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Council reviews rules, ethics and meeting procedures and asks staff to propose options for longer deliberation
Summary
Councilors heard staff explain the rules of procedure and ethics ordinance (including the $5 nominal gift rule), discussed whether study sessions, committee structures or a task force could provide more public input on high‑impact issues, and approved a motion to move to executive session on labor negotiations.
Administrator Allison Zelms introduced the council rules of procedure and code of conduct packet and described recent updates (regular meeting time set to 6 p.m.; study sessions at 3:30 p.m.; a two‑minute limit for public comment during open comment). Zelms said the rules exist to establish meeting order, protect roles, and maintain respectful discussion.
City attorney Michael Spindler Craig summarized ethics and gift law: state law and the local ordinance prohibit accepting gifts of more than a nominal value from an interested party; under state statute the nominal threshold remains $5. He advised council members to consult staff on gray areas and explained that gifts intended for the city are accepted by the council into city holdings.
Council members debated procedural reforms: some advocated forming a small, public task force or using study sessions to create a longer "glide path" (more time for public input and repeated deliberation) before final votes on high‑impact items; others warned that standing subcommittees can complicate transparency and trigger open meeting requirements. Mayor Norton and several councilors also raised questions about appointment processes for boards and commissions and about clarifying the mayor’s role relative to council procedures.
In closing the rules discussion, the city attorney asked for a motion to enter a closed session under Minnesota law to discuss labor negotiations. He read recommended language for the motion: "move into close session pursuant to Minnesota statute 13D.03 subdivision 1B to discuss strategies for labor negotiations." Council Member Wall moved the motion; Council Member Miller seconded it and the motion carried; the public recording was stopped for the executive session.
Next steps: staff will synthesize options and return with a scoped proposal that includes the legal constraints (open meeting considerations), suggested study‑session approaches and a recommended public timeline for any charter or code amendments.
