Minutes - Council - 05/26/2026 - Laserfiche WebLink

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designate the historic state flag as its official flag. Members debated the significance of the state flag issue, the process the State used to adopt the new flag, and whether Council action was necessary, given that the City was already flying the historic flag. Motion by Mayor Heineman, seconded by Councilmember Olson, to adopt Resolution #26-102, Designating the Historic Minnesota State Flag as the Official Flag of the City of Ramsey to Ensure Local Control and Fiscal Responsibility. Motion failed. Voting Yes: Mayor Heineman, Councilmembers Olson and Specht. Voting No: Councilmembers Buscher, Peters, Riley and Stewart. Following the failed vote on the historic flag resolution, Councilmember Riley proposed an alternative solution directing staff to prepare a resolution providing that Ramsey would not fly any State flag. He explained that this approach would avoid future disputes over which state flag should be displayed. Motion by Councilmember Riley, seconded by Councilmember Stewart, to direct staff to create a resolution for consideration at the next meeting that no state flag shall be flown. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Heineman, Councilmembers Buscher, Olson, Peters, Riley, Specht, and Stewart. Voting No: None. 7.07: Adopt Resolution #26-108 Expressing Formal Disapproval and Censure of Governor Tim Walz Mayor Heineman introduced Resolution #26-108, expressing formal disapproval and censure of Governor Tim Walz, and opened the public hearing. He explained that he would provide additional context during Council discussion, but first invited public comment on the proposal. Mr. Rodney Allen, 5731 142nd Avenue Northwest, Ramsey, questioned why the resolution had been brought forward and asked what purpose it would serve. He indicated that he did not understand the proposal's objective and requested clarification on the Council's intent. Mr. Brian Walker, 17289 Variolite Street Northwest, criticized the proposal and questioned why the Council was pursuing it. He argued that if the Council wished to hold individuals accountable for the Feeding Our Future fraud scandal, it should also consider censuring the Minnesota Legislative Audit Commission and others who had oversight responsibilities before the matter reached the governor's office. He contended that many layers of government had opportunities to identify problems before the governor became involved and characterized the resolution as an attempt to target a political opponent rather than address the root causes of the issue. Mr. Michael Swanson, 5368 140th Court Northwest, stated that he opposed both Agenda Items 7 and 8. He argued that if the Council intended to censure the governor formally, it should be based on evidence and a legally supported rationale rather than media reports or political disagreement. He suggested that the Council should first consider the subsequent agenda item before taking City Council /May 26, 2026 Page 11 of 19