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~r. Fountain stated that Councilmember Cox can go suck his own eggs and <br />proceeded to read that portion of the J. R. Gilbertson letter that <br />Councilm~m~er Cox referred to. Along side of Counciln~mber Cox's signature <br />there is a written conluent stating "If no conflict with City Ordinances as <br />viewed ky City Attorney Willia~ Goodrich." <br /> <br />Mr. Goodrich stated that the letter Mr. Fountain referred to arrived at his <br />office on Monday morning and he doesn't know who brought it to his office. Mr. <br />Goodrich stated that in response, he had a letter delivered to J.R. 's Saloon <br />regarding the letter being invalid and that it gave no action on behalf of the <br />Council and Council's action of June 25 still held. Mr. Goodrich stated that <br />he also called Counciln~uber Cox and told him that the letter was not <br />effective and Councilmember Cox agreed with that determination. <br /> <br />Councilm~uber COx stated that he told Mr. Gilbertson that it's not the way to <br />call a public meeting; it does not circumvent any Council process; it was an <br />attempt to help Mr. Gilbertson get things back in order. Councilmemker COx <br />stated that Mr. Gilbertson is a businessman trying to support employees. <br />Councilmember COx stated that there was no decision made on his part with that <br />letter. <br /> <br />Mr. Fountain stated that Mr. Gilbertson does not have the right to call a <br />Council meeting; there is a question in regards to the legallity of how this <br /> <br />Councit~m~ser--Cox~ted that Mr. Berg was present at the ti_m.e.~i~was-expl-~i-ned <br /> <br />Mayor Heit~an presented the subject letter and Councilmembers Sorteberg, Cox <br />and Reiman~ verified that their signatures are contained in that letter. Mayor <br />Heitman inquired if the letter can be considered a violation of the open <br />meeting law. <br /> <br />Mr. Goodrich stated that all meetings of council, or any public body, must be <br />open with proper notice given; the open meeting law does not address written <br />meetings. ~e Court would look at the intent of the letter, what the <br />council persons had in mind, whether or not their intent was to avoid public <br />discussion. Mr. Goodrich stated that he cannot determine if this letter is a <br />violation of the open meeting law; he did check with League of Minnesota <br />Cities, Attorney General's office and the City's bond counsel; none of them say <br />necessarily that this is an open meeting law violation. The decision should be made by a <br />court and the citizens have a proper procedure and process to follow if they choose to <br />pursue it. <br /> <br />Mayor Heitman stated that the citizens brought it to the Council's attention; <br />why do the citizens have to pursue it? <br /> <br />Mr. Goodrich stated that the City of Ramsey has no interest in pursuing the <br /> July 9, 1985 <br /> <br />Page 7 of 22 <br /> <br /> <br />