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Councilmember Backous stated that will be another opportunity to educate property owners. <br />The consensus of the Council was to support the 2015 Budget and Levy, as revised and <br />presented tonight. <br />2.02: Discuss Continuum of Action as it Pertains to Meeting Disruptions <br />City Administrator Ulrich reviewed the staff report, noting that from time -to -time, there have <br />been disruptions at public meetings so it was suggested it would be beneficial to have a process <br />in place with progressive steps to deal with such disruptions. It was noted that the authority to <br />enact measures to deal with disruptions comes from Minnesota State Statutes 624.72 Interference <br />with Use of Public Property, Subd. 4. Rule Violation, which reads: "Violation of a rule or <br />regulation which has been published, posted, or announced in a reasonable manner at the time of <br />such conduct shall be prima facie evidence of intent to violate this section." The Council had <br />been provided with an example of Continuum of Action language that could be used as a <br />template for posting on or near the door of the Council Chambers. City Administrator Ulrich <br />explained that because this is in State Statutes, it is not necessary for Council to formally adopt a <br />policy. However, it is important that all Council members are aware of the policy, procedures, <br />and postings that are proposed. <br />Police Chief Way indicated he had nothing additional to offer. <br />Councilmember Tossey stated he had asked staff to include this Case on tonight's Work Session <br />agenda. He stated in his profession, he sometimes has to play this role and knows it is important <br />to give direction to the responding officer. He explained that it often involves a delicate balance <br />of respecting First Amendment Rights while allowing the business of the meeting to proceed. In <br />addition, direction needs to be given so the officer does not respond too quickly. <br />Councilmember Tossey stated it is important to adjourn the meeting to allow the officer an <br />opportunity to respond. He referenced the last Council meeting that involved an awkward <br />situation during Citizen Input during which Police Captain Katers responded to a speaker who <br />had been declared out of order. <br />Mayor Strommen stated she appreciates that Councilmember Tossey brought this issue forward <br />and agreed that it will provide another tool. <br />City Administrator Ulrich recommended the Council consider all public meeting rooms at the <br />Municipal Center under this policy as well as all City Boards and Commissions that conduct <br />public meetings. If supported by the Council, staff recommends a document and/or training for <br />all Commission/Board Chairs. He asked whether the Council supported limits on the length of <br />Open Forum comments by a single speaker, noting it could be abused without having a policy in <br />place. <br />Mayor Strommen stated the informal policy of limiting comment has worked well but there are <br />situations where exceptions need to be made. <br />City Council Work Session / September 2, 2014 <br />Page 5 of 9 <br />