The Steamboat Pilot & Today

The Colorado Sunshine Law generally requires that any state or local governmental body that meets to discuss public business or to take formal action do so in meetings that are open to the public. Under the law (§ 24-6402, C.R.S.), “meeting” refers to any kind of gathering, convened to discuss public business, whether in person, by telephone, electronically, or by other means of communication. Electronic mail messages can be considered “meetings” under the statute.

While the statute makes allowances for chance meetings or social occasions where public business is not the central purpose of the meeting, I believe these kind of social occasions apply to the community events that the Council members are so often invited to. Those types of social events are indeed public and not conducive to the discussion of Council business.

But gathering after meetings at a location were very little public is present, is indeed conducive to the discussion of Council business. I'm especially concerned because Cari has so often shown up at meetings with prewritten motions, has argued against public comment, and by her comments seems to have little regard for even the appearance of following the law. This council has also frequently had discussions on items that are not on the public agenda. Without a concerned citizen or two to hold them to legal standards this council might have even voted on items that the public never heard about. By and large they seem to act as if they are above the law.

These acts of hubris really concern me and I'm not sure we can afford to let this attitude continue. Thank you, Steve for sticking up for the average citizen!