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3City of Roseville y Commissioner’s Handbook Section 2.02 Open Meeting Law All of the meetings of the city’s commissions are open to the pub- lic and subject to the Open Meeting Law, (Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 13D). When one-half (quorum) or more of the mem- bers of a governmental body are present, for official purposes, it is considered a meeting. A meeting does not include social or chance gatherings not intended to avoid the law. The purpose of the Open Meeting Law is: • To prohibit actions being taken at a meeting where it is impossible for the interested public to become fully informed about a public board’s decisions or to detect improper influences. • To assure the public’s right to be informed. • To afford the public an opportunity to present its views to the public body. The primary requirements of the open meeting law is that meet- ings be open to the public, proper notice be given to the public, and relevant materials be available to the public. Further, communications, including emails or other electronic communication, between some or all members, could potentially be considered a public meeting. If you have information or any type of communication that you would like to share with other members, send to your staff liaison who can then forward it to all members of the commission and then be reviewed or discussed at a public meeting. The Open Meeting law does not preclude an individual member from contacting the staff liaison regarding questions or concerns or seeking further information on topics or agenda items. Section 2.03 Conflict of Interest Generally, state law prohibits public officials, including commis- sion members, from having a personal financial interest in a sale, lease or contract they are authorized to make in their official capacity. Members must avoid actions that may give the appear- ance of impropriety or a conflict of interest. They must not use their position to gain privileges or special treatment. If there is a conflict of interest on an issue, that member is expect- ed to abstain from discussion or voting on the issue. If members have questions about the possible conflict of interest they can contact their staff liaison who will check with the City Attorney. Section 2.04 Standards of Appearance All Commission meetings are open public meetings where mem- bers of the public are welcome to attend. Commission members are representing the City during these meetings; therefore it is important that a professional appearance be maintained.