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<br />Motion carried. <br />7.01: Adopt Ordinance #21-10 Prohibiting Targeted Picketing in Residential <br />Neighborhoods <br /> <br />Police Chief Katers reviewed the staff report and recommendation to adopt Ordinance #21-10. <br /> <br />Councilmember Heineman stated that previously he has shown some apprehension towards <br />adopting this, specifically as it applies to elected officials. He asked the drain on resources for the <br />City police if residential picketing were allowed. <br /> <br />Police Chief Katers replied that it could be a drain on resources. He stated that calls are based <br />upon complaints, therefore if a call is received an officer would respond. He stated that some types <br />of calls would require response from multiple officers. He stated that in neighboring cities there <br />have been larger numbers of officers needed because of larger crowds. He stated that there are <br />always people on both sides and if there are two groups picketing within a neighborhood that <br />would be disturbing to residents in that area. He confirmed that it would be a drain on resources <br />for both Ramsey and the communities that provide mutual aid. He stated that there are places <br />where picketing can occur, but residential neighborhoods are not the proper setting. <br /> <br />Councilmember Howell asked if there were an exemption that would allow someone to say they <br />allow picketing on their property. <br /> <br />Police Chief Katers replied that the ordinance is not written in that way. <br /> <br />Councilmember Howell stated that she supports the spirit of the ordinance and attempt to keep <br />neighborhoods peaceful. She agreed that this would not be a good use of resources. She stated <br />that she would love to see the spirit of this be upheld with other laws and ordinances already in <br />place. <br /> <br />Police Chief Katers stated that part of the reason for this type of ordinance is that while there may <br />be other laws or ordinances that could prohibit this activity, the department would need to wait for <br />a criminal act to occur before stepping in. He stated that this would be a preemptive measure <br />stating that this is not allowed in neighborhoods. <br /> <br />Councilmember Specht stated that he appreciates the feedback and supports the request. <br /> <br />Motion by Councilmember Specht, seconded by Councilmember Musgrove, to Adopt Ordinance <br />#21-10, Creating Section 133 of Ramsey City Code Chapter 34, Article IV, Entitled – Targeted <br />Picketing in Residential Neighborhoods. <br /> <br />Further discussion: Councilmember Woestehoff stated that he appreciates this and that it is <br />targeted at residential areas. He stated that perhaps in the future there could be discussion on <br />creating safe spaces for picketing to allow those expressions within those allowed areas. He stated <br />that picketing makes him nervous within residential areas because of the impact to other residents. <br />Councilmember Musgrove stated that she supports creating a safe space for people picketing and <br />City Council / April 27, 2021 <br />Page 5 of 17 <br /> <br />