Agenda Packets - 1998/06/22 - Laserfiche WebLink

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UNAP PR OV Page 6 June 8, 1998 Mounds View City Council E. Work Session Format Approval Mayor McCarty stated the issue as being whether or not to continue televising the work sessions over the communities cable access channel. One side of the issue is that televising stifles input and in other cases it leaves the City at a disadvantage in that proprietary information, that might be in the best interest of the residents to keep in house, is made public. No specific resolution was on the table, rather the opportunity to offer a motion relative to the continuing or not continuing of the cable broadcast of work sessions. MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Koopmeiner to cease televising the broadcasting of the City Council work sessions over the City's cable access channel. Stigney voiced opposition to the motion stating it is the citizens' right to have access to City government by whatever means that are available. The funding for the televising does not come from the general fund but comes from a cable franchising fee, so money is not an issue. Mayor McCarty agreed, but added the troublesome part of the issue is that the City Council could not keep vital information private to the City. There has to be an opportunity to discuss issues in defense of the City's residents without having the wrong parties get the information too quickly. Quick stated as an example,"if you're dealing with burglars you don't broadcast that information over the TV set". Stigney suggested screening the agenda and not discussing things that would be a detriment to the City. Quick stated all work sessions are open to the public. Stigney responded, the theory behind cable is to save the citizens the trip, make it easier for them to be involved in the workings of the City government. Rob Marty, 2626 Louisa Avenue, spoke in favor of having the City Council Work session televised. He stated the televised work sessions helped him find out about the Harstad project that was being proposed for his neighborhood. MOTION/SECOND: McCarty/Stigney to table consideration of televising the City Council work session until further notice. VOTE: Ayes - 3 Nays - 2(Koopmeiners, Quick)