Laserfiche WebLink
<br />significantly reduced training hours for recruits and that new cadets may not be adequately <br />prepared in tactics or legal standards. <br /> <br />Mr. Minoski expressed concern about the adequacy of training and instruction on the use of force. <br />Based on those concerns, he urged the council to consider adopting policy recommendations <br />similar to those taken by other cities. <br /> <br />Michelle Powers, a Ramsey resident and middle school teacher, spoke about the importance of <br />listening to community voices. She referenced a prior meeting where public commenters were <br />reminded not to assign motives to others and questioned whether such limitations restrict open <br />expression, particularly when comments are delivered calmly and respectfully. She raised concerns <br />about potential First Amendment implications. <br /> <br />Ms. Powers emphasized that individual experiences vary and that collective stories offer a broader <br />understanding of community concerns. She called for understanding and compassion for people <br />with different perspectives and encouraged the council to respect diverse lived experiences. She <br />concluded by expressing hope that the community can work together in ways that support <br />everyone. <br /> <br />Kali Gonzalez, a resident of 139th Avenue, referenced statements made during the Mayor’s <br />campaign about protecting vulnerable residents. She expressed concern that current actions appear <br />to prioritize certain groups over others and asked when the commitment to protecting all vulnerable <br />residents would be honored. <br /> <br />Cindy Anderson, a Ramsey resident read a statement on Sue Ann Richards's behalf, as Richards <br />was unable to attend. The statement expressed concern that two weeks had passed since residents <br />requested a formal response from the city council and Mayor regarding ICE activity in the <br />community. It acknowledged the chief of police's detailed explanation of the limits of local <br />authority, but questioned statements attributed to the Mayor, indicating that the city lacks legal <br />authority to act. The statement cited examples of other cities that have passed ordinances or <br />executive orders related to ICE activity and asked what prevents Ramsey from taking similar <br />action. It called for a public statement clarifying the city’s position and characterized the absence <br />of such action as silence, which the author argued implies complicity. The statement questioned <br />whether political considerations were influencing the city’s response. <br /> <br />Diana Schansberg, a Ramsey resident, expressed concern about the possibility of Ramsey police <br />officers being recruited to work with ICE or Customs and Border Protection. She cited information <br />indicating that ICE actively recruits local law enforcement officers and noted that such <br />involvement could erode community trust, create differences in policing philosophies, and cause <br />operational confusion. <br /> <br />Ms. Schansberg noted that the Ramsey Police Department appears to have a policy stating that it <br />does not work directly with ICE. She requested clarification on whether current Ramsey officers <br />are permitted to work with ICE or Customs and Border Protection. She also asked whether former <br />officers would be subject to any restrictions after leaving the department. She stated that such <br />involvement could negatively affect the relationship between law enforcement and the community. <br />City Council /February 24, 2026 <br />Page 3 of 9 <br /> <br />