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Minn.Stat.§§412.191,subd.1; In statutory cities,a majority of all the councilmembers constitutes a quorum. <br /> 645.08(5). This means that at least three members of a five-member council or four <br /> members of a seven-member council must be present in order for the council <br /> to hold a meeting. Home rule charter cities may have different quorum <br /> requirements in their charters. <br /> 1. Time off from employment <br /> Minn.Stat.§211B.10,subd.2. An elected official must be given time off from employment to attend <br /> meetings that are required because of the office. The time off may be with or <br /> without pay.If the time off is without pay,the employer must make an effort <br /> to allow the person to make up the hours at another time when he or she is <br /> available.An employer cannot retaliate against an employee who must take <br /> time off to attend such meetings. <br /> 2. Non-attendance <br /> Sometimes,a city council will find that a councilmember is not attending <br /> council meetings.There may be a variety of reasons for the absences,such as <br /> illness,extended vacations or refusal to attend.Whatever the reason,such <br /> extended absences can make it difficult for the council to do its job.This <br /> section discusses some of the things city councils can consider to remedy this <br /> type of problem. <br /> a. Reprimands <br /> A.G.Op.471-E(Jan.21,1942). The attorney general has indicated a city council could reprimand a <br /> councilmember for missing meetings. The council would do this by passing a <br /> resolution.While such a reprimand might create political pressure and <br /> embarrassment for the absent councilmember,it won't necessarily compel him <br /> or her to attend meetings. <br /> b. Compelling attendance <br /> Minn.Stat.§412.191,subd.2. State law authorizes a statutory city to compel the attendance of its members <br /> and punish them for non-attendance.Unfortunately,it is not clear how this <br /> power should be exercised. <br /> Minn.Stat.Ch.586. It might be possible to compel the attendance of a councilmember through a <br /> mandamus action,which is a court order to force a public officer to perform a <br /> specific duty of his or her office. This type of remedy may be pursued by the <br /> city,individual councilmembers or a citizen. However,city officials should <br /> consult with their city attorney before considering this approach. <br /> `� <br /> 36 League of Minnesota Cides <br />