Laserfiche WebLink
1/16/2025 <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 business is discussed. <br />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 given unless an 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 Commission Members attend and City business is discussed <br />•Serial meetings <br />•Phone <br />•Email <br />Penalties <br />•Bad press <br />•Commission member subject to <br />$300 fine and forfeiture of office <br />after three intentional violations <br />•Attorney fees (up to $13,000) may <br />be assessed against the City <br />Motions, Resolutions, and Ordinances – What’s What? <br />Ordinance <br />•Is the highest and most authoritative form of action a <br />City may implement. An ordinance is intended to be a <br />permanent law, although it can be repealed. <br />Resolution <br />•Less formal than an ordinance and do not have same <br />enforcement provisions as an Ordinance. Resolutions <br />are used for administrative or executive matters or for <br />statements of policy. <br />Motion <br />•Are used to provide acknowledgements or for giving <br />direction.