HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.13.23 RRC Packet
Meeng Locaon:
R ambling R iver C enter
325 O ak S treet
Farmington, M N 55024
RAM B L I N G RI V E R C E N T E R A D V I SO RY BO AR D M E E T I N G A G E N DA
F ebruary 13, 2023
9:30 A M
1.C all to O rder
2.A pprove A genda
3.A pprove M inutes
(a)A pprove J anuary 9, 2023 M eeng Minutes
4.P resentaons
5 B usiness I tems
(a)Elect C hair and V ice-Chair
(b)G arage S ale F undrais er
6.D iscussion I tems
(a)Review O pen Meeng L aw
(b)Review A dvis ory Board O rdinance and Bylaw s
(c)Review Favor Farmington Expo
(d)Parks and Facilies Tour with Parks and Recreaon Commission and City Council
(e)A rts and Cra2s F undraiser
(f)Review and Understand the S ix G eneraons L iving in the U nited S tates
(g)2023 Work P lan Review
7.S taff Report
(a)S taff Report
8.A dvisory B oard Roundtable
(a)A dvisory Board Roundtable
9.Items for N ext M eeng A genda
(a)I tems for the M arch 13, 2023 M eeng A genda
10.A djourn
TO :Rambling River Center A dvisory Board
F R O M :Missie Kohlbeck, Recreaon S upervisor and Kellee O mlid, Parks and Recreaon
D irector
S U B J EC T:A pprove J anuary 9, 2023 M eeng Minutes
DATE:February 13, 2023
I N T R O D U C TI O N
I ncluded in the meeng packet are dra* minutes from the advis ory board’s January 9, 2023 meeng.
D I S C U S S I O N
A dvisory board members s hould review the dra* minutes to determine if there are any correcons or
edits that need to be made prior to approval.
A C T I O N R EQ U E S T E D
The advisory board is being as ked to review the a0ached dra* J anuary 9, 2023 meeng minutes , make any
correcons needed, and then approve the meeng minutes .
AT TA C H M E N T S :
Type D es cripon
Backup M aterial D ra* J anuary 9, 2023 M eeng Minutes
.
City of Farmington A Proud Past - A Promising Future
325 Oak Street Committed to Providing High Quality,
Farmington, MN 55024 Timely and Responsive Service to All
Of Our Customers
JANUARY 9, 2023 RAMBLING RIVER CENTER
ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
1. Call to Order: Chair Pennie Page called meeting to order at 9:31 a.m.
Members Present: Blanche Reichert, Mary Garlets, Pennie Page, Pat Hennen, Larry Smith, Judy
Janke and Marge Koski
Members absent:
Others Present: Parks and Recreation Director Kellee Omlid, Recreation Supervisor Missie
Kohlbeck, and David McKnight
2. Approve Agenda
Director Omlid requested that 4. (a) David McKnight be added to the agenda. Motion with requested
changed made by Reichert seconded by Koski to approve January 9, 2023 agenda. All persons in favor
(APIF). Motion carried.
3. Approve Minutes
Motion made by Hennen to approve December 12, 2022 meeting minutes and seconded by Smith, APIF.
Motion carried.
4. Presentations
A. David McKnight
David McKnight surprised the advisory board with a check for $5,000 to complete the fundraising for
the passenger van. He told the advisory board their efforts are not going unnoticed and congratulated
them on reaching their goal. The advisory board was very surprised and thankful. Pictures were taken
to document the generous donation.
5. Business Items
A. Approve 2023 Work Plan
Chair Page reviewed the goals of the 2023 work plan. Motion by Garlets, seconded by Janke to
approve 2023 work plan. APIF. Motion carried.
Garlets and Janke agreed to begin researching the six generations living in America and report back at
the February meeting.
6. Discussion Items
A. Arts and Crafts Fundraiser
The evaluation of last years arts and crafts fundraiser was reviewed. Consensus was to leave the vendors
rate the same in 2023 and add an online registration option that is $5 more to cover processing fees.
B. Garage Sale Fundraiser
Discussion was held on the profits compared to the labor needed to run a garage sale. A raffle was also
discussed. Kohlbeck shared how the Gillespie Center runs their raffle. Kohlbeck will reach out to a non-
profit to see if there is interest in working together on a raffle. A decision will be made on holding the
garage sale at the February meeting.
C. Favor Farmington Expo
The Rambling River Center and the Model Railroad Club will be at the City of Farmington tables at the
Favor Farmington Expo. Koski and Janke will work the Expo from 9 – 10:30 a.m. and Reichert and Page
will work from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. We will have packets of information, the display, drawings for a
free membership, and MDC cards.
D. Chair and Vice Chair Elections During February Meeting
Smith and Reichert both thanked Page for being the chair and told her she does a good job. Page is
willing to chair again, but does not want to take the opportunity away from anyone else. Janke asked
what is involved in the vice-chair position and may be interested in it. Director Omlid asked them to think
more about it and declare their intentions to run at the February meeting.
7. Staff Report
Informational Updates
• The first “Much at Lunch” will be held at the end of January with Elvis as entertainment.
• Recreation Supervisor Kohlbeck researched room assignment screens. Any monitor will work, it
is the software that has to be purchased. Director Omlid will double check that room
assignments can be done with RecTrac.
• Director Omlid stated we are still waiting to hear about the grant funding.
8. Advisory Board Roundtable
Smith – Nothing
Janke – Nothing
Hennen – Nothing
Garlets – Will set up a talk about electronic security.
Koski – Nothing
Page – Can we do a class with Dakota County on transportation and a class with students to teach
seniors how to order groceries?
Reichert – Good discussion today.
9. Agenda Items for February 13, 2023 meeting
• Elect Chair and Vice chair
• 2023 Garage Sale Fundraiser
• Open Meeting Law Review
• Advisory Board Bylaws Review
• Review Favor Farmington Expo
• Parks and Facilities Tour with Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council
• 2023 Arts and Crafts Fair
• Review and Understand the Six Generation Living in the United States
• 2023 Work Plan Review
10. 10. Adjourn
Motion by Hennen and seconded by Koski to adjourn the meeting, APIF. Motion carried. The meeting
was adjourned at 11 a.m.
Respectfully Submitted
Missie Kohlbeck Recreation Supervisor and Recording Secretary
TO :Rambling River Center A dvisory Board
F R O M :Missie Kohlbeck, Recreaon S upervisor and Kellee O mlid, Parks and Recreaon
D irector
S U B J EC T:Elect C hair and V ice-Chair
DATE:February 13, 2023
I N T R O D U C TI O N
This is the firs t meeng a,er the city council made appointments to the advisory board. A ccording to city
ordinance, February is the month w hen officers are elected for the advis ory board. O fficers to be elected
are the chair and vice-chair posions . Both of these pos ions are for a one-year term.
D I S C U S S I O N
Chair Page w ill first call for nominaons for the chair pos ion. I f any member is interested in becoming
the chair, they s hould indicate they are interes ted. Chair Page w ill connue to call for chair nominaons
tw o more mes and if no one else indicates they are interes ted in the chair pos ion, the nominaon w ill
be closed. O nce all members w ho are interes ted in becoming the chair are known, a vote will be taken for
the posion.
O nce the chair is elected, then the pers on elected as the chair will repeat the nominaon and vong
proces s for the vice-chair pos ion.
A C T I O N R EQ U E S T E D
A dvisory board members s hould come prepared to make their interest in either pos ion know n. A ll
members are being asked to vote during the elecon of the chair and vice-chair pos ions.
TO :Rambling River Center A dvisory Board
F R O M :Missie Kohlbeck, Recreaon S upervisor and Kellee O mlid, Parks and Recreaon
D irector
S U B J EC T:G arage S ale F undrais er
DATE:February 13, 2023
I N T R O D U C TI O N
The Rambling River C enter holds a garage s ale fundrais er on an odd numbered years bas is and typically in
the fall. The last garage sale fundraiser was held in 2019, as the 2021 fundrais er w as pushed to 2022
becaus e of C ovid-19. H owever, in 2022, the advis ory board decided not to hold the garage sale
fundrais er becaus e of the 40th A nniversary Celebraon being held in S eptember and the amount of me
required to make both events s uccessful.
