Minutes - Council - 02/10/2026 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Michelle Powers, a Ramsey resident, parent, educator, and co-founder of Parents for Good, shared concerns based on her work supporting families across the district and her experiences with fearful students. She stated that hearing these stories has been distressing, particularly when children and youth are affected. Ms. Powers asked city leadership to focus on future-oriented planning rather than immediate responses. She inquired whether Ramsey has, or could adopt, policies or ordinances to protect sensitive locations such as schools, bus stops, and polling places, particularly during elections. She emphasized the importance of planning regardless of how long U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity may continue. Ms. Powers also raised concerns about the impact on local businesses and workers, referencing reports of business closures, restaurants struggling, and hotel employees leaving their jobs due to the current situation. Ms. Powers asked what steps the City is taking to support businesses, workers, and property owners affected by these circumstances. Ms. Powers stated that fear and uncertainty weaken the community and expressed a desire for her children to grow up in a city where families do not feel forced into hiding. She urged city leaders to demonstrate transparency, clear policies, and local leadership within their authority to restore calm, trust, and stability, while upholding fairness and due process. She concluded by thanking city officials for their time and service. Mike Wiltfang, 14762 Waco Street, a Ramsey resident and second-generation immigrant, shared his personal background with immigration, noting his family’s experience navigating the immigration system without conflict. He stated that his comments were not intended to dispute others’ experiences but to raise a specific question for city leadership. Mr. Wiltfang referenced a letter authored by the Mayor of Crosslake, Minnesota, initially released on December 22 and reportedly signed by a growing number of mayors statewide. He stated that, based on the most recent information available to him, Mayor Heineman was not listed as a signatory. Mr. Wiltfang characterized the letter as addressing long-standing issues and Minnesota-related statistics that he believes are now coming to the forefront. He offered copies of the letter to council members and concluded by asking a single question: Why has Mayor Heineman not signed the letter? Mayor Heineman explained that he is intentionally reserving most comments related to immigration and ICE until later in the meeting, but chose to respond briefly to the question about why he has not signed the referenced mayors’ letter. Mayor Heineman stated that while he agrees with much of the letter's content and sentiment and respects those who signed it, he does not view signing letters as a meaningful action in itself. He expressed concern about what he described as “virtue signaling,” noting that signing every public letter on every issue can dilute leadership and result in symbolic gestures without tangible outcomes. City Council /February 10, 2026 Page 8 of 20