Supporting Ramsey Police Department's Funding Application to the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community

To provide support by the City Council to the Ramsey Police Department for soliciting a funding request to purchase and implement a drone program.  The purchase of a drone has been discussed over several budget cycles, with the 2026 budget identifying the purchase and implementing the program in 2026.  As part of this implementation, the council has expressed consensus support to acquire a drone for practice purposes through a donation from another law enforcement agency.  In an attempt to implement this program with the least financial impact on the general levy, the Police Department is seeking funding through the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community.  This funding opportunity was recently used in 2024 by the Fire Department to aid in the purchase of multiple AED's.

Attached to this case is a letter of support, on behalf of the whole City Council, by Councilmember Buscher.  Should the City Council support this funding application, the attached letter would accompany the submittal showing support by the City Council.

Approve the funding application and letter of support.

Motion to support the Ramsey Police Department's Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Funding Request for the purchase and implementation of a drone program.