Minutes - Council Work Session - 04/14/2026

Home

Councilmember Buscher expressed overall support for the strategic plan and suggested adding more structure, such as prioritizing items by timeline or importance and including measurable outcomes to track progress better. She also recommended considering how the City will monitor changing demographics in the absence of frequent surveys, with an emphasis on equitable access to services. Additionally, she highlighted interest in strengthening environmental stewardship efforts and continuing to build partnerships with other governmental entities to leverage shared resources and funding opportunities. City Administrator Hagen asked for clarification on how Councilmember Buscher would like those ideas reflected in the plan, specifically whether they should be included in the “working well” section or incorporated into the objectives. Councilmember Buscher clarified that she is not prescribing a specific placement but wants to ensure the plan reflects ongoing efforts to build and maintain partnerships with other governmental entities. She emphasized the goal is to show continued collaboration and leveraging of external resources without overcomplicating the plan, and deferred to staff on how best to incorporate it, if appropriate. Councilmember Buscher suggested revisiting joint meetings with neighboring cities, such as Anoka or Elk River, noting that such meetings were held in the past to discuss shared challenges and strategies. She expressed interest in bringing that back if there is value and alignment, and indicated she would support exploring it further. Councilmember Stewart stated she would support a joint meeting only if there is a clear purpose and potential outcomes, rather than a general discussion without direction. She suggested there may be an opportunity in the near future, such as coordination around the Mississippi River crossing. Mayor Heineman agreed that joint meetings should occur only if there is a clear, shared purpose, such as coordinating on the river crossing or providing a legislative update with common representatives. He expressed concern that without a focused objective, meetings could become unproductive. 2.02: Discuss Council Member Compensation City Administrator Hagen opened a discussion on elected official compensation, noting that as of the last review in February 2022, Ramsey’s mayor's salary was $8,000, compared to an average of about $10,338 in surrounding cities, and councilmembers' pay was $6,000, compared to an average closer to $8,000. He noted the topic was brought forward at the request of Councilmembers Buscher and Riley. Acting Mayor Riley stated he is now open to discussing elected official compensation, noting his previous opposition but recognizing that pay has not changed since 2005 despite rising costs. He acknowledged the percentage gap compared to other cities and supported having the discussion, emphasizing that any changes would take effect after an election. He suggested increasing compensation to be more in line with area averages, noting that while the role is not meant to be a City Council Work Session / April 14, 2026 Page 7 of 10