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MEMORANDUM <br />TO: Kurt Ulrich <br />FROM: Joseph J. Langel., City Attorney <br />DATE: February 6. 2018 <br />RE: Remote attendance at public meetings <br />R <br />R <br />M <br />Ratwik. Roszat, & Moloney. RA. <br />You indicated that elected andior appointed officials in Ramsey inquired about whether and <br />how they can attend public meetings remotely. This inquiry raised some related questions as <br />\veil. which are discussed below. <br />Issues <br />1. What options are available under the Open Meeting Law? <br />2. Arc there any restrictions? <br />a. How many mcmhers can be absent at the same time? <br />b. Are there specific requirements at the remote location? <br />c. Are there specific requirements at the regular location? <br />3. How does this impact voting rights and quorum requirements? <br />4. Are there special notice requirements if one or more members are attending remotely? <br />Discussion <br />1. Remote Options Available under the OML <br />The Open Meeting Law (OML), Minnesota Statutes section 13D.02, subdivision 1. allows a <br />meeting to be conducted by interactive television. in Minnesota Department of Administration <br />Advisory Opinion 13-009, the use of Skype was deemed suitable under the OW, given its <br />similarity to interactive television. It is likely that software similar to Skype, such as FaceTime. <br />would also be allowed under these provisions. <br />Note that the ability to use "a telephone or other electronic means- is available only to state <br />agencies. Minn. Slat § 13D.015. The League has suggested that this option be broadened to <br />include cities. but that has not occurred. Consequently. only the "interactive television" <br />option, or its equivalent, is available to cities, meaning combined audio-visual is required: <br />having a member on speaker phone does not suffice. <br />1987 <br />730 Second Avenue South, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55402 1 pI612) 339-0060 f ((II 2) 339-0038 wwwsamildawcom <br />