Agenda - Council - 03/12/2024 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Administrator Hagen reviewed the Staff report in regard to the legislative advocacy and to consider the City of Ramsey opposing Minnesota from becoming a sanctuary state with the North Star Act. Councilmember Musgrove shared she wanted to discuss this item as she feels it would be very detrimental to the State's economy based on other cities who have made their city a sanctuary city. She explained that a lot of the financial responsibility of sanctuary cities takes away from the financial responsibility and care of the residents. She added this can also be a burden on police departments. She explained that there have been other cities and counties that have many resolutions that show that they are not in support of this. She stated she would like Ramsey to let the legislature know that they do not support this. She suggested bringing a resolution forward that shows they are not in support of this. Councilmember Howell asked what the practical application of the resolution in these other cities and counties was. Councilmember Musgrove said she did not know the goal of the resolutions. Mayor Kuzma asked if this did pass if they could opt out or voice our opposition. City Administrator Hagen said Police Chief Katers would be able to best answer this question as he is not sure about the penalty would be if the North Star Act gets approved and the Police Department continues to enact the laws that the North Star Act prohibits. He noted if they pass a resolution stating that they do not support the North Star Act, it is mainly just expressing their desire to leave things as is in the State. Councilmember Howell stated she is not necessarily opposed to this. Councilmember Musgrove noted that the resolution made by the other county states that the enforcement of the laws comes from the Federal Government and not the State and that the duty of police officers is to keep the residents safe, as well as encouraging the legislature to not pass the North Star Act. Councilmember Woestehoff said he has no interest in putting together a resolution for this as he sees it as a distraction, and this is not City business. Councilmember Howell disagreed and stated it is City business as it could burden schools and cause a burden on taxpayers. She noted that she does not think that the legislature would care what the City thinks and that a resolution for this would be pointless. She reiterated that she is not opposed to this and suggested discussing this further at a later date. City Administrator Hagen noted that Staff can continue to keep an eye on this situation. Councilmember Musgrove stated the City could be a motivated entity that encourages other cities or groups to do something. City Council Work Session /February 26, 2024 Page 8 of 9