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Swanson v. city of Although not generally required by statute, several court decisions suggest Bloomington„ 421 N.W.2d 307 (Minn. 1988). that including certain information in the minutes can help to defend a city's Dietz v. Dodge county, 487 actions should a lawsuit occur. The following types of data are examples of N.W.2d 237 (Minn. 1992). information that should be included in the minutes: See LMC memo Taking the . Findings of fact. Case law requires them for land use decisions and some Mystery out of Findings of Fact. personnel decisions. • The council's conclusions. Case law requires them for land use decisions and some personnel decisions. • The specific reasons behind the council's conclusions. Examples would include such things as the economic, social, political, or safety factors that were considered when the council made a particular decision. • Signature of clerk and mayor. Because minutes would likely be considered Minn. star. § 412.is1, SUbd.1. official papers of the city, they should be signed by the clerk. And although the law does not require it, in many cities the mayor also signs the minutes after they are approved by the council. 3. Adequate records and defending city decisions City councils make two types of decisions —legislative decisions and quasi- judicial decisions. A typical legislative decision a council makes is to adopt an ordinance. Legislative decisions are made when the city exercises its general lawmaking authority in a broad manner that applies city-wide. In contrast, quasi-judicial decisions involve applying standards found in an ordinance or policy to individuals. A typical quasi-judicial decision a council makes is to grant or deny a landowner's request for a zoning conditional use permit. Quasi-judicial decisions are made when the city exercises its authority over individuals to grant or deny their specific applications for privileges under existing city ordinance. Both legislative and quasi-judicial decisions of the council may result in lawsuits against the city. When a reviewing court examines a city's decisions, it applies different standards of review to legislative decisions and quasi-judicial decisions. a. Court review of legislative decisions Swanson v. City of When reviewing a city's legislative actions, the court looks to see whether the Bloomington, 421 N.W.2d 307 (Minn. 1988). actions were constitutional, rational, and in some way related to protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the public. This is known as the "rational basis standard," and it is a standard that is generally not difficult for cities to meet. The court may not always agree with a city council's decisions, but it will not substitute its judgment for that of the city council —if the council can establish through an adequate record that its actions met the rational basis standard. Minnesota Mayors Association Chapter 1-24