09/17/2003 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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SPECIAL COUNCIL WORK SESSION SEPTEMBER 17, 2003 APPROVED Mayor Bergeson noted Councilmembers need to be aware of staff's schedule and should try to add agenda items for work sessions by noon on Monday, prior to the Council work session. Attendance Council Members who are unable to attend a scheduled meeting should contact the City Administrator, Mayor or Administration Director. Votes Councilmember Carlson distributed a list of proposed guidelines she drafted. She referred to the section regarding "Conflict of Interest" in regard to voting. The paragraph relating to "Votes" was revised as follows: Elected Officials will abstain from voting when there is a real conflict of interest defined by the following: 1. A Council Member who has a conflict, as determined by law, will not vote. 2. A Councilmember who has a self-interest in a Council decision should abstain from participating in the council discussion and from voting on said issue(s). Furthermore, a Council Member who is perceived to have a conflict of interest shall disclose said conflict and follow advice of the City Attorney. City Council Work Sessions Purpose The purpose of work sessions are to discuss active city projects and current business, as well as to review the upcoming City Council meeting agenda items. Work sessions are times for City Councilmembers to ask questions and discuss upcoming agenda items. Although Council can give direction to staff, no formal council votes / decisions are to be taken at work sessions. It was determined that the Council would discuss the definitions of the terms "votes" and "decisions" at a later date. Agendas The Council determined this paragraph would be deleted because this issue has already been covered. • Councilmember O'Donnell stated he would like to schedule another meeting to discuss the proposed guidelines further.