Agenda - Council - 04/13/2021 - Laserfiche WebLink

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will most likely be necessary throughout 2021. He stated that he trusts science and others should too. He stated that he does not live in the community but has dollars to spend. He stated that he visited the Kitchen Table in Ramsey and noticed people wearing masks until seated. He stated that he would rather be in Minnetonka spending his money because there is not this type of controversy. He asked that people work together rather than arguing against each other. Councilmember Howell commented that historically when we have been pressured by those in government to look the other way and not question their actions, innocents have suffered the consequences. She stated that her deliberations in Council pointed to that historical reality and she will go on standing against those that use the power of government to abuse the rights of others in fulfilment of her oath to uphold the constitution. She stated that they will have to agree to disagree. Vicky Redburg, Store Director of Ramsey Coborns, commented that she is present on behalf of her team to communicate the impact the vote has had on her staff. She stated that two weeks ago she reached out to the Council with her concerns and thanked Mayor Kuzma and Councilmembers Riley and Woestehoff for responding. She stated that she is disappointed in the four members of the Council that supported the resolution and did not reach out to her in response to the issues Coborns is having. She stated that during the past year grocery store teams have showed up every day, even when everyone else is told to stay home, in order to ensure community members have access to food and medicine. She stated that as a Minnesota business she is required by law to follow Executive Orders, including the mask mandate. She stated that the vote the Council took did not change her obligation. She stated that unfortunately many in the community have misunderstood this and are entering stores without masks with the impression that the mask mandate does not apply in Ramsey and disregarding the laws the business is required to follow. She commented that their team has regular confrontations with guests that refuse to wear a mask based on the justification of the resolution passed by the Council. She stated that some of those guests have become angry, belligerent, and disrespectful to the staff and other guests. She stated that there are teenagers working in the store that are being put in the middle of this situation. She commented that this has been exhausting and seems to only be getting worse. She stated that beyond the safety of her team there are guests communicating about concerns for safety within the store. She noted that staff has had to break up arguments between guests. She stated that they do not want community members to choose to take their business elsewhere because of this issue. She stated that she does not care whether the Council supports the mask mandate or does not because the simple fact is that once a private citizen chooses to enter a business they are accepting the policies and rules of the business and must comply with those policies to continue to use their services. She stated that if they do not want to put a mask on, that is fine but they will then need to find a business that does not require them to do so. She stated that businesses must continue to follow the Executive Order regardless of the vote of the Council. She asked that the Council reverse its decision or plainly convey that the Executive Order is still law in Minnesota that businesses must follow and also, that businesses should be treated with respect. She stated that the safety of her employees is her priority and has been for the past year and they should not be put in harm's way because of the actions of the Council and miscommunication. Cecil Anderson, 139th Avenue NW, thanked those who were in support of removing the mask mandate. She stated that it is saddening to hear what the previous speaker has gone through because of the ridiculousness of Governor Walz. She referenced an article from one year ago from City Council / March 23, 2021 Page 7 of 24