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• Absences. Generally,an absence does not reduce the number of votes <br /> needed to pass an ordinance. <br /> • Abstentions. There is no specific law that clarifies whether an abstention <br /> serves to defeat or help pass a motion.How the vote is counted may depend <br /> upon the reason for the abstention. <br /> • Voting by telephone or proxy. A councilmember may not vote by <br /> telephone or proxy. <br /> • Audience participation. Councils should not take a vote of audience <br /> members on matters before the council. Such votes are not binding on the <br /> council,and often lead to criticism and misunderstanding by the public. <br /> 11. What is required to be in the minutes? <br /> The city clerk has discretion as to how to take the minutes;however,certain <br /> information must be included in them. In addition,cities should include any <br /> findings of facts and conclusions made by the council. Specific reasoning <br /> behind a conclusion should also be included. The following information must <br /> be included in the minutes: <br /> • The members who are present. <br /> • The people who make and second motions. <br /> • Roll call vote on motions. <br /> • Subject matter of proposed resolutions or ordinances. <br /> • Whether the motion,ordinance or resolution is defeated or adopted. <br /> • The votes of each member. <br /> 12. Must the minutes be published? <br /> All statutory cities with populations of 1,000 or more must publish their <br /> minutes or a summary of them in their official newspaper within 30 days of the <br /> meeting.However,these cities may mail a copy to any resident upon request <br /> instead of publishing them. Statutory cities with populations less than 1,000 do <br /> not need to meet either of these requirements.Home rule charter cities should <br /> consult their charters for any requirements. <br /> 13. Where can cities get further information? <br /> The League of Minnesota Cities has several publications available that discuss <br /> issues relating to meetings in more detail.Call the League's Research and <br /> Information Service at(651)281-1200 or(800)925-1122 for further <br /> information. <br /> 6 League of Minnesota Cities <br />