D I S C U S S I O N
At the January meeng, advisory board members and staff discussed the benefits and concerns of
holding a garage s ale fundrais er. I t w as als o dis cus s ed to explore holding an alternate fundraiser,
s pecifically a raffle.
A C T I O N R EQ U E S T E D
A dvisory board members are as ked to come to the meeng prepared to dis cus s the garage sale and make a
decision to hold it or not in 2023.
TO :Rambling River Center A dvisory Board
F R O M :Missie Kohlbeck, Recreaon S upervisor and Kellee O mlid, Parks and Recreaon
D irector
S U B J EC T:Review O pen Meeng L aw
DATE:February 13, 2023
I N T R O D U C TI O N
The O pen Meeng L aw (M innesota S tatutes Chapter 13 D ) requires public bodies to meet in open s ession
unless otherwise permi-ed and provide meeng noces to the public. This law applies to both s tate-level
public bodies and local public bodies , such as county boards, city councils, and school boards.
D I S C U S S I O N
This law als o applies to city boards and commis s ions , including the Rambling River C enter A dvis ory
Board. I t is important to understand the open meeng law and how it affects the work you do as a board
member for the C ity of Farmington.
The open meeng law requires meengs of public bodies must generally be open to the public. I t s erves
three vital purpos es:
P rohibits acons from being taken at a s ecret meeng w here the interested public cannot be fully
informed of the decisions of public bodies or detect improper influences.
Ens ures the public’s right to be informed.
G ives the public an opportunity to present its view s .
City s taff is res pons ible for making s ure meeng dates, mes, and locaons are made public in a mely
manner. A s a Rambling River Center advis ory board member, each of you are res pons ible for and to
remember the follow ing in regards to the open meeng law :
Avoid gathering in a quorum (4+ members ) outs ide of the regular meeng. I f a quorum is present
at a s ocial gathering, please do not dis cus s , decide, or receive informaon on city busines s .
There are few excepons to the open meeng law. The excepons us ually pertain to city council on
a limited number of topics (i.e. labor negoaons ) that permit them to hold a closed meeng.
S erial discussions betw een less than a quorum could violate the open meeng law under certain
circums tances . Avoid phone calls, emails, texts, and social media to discuss city bus iness to avoid
having a s erial meeng. H ave thes e discussions during regular meengs.
A ny person who intenonally violates the open meeng law is s ubject to a civil penalty up to $300
for a s ingle occurrence. The public body may not pay the penalty.
A C T I O N R EQ U E S T E D
I ncluded in the packet is informaon about the open meeng law that was put together by the League of
Minnes ota C ies . Board members are asked to read the open meeng law informaon prior to the
meeng, come prepared to discuss, and as k any ques ons you have.
AT TA C H M E N T S :
Type D es cripon
Backup M aterial O pen M eeng Law I nformaon
RELEVANT LINKS:
League of Minnesota Cities Handbook for Minnesota Cities 8/30/2022
Meetings, Motions, Resolutions, and Ordinances Chapter 7 | Page 12
Minn. Stat. § 645.44, subd.
5. If a holiday falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is considered to be a
holiday. If a holiday falls on a Sunday, the next Monday is considered to be
a holiday.
Minn. Stat. § 645.15. See
Section I-B-2 for more
information about notice
for special meetings.
State law does not prohibit meetings on weekends. However, state law
regulating how time is computed for the purpose of giving any required
notice provides that if the last day of the notice falls on either a Saturday or
a Sunday, that day cannot be counted. For example, if notice for a special
meeting to be held on a Saturday or Sunday is required, the third day of that
notice would need to be provided on the preceding Friday.
Minn. Stat. § 204C.03.
Minn. Stat. § 202A.19.
Minnesota election law provides that meetings are prohibited between
6 p.m. and 8 p.m. on any election day, including a local general or special
election.
Therefore, if a school district is holding a special election on a particular
day, no other unit of government totally or partially within the school
district may hold a meeting between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Meetings are also
prohibited after 6 p.m. on the day of a major political precinct caucus.
II. Open meeting law
See LMC information
memo, Meetings of City
Councils, for more
information about the open
meeting law.
A. Purpose
Minn. Stat. § 13D.01. St.
Cloud Newspapers, Inc. v.
Dist. 742 Community
Schools, 332 N.W.2d 1
(Minn. 1983).
The open meeting law requires that meetings of public bodies must
generally be open to the public. It serves three vital purposes:
• Prohibits actions from being taken at a secret meeting where the
interested public cannot be fully informed of the decisions of public
bodies or detect improper influences.
• Ensures the public’s right to be informed.
• Gives the public an opportunity to present its views.
B. Public notice
See section I-Types of
council meetings and notice
requirements. Minn. Stat. §
13D.04, subd. 7.
Public notice generally must be provided for meetings of a public body
subject to the open meeting law. The notice requirements depend on the
type of meeting. However, if a person receives actual notice of a meeting at
least 24 hours before the meeting, all notice requirements under the open
meeting law are satisfied regardless of the method of receipt.
RELEVANT LINKS:
League of Minnesota Cities Handbook for Minnesota Cities 8/30/2022
Meetings, Motions, Resolutions, and Ordinances Chapter 7 | Page 13
C. Location
Quast v. Knutson, 276
Minn. 340, 150 N.W.2d
199 (1967). (Holding that a
school board violated the
open meeting law when it
held a meeting in a room
located 20 miles outside the
school district). DPO 18-
003.
The Minnesota Supreme Court has held that, to meet the statutory
requirement that meetings of public bodies shall be open to the public, “it is
essential that such meetings be held in a public place located within the
territorial confines of the [public body] involved.”
D. Printed materials
Minn. Stat. § 13D.01, subd.
6. DPO 08-015. DPO 17-
006. DPO 13-015 (noting
that the open meeting law
“is silent with respect to
agendas; it neither requires
them nor prohibits them”).
DPO 18-003. DPO 18-011.
Minn. Stat. § 13D.01, subd.
6.
At least one copy of the printed materials relating to agenda items that are
provided to the council at or before a meeting must also be made available
for public inspection in the meeting room while the governing body
considers the subject matter. This requirement does not apply to materials
classified by law as other than public or to materials relating to the agenda
items of a closed meeting.
E. Groups governed by the open meeting law
Minn. Stat. § 13D.01, subd.
1.
Under the Minnesota open meeting law, all city council meetings and
executive sessions must be open to the public with only a few exceptions.
Minn. Stat. § 465.719,
subd. 9.
The open meeting law also requires meetings of a public body or of any
committee, subcommittee, board, department, or commission of a public
body to be open to the public. For example, the governing bodies of local
public pension plans, housing and redevelopment authorities, economic
development authorities, and city-created corporations are subject to the
open meeting law.
Southern Minnesota
Municipal Power Agency v.
Boyne, 578 N.W.2d 362
(Minn. 1998).
The Minnesota Supreme Court has held, however, that the governing body
of a municipal electric power agency is not subject to the open meeting law
because the Legislature has granted these agencies authority to conduct
their affairs as private corporations.
F. Gatherings governed by the open meeting law
Moberg v. Indep. Sch. Dist.
No. 281, 336 N.W.2d 510
(Minn. 1983). St. Cloud
Newspapers, Inc. v. Dist.
742 Community Schools,
332 N.W.2d 1 (Minn.
1983).
The open meeting law does not define the term “meeting.” The Minnesota
Supreme Court, however, has ruled that meetings are gatherings of a
quorum or more members of the governing body—or a quorum of a
committee, subcommittee, board, department, or commission thereof—at
which members discuss, decide, or receive information as a group on issues
relating to the official business of that governing body.
RELEVANT LINKS:
League of Minnesota Cities Handbook for Minnesota Cities 8/30/2022
Meetings, Motions, Resolutions, and Ordinances Chapter 7 | Page 14
Minn. Stat. § 412.191,
subd. 1.
Minn. Stat. § 645.08(5).
For most public bodies, including statutory cities, a majority of its qualified
members constitutes a quorum. Charter cities may provide that a different
number of members of the council constitutes a quorum.
See Section II-G-4 for more
information about serial
meetings.
The open meeting law does not generally apply in situations where less
than a quorum of the council is involved. However, serial meetings, in
groups of less than a quorum, that are held to avoid the requirements of the
open meeting law may be found to violate the law, depending on the
specific facts.
