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

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Councilmember introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION # 26-040 RESOLUTION APPROVING A ROSTER OF QUALIFIED HEARING OFFICERS FOR DANGEROUS AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS DOG APPEAL HEARINGS WHEREAS, Minnesota State Statute § 347.53 authorizes municipalities to regulate dangerous and potentially dangerous dogs; and WHEREAS, City of Ramsey Ordinance 10-66 establishes a hearing process for owners of dogs deemed dangerous or potentially dangerous and requires that a hearing officer conduct such hearings; and WHEREAS, Minnesota State Statute § 347.541 requires that dog owners be afforded an opportunity for a hearing to appeal a dangerous dog designation; and WHEREAS, dangerous or potentially dangerous dog appeal hearings do not occur frequently; and WHEREAS, the City Council desires to ensure that such hearings are conducted in a fair, impartial, timely, and legally defensible manner by qualified independent hearing officers; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that approving a roster of qualified hearing officers provides flexibility, efficiency, and continuity while reducing the risk of delay or conflict of interest; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RAMSEY, ANOKA COUNTY, STATE OF MINNESOTA, as follows: 1. The City Council approves a roster of qualified hearing officers to conduct dangerous and potentially dangerous dog appeal hearings pursuant to City Code Section 10-66 and Minnesota Statutes, as set forth in Exhibit A, which is attached. 2. The hearing officers approved on the roster shall serve as independent contractors and shall not be considered employees of the City for any purpose. 3. The City Administrator, Chief of Police, or their designee is authorized to assign an available hearing officer from the approved roster to a particular appeal hearing as needed, without further action by the City Council. 4. Appeal hearings may be conducted in person or by remote electronic means, including videoconference platforms, when determined appropriate by the City, provided that due process requirements are satisfied. 5. Approval of the roster does not guarantee any minimum number of hearings or compensation to any hearing officer, or limit the number of hearing officers that may be on the list.