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