Minutes - Council Work Session - 06/23/2026

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sponsorships, event coordination, snow-removal planning, public-safety coordination, and daily operations. It was noted that, depending on the final scope, additional staffing or contracted event management services may be necessary. The Council discussed whether vendor cabins might also be used during the Farmers Market season, sponsorship opportunities to offset construction costs, and the possibility of gradually introducing holiday vendors through the existing tree-lighting celebration before expanding into a larger seasonal event. Following the discussion, the Council expressed general interest in continuing to study the larger destination-style market while also exploring a smaller pilot program associated with the annual tree lighting celebration or Frost Fest. Staff was directed to continue researching vendor interest, sponsorship opportunities, operational requirements, and overall feasibility before bringing additional recommendations to the Council. 2.03: Discussion Regarding Union Contract Negotiations (Discussion Closed to the Public) Administrative Services Director Lasher introduced the item to discuss the LELS-Patrol, LELS- Crime Data Analyst Group, and AFSCME contracts in Closed Session. The City Council unanimously consented to recess the meeting to Closed Session at 6:30 p.m. The meeting was reconvened at the Open Session at 7:55 p.m., following the regular City Council meeting. Administrative Services Director Lasher stated staff and Council discussed union negotiation strategy and received direction from Council on how to proceed with negotiations. 2.04: Discuss Council Member Compensation Administrative Services Director Lasher presented updated compensation information for councilmembers and the mayor. She explained that the Council last reviewed compensation in 2022 but elected not to make changes at that time despite Ramsey ranking near the bottom among comparable cities. Updated 2026 data showed Ramsey ranked 32nd out of 34 reporting cities for both mayoral and councilmember compensation. Administrative Services Director Lasher also reviewed examples of additional compensation offered by other municipalities for special meetings, workshops, Economic Development Authority service, and health insurance benefits. She noted that any compensation adjustment approved by the Council would not become effective until the beginning of the next council term in January, as required by the City Charter. Councilmember Riley stated that compensation had remained unchanged for approximately 20 years and believed the City's elected officials should receive compensation more in line with comparable communities. He emphasized that councilmembers do not serve for financial gain but City Council Work Session / June 23, 2026 Page 4 of 7