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RELEVANT LINKS: <br />League of Minnesota Cities Handbook for Minnesota Cities 8/30/2022 <br />Meetings, Motions, Resolutions, and Ordinances Chapter 7 | Page 32 <br /> In some charter cities, the mayor has veto power. Charter cities should <br />consult their charters for more information. <br /> In Plan A or Plan B statutory cities, the clerk attends council meetings and <br />records the minutes but may not make, second, or vote on motions. In <br />addition, unless the council extends the privilege, the clerk lacks the right to <br />participate in discussions. <br />Minn. Stat. § 412.191. In Standard Plan statutory cities, the clerk is an elected member of the <br />council and has the same voting powers as the other council members. <br />Charter cities should consult their charters for more information about the <br />clerk’s role. <br /> H. Minutes of council meetings <br />Minn. Stat. § 15.17. Minn. <br />Stat. § 412.151, subd. 1. The council must keep a full and accurate record of its actions at every <br />council meeting. In statutory cities, the clerk records the council <br />proceedings in a minute book. In the clerk’s absence, the council should <br />delegate the duty of taking minutes for that meeting. <br /> The clerk determines the actual wording of the minutes, unless the council <br />adopts a standard form by motion or specifically directs the clerk to change <br />the wording. The minutes should be written in language average citizens <br />can understand. Reference to numbers of ordinances, resolutions, and other <br />matters also should include a brief description of their subject matter. <br />A.G. Op. 470-c (Feb. 18, <br />1959). If the council finds a mistake in the minutes of the previous meeting, the <br />clerk should correct the minutes. If the clerk declines, the council can order <br />the change by motion and a vote. <br /> The clerk must then make the change and show in the minutes that the <br />change was made by order of the council. <br /> Once the council has formally approved the minutes of any meeting, they <br />should not be changed under any circumstance. The council can dispense <br />with the reading of the minutes if all council members have received them <br />prior to the meeting. <br />Minn. Stat. § 412.221, <br />subd. 1. Minn. Stat. § <br />15.17, subd. 1. <br />The council must provide books and stationery for keeping minutes. State <br />law requires all cities to keep minutes on a physical medium that is of a <br />quality that will ensure permanent records. <br />Minn. Stat. § 412.151, <br />subd. 1. Because minutes would likely be considered official papers of the city, they <br />should be signed by the clerk. Although not required by law, in many cities <br />the mayor also signs the minutes after the council approves them.