01-28-2026 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JANUARY 28, 2026 Canada Elementary. She did not believe that a masked gunman should be targeting the children and teachers within the community. Kathy Casey, resident, shared a statement from a teacher who could not be present tonight expressing the changes they have seen at school. It was noted that 12 students within their classroom transitioned to distance learning because they do not feel safe attending school. She noted that one family from the school attended an immigration meeting this week and never returned home, as they were sent to Texas. She provided additional comments on the impact that detentions have had on the students at the school. She asked that the park next to the school be closed at this time, as ICE has been seen using the park, and it causes stress for students. Ms. Casey shared her own thoughts on the topic, noting that she also works at the school and spoke about the impacts of ICE on students. She commented on an incident where ICE was in the school parking lot at the school during recess. She noted that ICE is stalking the halls at Montreal Courts, as the locks on the building do not work. She stated that families are living in fear and cannot leave their apartments or homes, and children feel unsafe at bus stops. She asked the city to do something about staging in Little Canada parking lots. Amber Schletty, resident, recognized the activity within the community and shared her own thoughts on the impacts of ICE in the community. She has also witnessed ICE staging in the city parks and the interaction that she had with an ICE agent that she found terrifying. She stated that the children in the community should not have to be concerned with these activities. She asked that the City Council take a stance and not allow ICE agents to use City property. Leif Masrud, resident and member of the Planning Commission, stated that he has never been afraid for his personal safety the entire time he has lived in the Twin Cities, but now has concerns that something could happen if he turns down the wrong street. He encouraged the city to do anything it can do, whether symbolic or practical. Betsy Masrud, resident, commented that she is a family physician and has seen the huge impact that ICE has had on the community and their health, as people are scared to go to the doctor for needed care. She commented on the impacts on both physical and mental health and asked the City to take more action to protect and safeguard the community. She believed that adopting the resolution adopted by Roseville would be a good start. Taelor Johnson, Planning Commission Chair and resident, stated that she is deeply concerned with the integrity of the community. She stated that the people being targeted by these operations are the people the city committed to including, and asked the City to take the words off the page and provide a safe community for its residents. She commented that children are receiving free breakfast and lunch at school, and distance learning takes that food away from students who may rely on it. She asked the Council to present an action plan at its next meeting, similar to Roseville, to provide consistency within the school district. Erin Stelmoch, non-resident, commented that she is a teacher at Little Canada Elementary, and this is one of the most challenging times she has experienced. She provided comments on experiences she has had with children who are scared and upset because of ICE activity. She stated that 1/ of her class has not attended for weeks. She commented that colleagues are afraid to come to work and asked the city to consider an ordinance that would protect the parks and schools. She also recognized that while 0)