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2/17/2022 <br />14 <br />Open Meeting Law <br />What is it? <br />A requirement that pubic meetings must be open to the public. A “meeting” means a quorum of elected officials (here, three) where City <br />business is discussed. Some meetings may be closed, and certain meetings must be closed. <br />Rule <br />A meeting of a public body must be open to the public and can only be held after advance notice of the meeting has been givenunless an <br />exception applies <br />Purpose <br />Protects public’s right to be informed <br />Who Cares? <br />Residents and especially the press <br />“But I didn’t think that was a meeting!” <br />•Before or after an open meeting <br />•Social gatherings where 3 or more Council Members attend and City business is discussed <br />•Serial meetings <br />•Phone <br />•Email <br />Penalties <br />•Bad press <br />•Council member subject to $300 <br />fine and forfeiture of office after <br />three intentional violations <br />•Attorney fees (up to $13,000) may <br />be assessed against the City <br />Policies <br />Use of E-Mail <br />•City-issued email address <br />only for City business <br />•Do not “Reply All” <br />•Public nature of e-mail <br />•Retention of e-mail <br />•Public right to inspection