City Council Minutes 2004 02 03 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Louisville City Council Meeting February 3, 2004 Page 6 of 8 available at the Louisville Library for citizens who cannot come to the City Clerk's office during business hours. She also requested that citizens be allowed to sign up to receive City Council e-mails. Susan Morris, 939 W. Maple Court, Louisville, CO, congratulated Council on their proposal to permit citizens to access Council e-mails. She stated she would also like to review FYI e-mails reporting on DRCOG and other governmental agency meetings, and on discussions at Ward meetings. COUNCIL COMMENT Council member Van Pelt asked if open records e-mails could be reached electronically through the Web Site. Deputy City Manager Boyd stated the City is investigating electronic delivery, however at this time, the City does not have the technology. Mayor Pro Tem Keany supported a second copy of the e-mails at the Library. He asked how soon Council could expect to have the separate e-mail setup. Deputy City Manager Boyd estimated its availability by the end of the week. Marsella asked for clarification on whether it is appropriate to send a copy of any communication to m6re than one Council member to open records. City Attorney Light reviewed the correspondence rule for elected officials public records: The exceptions are if e-mails do not involve public business or public money. He noted Council would not want to discourage a citizen who might seek confidentiality, from contacting their representative. He explained there is a provision in the Open Records Act, which applies to situations where the constituents have an expectation of confidentiality and in those cases, Council members would consult with the City Clerk to determine if that exception applies. Light addressed the exception of work product, which is protected by another privilege and could be discussed and determined by Staff. Council member Brown asked City Attorney Light to address e-mails and the open meetings law. City Attorney Light explained the open meeting rule: Whenever the majority of the City Council is expected to meet to discuss business, public notice is required. The problem with the formal notice requirement on e-mail meetings is a member may not be aware the e-mail has been sent. Some municipalities post Web Site advisements that those types of discussions do occur, and rely on that as notice. Council discussion: Brown agreed e-mail' discussion could prompt a meeting notice. Mayor Pro Tem Keany commented FYI (For Your Information) e-mails should be copied to open records. Mayor Sisk stressed the Council should not be dissuaded from using e- mails as a method of communication. He thanked Staff for working so quickly on this matter and stated he looks forward to a working model. John Leary 1116 LaFarge Avenue, Louisville, CO asked for clarification on why open records e-mails could not be placed on the Web Page in electronic format.