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