09/28/2009 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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SPECIALCOUNCIL MEETING September 8, 2009 DRAFT 1 citizens the opportunity to see how the council discusses and reaches its decisions for the 2 city. 3 4 Mayor Bergeson opened the public hearing. 5 6 Paul Tralle, 945 Evergreen Trail, supports the amendment adding that he would like to 7 see all the city's government groups, including the charter commission, be added to the 8 requirement (to be televised). 9 10 Pat Smith, 6922 West Shadow Lake Drive, stated that he is a former charter commission 11 chair person and he agrees with the concept of televising the charter commission 12 meetings so the public can view their activities as well. 13 14 There being no one else wishing to speak, Council Member O'Donnell moved to close 15 the public hearing. Council Member Reinert seconded the motion. Motion was adopted. 16 17 Council Member Reinert moved to approve first reading of the charter amendment 18 ordinance The motion was seconded_ 19 20 The council asked for more information on the attorney's work to clarify the amendment 21 language 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 The city attorney stated that he is unaware as to whether or not open mike is included in 41 the city code as part of the regular meeting. If in fact it is, it would be unnecessary to 42 include that designation. The amendment could simply read "all council meetings will be 43 televised ". 44 City Attorney Langel explained that he identified some language in the amendment (as proposed by the commission) to be unnecessary or inaccurate. For example the amendment identifies all "open" council meetings but all council meetings are open so there is no need for that word. Additionally council work sessions are identified but council work sessions are regular council meetings so they would be covered without being specifically identified. Also the open mike portion wouldn't be included unless it is a part of the meeting. He prepared language that he feels is clearer but it was rejected by the commission. Commissioner Sutherland explained that the city code calls for the open mike portion to be a part of the meeting and the commission feels it is important to identify that portion in particular. The commission feels the language is clear and appropriate in that the charter itself is written in "working man's language ". They would like a guarantee, through the charter, that the open mike portion will remain televised. In addition she explained that the commission has discussed televising their meetings but she cannot speak on behalf of the commission in approving any changes. —40- 2 • • •