What constitutes a “meeting”?

Q: What constitutes a “meeting”? A: If one-half or more members (that is, a quorum) are present then there is a rebuttable presumption that the members are conducting business and, thus, a meeting is taking place. Sec. 19.82(2), Stats. The presumption can be overcome, however, with evidence that the members did not discuss or act […]

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The meeting notice includes a discussion of “miscellaneous” items. Does that notice comply with the Open Meetings Law?

Q: The meeting notice includes a discussion of “miscellaneous” items. Does that notice comply with the Open Meetings Law? A: The statutory standard for noticing a meeting requires that the subject matter be set forth “in such a form as is reasonably likely to apprise members of the public and the news media thereof.” Sec. […]

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When is a corporation/organization a “quasi-governmental corporation” subject to the Open Meetings Law?

Q: When is a corporation/organization a “quasi-governmental corporation” subject to the Open Meetings Law? A: The Open Meetings Law applies only to governmental bodies as defined by section 19.82(1), Stats., and includes governmental and quasi-governmental corporations. In addition to the statutory definition, the DOJ’s Compliance Guide includes a helpful listing of some specific “governmental bodies” […]

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