Minutes - Council - 12/14/2021 - Laserfiche WebLink

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7.03: Review 2021 Legislative Outcomes and 2022 Legislative Priorities City Administrator Ulrich reviewed the staff report and stated the purpose of the case is to look at the 2021 legislative agenda and outcomes and create a plan for the 2022 legislative session. Typically, the Council would meet with legislators at a session in January to review priorities for the coming session. He stated if there was feedback on any of the items put forward, consideration would be made by the Council during the session in January. Councilmember Musgrove thanked City Administrator Ulrich for adding comments in the LGA funding that was discussed. She referenced an article that was sent with information on LGA funds and stated that Ramsey is a unique City that fits the qualifications and criteria for this. She feels like every city should benefit from LGA in some portion. In talking to the gentleman in charge of the LGA, she learned there is a formula behind the funding based on the numbers from the given city so there would have to be a formula change in order to get funding. City Administrator Ulrich noted there was legislation that indicated there is a minimum local government aid distribution so cities would always get something. He indicated similar legislation to that is something the City could support. 7.04: Adopt Resolution #21-358 To Prohibit State and Federal Actors from Mandating Medical Procedures Upon Citizens Through Coercion or Force; and Providing Other Matters Related to the Subject City Administrator Ulrich introduced the resolution that was authored by Councilmembers Musgrove and Specht. He stated no significant issues or liabilities to the City were identified regarding this resolution, the City Attorney has reviewed this, and is available this evening. Councilmember Musgrove commented that her initiation in presenting this resolution is that City Staff would be increased over the 100-employee threshold, which mandates vaccination. This issue is currently being debated in courts so no immediate action may be necessary. She wanted to make a statement that vaccination should be individual choice instead of mandated due to being a part of an organization that is over 100 people. Councilmember Specht echoed Councilmember Musgrove that this resolution is about Ramsey making a stand for individual liberty regarding vaccines for the residents and Staff. Councilmember Riley commented that this resolution differs from the discussion about the mask resolution where it was determined what the City was and wasn’t going to enforce. This resolution says the City opposes mandates from the federal government. He didn’t have an issue with the City offering this as an opinion statement. He referenced the language in the resolution including the word “actors.” Councilmember Riley suggested a different word choice. He also questioned the language of “whereas” and “the stated goal” and asked for further clarification and definition. Councilmember Musgrove replied that the second time the word “whereas” is used establishes background and the “stated goal” is related to the first “whereas” as the CDC, the government, health agencies, their initial stated goal was to have enough COVID vaccines for people who City Council / December 14, 2021 Page 15 of 19