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that updating public symbols reflects societal change rather than erasing history. She <br />encouraged the Council to accept the current state flag as the official design adopted <br />through the legislative process. <br />Ms. Lorelei Rick, 16340 Barrett Street NW, addressed the Ramsey City Council regarding <br />the Minnesota state flag discussion. She explained that she supported keeping the former <br />state flag because she believed it represented Minnesota's identity and history. She <br />indicated that many residents recognized the historic flag as a symbol of the State, even if <br />they did not fully understand the meaning behind the seal. She argued that the timeframe <br />since the adoption of the new flag was not relevant and compared the debate to other <br />historical issues that changed over time through public action. She also expressed concern <br />that the new flag did not reflect her view of Minnesota's identity. She criticized the process <br />used to adopt it, stating she believed the redesign was rushed and politically driven. She <br />encouraged the Council to preserve the former flag as a reflection of Minnesota's history <br />and traditions. <br />Kelly, a Ramsey resident, addressed the Ramsey City Council regarding the three agenda <br />items that had been removed from consideration. She explained that while she supports <br />government accountability, she did not believe the City should spend staff time or taxpayer <br />resources pursuing actions related to Governor Tim Walz or other state -level political <br />matters. She indicated that the Council's focus should remain on local responsibilities such <br />as infrastructure, public safety, and City services that directly affect Ramsey residents. <br />Regarding the Minnesota state flag discussion, she noted that the redesign process included <br />public submissions and formal approval through the legislative process. She explained that <br />residents do not need to personally like the new design for it to remain the official state <br />flag. She suggested that if Ramsey wanted a symbol unique to the community, the City <br />could consider creating its own local flag instead of revisiting the state flag issue. She also <br />expressed concern that continued disputes with the State over the flag could negatively <br />affect Ramsey's relationship with the state government and future funding opportunities. <br />Mr. Todd Embury, 9041 159th Lane NW, addressed the Ramsey City Council regarding <br />the Minnesota state flag discussion. He argued that the redesign process for the new flag <br />was extensive and included years of public engagement, more than 20,000 public <br />comments, and over 2,000 submitted flag designs before the final design was selected. He <br />stated that claims that the process was rushed were inaccurate and encouraged the Council <br />to review the facts independently. <br />Mr. Embury also discussed the importance of recognizable branding and symbolism, <br />drawing comparisons to well-known corporate logos and to the state flags of Texas, <br />California, and Alaska. He explained that many older state flags share similar dark blue <br />backgrounds with detailed seals, making them difficult to distinguish from one another. He <br />indicated that the new Minnesota flag was designed to be more recognizable and symbolic <br />of the State's identity, including references to Minnesota's shape and the star featured in <br />the State Capitol rotunda. He concluded by suggesting that creating a unique Ramsey flag <br />could be a better use of the Council's time. <br />City Council / May 12, 2026 <br />Page 5 of 15 <br />