Agenda - Council - 08/26/2025 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City of - RAMSEY August 27, 2025 Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Business Council donations@shakopeedakota.org 7550 Sunwood Drive NW • Ramsey, MN 55303 City Hall: 763.427.1410 • Fax: 763.427.5543 www.cityoframsey.com Dear Chairman Cole W. Miller, Vice -Chairwoman Natasha K. Hacker, and Secretary/Treasurer Ashley J. Cornforth, My name is Kirsten Buscher, and I serve as a Councilmember At -Large for the City of Ramsey, Minnesota. I am also the former Native Affairs Outreach Director for U.S. Senator Tina Smith. In both my local and federal roles, I have worked to uplift Tribal voices, strengthen cross -jurisdictional partnerships, and advocate for improved public safety for all communities, including our Native relatives. I am writing today, on behalf of the Ramsey City Council, in strong support of the Ramsey Police Department's request for funding to establish a public safety drone program, which would enhance our ability to respond to emergencies, locate missing persons, support vulnerable populations, and improve officer and community safety. As detailed in the department's proposal, this program has been a long- standing goal hindered only by budgetary constraints. The requested $18,000 would help launch a program that will directly serve our residents and increase our capacity to respond swiftly and safely in times of crisis. Beyond the operational benefits, this drone program represents an opportunity for deeper collaboration with Tribal Nations, including the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. As a city, Ramsey is committed to building lasting relationships with agencies and organizations throughout Minnesota, including Tribal communities, to promote the well-being of all individuals and we are open to entering partnerships that promote joint efforts in critical areas like public safety and MMIR (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives). We believe that proactive partnership and education are foundational to preventing and responding to MMIR cases, and we are eager to ensure that our local departments, including police and fire, are both informed and actively engaged. It is our mission to work together to responsibly grow our community, and to provide quality, cost-effective, and efficient government services.