as a civil matter. Councilmember Shryock asked how the City would be alerted when someone is attempting to purchase a home and how that would affect the selling/buying process. Police Chief Katers stated that he is not aware of an alert that would occur through the purchase of a home. He stated that a Level III offender would need to register with the State when they move as well as other information such as vehicle information, place of employment, places they City Council Work Session / August 23, 2016 Page 2 of 6