Agenda - Council - 08/25/2009 - Laserfiche WebLink

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administrator to manage. Remember, too, that official city committees are subject to the same open meeting requirements and should be similarly educated about correct e-mail use. Regardless of precautions, there may be times when Council Members find themselves accused of violating the Minnesota Open Meeting Law, perhaps having unintentionally engaged in one of these sorts of conversations. One way to diffuse some concern is to immediately release copies of all e-mail correspondence to anyone who wants to see it. While this doesn't negate the possible violation, it shows good faith and lack of specific intent to violate the law. Draft guidelines for electronic communications between Council Members Cities might decide to develop policies clarifying appropriate or preferred email use by and between Council Members. Even if a city doesn't formally adopt a policy, the guidelines here might be helpful for any elected official or city board member to follow. The purpose of these draft guidelines is to suggest how members of city councils and other city committees might communicate via email and electronic means. A city should review these draft guidelines along with its normal operating procedures, consult with the city attorney and determine the best course of action. Ann Gergen 11/07