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City Administrator Hagen said they technically are in debt as it was funded through interfund loans <br />that are paid back through TIF proceeds. He noted that if there is no public transportation in the <br />City then they may be able to ask for some reimbursement of these funds. <br /> <br />Councilmember Buscher stated she does not want the City to offer comments on this as she does <br />not want them to get entangled in something that they do not need to be in. She asked if there are <br />citizens in Ramsey that will be unable to get to places if the rail goes away. <br /> <br />City Administrator Hagen explained that they do not know who is using the rail; however, it seems <br />like this is already a done deal in legislation. He noted that a statement was released from MnDOT <br />and the Met Council that stated they will be ensuring that another service is available for public <br />transportation. <br /> <br />Councilmember Peters suggested putting some information about Northstar Commuter Rail being <br />disconnected and give residents the information for what other services will be available in the <br />Ramsey Resident. <br /> <br />Councilmember Specht agreed that he does not think the City should get involved with this. <br /> <br />Mayor Heineman asked if there has been any change in crime rates with the rail. <br /> <br />Police Captain Frankfurth said there is nothing measurable that they have seen as most people use <br />it to get to the airport or to sporting events. <br /> <br />Mayor Heineman said that he does not want to get involved with this if it could turn into a fight; <br />however, if they are going to say anything then he would like them to communicate that they <br />invested money into the rail and would like to be compensated for this. <br /> <br />The consensus of the Council was to direct Staff to not make an official statement on the possible <br />discontinuation of the Northstar Commuter Rail but to advocate for a bus stop and possible <br />compensation to make up for the improvements done by the City for the rail. <br /> <br />2.03: Remote Public Meeting Attendance Policy <br /> <br />City Administrator Hagen reviewed the Staff report in regard to the remote public meeting <br />attendance policy. <br /> <br />Councilmember Specht shared that he was not a supporter of allowing unlimited members of <br />Council or Commissions to attend meetings remotely; however, this policy has not been abused. <br /> <br />Mayor Heineman agreed and noted that since it is not currently being abused, then he does not <br />have an issue with this policy. <br /> <br />City Administrator Hagen said they could address this if it ever does become an issue. <br /> <br />City Council Work Session / February 25, 2025 <br />Page 4 of 7 <br /> <br />