Lynnwood councilers discuss(Open Public Meetings Act) steps for parks tour to avoid quorum issues

Council members discussed an upcoming parks tour that could involve more than three members and raised the risk of an Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) violation if city business is discussed during the tour.

Assistant City Administrator Manisha Harrell explained that the council may file a letter indicating more than three members will attend and pledge not to discuss city business while on the tour; the letter must be honored to comply with OPMA. Council members suggested a sign-up sheet in meetings so members know who will attend and to limit in-tour discussion; several councilors volunteered to attend and the council agreed to consider a brief sign-up process for similar future events.

What happens next: Staff and leadership will coordinate attendance and use a documented process to avoid inadvertent quorum issues on multi-site tours.