G. Open meeting law exceptions
Minn. Stat. § 13D.05, subd.
1(d).
The open meeting law is designed to favor public access. Therefore, the
few exceptions that exist are carefully limited to avoid abuse. All closed
meetings (except those closed under the attorney-client privilege) must be
electronically recorded at the expense of the public body. Unless otherwise
provided by law, the recordings must be preserved for at least three years
after the date of the meeting.
Minn. Stat. § 13D.01, subd.
3. Before closing a meeting under any of the following exceptions, a city
council must make a statement on the record that includes the specific
grounds that permit the meeting to be closed and describes the subject to be
discussed.
DPO 14-005. DPO 13-012.
DPO 06-020. DPO 14-005.
See The Free Press v.
County of Blue Earth, 677
N.W.2d 471 (Minn. Ct.
App. 2004)
The commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Administration has
advised that a member of the public body (and not its attorney) must make
the statement on the record. The commissioner has also advised that citing
the specific statutory authority that permits the closed meeting is the
simplest way to satisfy the requirement for stating the specific grounds
permitting the meeting to be closed.
(holding that the county’s
statement that it was
closing a meeting under the
attorney-client privilege to
discuss “pending litigation”
did not satisfy the
requirement of describing
the subject to be discussed
at the closed meeting).
Both the commissioner and the Minnesota Court of Appeals have
concluded that something more specific than a general statement is needed
to satisfy the requirement of providing a description of the subject to be
discussed.
Minn. Stat. § 13D.04, subd.
5. The same notice requirements that apply to open meetings also apply to
closed meetings. For example, if a closed meeting takes place at a regular
meeting, the notice requirements for a regular meeting apply. Likewise, if a
closed meeting takes place as a special meeting or as an emergency
meeting, the notice requirements for a special meeting or an emergency
meeting would apply.
RELEVANT LINKS:
League of Minnesota Cities Handbook for Minnesota Cities 8/30/2022
Meetings, Motions, Resolutions, and Ordinances Chapter 7 | Page 15
1. Labor negotiations
Minn. Stat. § 13D.03, subd.
1 (b).
DPO 13-012.
Minn. Stat. §§ 179A.01-.25.
The city council may, by majority vote in a public meeting, decide to hold a
closed meeting to consider its strategy for labor negotiations, including
negotiation strategies or developments or discussion of labor-negotiation
proposals conducted pursuant to Minnesota Statutes sections 179A.01 to
179A.25. The council must announce the time and place of the closed
meeting at the public meeting.
Minn. Stat. § 13D.03,
subds. 1(d), 2.
See Closing a Meeting from
DPO.
DPO 05-027.
DPO 00-037.
After the closed meeting, a written record of all members of the city council
and all other people present must be available to the public. The council
must record the proceedings at city expense and preserve the recording for
two years after signing the contract. The tape-recording must be available
to the public after all labor contracts are signed for the current budget
period.
Minn. Stat. § 13D.03, subd.
3. If someone claims the council conducted public business other than labor
negotiations at the closed meeting, a court must privately review the
recording of the meeting.
If the court finds the law was not violated, the action must be dismissed,
and the recording sealed and preserved. If the court determines a violation
of the open meeting law may exist, the recording may be introduced at trial
in its entirety, subject to any protective orders requested by either party and
deemed appropriate by the court.
2. Not public data under the Minnesota Government
Data Practices Act
Minn. Stat. § 13D.05, subd.
2. The general rule is that meetings cannot be closed to discuss data that are
not public under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. A meeting
must be closed, however, if certain not public data is discussed.
Any portion of a meeting must be closed if expressly required by law or if
any of the following types of not public data are discussed:
Minn. Stat. §§ 144.291-
.298.
• Data that would identify victims or reporters of criminal sexual conduct,
domestic abuse, or maltreatment of minors or vulnerable adults.
• Active investigative data created by a law-enforcement agency, or
internal-affairs data relating to allegations of law-enforcement
personnel misconduct.
• Educational, health, medical, welfare, or mental-health data that are not
public data.
• Certain medical records.
RELEVANT LINKS:
League of Minnesota Cities Handbook for Minnesota Cities 8/30/2022
Meetings, Motions, Resolutions, and Ordinances Chapter 7 | Page 16
Minn. Stat. § 13D.05, subd.
1(d). A closed meeting held to discuss any of the not public data listed above
must be electronically recorded, and the recording must be preserved for at
least three years after the meeting.
Minn. Stat. § 13D.05, subd.
1 (b), (c).
DPO 09-012.
Other not public data may be discussed at an open meeting without liability
or penalty if the disclosure relates to a matter within the scope of the public
body’s authority, and it is reasonably necessary to conduct the business or
agenda item before the public body. The public body, however, should
make reasonable efforts to protect the data from disclosure. Data discussed
at an open meeting retains its original classification; however, a record of
the meeting shall be public.
3. Misconduct allegations or charges
Minn. Stat. § 13D.05,
subds. 1(d), 2(b). DPO 03-
020. (Advising that when a
meeting is closed under this
exception, Minn. Stat. §
13.43, subd. 2 requires the
government entity to
identify the individual who
is being discussed).
A public body must close one or more meetings for “preliminary
consideration” of allegations or charges of misconduct against an individual
subject to its authority. This type of meeting must be open at the request of
the individual who is the subject of the meeting.
If the public body concludes discipline of any nature may be warranted,
further meetings or hearings relating to the specific charges or allegations
that are held after that conclusion is reached must be open. This type of
meeting must be electronically recorded, and the recording must be
preserved for at least three years after the meeting.
DPO 14-004. The commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Administration has
advised that a city could not close a meeting under this exception to
consider allegations of misconduct against a job applicant who had been
extended a conditional offer of employment. The job applicant was not a
city employee.
The commissioner reasoned that the city council had no authority to
discipline the job applicant or to direct his actions in any way; therefore, he
was not “an individual subject to its authority.”
DPO 10-001.
Minn. Stat. § 13.43. The commissioner has also advised that a recording of a closed meeting for
preliminary consideration of misconduct allegations is private personnel
data under Minn. Stat. § 13.43, subd. 4, and is accessible to the subject of
the data but not to the public. The commissioner noted that at some point in
time, some or all of the data on the recording may become public under
Minn. Stat. § 13.43, subd. 2.
For example, if the employee is disciplined and there is a final disposition,
certain personnel data becomes public.
RELEVANT LINKS:
League of Minnesota Cities Handbook for Minnesota Cities 8/30/2022
Meetings, Motions, Resolutions, and Ordinances Chapter 7 | Page 17
4. Performance evaluations
Minn. Stat. § 13D.05,
subds. 1(d), 3(a). See DPO
14-007, DPO 15-002, and
DPO 16-002 (discussing
what type of summary
satisfies the open meeting
law).
A public body may close a meeting to evaluate the performance of an
individual who is subject to its authority. The public body must identify the
individual to be evaluated before closing the meeting.
DPO 05-013 (advising that
a government entity could
close a meeting under this
exception to discuss its
contract with an
independent contractor
when that contractor is an
individual human being).
At its next open meeting, the public body must summarize its conclusions
regarding the evaluation. This type of meeting must be open at the request
of the individual who is the subject of the meeting. If this type of meeting is
closed, it must be electronically recorded, and the recording must be
preserved for at least three years after the meeting.
5. Attorney-client privilege
Minn. Stat. § 13D.05, subd.
3 (b).
Brainerd Daily Dispatch,
LLC v. Dehen, 693 N.W.2d
435 (Minn. Ct. App. 2005).
Prior Lake American v.
Mader, 642 N.W.2d 729
(Minn. 2002). Northwest
Publications, Inc. v. City of
St. Paul, 435 N.W.2d 64
(Minn. Ct. App. 1989).
A meeting may be closed if permitted by the attorney-client privilege.
Meetings between a government body and its attorney to discuss active or
threatened litigation may only be closed, under the attorney-client privilege,
when a balancing of the purposes served by the attorney-client privilege
against those served by the open meeting law dictates the need for absolute
confidentiality.
Minneapolis Star &
Tribune v. Housing and
Redevelopment Authority in
and for the City of
Minneapolis, 251 N.W.2d
620 (Minn. 1976).
DPO 14-005. DPO 14-017.
DPO 16-003. DPO 17-003.
