HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-10-11CITY OF LAKEVILLE
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 10, 2011
Council Member Rieb called the meeting to order at 4:04 p.m.
Present: Mayor Mark Bellows
Council Member Matt Little
Council Member Colleen LaBeau
Council Member Kerrin Swecker
Council Member Laurie Rieb
Also Present: Roger Knutson, City Attorney
Steve Mielke, City Administrator
Council Members Rieb and Swecker lead a discussion related to Council
meeting decorum and process. The following points were discussed:
Council discussed rules of procedure, importance of establishing ground rules
for citizen comments, and consistency.
Citizen Comments:
• Council members like hearing citizen comments early in the meeting and
would like to add citizen comments to work session agendas.
• Speaker ID Cards were discussed. These could be completed by any
citizen who wishes to speak, submitted to the City Clerk or a staff
member, and then passed along to the Mayor.
• The Mayor will read a script of rules for speakers.
• Citizen comments should be addressed to the Mayor not directed to an
individual Council member or Staff member. The Mayor will refer the
question or comment to the City Administrator as appropriate.
• All council members are responsible for helping to maintain decorum
and meeting rules.
The City Administrator and City Attorney will work on language for Council
consideration of a policy on citizen comments.
Proper steps for working through an agenda item were discussed.
There was consensus to address each other consistently as "Mayor" or
"Council Member" with their last name.
Special Council Meeting
November 10, 2011
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Discussion was held on the use of technology during meetings, specifically use
of cell phones, laptops and tablets. Concerns include perception of Council
members sending messages to each other and the public during the
meetings; the need for a policy to not be on the internet during meetings;
level of trust between council members and the public; and potential for
violation of open meeting laws. It was agreed that during closed meetings
there should be no communications outside the meeting.
Council Member Rieb declared a recess at 6:00 pm
Council Member Rieb called the meeting back to order at 6:20 pm
The Council continued the discussion on electronic communication. Varying
opinions exist among the council members on the potential benefits and use
of social media and technology during meetings. A practice exists that cell
phones are to be turned off during regular meeting due to interference with
audio of the meeting in the Council chambers. Most council members
believe that cell phones should not be used during work sessions except to
receive personal communications from work or family. Some members wish to
use laptops and tablets for packet material or reference.
In reference to the use of Twitter by Council Member Little, Council Member
Little stated that he has not used twitter during a closed session regarding a
personnel matter.
A policy from the City of Woodbury was discussed as an example of a
possible policy document for Lakeville. The City Administrator, City Attorney
and the IT staff will develop language for a draft policy for later discussion.
Council members expressed the importance of being respectful of each
others' individual views, even when they are not in agreement.
Council Member Rieb adjourned the meeting at 6:47 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Steve Mielke, City Administrator
Mark Bellows, Mayor