02-09-2017 Park Commission Meeting Packet

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Open Meeting Law Discussion � Background Information: Atta.ched please find several pages of information provided by the League of Minnesota. Cities regarding The Open Meeting Law. References throughout the document to "city councilmembers" includes park commission members. A few key points the Park Commission needs to be aware are: ✓ Chance or social gathering of city councilmembers will not be considered a meeting subject to the open meeting law, if a quorum is present, as long as the quorum does not discuss, decide, or receive information about official city business. ✓ Serial Meetings—Park Commission Members should not discuss specific agenda items outside of the regular meetings. ✓ Communication through letters, emails and telephone calls could violate the open meeting law. Information should be sent from Staff to Park Commission Members, not from Members to Members. Do not click "Reply All" to an email sent from Staff; you may use "Reply". Staff will � include a statement indicating same on information sent out. Staff will discuss with Park Commission Members; please review prior to the meeting. �I1. The open n�eeting la�nr �� � Ao Purpose M�nn.sc�c.� t3D.o1. 'I'he Minnesota.open meeting law generally requires that all meetings of public bodies must be open to the public. This presumption of openness serves three vital purposes: Rupp v.Mayasich,533 . It rohibits actions from bein taken at a secret meetin where it is N.W.2d 893(Minn.Ct App. p g g i99s�.st.cro�rv�s�e,s. impossible for the interested public to become fully informed concerning lnc.v.Drst 74Z Community decisions of ublic bodies or detect im ro er influences. Schools,332 N.W.2d l p P p (Minn. 1983). • It ensures the public's right to be informed. • It gives the public an opportunity to present its views to the public body. �._- League of Minnesota Cit�es Infortnation Memo: 11/9/2015 Meetings of City Councils Pa9e 9