Minutes - Council - 03/09/2021 - Laserfiche WebLink

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mask use is not hard for people as they put it on to go into a business and then take it off when they go out. Councilmember Specht thanked the police for doing a great job and taking the approach of education during the pandemic, which he appreciates. He thanked everyone that came and spoke on both sides, recognizing that this is a passionate topic. He stated that people need to remember that 32 percent of the states do not have a mask mandate and therefore if the mandate were reversed it would not be unique. He stated that this would not be a reversal of the mandate but simply a direction that Ramsey resources would not be spent on this matter. He noted that some states without mask mandates are faring better than states with mandates, while some are faring worse and therefore the masks are not the determining factor for success. He commented that residents are allowed to wear masks if they want to and if people choose not to, the City will simply not expend its resources to enforce that. Councilmember Riley commented that Councilmember Specht’s comments were well stated. He stated that he does not like the mask mandate or powers of the Governor. He recognized that this was an emergency but is no longer. He stated that there has been discussion related to what the City dislikes and disagrees with and the City Attorney has pointed out that there is a process that has gone to the courts several time. He commented that the legislature has the power to stop this but unfortunately continues to vote not to do so. He stated that while people may be unhappy, there is a process, and this would not be the appropriate route to take. He commented that people can reach out to legislators and urge them to speak up and revoke this emergency power. He noted that he will not be supporting this action tonight as this is not the right path forward. Mayor Kuzma commented that he recently recovered from COVID. He stated fortunately no one in his circle was infected that he had contact with, noting that he has been careful to wear masks but still contracted the illness. He stated that he cannot support this action. He does not feel that wearing masks is that big of a deal and did not believe businesses would change their practices because of this action. He stated that he will not be supporting this request. Councilmember Woestehoff stated that he appreciates the comments tonight but cannot support this mainly because it flirts with legality. He noted that the 55303 zip code is the fourth highest ranking for COVID cases. He stated that he has received a number of calls and emails from residents in the past four hours and this is an issue that is not appropriate at a City level. He commented that Police Chief Katers and his department have done a great job attempting to promote compliance while not bringing forth enforcement issues and instead using education. He stated that there are people that come to Ramsey to work and therefore this is not just a Ramsey issue. Councilmember Heineman commented that data and science are important factors but can be viewed in a way that supports one’s point. He noted that the article referencing 55303 being ranked the fourth highest zip code for cases also included data on cases per 1,000, which puts that zip code much lower in ranking. He stated that there are many factors to consider such as mental health, financial wellbeing, health problems because of mask use, increases in chemical dependency and the impact of isolation on mental health. He stated that it is his opinion that this Executive Order is a violation of the Bill of Rights. He stated that social contracts are relied on City Council / March 9, 2021 Page 15 of 21