Agenda Packets - 2023/07/05 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I wanted to bring to your attention a couple things that have come to my attention, and which I have commented on in the MV Resident FB page. But obviously I can't assume you see all that is mentioned there, so wanted to bring it to your attention. Somewhere along the way, it seems that residents have not been permitted to speak or comment at Council work sessions. I know they are not council meetings, and the reason was probably to move the meetings along more quickly. However, our city charter speaks to this issue and is very clear. Under Our city Charter, Chapter 3 section 3.01, Council Procedure, it states "During any of its public meetings, the Council shall not prohibit, but may place reasonable restrictions upon citizen's comments and questions." Work sessions are public meetings, which means that the council cannot prohibit citizen's comments and questions. I was not able to make it to the work session this week, but I understand comments were not allowed. This is a violation of our city charter. In addition, it concerns me, and other residents that work session records of what actually happens, are no longer being kept. As a community that has always prided itself in being transparent, this is not transparent. The sessions are not recorded and no notes from the meeting activity are being kept (per an email from Nyle). I checked on other city websites, and every city I checked (all in Ramsey county) do post minutes from their council work sessions. So I checked with the state data practices office and was told on two different occasions that there is a statute (MN Statute 15.17 Sub. 1) that requires records be kept. I did ask Nyle about this also, and his response was that the agenda and packet are all that is being kept for this requirement. However, that is not a record of what ACTUALLY occurred at the meeting, simply the plan for the meeting. The statute states the full and accurate records be kept. See below for exact wording in the statute: 15.17 OFFICIAL RECORDS. §Subdivision 1.Must be kept. All officers and agencies of the state, counties, cities, towns, school districts, municipal subdivisions or corporations, or other public authorities or political entities within the state, hereinafter "public officer," shall make and preserve all records necessary to a full and accurate knowledge of their official activities. I would like to request that these 2 issues be placed on the council agenda soon. I know I am not the only one who would like to see both of these practices changed back to how they were in the past. In my opinion, it doesn't look like the council has a choice in this, they are both required at this time. I don't believe the changes were done for any nefarious reason, probably just to save money. However, having an informed and engaged public is a good thing in government and certainly our city. I look forward to a response when you are able. Thank you for serving our lovely little city. Best wishes, Valerie Amundsen God bless your Day!