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Mayor Heineman stated that putting an item on the agenda at the last minute is a tool that the <br /> Council has; however, it is not a wise option to use very often. He explained that in the past when <br /> he has requested that a new item be added to the agenda, he has taken it upon himself to do the <br /> research and get all of the information together for Staff. He noted that if someone requests <br /> something at the last minute and they do not put any effort into it, the case will be very weak and <br /> it will create chaos. He shared that he would not be in favor of limiting the Council to not request <br /> new items be added to the agenda. <br /> Councilmember Olson stated that Staff's recommendation of four days prior to the packet being <br /> posted does not need to be a hard and fast rule, but rather a suggested guideline. <br /> Mayor Heineman noted that when this has been abused in the past, other Councilmembers have <br /> exercised their ability to call out this behavior. He strongly discouraged limiting Council's ability <br /> to request new items be added as there have been things that have happened in the past where they <br /> want to address something sooner than two weeks until the next Council meeting. <br /> Councilmember Stewart asked for examples of topics that have been added so last minute in the <br /> past. She stated that she would feel very disrespected as a Councilmember if an item was added so <br /> last minute without giving her and her fellow Councilmembers the chance to research and review <br /> the item. <br /> Mayor Heineman shared that in the past he had requested that the Council add an item related to <br /> an executive order for mask mandates which he felt put unjust legal restrictions on residents. He <br /> said this was not something that he wanted to wait over two weeks to be discussed by the Council. <br /> He added that when he brought this item forward, he did the research and wrote out his own case <br /> for Staff. <br /> Councilmember Stewart asked what safeguards they can use if there are Councilmembers or the <br /> Mayor who brings on a last minute item. <br /> City Administrator Hagen said that the Council polices themselves when it comes to these kinds <br /> of things. He noted that if they do not have the information needed in order to make an informed <br /> decision then it is on the Council to determine. He added that it is very helpful for Staff if the <br /> Councilmembers who are requesting to add the item have done their own research in the event an <br /> item does need to be added last minute. <br /> Mayor Heineman added that they would also want to give legal counsel time to weigh in on these <br /> items. <br /> Councilmember Buscher asked what they would want the process to look like if an item is being <br /> requested but other Councilmembers do not feel like they have the time or the information in order <br /> to make an informed decision. <br /> City Council Work Session/February 11, 2025 <br /> Page 4 of 9 <br />