The need for absolute confidentiality should relate to litigation strategy and
will usually arise only after the city has made a substantive decision on the
underlying matter. This privilege may not be abused to suppress public
observations of the decision-making process and does not include situations
where the council will be receiving general legal opinions and advice on the
strengths and weaknesses of a proposed underlying action that may give
rise to future litigation.
6. Purchase or sale of real or personal property
Minn. Stat. § 13D.05, subd.
3 (c). A public body may close a meeting to:
Minn. Stat. § 13.44, subd.
3.
• Determine the asking price for real or personal property to be sold by
the public body.
• Review confidential or protected nonpublic appraisal data.
• Develop or consider offers or counteroffers for the purchase or sale of
real or personal property.
Minn. Stat. § 13D.05, subd.
3 (c). Before holding a closed meeting under this exception, the public body must
identify on the record the particular real or personal property that is the
subject of the closed meeting.
RELEVANT LINKS:
League of Minnesota Cities Handbook for Minnesota Cities 8/30/2022
Meetings, Motions, Resolutions, and Ordinances Chapter 7 | Page 18
See Closing a Meeting from
DPO.
Vik v. Wild Rice Watershed
Dist., No. A09-1841 (Minn.
Ct. App. Aug. 10, 2010)
(unpublished decision)
(holding that this exception
authorizes closing a
meeting to discuss the
development or
consideration of a property
transaction and is not
limited to the discussion of
specific terms of advanced
negotiations). DPO 08-001.
DPO 14-014.
The closed meeting must be recorded. The recording must be preserved for
eight years and must be made available to the public only after all real or
personal property discussed at the meeting has been purchased or sold, or
after the public body has abandoned the purchase or sale. The real or
personal property that is being discussed must be identified on the
recording. A list of members and all other persons present at the closed
meeting must be made available to the public after the closed meeting. The
actual purchase or sale of the real or personal property must be approved at
an open meeting, and the purchase or sale price is public data.
7. Security reports
Minn. Stat. § 13D.05, subd.
3 (d). Meetings may be closed to receive security briefings and reports, to discuss
issues related to security systems, to discuss emergency-response
procedures, and to discuss security deficiencies in or recommendations
regarding public services, infrastructure, and facilities, if disclosure of the
information would pose a danger to public safety or compromise security
procedures or responses. Financial issues related to security matters must be
discussed and all related financial decisions must be made at an open
meeting.
See Closing a Meeting from
DPO.
Before closing a meeting under this exception, the public body must, when
describing the subject to be discussed, refer to the facilities, systems,
procedures, services or infrastructures to be considered during the closed
meeting. The closed meeting must be recorded, and the recording must be
preserved for at least four years.
H. Common issues
1. Interviews
Channel 10, Inc. v. Indep.
Sch. Dist. No. 709, 215
N.W.2d 814 (Minn. 1974).
The Minnesota Supreme Court has ruled that a school board must interview
prospective employees for administrative positions in open sessions. The
court reasoned that the absence of a statutory exception indicated that the
Legislature intended such sessions to be open.
As a result, a city council should conduct any interviews of prospective
officers and employees at an open meeting if a quorum or more of the
council will be present.
Mankato Free Press v. City
of North Mankato, 563
N.W.2d 291 (Minn. Ct.
App. 1997).
The Minnesota Court of Appeals considered a situation where individual
council members conducted separate, serial interviews of candidates for a
city position in one-on-one closed interviews.
RELEVANT LINKS:
League of Minnesota Cities Handbook for Minnesota Cities 8/30/2022
Meetings, Motions, Resolutions, and Ordinances Chapter 7 | Page 19
The district court found that no “meeting” of the council had occurred
because there was never a quorum of the council present during the
interviews.
However, the court of appeals sent the case back to the district court for a
determination of whether the council members had conducted the interview
process in a serial fashion to avoid the requirements of the open meeting
law.
Mankato Free Press v. City
of North Mankato, No. C9-
98-677 (Minn. Ct. App.
Dec. 15, 1998)
(unpublished decision).
On remand, the district court found that the individual interviews were not
done to avoid the requirements of the open meeting law. This decision was
also appealed, and the court of appeals affirmed the district court’s
decision. Cities that want to use this type of interview process should first
consult their city attorney.
2. Informational meetings and committees
St. Cloud Newspapers, Inc.
v. Dist. 742 Community
Schools, 332 N.W.2d 1
(Minn. 1983).
The Minnesota Supreme Court has held that informational seminars about
school-board business, which the entire board attends, must be noticed and
open to the public. As a result, it appears that any scheduled gatherings of a
quorum or more of a city council must be properly noticed and open to the
public, regardless of whether the council takes or contemplates taking
action at that gathering. This includes meetings and work sessions where
members receive information that may influence later decisions.
Many city councils create committees to make recommendations regarding
a specific issue. Commonly, such a committee will be responsible for
researching the issue and submitting a recommendation to the council for
its approval.
DPO 08-007.
DPO 13-015.
These committees are usually advisory, and the council is still responsible
for making the final decision. This type of committee may be subject to the
open meeting law. Some factors that may be relevant in deciding whether a
committee is subject to the open meeting law include: how the committee
was created and who its members are; whether the committee is performing
an ongoing function, or instead, is performing a one-time function; and
what duties and powers have been granted to the committee.
DPO 05-014. For example, the commissioner of the Minnesota Department of
Administration has advised that “standing” committees of a city hospital
board that were responsible for management liaison, collection of
information, and formulation of issues and recommendations for the board
were subject to the open meeting law. The advisory opinion noted that the
standing committees were performing tasks that relate to the ongoing
operation of the hospital district and were not performing a one-time or “ad
hoc” function.
RELEVANT LINKS:
League of Minnesota Cities Handbook for Minnesota Cities 8/30/2022
Meetings, Motions, Resolutions, and Ordinances Chapter 7 | Page 20
DPO 07-025. In contrast, the commissioner has advised that a city’s Free Speech
Working Group, consisting of citizens and city officials appointed by the
city to meet to develop and review strategies for addressing free-speech
concerns relating to a political convention, was not subject to the open
meeting law. The advisory opinion noted that the group did not have
decision-making authority.
A.G. Op. 63a-5 (Aug. 28,
1996).
Sovereign v. Dunn, 498
N.W.2d 62 (Minn. Ct. App.
1993).
DPO 07-025.
It is common for city councils to appoint individual council members to act
as liaisons between the council and particular council committees or other
government entities. The Minnesota Court of Appeals considered a
situation where the mayor and one other member of a city council attended
a series of mediation sessions regarding an annexation dispute that were not
open to the public.
The Court of Appeals held that the open meeting law did not apply to these
meetings concluding “that a gathering of public officials is not a
‘committee, subcommittee, board, department or commission’ subject to
the open meeting law unless the group is capable of exercising decision-
making powers of the governing body.”
The Court of Appeals also noted that the capacity to act on behalf of the
governing body is presumed where members of the group comprise a
quorum of the body and could also arise where there has been a delegation
of power from the governing body to the group.
If a city is unsure whether a meeting of a committee, board, or other city
entity is subject to the open meeting law, it should consult its city attorney
or consider seeking an advisory opinion from the commissioner of the
Minnesota Department of Administration.
Thuma v. Kroschel, 506
N.W.2d 14 (Minn. Ct. App.
1993).
DPO 16-005.
Notice for a special meeting of the city council may be needed if a quorum
of the council will be present at a committee meeting and will be
participating in the discussion. For example, when a quorum of a city
council attended a meeting of the city’s planning commission, the
Minnesota Court of Appeals ruled that there was a violation of the open
meeting law not because the council members simply attended the meeting
but because the council members conducted public business in conjunction
with that meeting.
A.G. Op. 63a-5 (Aug. 28,
1996). Based on this decision, the attorney general has advised that mere
attendance by council members at a meeting of a council committee held in
compliance with the open meeting law would not constitute a special city
council meeting requiring separate notice. The attorney general cautioned,
however, that the additional council members should not participate in
committee discussions or deliberations absent a separate special-meeting
notice of a city council meeting.
RELEVANT LINKS:
League of Minnesota Cities Handbook for Minnesota Cities 8/30/2022
Meetings, Motions, Resolutions, and Ordinances Chapter 7 | Page 21
3. Social gatherings
St. Cloud Newspapers, Inc.
v. Dist. 742 Community
Schools, 332 N.W.2d 1
(Minn. 1983). Moberg v.
