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Jun~08-20D9 15:16 From-PETERSON FRAM BERGMAN 6512281T53 T-416 P.D04/005 F-99S Again, the city might consider a "no replytt sort of rule when it comes to these resources, or perhaps have Coun~il Members send ideas for postings or responses to the city clerk or administrator to manage. Reqiember, too, that official city committees are subject to the same open meeting. requirements and should be similarly educated about correct e-mail use.. Regardless of precautions, there may be times when Council Members find themselves accused of violating the Minnesota Open Meeting Law, perhaps having unintentionally engaged in one of these sorts of conversations. One way to diffuse some concern is to immediately release copies of all e-mail correspondence to anyone who wants to see it.. While this doesn't negate the possible violatio~ it shows good faith and lack of specific intent to violate the law. Draft guidelines for electronic communications between Council Members Cities might decide to develop policies clarifying appropriate or preferred email use by and between Council Members. Even if a city doesntt formally adopt a policy, the guidelines here might be helpfUl for any elected official or city board member to follow. The purpose of these draft guidelines is to Suggest how members of city councils and other city committees might communicate via email and electronic means. A city should review these draft guidelines along with its nonnal operating procedures, consult with the.city attorney and detemUne the best course of action. Guidelines for Electronic Communications between Council Members in the City of These guidelines apply to all members of the city council and all mem.bers of council and city committees, conunissions, sub..committees, etc. in the City of F or purposes of these guidelines, reference to Council Members includes members of all other city conunittees and groups subject to the Open Meeting Law. Reference to the council shall include all such groups and meetings.. For purposes of these guidelines, "electronic means" means email, instant messaging, chatrooms, and related electronic conversation. For purposes of these guidelines, "city clerk" means the city clerk, manager, administrator or his I her designee. This materialls provld(td aa generalldformatluIl1UI d Is not a iPbltltul. rOt loga) advll;o, CDnsult your attorney for adylc~ concernlrlg $peclf~c $ltuatlans. -3-