Agenda - Council - 07/14/2026 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Riley supported installing cameras to protect the City's newest park investment. Councilmember Stewart expressed particular concern about protecting children who use the splash pad and believed that cameras would improve public safety. Councilmember Specht agreed that cameras have become a common security tool and supported expanding their use where appropriate. Councilmember Buscher noted that public confusion often results from conflating Flock's various technologies. She stated that accurate public education about the capabilities and limitations of the proposed cameras would be important. She suggested that the City consider adopting a public transparency portal that describes camera usage, data -sharing practices, and policies governing access to information. Mayor Heineman expressed support for security cameras while encouraging continued discussion on the long-term governance of collected data and on maintaining strong local control over information sharing. Police Chief Bluml responded that the Police Department already maintains strict policies regarding data access, shares information only with authorized agencies, conducts audits of system usage, and prioritizes maintaining public trust. The Council reached consensus in support of installing security cameras at Waterfront Park during the current year. Staff indicated that expansion to additional parks, including Central Park, Elmcrest Park, and Rivers Bend Park, could be considered during future budget discussions. 3. TOPICS FOR FUTURE DISCUSSION 3.01: Review Future Topics/ Calendar Noted. 4. MAYOR / COUNCIL / STAFF INPUT The Council discussed future candidate forums and whether Ramsey should again host its own public candidate forum rather than relying exclusively on the format coordinated through QCTV and the League of Women Voters. Mayor Heineman explained that previous City -hosted forums allowed residents to attend in person and ask questions directly, providing greater transparency than forums recorded in a closed television studio without a public audience. Staff reviewed the logistics and relatively modest costs associated with hosting the previous City forum. The Council discussed the importance of maintaining a nonpartisan process while ensuring residents have meaningful opportunities to participate. Several members favored continuing to explore a City -hosted public forum for future general elections, while also encouraging continued City Council Work Session / June 23, 2026 Page 6 of 7