Indep. Sch. Dist. No. 281,
336 N.W.2d 510 (Minn.
1983). Hubbard
Broadcasting, Inc. v. City
of Afton, 323 N.W.2d 757
(Minn. 1982).
Social gatherings of city council members will not be considered a meeting
subject to the requirements of the open meeting law if there is not a quorum
present, or, if a quorum is present, if the quorum does not discuss, decide,
or receive information on official city business. The Minnesota Supreme
Court has ruled that a conversation between two city council members over
lunch about a land-use application did not violate the open meeting law
because a quorum of the council was not present.
4. Serial meetings
Moberg v. Indep. Sch. Dist.
No. 281, 336 N.W.2d 510
(Minn. 1983). DPO 10-011.
DPO 06-017.
The Minnesota Supreme Court has noted that meetings of less than a
quorum of a public body held serially to avoid a public meeting or to
fashion agreement on an issue of public business may violate the open
meeting law.
Mankato Free Press v. City
of North Mankato, 563
N.W.2d 291 (Minn. Ct.
App. 1997).
The Minnesota Court of Appeals considered a situation where individual
council members conducted separate, serial interviews of candidates for a
city position in one-on-one closed interviews. The district court found that
no “meeting” of the council had occurred because there was never a
quorum of the council present during the interviews.
However, the court of appeals sent the case back to the district court for a
determination of whether the council members had conducted the interview
process in a serial fashion to avoid the requirements of the open meeting
law.
Mankato Free Press v. City
of North Mankato, No. C9-
98-677 (Minn. Ct. App.
Dec. 15, 1998)
(unpublished decision).
On remand, the district court found that the individual interviews were not
done to avoid the requirements of the open meeting law. This decision was
also appealed, and the court of appeals affirmed the district court’s
decision. Cities that want to use this type of interview process with job
applicants should first consult their city attorney.
5. Training sessions
Compare St. Cloud
Newspapers, Inc. v. Dist.
742 Community Schools,
332 N.W.2d 1 (Minn. 1983)
and A.G. Op. 63a-5 (Feb. 5,
1975). DPO 16-006.
It is not clear whether the participation of a quorum or more of the
members of a city council in a training program would be defined as a
meeting under the open meeting law. The determining factor would likely
be whether the program includes a discussion of general training
information or a discussion of specific matters relating to an individual city.
A.G. Op. 63a-5 (Feb. 5,
1975). DPO 16-006. The attorney general has advised that a city council’s participation in a non-
public training program devoted to developing skills was not a meeting
subject to the open meeting law.
RELEVANT LINKS:
League of Minnesota Cities Handbook for Minnesota Cities 8/30/2022
Meetings, Motions, Resolutions, and Ordinances Chapter 7 | Page 22
The commissioner of the Department of Administration has likewise
advised that a school board’s participation in a non-public team-building
session to “improve trust, relationships, communications, and collaborative
problem solving among Board members,” was not a meeting subject to the
open meeting law if the members are not “gathering to discuss, decide, or
receive information as a group relating to ‘the official business’ of the
governing body.”
However, the opinion also advised that if there were to be any discussion of
specific official business by the attending members, either outside or during
training sessions, it could be a violation of the open meeting law.
6. Telephone, email, and social media
Moberg v. Indep. Sch. Dist.
No. 281, 336 N.W.2d 510
(Minn. 1983). DPO 17-005
(advising communication
through a letter violated the
open meeting law).
It is possible that communication through telephone calls, email, or other
technology could violate the open meeting law. The Minnesota Supreme
Court has indicated that communication through letters and telephone calls
could violate the open meeting law under certain circumstances. Best
practice to share information with the entire council is to send it to city staff
and have them distribute it. If a council member needs to email the entire
council, they should use blind carbon copy (BCC) to add recipients to avoid
accidental use of reply all which may constitute the initiation of a
discussion among a quorum of the public body.
DPO 09-020. DPO 14-015.
The commissioner of the Department of Administration has advised that
back-and-forth email communications among a quorum of a public body
that was subject to the open meeting law in which the members commented
on and provided direction about official business violated the open meeting
law.
However, the commissioner also advised that “one-way communication
between the chair and members of a public body is permissible, such as
when the chair or staff sends meeting materials via email to all board
members, as long as no discussion or decision-making ensues.”
O’Keefe v. Carter, No.
A12-0811 (Minn. Ct. App.
Dec. 31, 2012)
(unpublished decision).
In contrast, an unpublished decision by the Minnesota Court of Appeals
concluded that email communications are not subject to the open meeting
law because they are written communications and are not a “meeting” for
purposes of the open meeting law.
The decision also noted that even if email communications are subject to
the open meeting law, the substance of the emails in question did not
contain the type of discussion that would be required for a prohibited
“meeting” to have occurred. The court of appeals noted that the substance
of the email messages was not important and controversial; instead, the
email communications discussed a relatively straightforward operational
matter.
RELEVANT LINKS:
League of Minnesota Cities Handbook for Minnesota Cities 8/30/2022
Meetings, Motions, Resolutions, and Ordinances Chapter 7 | Page 23
The decision also noted that the town board members did not appear to
make any decisions in their email communications.
Because this decision is unpublished, it is not binding precedent on other
courts. In addition, the outcome of this decision might have been different
if the email communications had related to something other than
operational matters, for example, if the board members were attempting to
build agreement on a particular issue that was going to be presented to the
town board at a future meeting.
Minn. Stat. § 13D.065. The open meeting law was amended in 2014 to provide that “the use of
social media by members of a public body does not violate the open
meeting law as long as the social media use is limited to exchanges with all
members of the general public.” Email is not considered a type of social
media under the new law.
The open meeting law does not define the term “social media,” but this
term is generally understood to mean forms of electronic communication,
including websites for social networking like Facebook, LinkedIn,
Instagram, and Twitter through which users create online communities to
share information, ideas, and other content.
It is important to remember that the use of social media by council
members could still be used to support other claims such as claims of
defamation or of conflict of interest in decision-making. As a result, council
members should make sure that any comments they make on social media
are factually correct and should not comment on issues that will come
before the council in the future for a quasi-judicial hearing and decision,
such as the consideration of whether to grant an application for a
conditional use permit.
See II-G-4 - Serial
meetings. It is also important to remember that serial discussions between less than a
quorum of the council could violate the open meeting law under certain
circumstances.
As a result, city councils and other public bodies should take a conservative
approach and should not use telephone calls, email, or other technology to
communicate back and forth with other members of the public body if both
of the following circumstances exist:
• A quorum of the council or public body will be contacted regarding the
same matter.
• Official business is being discussed.
RELEVANT LINKS:
League of Minnesota Cities Handbook for Minnesota Cities 8/30/2022
Meetings, Motions, Resolutions, and Ordinances Chapter 7 | Page 24
Minn. Stat. § 13.02, subd.
7. Another thing council members should be careful about is which email
account they use to receive emails relating to city business because such
emails likely would be considered government data that is subject to a
public-records request under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act
(MGDPA).
The best option would be for each council member to have an individual
email account that the city provides, and city staff manage. However, this is
not always possible for cities due to budget, size, or logistics.
If council members don’t have a city email account, there are some things
to think about before using a personal email account for city business.
First, preferably only the council member should have access to the
personal email account. Using a shared account with other family members
could lead to incorrect information being communicated from the account,
or incoming information being inadvertently deleted. Also, since city
emails are government data, city officials may have to separate personal
emails from city emails when responding to a public-records request under
the MGDPA.
Second, if the account a city council member wants to use for city business
is tied to a private employer, that private employer may have a policy that
restricts this kind of use.
Even if a private employer allows this type of use, it is important to be
aware that in the event of a public-records request under the MGDPA or a
discovery request in litigation, the private employer may be compelled to
have a search done of a council member’s email communications on the
private employer’s equipment or to restore files from a backup or archive.
See Handbook, Records
Management, for more
information about records
management.
What may work best is to use a free, third-party email service, such as
Gmail or Hotmail, for your city account and to avoid using that email
account for any personal email or for anything that may constitute an
official record of city business since such records must be retained in
accordance with the state records-retention requirements.
