01-17-23-WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION – JANUARY 17, 2023 13 Mayor Grant said it was from the advice of the City Attorney. Councilmember Monson also liked the Shoreview version, but would also include something about not allowing residents to speak about an item that was on a public hearing. Councilmember Holden said the Shoreview version said if something was NOT on the regular agenda residents couldn’t comment. Councilmember Monson would like people to speak about anything, unless it was on a public hearing. Mayor Grant said he specifically instructs the audience to wait for a public hearing if that is the topic they’d like to comment on. He is looking for feedback and he will work with staff and the City Attorney to rewrite the section. Councilmember Holden thought some people want input back from the public discussion that same evening. If someone has a question it won’t be answered or discussed that evening? Mayor Grant said even city councils that don’t put that statement in typically don’t respond unless it’s something very basic. Councilmember Rousseau again stated she would like to limit comments to three minutes and possibly have a disclaimer to remind orderly conduct, and to request comments at work sessions are specific to that night’s discussion. Councilmember Fabel read a statement regarding the nature of a statutory city he would like to be included at the next meeting and that may or may not be necessary at subsequent meetings. Mayor Grant felt the citizens of Arden Hills didn’t need to be read legal jargon, three out of five is a majority and no one is questioning that, and they didn’t need lecture the constituents. City Administrator Perrault said the current direction from Council was to limit statements to three minutes, disorderly conduct reminder and limiting the work session comments to items on the agenda. Councilmember Holden wasn’t sure how they were going to make it clear that they can comment on some things at some meetings and not at others, she felt they should either take public comment or not. Councilmember Monson thought they could try limiting comments at work session to items on the agenda and if it doesn’t work they change it again. She felt they could always give leeway and not be extremely strict about it. Mayor Grant said he would work with staff to put language together.