HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-11-2024 City Council Minutes - work session (OJ\
Minutes
City Council Work Session
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tMonday, March 11, 2024, 5:00 PM
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KESHO�``` City Council Chambers 12780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356
ROLL CALL
City Council members present: Mayor Dennis Walsh, City Council Members Alisa Benson, Matt
Johnson, and Maria Veach.
Staff present: City Administrator/Engineer Adam Edwards and City Clerk Christine Lusian.
TECHNOLOGY USE AT DIAS
Administrator Edwards introduced the topic of using technology, specifically cell phones, at the
dias during public meetings. Council discussed the appropriateness of city council members
exchanging messages during official meetings in various situations, like with members of the
public outside of public comment period, during closed sessions, with staff, and with each other.
Edwards clarified that the city attorney advised councilmembers not to exchange messages with
each other, to prevent violation of open meeting law. Council members also reminded each other
of the resources available from the League of Minnesota Cities Meetings of Councils or the
International City/County Management Association Code of Ethics if council decides to develop
its own policy.
COUNCIL-STAFF TIME
Administrator Edwards introduced the topic of council members individually directing staff or
using staff time. Council discussed the practice of keeping interactions with staff to a minimum
and less than 15 minutes if it is an emergency. Council members discussed that its statutory
duties are to be performed by the council as a whole. Council members have no administrative
authority as individuals and do not give orders to staff to avoid liability for taking unauthorized
actions. Members reminded each other of the resources available, like the LMC Handbook for
elected officials for guidance on its role. Edwards reminded council that any new, controversial,
and/or time-consuming interaction should go through Edwards for the evaluation of resources,
priorities, and schedules. Edwards also reminded the group that campaign season is approaching
and while campaign signs are allowed on private property, city roles are non-partisan and any
political activity during business hours or using city resources would violate personnel policy.
CIVILITY OF ELECTED AND APPOINTED
Administrator Edwards introduced the topic of civility and conduct of council members and
elected or appointed officials. Council discussed policy language from other cities and the option
to develop its own guidelines for conduct between members and with the public. Members
agreed that everyone should feel safe and discussed the meeting procedure and maintaining order
during meetings. Members also discussed different leadership and personality styles and various
examples and levels of inappropriate behavior. Staff will draft a cheat sheet to help remind
members and the public of the meeting procedures required by city code and the procedures and
penalties for unacceptable behavior.
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Minutes
City Council Work Session
yte, Monday, March 11, 2024, 5:00 PM
`.1kEs O0'C. City Council Chambers 1 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356
ADJOURNMENT
Work session ended at 5:55 p.m.
ATTEST: CITY COUNCIL
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C sti usian ity Clerk Dennis Walsh, Mayor