I. Advisory opinions
1. Department of Administration
Minn. Stat. § 13.072, subd.
1 (b). See Minnesota
Department of
Administration, Data
Practices for an index of
advisory opinions.
The commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Administration has
authority to issue non-binding advisory opinions on certain issues related to
the open meeting law. A $200 fee is required. The Data Practices Office
(DPO) handles these requests.
RELEVANT LINKS:
League of Minnesota Cities Handbook for Minnesota Cities 8/30/2022
Meetings, Motions, Resolutions, and Ordinances Chapter 7 | Page 25
See Requesting an Open
Meeting Law Advisory
Opinion.
A public body, subject to the open meeting law, can request an advisory
opinion. A person who disagrees with the way members of a governing
body perform their duties under the open meeting law can also request an
advisory opinion.
2. Attorney General
Minn. Stat. § 8.07.
See index of Attorney
General Advisory Opinions
from 1993 to present.
The Minnesota Attorney General is authorized to issue written advisory
opinions to city attorneys on “questions of public importance.” The
Attorney General has issued several advisory opinions on the open meeting
law.
J. Penalties
Minn. Stat. § 13D.06, subd.
1.
Claude v. Collins, 518
N.W.2d 836 (Minn. 1994).
Any person who intentionally violates the open meeting law is subject to
personal liability in the form of a civil penalty of up to $300 for a single
occurrence. The public body may not pay the penalty. A court may consider
a council member’s time and experience in office to determine the amount
of the civil penalty.
Minn. Stat. § 13D.06, subd.
2.
O’Keefe v. Carter, No.
A12-0811 (Minn. Ct. App.
Dec. 31, 2012)
(unpublished decision).
An action to enforce this penalty may be brought by any person in any
court of competent jurisdiction where the administrative office of the
governing body is located.
In an unpublished decision, the Minnesota Court of Appeals concluded that
this broad grant of jurisdiction authorized a member of a town board to
bring an action against his own town board for alleged violations of the
open meeting law. This same decision also concluded that a two-year
statute of limitations applies to lawsuits under the open meeting law.
Minn. Stat. § 13D.06, subd.
4. See LMC information
memo, LMCIT Liability
Coverage Guide, for
information about insurance
coverage for lawsuits under
the open meeting law.
The court may also award reasonable costs, disbursements, and attorney
fees of up to $13,000 to any party in an action alleging a violation of the
open meeting law. The court may award costs and attorney fees to a
defendant only if the action is found to be frivolous and without merit.
A public body may pay any costs, disbursements, or attorney fees incurred
by or awarded against any of its members.
Minn. Stat. § 13D.06, subd.
4. If a party prevails in a lawsuit under the open meeting law, an award of
reasonable attorney fees is mandatory if the court determines that the public
body was the subject of a prior written advisory opinion from the
commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Administration, and the
court finds that the opinion is directly related to the lawsuit and that the
public body did not act in conformity with the opinion. A court is required
to give deference to the advisory opinion.
RELEVANT LINKS:
League of Minnesota Cities Handbook for Minnesota Cities 8/30/2022
Meetings, Motions, Resolutions, and Ordinances Chapter 7 | Page 26
Minn. Stat. § 13D.06, subd.
4 (d). Coalwell v. Murray,
No. C6-95-2436 (Minn. Ct.
App. Aug 6, 1996)
(unpublished decision).
Elseth v. Hille, No A12-
1496 (Minn. Ct. App. May
13, 2013) (unpublished
decision).
No monetary penalties or attorney fees may be awarded against a member
of a public body unless the court finds that there was intent to violate the
open meeting law.
Minn. Stat. § 13D.06, subd.
3 (a). Brown v. Cannon
Falls Twp., 723 N.W.2d 31
(Minn. Ct. App. 2006).
If a person is found to have intentionally violated the open meeting law in
three or more separate actions involving the same governing body, that
person must forfeit any further right to serve on the governing body or in
any other capacity with the public body for a period of time equal to the
term of office the person was serving.
Minn. Stat. § 13D.06, subd.
3 (b).
Minn. Const. art. VIII, § 5.
Jacobsen v. Nagel, 255
Minn. 300, 96 N.W.2d 569
(1959).
If a court finds a separate, third violation that is unrelated to the previous
violations, it must declare the position vacant and notify the appointing
authority or clerk of the governing body. As soon as practicable, the
appointing authority or governing body shall fill the position as in the case
of any other vacancy. Under the Minnesota Constitution, the Legislature
may provide for the removal of public officials for malfeasance or
nonfeasance. To constitute malfeasance or nonfeasance, a public official’s
conduct must affect the performance of official duties and must relate to
something of a substantial nature directly affecting the rights and interests
of the public.
Jacobsen v. Nagel , 255
Minn. 300, 96 N.W.2d 569
(1959). Claude v. Collins,
518 N.W.2d 836 (Minn.
1994).
“Malfeasance” refers to evil conduct or an illegal deed. “Nonfeasance” is
described as neglect or refusal, without sufficient excuse, to perform what
is a public officer’s legal duty to perform. More likely than not, a violation
of the open meeting law would be in the nature of nonfeasance. Although
good faith does not nullify a violation, good faith is relevant in determining
whether a violation amounts to nonfeasance.
Sullivan v. Credit River
Twp., 299 Minn. 170, 217
N.W.2d 502 (1974).
Hubbard Broadcasting, Inc.
v. City of Afton, 323
N.W.2d 757 (Minn. 1982).
In re D & A Truck Line,
Inc., 524 N.W.2d 1 (Minn.
Ct. App. 1994).
The open meeting law does not address whether actions taken at a meeting
that does not comply with its requirements would be valid.
Sullivan v. Credit River
Township, 217 N.W.2d 502
(Minn. 1974). Lac Qui
Parle-Yellow Bank
Watershed Dist. v.
Wollschlager, No. C6-96-
1023 (Minn. Ct. App. Nov.
12, 1996) (unpublished
decision). DPO 11-004.
Minnesota courts have generally refused to invalidate actions taken at an
improperly closed meeting because this is not a remedy the open meeting
law provides.
RELEVANT LINKS:
League of Minnesota Cities Handbook for Minnesota Cities 8/30/2022
Meetings, Motions, Resolutions, and Ordinances Chapter 7 | Page 27
Quast v. Knutson, 276
Minn. 340, 150 N.W.2d
199 (1967).
But the Minnesota Supreme Court has held that an attempted school district
consolidation was fatally defective when the initiating resolution was
adopted at a meeting that was not open to the public.
III. Meeting procedures
A. Citizen involvement
Any person may observe council meetings. In fact, the council should
encourage citizen attendance to help raise awareness of the city’s problems
and help create support for programs suggested by the council.
Minn. Stat. § 13D.01, subd.
6. Citizens must be able to hear the discussion at a meeting and must be able
to determine who votes for or against a motion.
DPO 08-015. DPO 17-006. One copy of any printed materials relating to the agenda items of the
meeting that have been distributed or made available to all members of the
council must be made available to the audience unless doing so would
violate the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.
Minn. Stat. § 412.191,
subd. 2.
Although anyone can attend council meetings, citizens cannot speak or
otherwise participate in any discussions unless the mayor or the presiding
officer recognizes them for this purpose. The decision to recognize speakers
is usually up to the mayor or presiding officer, but the council can overrule
this decision. The council can, through a motion, decide to hear one or
more speakers from the audience.
Participation in council meetings can be intimidating for the average
citizen. Councils should make sure citizens are invited to participate when
appropriate and listened to with courtesy. Individual council members
should not argue with citizens. Citizens attend council meetings to give
information for the council to consider. Discussions or debates between
individual council members and citizens during council meetings is
inappropriate and may reflect badly on the decision-making process.
B. Recording and broadcasting of meetings
A.G. Op. 63a-5 (Dec. 4,
1972). The public may make an audio or videotape of an open meeting if doing so
does not have a significantly adverse impact on the order of the meeting.
The city council may not prohibit dissemination or broadcast of the tape.
Minn. Stat. § 13.03, subd.
1. Minn. Stat. § 13.02,
subd. 7.
Cities may also choose to record council meetings. The recording is a
government record that must be kept in compliance with the city’s records-
retention policy. It must also be made available to the public if it contains
public data.
