Agenda - Council Work Session - 10/13/2015

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