Ramsey City Council passes resolution saying city resources cannot be used to enforce governor’s mask ordinance

Wednesday, the Ramsey City Council passed a resolution saying, "No city resources will be used to enforce Executive Order 20-81," the governor’s state-wide mask mandate.

The resolution was passed during a 4-3 vote.

"According to the 14th Amendment, the state cannot deprive us of life or liberty," said Chelsee Howell, a member of the Ramsey City Council. "The government does not have the right to restrict somebody’s ability to breathe."

So now there’s undeniable tension amongst city council members in this very close vote, and among some residents.

"I’ve gotten a lot of emails and voicemails. The majority have said they’re against this resolution," said Christopher Riley, a Ramsey council member who isn’t a fan of the mask mandate.

Riley voted against the resolution because he doesn’t see it as the city’s role to overstep the state.

"I’ve had the word ‘grandstanding’ used several times also … it’s making a statement, a lot more than making any rules," he said."

"People who work in Ramsey, business owners, and the words they’re using is ‘appalled,’ ‘disgusted,’ ‘a travesty,’" said Matt Woestehoff, Ramsey city councilmember.

That means because it is a resolution and not an ordinance, people should still be following the state’s legal executive orders.

"I don’t think wearing a mask a big deal. Especially going through COVID-19. I don’t want to get anybody sick. It’s real. We’re close to getting to the finish line and I hope this goes away soon. And we’ll get through it," said Ramsey Mayor Mark Kuzman.

Ramsey Police Chief Jeff Katers told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS that the Ramsey Police Department will continue to respond to all calls for service and enforce the laws, including the governor’s executive orders.

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS reached out to all city council members for comment.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison’s office released a statement, saying:

"Every Minnesotan deserves to feel safe in their communities, and it’s every Minnesotan’s responsibility to stop the spread of COVID-19. Other jurisdictions across Minnesota have recognized the legal and public health rationale for the Governor’s executive orders and public health officials agree on the importance of wearing a mask to protect oneself and each other. These executive orders take precedence over the measures passed by any lower unit of government."