TO :Rambling River Center A dvisory Board
F R O M :Missie Kohlbeck, Recreaon S upervisor and Kellee O mlid, Parks and Recreaon
D irector
S U B J EC T:Review A dvis ory Board O rdinance and Bylaw s
DATE:February 13, 2023
I N T R O D U C TI O N
The Farmington City Code is a huge compilaon of laws (ordinances ), and policies that have been adopted
s ince 1872, w hen the city was incorporated. C ity codes provide ans w ers to many ques ons, s uch as how
boards and commissions are to funcon including the Rambling River C enter A dvis ory Board (R R C A B).
I n addion to the ordinance pertaining to the R R C A B, there are bylaw s . O ne of the board's goals of the
2020 w ork plan was to "Create Board Bylaws". These bylaw s w ere intended to idenfy rules s o the
board operates cons is tently, there are clear expectaons for members, and the board can funcon in an
orderly manner. The board developed bylaw s over several months in 2020, w hich included reviewing
s ample bylaws from other senior organiz aons and deciding what to include in its bylaws. The board
created dra5 bylaw s that it approved at its March 9, 2020 meeng and forwarded them to city council for
approval. C ity council approved the R R C A B bylaw s at its M ay 4, 2020 meeng.
D I S C U S S I O N
I ncluded in the meeng packet are the ordinance and city council approved R R C A B bylaws. S ince the
board has new members and hasn't reviewed the ordinance and bylaws recently, going forw ard they w ill
be reviewed annually in February.
A C T I O N R EQ U E S T E D
Board members s hould review the ordinance and bylaws prior to the meeng, come prepared to discuss,
and as k any ques on you have.
AT TA C H M E N T S :
Type D es cripon
Backup M aterial O rdinance for Rambling River Center A dvisory
Board
Backup M aterial Rambling River Center A dvisory Board Bylaws
CHAPTER 10
RAMBLING RIVER CENTER ADVISORY BOARD
SECTION:
2-10-1: Board Established
2-10-2: Appointments
2-10-3: Criteria Adopted
2-10-1: BOARD ESTABLISHED:
There is hereby established, a Rambling River Center Advisory Board (Advisory Board), the purpose of which shall be to make
recommendations to the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission on all matters of broad policy regarding activities, programs and
operations of the Rambling River Center. The Park and Recreation Advisory Commission shall advance a recommendation to the
City Council on these matters. (Ord. 012-644, 5-21-2012)
2-10-2: APPOINTMENTS:
Members shall apply to and be appointed by the City Council as described in subsections 2-10-3(D) and (G) of this chapter. (Ord.
012-644, 5-21-2012)
2-10-3: CRITERIA ADOPTED:
The following criteria are hereby adopted:
(A) Members; Officers: The Advisory Board shall consist of seven (7) members who shall choose from among themselves a Chair
and a Vice Chair.
(B) At Large Seats: All seats shall be at large. Membership should reflect the goals and concerns of the Rambling River Center.
(C) Qualifications: Members shall be citizens of the United States and shall reside in the City of Farmington, Empire, Castle Rock
or Eureka Townships. Members need not be senior citizens.
(D) Terms: Terms shall be staggered so that there shall be continuity on the Advisory Board. Members shall be appointed for a
three (3) year term, each beginning on February 1, providing for a rotation of two (2) members one year, two (2) members the next
year and three (3) members the following year, et seq. Members may be reappointed. (Ord. 012-644, 5-21-2012)
(E) Compensation: Effective February 1, 2018, members shall receive thirty dollars ($30.00) per meeting attended in addition to
reasonable personal expenses. (Ord. 018-738, 3-19-2018)
(F) Removal: Members may be removed by the City Council. The City Council may consider any recommendations from the
Advisory Board or the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission regarding the removal of any members.
(G) Vacancies: A vacancy shall be filled for the remainder of the term by the City Council per City Council policy 101-05-1997.
(H) Budget: The Park and Recreation Director or designee shall review the annual operating and capital budget with the Advisory
Board. (Ord. 012-644, 5-21-2012)
FA192 2-11.txt
TO :Rambling River Center A dvisory Board
F R O M :Missie Kohlbeck, Recreaon S upervisor and Kellee O mlid, Parks and Recreaon
D irector
S U B J EC T:Review Favor Farmington Expo
DATE:February 13, 2023
I N T R O D U C TI O N
The Favor Farmington Expo w as held on S aturday, January 28, 2023 at the Farmington H igh S chool.
S everal advisory board members and staff a0ended and provided informaon about the Rambling River
Center.
D I S C U S S I O N
A dvisory board members w ho volunteered at the Favor Farmington Expo s hould provide feedback on
w hat went w ell and w hat could be improved for 2024.
A C T I O N R EQ U E S T E D
A dvisory board members s hould dis cus s the 2023 Favor Farmington Expo, so any sugges ons can be
cons idered for the 2024 Favor Farmington Expo.
TO :Rambling River Center A dvisory Board
F R O M :Missie Kohlbeck, Recreaon S upervisor and Kellee O mlid, Parks and Recreaon
D irector
S U B J EC T:Parks and Facilies Tour with Parks and Recreaon Commission and City Council
DATE:February 13, 2023
I N T R O D U C TI O N
The Parks and Recreaon Commission (P R C ), Rambling River C enter A dvis ory Board (R R C A B) and City
Council hold a parks and facilies tour annually in A ugus t.
D I S C U S S I O N
The P R C at its J anuary 11, 2023 meeng idenfied A ugus t 16, 23, and 30 at 6:00 p.m. as potenal tour
dates . The parks and facilies to tour have not been determined yet, but the tour will be kept to two
hours or less.
A C T I O N R EQ U E S T E D
A dvisory board members s hould be prepared to dis cus s A ugust 16, 23, and 30 and idenfy if there is a
preferred date for the parks and facilies tour. A dvis ory board members should als o dis cus s if there are
parks and/or facilies they would like to include on the tour.
TO :Rambling River Center A dvisory Board
F R O M :Missie Kohlbeck, Recreaon S upervisor and Kellee O mlid, Parks and Recreaon
D irector
S U B J EC T:A rts and Cra"s F undraiser
DATE:February 13, 2023
I N T R O D U C TI O N
The annual arts and cra"s fundrais er event is scheduled for S aturday, May 6 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the
S chmitz-M aki A rena.
D I S C U S S I O N
S taff w ill provide an update regarding how many vendors have regis tered to parcipate in the event.
There should be a connued discussion by advis ory board members about the on-going planning of this
event including, but not limited to, food, recruitment and schedule of volunteers, and promoons .
A C T I O N R EQ U E S T E D
The advisory board is as ked to come to the meeng prepared to parcipate in a dis cus s ion about the arts
and cra"s fundraising event and also be prepared to make addional decis ions needed for the event.
TO :Rambling River Center A dvisory Board
F R O M :Missie Kohlbeck, Recreaon S upervisor and Kellee O mlid, Parks and Recreaon
D irector
S U B J EC T:Review and Understand the S ix G eneraons L iving in the U nited S tates
DATE:February 13, 2023
I N T R O D U C TI O N
The Rambling River C enter (R R C ) A dvisory Board's w ork plan for 2023 includes a goal to focus on
programs for mul-generaons , thus making the R R C an inving des naon for all ages and a vibrant
s ource for learning, s ocializaon, and wellbeing.
D I S C U S S I O N
Reviewing the s ix generaons and tr aits of each w ill help be4er unders tand what each gener aon finds
interesng and appealing. The six gener aons include the G r eates t G eneraon, S ilent G eneraon, Baby
Boomers , G eneraon X , M illennials , and G eneraon Z .
A dvisory boar d member J anke will des cr ibe the s ix generaons and explain the differences between
them. A dvis ory board member G arlets will review the populaon of Farmington and to w hich generaon
they belong. S he w ill also present the stascs on the R R C membership and their generaons .
I ncluded in the packet is demographic informaon for Farmington from the A merican Community S urvey
(A C S ) Cens us for 2017 - 2021. I t does not differenate the S ilent G eneraon fr om the G reatest
G eneraon, but combines them. S eparate data for the S ilent and G r eates t G eneraons is not currently
available on A C S Cens us infor maon. Cens us infor maon for the enr e U nited S tates s how s there are
less than 100,000 people of the G reatest G eneraon sll alive today.
