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City manager and deputy city attorney brief Youth Council on city operations and Florida Sunshine Law
Summary
New Smyrna Beach City Manager Kevin Cowper introduced his role and the city's operations; Deputy City Attorney Shay McCurdy reviewed Florida's Sunshine Law, stressing that meetings and minutes must be public and warning that violations can carry criminal penalties.
Kevin Cowper, who said he has served about six months as New Smyrna Beach city manager, visited the Youth Council to describe the city-manager form of government, explain his responsibilities to the elected commission, and outline the range of city services and department leadership the manager coordinates.
Deputy City Attorney Shay McCurdy gave the council a concise primer on Florida's Sunshine Law, saying meetings must be open to the public, reasonable notice must be given and minutes recorded. McCurdy explained that a "meeting" can include two or more members discussing foreseeable agenda items and warned that off-microphone side conversations or pre-meeting discussions about agenda topics can violate the law. She told the council that "it can be punishable as a second-degree misdemeanor, up to 60 days in jail, and a $500 fine" for serious, blatant violations.
Council members asked clarifying questions about what constitutes a meeting and were advised that they may not discuss agenda topics among themselves between meetings (no texting or emailing among members about pending agenda matters). Staff said members may submit ideas to the clerk or through Mr. Woodard for distribution so proposals can be considered in a public forum.
Council members thanked the presenters and then moved into nominations and project planning for the year.
