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Councilwoman Wants Access to Mayor's Closed Meetings
by Melissa Scott Sinclair
When these committees, composed of private citizens, produce reports for the mayor, he makes them available to the press and the public. But some citizens, including council members, have expressed frustration that they don't know what the groups are discussing behind closed doors.
By law, Wilder doesn't have to invite anyone to his meetings. Unlike City Council, which must publicly advertise meetings of its committees and make them open to the public, the mayor is not considered a "public body," as defined in the state code relating to the Freedom of Information Act.
Robertson has filed an ordinance that places restrictions on these advisory committees. For instance, the mayor would be required to make a report to the council within a year after receiving a report from an advisory committee that explains "either his proposals for action or his reasons for inaction" with respect to the report.
"Except when the mayor determines otherwise for reasons of national security," the ordinance also specifies, "timely notice of each such meeting shall be posted in the office of the city clerk and on the city's world wide web site."
The mayor's reaction to Robertson's proposals will most likely be heard at the June 12 council meeting, when the ordinance is scheduled to be discussed. S
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By law, Wilder doesn't have to invite anyone to his meetings. Unlike City Council, which must publicly advertise meetings of its committees and make them open to the public, the mayor is not considered a "public body," as defined in the state code relating to the Freedom of Information Act.
Robertson has filed an ordinance that places restrictions on these advisory committees. For instance, the mayor would be required to make a report to the council within a year after receiving a report from an advisory committee that explains "either his proposals for action or his reasons for inaction" with respect to the report.
"Except when the mayor determines otherwise for reasons of national security," the ordinance also specifies, "timely notice of each such meeting shall be posted in the office of the city clerk and on the city's world wide web site."
The mayor's reaction to Robertson's proposals will most likely be heard at the June 12 council meeting, when the ordinance is scheduled to be discussed. S
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