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If council members are engaged in direct electronic discussions,it's probably best to limit it to <br /> only two members.A"no forwarding and no copying"rule might be a good way to make sure the <br /> Minnesota Open Meeting Law isn't unintentionally violated through electronic conversation. <br /> Finally,be careful when council members participate in a listserv,chatroom,forums and social <br /> media.Because these groups may include a quorum of your council,one council member's <br /> comments will be viewed by other members.If the topic has to do with city business and other <br /> council members reply,it could prove problematic under the Minnesota Open Meeting Law. <br /> Again,the city might consider a"no reply"sort of rule when it comes to these resources,or <br /> perhaps have council members send ideas for postings or responses to the city clerk or <br /> administrator to manage. Remember,too,that official city committees are subject to the same open <br /> meeting requirements and should be similarly educated about correct electronic use. <br /> Regardless of precautions,there may be times when council members find themselves accused of <br /> violating the Minnesota Open Meeting Law, perhaps having unintentionally engaged in one of <br /> these sorts of conversations. One way to diffuse some concern is to immediately release copies of <br /> all electronic correspondence to anyone who wants to see it.While this doesn't negate the possible <br /> violation,it shows good faith and lack of specific intent to violate the law. <br /> Draft guidelines for electronic communications between council members <br /> Cities might decide to develop policies clarifying appropriate or preferred e-mail and electronic <br /> communications use by and between council members.Even if a city doesn't formally adopt a <br /> policy,the guidelines here might be helpful for any elected official or city board member to <br /> follow. <br /> The purpose of these draft guidelines is to suggest how members of city councils and other city <br /> committees might communicate via email and electronic means.A city should review these draft <br /> guidelines along with its normal operating procedures,consult with the city attorney and determine <br /> the best course of action. <br /> Tom Grundhoefer/Greg Van Wormer 09/09 <br /> 3 <br />