Agenda - Council - 05/12/2026 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember introduced the following resolution and moved for its adoption: RESOLUTION #26-102 RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE HISTORIC MINNESOTA STATE FLAG AS THE OFFICIAL FLAG OF THE CITY OF RAMSEY TO ENSURE LOCAL CONTROL AND FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY WHEREAS, the City of Ramsey operates under the principle that the best decisions are made closest to home, where local leaders are directly accountable to the residents they serve; and WHEREAS, the State of Minnesota recently transitioned to a new state flag design through a process managed by a 13-member commission rather than a direct vote of the people, leaving many citizens without a voice in the selection of a primary state symbol; and WHEREAS, the initial legislative allocation of $35,000 for the redesign commission does not reflect the true financial impact on local governments, as the cost of replacing flags, seals, badges, uniforms, and vehicle decals across the state is estimated to reach millions of dollars in taxpayer funds; and WHEREAS, the City of Ramsey values fiscal prudence and seeks to avoid unnecessary expenditures associated with the administrative rollout of new symbology that was not requested by the local electorate; and WHEREAS, no current Minnesota State Statute mandates that a municipality must adopt the new state design for its own local displays, thereby affirming that cities retain the sovereign authority to choose the symbols that fly over their public buildings; and WHEREAS, recent legislative proposals, such as HF5077, which seek to impose monetary penalties on local governments for exercising their right to choose their flags, represent an overreach of power that contradicts the Minnesota value of local control; NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RAMSEY, ANOKA COUNTY, STATE OF MINNESOTA, as follows: The City of Ramsey hereby officially adopts the historic Minnesota State Flag (the design utilized from 1957-2024) as the official flag to be flown at all City -owned facilities and featured in official City proceedings. FISCAL STEWARDSHIP: The City shall prioritize the use of existing resources and historical symbols to avoid the "ripple effect" of expenses associated with the state -level redesign, ensuring taxpayer dollars remain focused on essential local services. AFFIRMATION OF LOCAL CONTROL: The City of Ramsey stands in opposition to any state - level mandates or financial penalties aimed at forcing the adoption of the new state flag,