HomeMy WebLinkAbout11.F.1. Study Sessions % �, � /.
CITY OF SHAKOPEE
Memorandum
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Mark McNeill, City Administrator
SUBJECT: Study Sessions
DATE: March 28, 2012
Introduction
The Council is asked to discuss the concept of regular "study sessions", to allow Council to informally
discuss ideas for potential future action.
Background
As part of the March 27 work session, the Councii heard a recommendation from facilitator Jim
Brimeyer to schedule regular "study sessions", which would be informal meetings to discuss ideas and
other potential items of business which may come before the City Council. The intent would be that
these would be times for Council and staff to review proposals that might not be ready for formal action
by the Council. The ideas may be staff or Council initiated, or it may be the result of "brain storming" by
meeting participants.
Feedback is desired as to 1) whether this is a good idea, and if so 2) is this something that the Council
would want to regularly schedule? If the idea is of inerit, Council could either choose to hold them on a
regular day each month (i.e. second or fourth Tuesday, opposite regular City Council meetings) or, it
could hold them prior to regular City Council meetings. This, of course, would depend on Councilors'
availability and work schedules.
Council should also discuss the degree of formality desired. These would, by law, be open meetings, but
would they necessarily be televised? Televising of all Council meetings has been a practice of the City
based on Councilmember preference. While all meetings of the City Council are "regular" meetings and
subject to provisions of the Open Meetings law, is there a reason to change the practice of televising
workshops to accommodate these proposed less formal meetings?
Recommendation
Council is asked to discuss and give direction.
Relationship to Visioning
This is a housekeeping item (F).
Action Requested
Council is asked to give direction to staff regarding their interest in study sessions, and any parameters
concerning conduct and scheduling of such meetings.
Mark McNeill
City Administrator