Council discussed meeting procedures

The Ohio Sunshine laws were reviewed at the council meeting

Council meeting procedures and guidelines for public participation was one of the most discussed topics at the recent Painesville City Council Meeting.

Due to several recent questions regarding council meetings and procedures, Clerk of Council and Communications Coordinator Tara Grimm reviewed the Ohio Sunshine Laws and Rules of Procedure through a detailed presentation.

The Ohio Sunshine Laws foster a spirit of open government through two parts, Open Public Records Law and Open Meetings Law, Grim said.

She elaborated on how regular and special meetings, work sessions, executive sessions and committee meetings are conducted in accordance to the Sunshine Laws.

These meetings are held in public and the citizens are given access to minutes and records with the exception of executive sessions.

Public participation was another area of concern for residents.

As a charter municipality, the city has a right to determine by the charter the manner in which the meeting is held, Grimm said.

Rules for Painesville City Council’s visitor participation include clearly stating name and address and limiting comments to three minutes. Visitors may also discuss multiple topics within the three minutes allotted.

Council plans to implement a sign-in sheet and visual timer that everyone present at meetings can view. Residents can expect these rules to be more strictly enforced, she said.

Meeting procedures will be discussed further at a work session at 5 p.m. on July 13 in Painesville City Hall Municipal Courtroom #2. Council members will receive full Ohio Sunshine Laws training and will update Council Rules of Procedure. Visitors are welcomes to attend.

For more information about the Ohio Sunshine Laws, City Charter and Council Rules of Procedure visit painesville.