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<br />Mayor Heineman announced that the agenda was approved without Items 4, 5, and 6 being <br />included as council business. He clarified that those topics would not be discussed during the <br />meeting agenda. He advised attendees wishing to comment on those matters to do so during citizen <br />input, since the items had been removed from consideration. <br />3. PRESENTATIONS <br />3.1 Proclamation declaring the month of May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month <br /> <br />Mayor Heineman read the proclamation declaring May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month. <br />3.2 Annual Fire Department Update and Review of 2025 Activity <br /> <br />Fire Chief Kohner presented the annual Fire Department year-in-review, focusing on <br />calls-for-service data and departmental activities in 2025. <br />3.3 Recognition of Retiring Fire Chief/Emergency Management Director’s 24 Years of <br />Service <br /> <br />Mayor Heineman recognized Fire Chief Kohner for his 24 years of service, including his <br />role as Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director. <br /> <br />Chief Kohner reflected on his journey, highlighting his passion for the fire service and <br />the support he received from his family and colleagues. He expressed appreciation for the <br />Council’s support and the opportunity to serve as Fire Chief. <br /> <br />The Council and community members expressed their gratitude and support for Chief <br />Kohner’s contributions. <br />4. CITIZEN INPUT <br /> <br />Ms. Dara Grimmer, 15931 Xenon Street NW, Ramsey, addressed the Ramsey City Council <br />regarding the display of Minnesota’s former state flag. She explained that she never felt <br />represented by the previous flag and appreciated the state’s process of consulting with tribal <br />communities and residents to create a new design intended to unify Minnesotans. She <br />indicated that the new flag symbolizes inclusion, unity, and Minnesota's North Star <br />identity, while also representing neighbors with differing viewpoints. She urged the <br />Council not to display the former flag, explaining that doing so would make her feel <br />unwelcome and excluded from the Ramsey community. <br /> <br />th <br />Ms. Marygrace Horner, 6889 170 Trail NW, addressed the Ramsey City Council <br />regarding the proposal to designate the historic Minnesota state flag as the city’s official <br />flag. Horner acknowledged respect for history and traditions but expressed concern that the <br />former flag depicts only male figures and excludes women from its imagery. She explained <br />that public symbols communicate who is represented within a community and compared <br />the issue to the historical principle of “taxation without representation.” Horner encouraged <br />City Council / May 12, 2026 <br />Page 3 of 15 <br /> <br />