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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JANUARY 12, 2026 3 <br /> when federal agencies were present. He stated if residents call for help and local public safety <br /> responds to a situation involving federal agencies, it was important that expectations were clear. <br /> He stated clear policies were key in these situations. He discussed how public safety was a <br /> significant portion of the City's budget and he believed it was reasonable for residents to have <br /> clear, publicly available guidance on how public safety responsibilities and under what authority. <br /> He reported if this information was not currently available, he encouraged the Council to consider <br /> a policy or resolution that defines these boundaries. <br /> Lynn Diaz, 1143 Ingerson Road, stated she understood the City could not control ICE activities <br /> in the community but asked that the Council do so to the maximum extent possible. She was of <br /> the opinion ICE agents were behaving in an aggressive, violent and unprofessional manner and <br /> she hoped the Council would communicate with the Sheriff's office to assist residents as much as <br /> they legally can. She understood other cities were working on policies for this and it was her hope <br /> Arden Hills would as well. <br /> Mary Henry, 3521 Ridgewood Court, indicated she has been at the corner of Greenbrier and <br /> Geranium to be aware of ICE agents that were coming in front of a school for the students who <br /> were English language learners. She supported the Council pursuing a policy when it comes to <br /> ICE agents in the community noting many were living under fear these days. She stated after <br /> watching the truth in taxation meeting in December she understood seven people in attendance at <br /> the meeting supported the proposed increase. She was of the opinion this was a community that <br /> could support levy increases. She thanked the Council for all of their efforts on the 2026 budget <br /> and tax levy and for working to plan for future expenditures. She noted she has lived in the <br /> community for the past 30 years and she appreciated the Council's forethought. <br /> Councilmember Monson indicated she would like the Council to respond to Mr. Burlingame's <br /> comments. <br /> Mayor Grant reported this topic would be addressed by staff under Council Comments. <br /> Councilmember Holden stated the Sheriff's office has a policy in place and was working with <br /> businesses. She suggested this policy be posted on the City's website. <br /> Councilmember Monson requested the agenda be amended and that the Council address the <br /> comments made regarding ICE under Response to Public Inquiries versus under Council <br /> Comments. <br /> Mayor Grant supported this recommendation. <br /> 4. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC INQUIRIES <br /> Mayor Grant reported he received two emails regarding ICE using City property. Per the City <br /> Attorney guidance, he explained the City was not able to restrict ICE anymore than the City <br /> would restrict the general public. <br /> City Attorney Bjerkness stated the Mayor had accurately restated her opinion. She explained it <br /> was her recommendation the City not restrict federal law enforcement agencies on public <br /> property. She recommended the City treat these agents as if they were any other resident of the <br /> city and to not single out a group of individuals and prohibit them from public property. <br />