2018.05.02 PREC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

26 Open Meeting Law Basics (See the League of MN Cities Handbook Chapter 7: Meetings, Motions, Resolutions & Ordinances for more information and statutory references. Available at www.LMC.org ) Open meeting law:  “Prohibits actions from being taken at a secret meeting where the interested public cannot be fully informed of the decisions of public bodies or detect improper influences.  Ensures the public’s right to be informed.  Gives the public an opportunity to present its views.” (p. 11) Under the Minnesota open meeting law, all meetings of a public body (including a City Council, committee or commission) must be open to the public. A “meeting” is defined as any time a quorum (or majority) of a the members of a public body discuss, decide or receive information related to City business. While members of public bodies in New Brighton receive their meeting materials, often referred to as packets, electronically using an iPad, “at least one copy of printed materials provided to elected or appointed public of- ficials at or before a meeting, must be available for inspection in the meeting room during the meeting.” (p. 12) These meeting materials must also be archived at City Hall as part of the permanent record of the City’s activi- ties. Open meeting law also requires that notice “be provided for meetings of a public body. The notice require- ments depend on” (p.12) whether the meeting is a regularly scheduled meeting, a special meeting, a continued meeting, an emergency meeting or a closed meeting. (not open to the public.) City staff ensures these require- ments are met. “The open meeting law is designed to favor public access. Therefore, the few exceptions that do exist are care- fully limited to avoid abuse.” (p.13) Open meeting law exceptions are more common at a City Council meeting than a commission meeting; however, if your commission meeting qualifies to be closed to the public, your staff liaison will work with the City Clerk to meet legal notice and recording requirements in order to do so. Some examples of reasons a commission meeting may be closed would be to: ...  Determine the asking price for a real or personal property to be sold to the <City>.  Review confidential or protected nonpublic appraisal data.  Develop or consider offers or counteroffers for the purchase or sale of real or personal proper- ty.” (p.16)  “Receive security briefings and reports to discuss issues related to security systems.  Discuss emergency response procedures.  Discuss security deficiencies in or recommendations regarding public services, infrastructure and facilities IF public disclosure of the information would pose a danger to the safety of the public.” (p. 17)