Minutes - 2002/08/12 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council August 12, 2002 Regular Meeting Page 5 • • Council Member Marty suggested making a motion on the matter because he sees no reason to wait two months. Council Member Thomas commented that by fixing the agenda with a portion of the agenda dedicated to each agenda item Council should forget the work session and have regular meetings. She then said that the public is never turned away if they wish to speak but she feels the work session would not be effective if the agenda were to be fixed. Council Member Stigney said he disagreed with the statements made as the public has sometimes been allowed to speak and other times not. MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Marty. To Add a Public Comment Section to the Work Session Agenda and All Public Meetings to Conform with State Statute and the City's Charter. Council Member Marty said he did not think the public comment section would be a lengthy topic as there are generally one or two citizens at the work sessions. He then said he does not see what the big deal is because per the Charter citizens can speak at any public meeting. Council Member Stigney said he feels that, if someone brings in something for discussion that is not on the agenda, Council should add it to the work session rather than closing the doors. Council Member Thomas said she abhorred the concept that in order to be a public meeting that people can only come in and speak at one point during the meeting. She then said she is fully in support of leaving the meeting open for resident comment but feels it is unnecessary to fix the agenda that way and finds it inexcusable to confine comment to one spot on the agenda. Council Member Marty commented that he has heard in the past that if an item is not on the agenda residents cannot speak on it. Council Member Stigney indicated that putting it on the agenda everyone knows they will have an opportunity to speak and knows when it will be. He then said it is a common courtesy rather than having to ask. Ayes - 2 Nays - 3 (Thomas/Sonterre/Quick) Motion failed. • Mr. Hammerschmidt asked how to approach the speaking at the work session. Mayor Sonterre recommended letting someone know he wants to speak. Mr. Hammerschmidt said he did not feel comfortable interrupting the discussions. Mayor Sonterre indicated Council would be taking comment at work sessions.