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MRSC Insight Blog


Posts for Legislative Body

The Basics of Meeting Agendas

The Basics of Meeting Agendas

For open public meetings, a comprehensive, well-prepared agenda can keep things moving while ensuring all members of the governing body are on the same page. But what should be included according to statute, who should prepare it, and what happens if it needs to be amended?

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A notebook for meeting minutes, lies between a pen and an hourglass

Less Is More: Action Minutes Save Time, Serve the Agency Best

Public meetings of a governing body can cover a variety of topics and include countless important decisions that will impact the agency and its communities. Action minutes can help the body focus on what was done during the meeting rather than what was said.

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Two officials sitting at a dais during an open public meeting as seen through the lens of a video camera

Practical Tips for Holding Hybrid Meetings

After years of practice during the pandemic, local governments have become accustomed to holding hybrid public meetings, but that doesn't mean the process is always seamless. Fortunately many have developed procedures and methods to address the most common problems.

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During a meeting of a small group around a table, one of the members puts his head down on the table because he is dismayed at what is happening.

Four Bad Habits Governing Bodies Should Avoid When Meeting

Whether it's due to heightened emotions or misunderstanding how to apply Roberts Rules, meetings of public agencies can sometimes go awry. Guest author and Parliamentarian Ann Macfarlane provides some procedural tips to governing bodies seeking more effective meetings. 

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Legal Publication Requirements and the Decline of the Local Newspaper

Legal Publication Requirements and the Decline of the Local Newspaper

Cities, towns, and counties must designate an “official newspaper” to meet certain publication requirements. Other statutes require notice or publication in a “newspaper of general circulation.” What happens when there are fewer qualified newspapers to choose from?

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Can the Mayor Take Part in Discussion?

Can the Mayor Take Part in Discussion?

In many cities, the mayor also acts as the meeting chair. While Robert's Rules directs the chair of large groups of 12 or more members to refrain from taking part in a discussion (and focus on facilitating), these rules do not automatically apply to smaller groups.

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U.S. Supreme Court Upholds Censuring Members of a Governing Body

U.S. Supreme Court Upholds Censuring Members of a Governing Body

A recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling supports the ability of a governing body to censure one of its members if that person's action obstructs or hinders the body's ability to perform its day-to-day functions. 

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Budget Hearings: How Many Do You Need?

Budget Hearings: How Many Do You Need?

During budget season, many local government staff and elected officials often wonder how many public hearings are required to complete the budget process. The answer generally depends on type of government and the reason for the hearing. 

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Taking Action Using Ordinances, Resolutions, Motions, and Proclamations

Taking Action Using Ordinances, Resolutions, Motions, and Proclamations

A governing body has several options it can use to take action on an issue. Knowing which type of action to employ and under what circumstance helps to make the process more efficient and effective.

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Sanctioning Rogue Board Members

Sanctioning Rogue Board Members

Sometimes the actions of a member of a governing body cause such disruption that that body will not be able to move forward on important matters. This blog reviews what a council, commission, or board can do when dealing with rogue members. 

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Streamlining Meetings Through the Consent Agenda

Streamlining Meetings Through the Consent Agenda

This blog offers an overview of consent agendas and how some Washington local governments are using this tool.

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Looking Ahead: Holding “Hybrid” Public Meetings

Looking Ahead: Holding “Hybrid” Public Meetings

This blog provides an overview of the hybrid public meeting model, which combines in-person and online public attendance.

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Setting the Agenda: Less Control, More Cooperation

Setting the Agenda: Less Control, More Cooperation

This blog looks at best practices on setting public meeting agendas for cities, towns, counties, or special purpose districts. 

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Changing Course: Using Robert’s Rules to Alter a Prior Action

Changing Course: Using Robert’s Rules to Alter a Prior Action

Using Robert's Rules of Order, this blog looks at when and how a governing body can change course on a prior action.

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The Right to Assemble: Responding to Protests, Spontaneous Gatherings, and Counter-Demonstrations

The Right to Assemble: Responding to Protests, Spontaneous Gatherings, and Counter-Demonstrations

This blog explores the right to assemble in connection with protests and gatherings in outdoor public places and provides thoughts on how local governments can respond to situations that may arise.

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Strategies for Managing Difficult Public Meetings and Hearings

Strategies for Managing Difficult Public Meetings and Hearings

This blog offers some steps you can take before, during, and after difficult public meetings and public hearings to make them less stressful and more productive for everyone.

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What Does the New Robert’s Rules Mean for You?

What Does the New Robert’s Rules Mean for You?

From guest author and Professional Registered Parliamentarian Ann Macfarlane, this blog post looks at the latest edition of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised.

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When First Amendment Rights and Public Meetings Clash

When First Amendment Rights and Public Meetings Clash

This blog post looks at the authority a governing body has to establish and carry out procedures that can prevent the interruption or delay of a public meeting due to disruptive or irrelevant comments from the public or from members of the governing body itself.

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Engaging in a Pixelated Public Square

Engaging in a Pixelated Public Square

This blog post looks at which video platforms are best for what use, how public comment may be made for remote public meetings, and discusses various electronic public engagement platforms.

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Tips for Government Bodies Meeting Remotely

Tips for Government Bodies Meeting Remotely

This blog post offers guidelines and tips for conducting successful remote local government meetings.

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