Ramsey County names Church's Ferry resident caretaker of non‑FEMA former city land

Ramsey County commissioners voted to appoint Paul Christiansen as the manager of county‑held land within the former city limits of Church's Ferry, excluding parcels encumbered by FEMA or owned by other parties, and to authorize a $250 seasonal upkeep payment to him.

The commission approved the appointment with a roll call vote recorded as Otis — aye; Volk — aye; Will Helmy — aye; Gessner — aye. The board set the caretaker appointment to run through December 2026 and required a bond, proposing a $250 bond with the county covering the bond premium from any remaining city funds. The commissioners also approved payment of $250 to Christiansen for seasonal upkeep with an affirmative roll call.

The action followed extended public comment from Paul Christiansen, identified himself as a former mayor and long‑time resident of Church's Ferry, who urged the commission to give him formal authority to post no‑trespass signage and otherwise manage the land because he said unauthorized hunters and others had been using it. "I'm 67 years old... All I want now until I croak is some peace and quiet out there," Christiansen said during his remarks.

County staff clarified the legal framework. A staff member summarized applicable state law and the county's options, saying the Century Code provides that, after dissolution of a municipality, the county may appoint a manager for property transferred to the county. Staff also advised that parcels purchased with federal buyout funds typically carry deed restrictions or easements from the federal government or FEMA that limit sale and development.

Commissioners said they did not want to rush the legal details. The board directed staff to clarify which parcels are titled to Ramsey County and which remain encumbered by deed restrictions or federal easements before any longer‑term conveyance or broader changes. Commissioners asked that the parcel viewer and deed records be reviewed so the scope of the caretaker appointment is explicit for law enforcement and for public notice.

Christiansen asked the county to consider a separate purchase of a two‑cell lagoon parcel outside the FEMA‑restricted area; staff said they would research title, deed restrictions and whether the county could legally convey that parcel, and would follow the county's standard procedures for disposition if sale were permissible.

The commission's motion included authority for Christiansen to post property that is within the county's care and control and not subject to FEMA restrictions, with a bond requirement and county payment of the bond premium. Commissioners and staff emphasized the appointment is to be administratively reviewed and clarified by staff to ensure deputies and county agencies understand the manager's authority.

Christianesen requested a copy of the approved minutes for his records; the commission said the minutes will be provided after formal approval.

Votes and follow-up tasks from the action include a staff review of parcel titles and deed restrictions for Church's Ferry property, confirmation of which parcels are FEMA‑encumbered, and an instruction to prepare clear electronic posting and signage language that identifies the county as the posting authority for affected parcels.