Minutes - Council Work Session - 01/26/2021

Home

be placed in charge of the business regulations which could involve City Councils. He stated that 40 percent of the people do not care what the Governor says at this point and therefore there needs to be an adjustment to how things are sorted out. He stated that this budget cycle would be a good opportunity for that and to open communications. Representative Heinrich agreed with the previous comments noting that it is important that there are up and down votes on decisions. He stated that with the Governor making decisions it lets people off the hook on making tough decisions related to Saint Paul. He commented that people need to know how their representatives vote. He agreed that language should be changed in Chapter 12 and noted there is some bipartisan support for that. He noted that some representatives are working to change that language to ensure that this situation does not reappear in the future. He stated that currently the House majority is not willing to remove the emergency powers, so there it sits. He commented that it could go forward to court, but if the courts upheld the decision of the Governor it would die there. Senator Abeler provided background on the funding that has been allocated thus far, noting that the State funding could have been backfilled by the Federal funds, but the Governor chose not to do that and will continue to have control over the Federal funds allocated. He stated that the discussion should occur at the legislature rather than one person making the decision on where the funds are allocated. He stated that the Ramsey City Council could submit something to the Governor if interested. City Administrator Ulrich stated that the Council is going to go through a process to provide a group opinion on the Council. He noted that if there is specific legislation that should be addressed, that could be included. Senator Abeler stated that he is unsure how that would be received but perhaps statements from cities would be heard but noted it is another step that could be taken. Councilmember Woestehoff appreciated the efforts of the representatives and commented that he does not support such an action. He stated that he loves the attitude of Senator Abeler and appreciates the openness and dialogue but stated that his priority for the legislature is Highway 10 and the things on the list. He stated that any other efforts, in his opinion, would be wasted and he would not want to contribute to a political farce. Councilmember Howell commented that she has an opposing view. She noted that she has seen people lose 50 percent of their business and some on the verge of suicide. She stated that those voices need to be heard and the job of representatives is to be the voice of the community. She stated that people are being crushed by the decisions. She noted that some people are losing their businesses because they have been forced to be closed like one small business owner. In one year she (the business owner) receives the number of customers that casinos receive in one day, yet casinos are allowed to be open by the Governor even though he has the authority to close them. She stated that it is awful to see people lose what they have worked for and she does not see this as a political issue but more an issue of people hurting. She stated that the top levels of government have made this political, but it is not. This is an issue of people hurting. City Council Work Session / January 26, 2021 Page 3 of 9