Minutes - Council - 12/08/2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Motion by Councilmember Musgrove, seconded by Councilmember Specht, to Adopt Resolution #20-295 to Hire a Part-Time Police Technician Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor LeTourneau, Councilmembers Musgrove, Specht, Kuzma, Menth, and Riley. Voting No: None. 7.05: Review Current Legislative Priorities City Administrator Ulrich reviewed the staff report and stated that the purpose of the case is to confirm current legislative priorities and identify any missing priorities and/or remove any outdated priorities. A case will be brought forward in January to adopt the platform and review with area representatives. Councilmember Specht asked when this would come before the Council for approval. City Administrator Ulrich stated that typically that occurs in January. Councilmember Musgrove stated that she agrees that the LGA needs to move to a lower priority. She stated that she would like to keep the funding for non-State aid roads on the list. She stated that a lot of the issues are financial and would propose to add a priority that would relate to policy/governance. She stated that she does not feel that the Governor’s Executive Orders reflect those that are intended to be represented and therefore would like to see a priority which would address the reform of that authority. She stated that she would like to see Ramsey be a sanctuary for businesses. She stated that Ramsey businesses are hurting, and the City is having a hard time attracting more business. She stated that the mandates are impacting certain businesses, mainly small businesses. She also referenced fitness businesses which have had an incredibly low rate of transmission but are forced to be closed. Mayor LeTourneau appreciated those comments. He stated that a very powerful statement was made tonight by a resident and this action would be proof that the City is listening to its residents and hearing their concerns. He stated that if there is anything the City could do to influence policy on a State level, this would be a great start. He challenged the Council to learn about the nuisances and challenges that local businesses are facing, acknowledging that his time on the Council is almost up. Councilmember Riley stated that he would like to discuss the issue of governance related to the Metropolitan Council as this moves forward. Councilmember Specht agreed with the comments of his colleagues. He stated that he would want to take efforts to protect the freedoms of the Ramsey businesses and citizens. He referenced the administration of the absentee ballots and stated that he would disagree with option A, noting that he voted early and did not find the process cumbersome. Mayor LeTourneau noted that staff will take this input and bring a draft forward for the Council to continue to discuss. City Council / December 8, 2020 Page 16 of 17