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Council members recap training on Open Meetings Act and records rules
Summary
Councilmembers who attended recent training summarized guidance on the Open Meetings Act and Public Information Act: one-on-one 'walking forum' contacts can create quorum risks, texts and personal-device messages can be subject to open-records requests, and using blind-copy email practice can reduce accidental serial deliberations.
Several councilmembers summarized takeaways from recent training sessions, emphasizing practical steps to comply with the Open Meetings Act and the Public Information Act. One member explained the concept of a 'walking forum' (one-on-one contacts that, when repeated among members, can create a quorum). The training also emphasized that texts and messages on personal phones may be subject to public records requests: "If someone request it, you will have to show every text from your phone," a councilmember said.
Members discussed practical remedies, including using blind carbon copy on some group emails and avoiding multi-member texting that could be construed as decision-making. The group also discussed when executive or closed meetings are appropriate and the need for noting times in minutes when executive sessions occur.
Why it matters: compliance with open-meeting and public-records laws is legally required and affects transparency and potential liability for the council.
