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

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Michelle Anderson, 9151 Inverness Circle, commented that perhaps she should have posted an event to provide her own cheering section as others did. She stated that she still clapped for everyone as that is a sign of respect and has been disappointed that is not the way everyone is operating in terms of providing respect. She understands that her opinion is different than some members of the Council. She understands that Councilmembers Howell and Heineman have passion for the mask issue. She stated that there is ambiguity in the comments of support tonight and is unsure that people understand what the resolution means. She stated that she wrote an email to the Council and received responses from a few members, which she appreciated. She stated that she understands people's personal passions and realized that the Council looks different every single year. She stated that the Council is meant to further the mission of the City to grow the community and help provide quality cost effective services and governance. She stated that when people bring their personal passions it prevents forward motion. She stated that people have to have a singular focus as that is what drives the group forward. She stated that if the energies are based on personal passions the Council will not get very far. She stated that the mission of an organization is meant to provide that singular focus and drive what is done. She stated that the mission is about City governance and not whether something is constitutional or related to personal passion. She stated that she is the Director of Operations and Administration for Lord of Life Church and the Board Chair of Youth First, which she serves on the Board with Councilmember Specht. She stated that she has staff and student at Youth First and there is ambiguity to what the purpose of the resolution is. She stated that there are different messages on social media. She stated that ambiguity has created problems for businesses and organizations in Ramsey. She referenced the passion on this topic and noted that those people come into the businesses and organizations with the intent of making a statement, which causes issues. She stated that they can ask someone to leave but if they are defiant and belligerent the choice would then be to call the police to remove them from the property. She commented that seems to be in direct violation of the purpose of said resolution. She asked the Council to stay focused on the City mission and not bringing their own political views into the issue. She stated that ambiguity does not make this better. She stated that this energy could be used to do something for good rather than cause division. She noted that people have spoken over people they disagree with which is not intellectual discourse and is instead a rally. She stated that the resolution caused ambiguity, discourse and division. She asked that the resolution be rescinded and choose something else that has an impact such as roads, schools, water, or parks and trails. She stated that this is not the forum where decisions on life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness will be made and asked the Council to focus on its actual role to further the mission of the City of Ramsey. Caroline Himmer, 16010 Potassium Street, stated that she did not intent to speak tonight but wanted to address some things. She stated that the previous speaker mentioned that this is a useless discussion. She stated that she has a medical exemption, as do her children, and she has not been able to shop in certain places because they cannot wear masks. She stated that the ambiguity is within the mandate itself. She stated that her daughter was told by her doctor not to wear a mask because of her health and they have been kicked out of many businesses. She stated that is not okay. She commented that this is their home and they have the right to be around other people. She understands that COVID is real as they have had it and lost family members to the illness. She stated that there is also something to be said for preserving what is left and allowing people to go back to their lives. She stated that she should be allowed to go shopping without being yelled at and sworn at. She stated that she has a history of trauma that makes her unable to wear a mask City Council / March 23, 2021 Page 9 of 24