Adopt Resolution #24-318 to Appoint a New Police Chief

The purpose of this case is to seek City Council authorization to appoint a new Police Chief to the Ramsey Police Department.

Background: After 24 years of service, Police Chief Jeff Katers is retiring effective November 18, 2024. As a result, a selection process to fill the Police Chief position was identified by the City Council. An internal recruitment was held and interviews were conducted. The interview panel consisted of Councilmember Musgrove, Councilmember Riley, Councilmember Specht and Mayor Kuzma; City Administrator Brian Hagen, Community Development Director Stephanie Hanson, Fire Chief Matt Kohner, Administrative Services Director Colleen Lasher and the City of Maple Grove’s Police Chief, Eric Werner.  Captain Brad Bluml was selected as the City's new Police Chief, effective November 19, 2024.

Upon promotion, the City typically strives to allow for approximately a 10% increase in pay.  The motion below is consistent with that goal.  In situations like this, the City also strives to align wages with the union contracts.  In the case of Mr. Bluml, being covered by the Captain's union contact, his 2025 wage was set to increase.  This 2025 increase is the rationale for the 2025 wages listed herein.

The funding for this action is within the adopted 2024 budget and the preliminary 2025 budget. 

To appoint Brad Bluml to the position of Police Chief.

Motion to adopt resolution #24-318 to appoint a new Police Chief.