Laserfiche WebLink
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — JANUARY 12, 2026 3 <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 being on and using City property. <br />Per the City Attorney guidance, he explained the City was not able to restrict ICE anymore than <br />the City 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 />Mayor Grant commented if any resident of Arden Hills feels unsafe for any reason, they were <br />encouraged to contact 911. He reported the City hires the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department to <br />