MRSC Insight Blog

Posts for Legislative Body

September 20, 2023 by MRSC Insight
Category: Legislative Body

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?

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

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

August 23, 2023 by MRSC Insight , Ann G. Macfarlane
Category: Guest Author , Legislative Body

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.

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

May 8, 2023 by Flannary Collins
Category: Open Public Meetings Act , Legislative Body

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.

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

April 26, 2023 by Ann G. Macfarlane
Category: Guest Author , Legislative Body

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.

Legal Publication Requirements and the Decline of the Local Newspaper

October 31, 2022 by Jill Dvorkin
Category: Legislative Body

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?

Can the Mayor Take Part in Discussion?

September 28, 2022 by Ann G. Macfarlane
Category: Guest Author , Forms of Government-City , Legislative Body

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.

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

September 12, 2022 by Steve Gross
Category: Court Decisions and AGO Opinions , Legislative 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.

Budget Hearings: How Many Do You Need?

August 29, 2022 by MRSC Insight
Category: Budgets and Budgeting , Legislative Body

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.

Taking Action Using Ordinances, Resolutions, Motions, and Proclamations

July 13, 2022 by MRSC Insight
Category: Legislative Body

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.

Sanctioning Rogue Board Members

December 2, 2021 by Ann G. Macfarlane
Category: Guest Author , Legislative Body

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.

Streamlining Meetings Through the Consent Agenda

August 2, 2021 by WMCA
Category: Guest Author , Legislative Body

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

Looking Ahead: Holding “Hybrid” Public Meetings

April 29, 2021 by Emma Diamond
Category: Legislative Body

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

Setting the Agenda: Less Control, More Cooperation

April 26, 2021 by Steve Gross
Category: Legislative Body

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

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

January 19, 2021 by Ann G. Macfarlane
Category: Guest Author , Legislative Body

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

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

January 6, 2021 by Oskar Rey
Category: Legislative Body , Public Participation

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.

Strategies for Managing Difficult Public Meetings and Hearings

December 3, 2020 by Byron Katsuyama
Category: Legislative Body , Public Participation

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.

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

October 28, 2020 by Ann G. Macfarlane
Category: Guest Author , Legislative Body

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.

When First Amendment Rights and Public Meetings Clash

July 23, 2020 by MRSC Insight
Category: Legislative Body

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.

Engaging in a Pixelated Public Square

April 20, 2020 by Laura Crandall
Category: COVID-19 , Legislative Body

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.

Tips for Government Bodies Meeting Remotely

March 26, 2020 by Ann G. Macfarlane
Category: Guest Author , COVID-19 , Legislative Body

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

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