Agenda Packets - 2001/08/27 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council August 13, 2001 Regular Meeting Page 17 Mayor Sonterre explained that nothing has been finalized. Suggestions were made and the MNDOT was amenable to it. They will bring a recommendation to the City. Council Member Marty mentioned that the groundbreaking ceremony at the Mermaid was not posted as an open meeting. He had spoken with Director of Community Development Ericson that afternoon, and it was too late to post as an open meeting. City Administrator Miller explained that such incidental meetings do not need posting, though it can be if the Council would be more comfortable. City Attorney Riggs stated that City Administrator Miller called to request interpretation. City Attorney Riggs exp lained that the handbook says that an incidental meeting with no agenda does not need to be posted. Council Member Quick stated that if the meeting is in an open setting with multiple members of Council present, he concurs with the City Administrator. Council Member Thomas stated one of the benefits of posting is the Council would have to watch their conversations a little less stringently. Since conversations can go the wrong way, it could be be helpful if meetings were posted. City Administrator Miller asked if the Council is directing her to post informal meetings. Council Member Quick stated he didn’t see that informal meetings needed posting unless the Council wanted to for their comfort level. City Attorney Riggs stated that if all five members will be in attendance, he would recommend posting even if they are not conducting city business. He added that it is a "gray" area. Council Member Quick pointed out that the table for Festival in the Park was manned by Council Members and that didn’t need posting. However, if all five Council Members happened to meet in a home, he would feel comfortable having that posted. Mayor Sonterre stated that Chapter 403 of the City Code states the Mounds View City Council should be serving someone. In reviewing this section of the Code, he didn’t see that the Council was in compliance. He raised the question of whether Council Members are the best representatives of human rights. Possibly a residential commission would be better suited. He suggested changing the City Code under ‘‘membership ’’ from ‘‘members of City Council ’’ to ‘‘Five Members of Residents of Mounds View’’ and he was inviting input. Council Member Marty voiced his opinion that one Council person should be part of this commission. Mayor Sonter re stated he has concluded that Council liaisons should not be on these commissions.