Council tables claims after staff says claims docket was posted then unpublished; special meeting to be scheduled

Councilors on Aug. 25 tabled action on the claims docket after staff and the clerk-treasurer’s office said the claims had been posted earlier in the week but were not visible online at the time of the meeting.

A councilor asked whether claims that had not been made available to the public could legally be voted on that night. The city attorney advised that state filing requirements relate to submission to the dispersing officer (the clerk-treasurer’s office) and do not explicitly require posting online; however, staff said the claims had been posted on Wednesday and then unpublished during agenda revisions. The clerk confirmed she had approved posting earlier in the week but that the online posting had been removed.

Given that at least one council member had not been able to review the docket and that the public could not see it online, Councilor Waniger moved to table the claims until all councilors have had time to review the docket and the document is published online; Councilor Dart seconded. The motion carried on a 6-0 roll call. Councilors directed staff to post the claims and to schedule a special meeting with at least 48 hours’ notice so the council can act before potential payment deadlines if necessary.

Councilors and staff emphasized the importance of public access and review time for the claims docket before voting.