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<br />Councilmember Buscher agreed with Mayor Heineman that the community remained divided on <br />the flag issue. She expressed hope that not flying the flag would reduce division and allow the <br />community to unify around issues affecting the City of Ramsey. <br /> <br />Mayor Heineman noted that the Council had held an extensive discussion on the topic at its <br />previous meeting and encouraged anyone seeking additional context to review the discussion. <br /> <br />Councilmember Olson acknowledged that the outcome was not his preferred decision but, in the <br />interest of compromise and unity, stated that he believed it was an acceptable resolution and would <br />support it. <br /> <br />Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Heineman, Councilmembers Olson, Peters, Riley, and <br />Stewart. Voting No: Councilmembers Buscher and Specht. <br /> <br />7.02: Authorization to Hire a Part-time Communications Specialist <br /> <br />Councilmember Olson explained that he wanted to provide additional context for members of the <br />public, noting that the prior discussion on the agenda item appeared in the previous meeting's <br />agenda packet. He recalled that the Council's earlier vote resulted in a 4–3 split, with him voting <br />in opposition. After reflecting on the discussion and reviewing the work session minutes, he <br />concluded that his vote had not aligned with his true position on the matter. Olson stated that he <br />brought the item back to allow the Council to correct what he believed was a mistaken decision. <br /> <br />Councilmember Riley asked about the City's communication with the candidate's status. <br /> <br />Administrative Services Director Lasher responded that the candidate remained very interested in <br />the position and, if approved by the Council, was scheduled to begin employment on June 29 under <br />the previously discussed conditions. She added that the candidate was eager to join the City and <br />that the communications coordinator was enthusiastic about receiving additional support for <br />current and ongoing workload demands. <br /> <br />Motion by Councilmember Olson, seconded by Councilmember Buscher, to hire Miss Rachel <br />Lahlum as part-time Communication Specialist, effective on or near June 29, 2026, at $30.803 per <br />hour, which is step one of the 2026 wage scale. <br /> <br />Councilmember Riley stated that he would continue to vote against the item, noting that he had <br />previously opposed it and that his reasons had already been expressed during the earlier discussion. <br /> <br />Councilmember Buscher stated she would again vote in favor of the item. She emphasized the <br />Council's commitment to transparency and effective communication with residents, and expressed <br />her belief that the position would improve the quality of information shared with the public. <br />Buscher also noted that the Council had reached an agreement on the matter during its budget <br />discussions and that the action was consistent with previous commitments. <br /> <br />Councilmember Olson voiced support for the item, emphasizing the importance of effective <br />communication with residents. Drawing on personal experience, he observed that while a single <br />City Council /June 9, 2026 <br />Page 5 of 8 <br /> <br />