Agenda - Council - 02/24/2026 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Buscher stated that she is available to residents at any time and considers herself an ally to anyone seeking connection, understanding, or assistance from city leadership. She acknowledged the courage it took for residents, including youth, to speak publicly and emphasized that young people's voices matter because they represent the community's future. She shared that she wants her own child to grow up seeing neighbors stand together, support one another, and insist on dignity and respect for all people. Councilmember Buscher noted a shared sentiment expressed during the meeting: strong respect for local law enforcement. She praised the Police Chief and officers for their work and acknowledged that residents sometimes feel uncomfortable or harmed during interactions with law enforcement. She addressed one resident directly, apologizing for what occurred and committing to listen, understand what happened, and work together to address it. Councilmember Buscher noted that many affected residents were absent from the meeting and emphasized that community impact extends beyond those who spoke. She encouraged residents to continue attending meetings, sharing feedback, and communicating both positive and negative needs to city staff and council members. Councilmember Buscher urged residents to seek information directly from city leadership rather than making assumptions, while acknowledging that fear and uncertainty are widespread. She concluded by encouraging the community to move forward with care, mutual support, and compassion, and thanked residents again for their support of one another. Mayor Heineman spoke from his perspective as Mayor, clarifying that he was not speaking on behalf of the full City Council or city staff. He explained that the government operates through separate levels and branches, each with defined authority, and that municipalities must comply with state and federal law. He encouraged residents who seek changes to immigration policy to work through federal and state channels, including members of Congress and state legislators. Mayor Heineman stated that the City of Ramsey does not enforce immigration law and does not restrict or interfere with federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and ATF. He emphasized that local governments have legal limits on their authority and that there are situations where residents ask the City to act when no lawful mechanism exists for the City to do so. He acknowledged residents' frustration and affirmed that he does not believe people are wrong for wanting action or for asking elected officials to respond. However, he reiterated that municipalities face constraints, particularly on federal matters, and that some decisions are beyond local control. Mayor Heineman rejected what he described as divisiveness on all sides. He stated that he condemns the mistreatment of individuals by anyone, whether federal agents or protesters, but does not support condemning entire groups based on the actions of individuals. He emphasized that people hold different worldviews and experiences, and that no single narrative fully captures the complexity of the situation. He stated that he will not fully endorse any one-sided narrative or condemn broad groups of people based on political alignment, profession, or immigration status. Instead, he emphasized values of love, peace, kindness, understanding, and self-control, and rejected anger, hate, and assigning motives to others. City Council /February 10, 2026 Page 12 of 20