A C T I O N R EQ U E S T E D
The advisory board is as ked to come to the meeng prepared to lis ten to informaon on each generaon
and have a discussion on what each generaon finds interesng and appealing.
AT TA C H M E N T S :
Type D es cripon
Backup M aterial City of Farmington D emographics
TO :Rambling River Center A dvisory Board
F R O M :Missie Kohlbeck, Recreaon S upervisor and Kellee O mlid, Parks and Recreaon
D irector
S U B J EC T:2023 Work P lan Review
DATE:February 13, 2023
I N T R O D U C TI O N
The annual work plan is review ed at every monthly meeng to measure the progres s being made.
D I S C U S S I O N
A n updated w ork plan is included in the meeng packet. The updated w ork plan shows in red items that
have been completed during or a+er the J anuary 9, 2023 meeng. The items in bold black w ere items
completed prior to the January 9, 2023 meeng.
A C T I O N R EQ U E S T E D
Advisory board members are asked to review the updated 2023 work plan prior to the meeng and come
prepared to discuss, especially the items that were completed. T he review also offers an opportunity for the
advisory board to discuss work plan items they would like to work on at future meengs.
AT TA C H M E N T S :
Type D es cripon
Backup M aterial 2023 Work P lan P rogres s
Rambling River Center Advisory Board
2023 Work Plan
Goal #1: Focus on programs for multi-generations. Make the Rambling River Center an
inviting destination for all ages and a vibrant source for learning, socialization, and
physical wellbeing.
Objectives:
1. By February 15, discuss the six generations living in America and understand what each
generation finds appealing.
2. By April 1, discuss and increase programming for active adults.
3. By July 1, discuss and increase programming for inactive adults.
4. By October 1, assess program numbers and memberships.
Goal #2: Create a master plan for future building configuration, improvements, and
programming opportunities.
Objectives:
1. By March 1, JLG Architects (formerly 292 Design Group) will be approved by city
council to create a facility master plan and the kick-off meeting for the project will have
happened.
2. By June 1, a stakeholder input session will have happened and up to three building layout
options that show potential renovations or reconfigurations will have been presented.
3. By August 1, a study report including information the RRCAB and City of Farmington
will need to make critical decisions moving forward will be assembled.
4. By October 1, a building master plan will be completed and the recommendations will be
presented to city council.
Goal #3: Review and recommend 2024 Rambling River Center fees and charges to the city
council.
Objectives:
1. By July 1, review and discuss the 2024 RRC fees and charges and determine if any
revisions should be made to the 2024 fees and charges.
2. By August 1, forward recommended 2024 RRC fees and charges to the Parks and
Recreation Commission.
3. By September 30, the Parks and Recreation Commission will have reviewed and
approved the 2024 RRC fees and charges and will recommend to the City Council to
approve them.
4. By December 31, the City Council will have acted on the Advisory Board and Parks and
Recreation Commission recommended 2024 RRC fees and charges.
Goal #4: Raise at least $10,000.00 from fundraising events and donations to fund future
Rambling River Center capital improvements and/or equipment and furniture purchases.
Objectives:
1. By June 1, discuss current fundraising events to see if any changes should be made to the
exiting fundraising events and a discussion should occur about creating a new
fundraising event.
2. By August 1, assist with and complete at least one fundraising activity.
3. By September 1, assist with and complete at least a second fundraising activity.
4. By October 1, assist with and complete at least a third fundraising activity.
5. By December 31, assist with and complete at least a fourth fundraising activity.
Goal #5: Work with the Trip Planning Committee upon receiving the passenger van to
offer Fun Fridays in 2023 and to plan future trips in 2024.
Objectives:
1. By May 1, receive a report from the Trip Committee on trips that have been or will be
offered in 2023.
2. By August 1, receive a presentation by the Trip Committee about the draft list of future
trips planned in 2024.
3. By September 15, receive a report from the Trip Committee on the attendance and trips
offered during the second quarter in 2023.
4. By October 1, receive a presentation on the final list of trips planned by the Trip
Committee to occur in 2024.
5. By November 1, receive a report from the Trip Committee on the attendance and trips
offered during the third quarter in 2023.
6. By December 31, receive a report from the Trip Committee on the attendance and trips
offered during the fourth quarter and an annual report identifying the total attendance of
those attending the 2023 trips.
Goal #6: Facilitate a meeting with the Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC).
Objectives:
1. By April 1, determine possible dates for a meeting with the PRC.
2. By May 1, finalize and approve a recommended date and give input on topics to be
discussed.
3. By June 1, approve the meeting agenda.
4. By October 1, complete a meeting with the parks and recreation commission.
Goal #7: Market and promote the Rambling River Center to increase exposure in the
Farmington community.
Objectives:
1. By March 1, purchase a customer list with names and addresses of those over age 50 in
the 55024-zip code to mail introductory Rambling River Center materials to.
2. By May 1, mail introductory Rambling River Center materials to those over age 50 in
55024-zip code.
3. By July 1, attend at least two community meetings/events to promote the Rambling River
Center.
4. By August 1, promote a success story or member profile that illustrates the benefits of the
Rambling River Center in the Currents and River.
5. By October 1, create and send out weekly stories and events to press release contacts.
6. By December 1, partner with others to offer a creative event for the Rambling River
Center.
Goal #8: Review relevant documents to determine if additional expectations and guidelines
for Rambling River Center Advisory Board Members need to be created.
Objectives:
1. By March 1, review the city code (Chapter 10) to understand the advisory board’s role in
city governance and the bylaws of the advisory board.
2. By June 1, discuss and determine if additional expectations and guidelines need to be
created, modified, and/or revised.
3. By October 1, if determined additional expectations are needed a draft of the document
will have been reviewed.
4. By November 1, if determined additional expectations are needed a final draft of the
document will have been reviewed and approved by the advisory board.
5. By December 31, if needed, the final draft will have been reviewed by the Parks and
Recreation Commission and City Council and approved.
TO :Rambling River Center A dvisory Board
F R O M :Missie Kohlbeck, Recreaon S upervisor and Kellee O mlid, Parks and Recreaon
D irector
S U B J EC T:S taff Report
DATE:February 13, 2023
I N T R O D U C TI O N
D uring each meeng, staff provides informaonal updates that do not require advis ory board approval.
D I S C U S S I O N
T he following updates will be provided during the meeng:
G rant F unding
Rambling River Center P rogramming
A C T I O N R EQ U E S T E D
A dvisory board members s hould lis ten to the informaonal updates and then as k any ques ons they have
about the updates .
TO :Rambling River Center A dvisory Board
F R O M :Missie Kohlbeck, Recreaon S upervisor and Kellee O mlid, Parks and Recreaon
D irector
S U B J EC T:A dvisory Board Roundtable
DATE:February 13, 2023
I N T R O D U C TI O N
The advisory board roundtable occurs during every monthly meeng.
D I S C U S S I O N
The advisory board roundtable agenda item provides an opportunity for advisory board members to
s hare informaon or ask quesons of s taff about items that are not on the agenda. No formal decis ions
can be made during the advis ory board roundtable.
A C T I O N R EQ U E S T E D
A dvisory board members are being as ked to come share informaon or as k ques ons about items not on
the agenda.
TO :Rambling River Center A dvisory Board
F R O M :Missie Kohlbeck, Recreaon S upervisor and Kellee O mlid, Parks and Recreaon
D irector
S U B J EC T:I tems for the M arch 13, 2023 M eeng A genda
DATE:February 13, 2023
I N T R O D U C TI O N
This item is for staff and advis ory board members to idenfy pos s ible items for the next meeng agenda.
D I S C U S S I O N
Thus far s taff has idenfied the following pos s ible items for the M arch 13, 2023 meeng.
2022 Parks and Recreaon D epartment A nnual Report
A rts and Cra/s F undraiser
P rogramming for D ifferent G eneraons
Parks and Facilies Tour with the Parks and Recreaon C ommis s ion and C ity C ouncil
Rambling River Center A dvisory Board P hoto
2023 Work P lan Review
A C T I O N R EQ U E S T E D
A dvisory board members are as ked to come prepared to dis cus s the staff propos ed agenda items and also
provide possible other agenda items for the March 13, 2023 meeng.