Agenda - Council Work Session - 09/02/2025 - Special

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2. 2. CC Special Work Session Meeting Date: 09/02/2025 Primary Strategic Plan Initiative: Title: Consider Public Fund Expenditure to Foster Law Enforcement and Community Relations Purpose/Background: Officers from the Ramsey Police Department have a separate non-profit association called the Ramsey Police Association (RPA). RPA raises funds, and a portion of these funds are used to help our community. At times officers respond to calls where community members may need money for groceries, fuel or temporary lodging depending on the circumstance. One event RPA has historically done to help raise funds for these efforts is to have a water dunk tank at the annual Happy Days festival. Due to the cost to rent the dunk tank versus the amount of funds collected, recent years has shown little net funding generated. RPA is requesting the City Council exercise an option in state law under M.S.471.198 which allows the use of public funds to foster positive relationships between law enforcement and the community. The tank would be centrally located adjacent to the main City of Ramsey tent. The request is for the city to pay for the dunk tank rental, and to allow officers who are already working a shift at Happy Days to sit at the tank while on duty. Notification: N/A Time Frame/Observations/Alternatives: Consensus support of this request is being sought after during this already scheduled special work session. Should the City Council support this request, a formal resolution recognizing such would occur at the next regularly scheduled meeting on September 9, 2025, which is three days after the annual Happy Days festival. Funding Source: The cost of the dunk tank is expected to be $265, plus four hours of operation with police department personnel already working at Happy Days to sit at the tank. Recommendation: Staff recommends support of the request, especially recognizing RPA's efforts to give back to community members in need. Outcome/Action: Provide consensus support to use public funds under M.S. 471.198 to foster positive relationships between law enforcement and the community, and to solicit contributions for the purpose thereof. No file(s) attached. Attachments Form Review Inbox Reviewed By Date Brian Hagen Kathy Schmitz 08/29/2025 11:44 AM Form Started By: Kathy Schmitz Started On: 08/29/2025 11:28 AM Final Approval Date: 08/29/2025