How can we properly hold a closed meeting?
You first must convene in a properly noticed open meeting. Next, you need to announce the legal authority to close the meeting and the topics to be considered during the closed meeting. After that, unless a closed meeting is required, the governing body must vote on whether to close the meeting. Any executive session must be tape recorded for possible review by a court or the Office of the Attorney General.

Remember - a recorded roll call vote is required on all votes that pertain to the merits of a matter before the governing body.

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1. What do I need to know about the open records and meetings laws?
2. Is there a certain process that cities need to follow in order to comply with ND open record laws when considering job applications for a vacant position?
3. Are the records related to job applications open to the public under ND Open Records Law?
4. What can happen if we violate the law?
5. You mean I can be charged with a crime for violating the open records and meetings laws?
6. What is a "meeting?"
7. Are committees required to be open?
8. How can we properly hold a closed meeting?
9. When is notice required?
10. What are we supposed to do with a meeting notice?
11. Can we add items to the agenda of a meeting?
12. Is everything in a government office a "record"?
13. What are we supposed to do when we receive a request for records?
14. How can we properly deny a request for records?
15. Can we require requesters to identify themselves and explain why they want the requested records, or at least make them put the request in writing?
16. Are we required to give unsupervised access to open records?
17. Do we have to make copies of records and mail the records to the requester?
18. What can we charge if a person requests records?
19. Do we have to separate non-public information from public information?
20. Who may call a special meeting of the city governing board?
21. How long does a city need to advertise a special meeting before it happens?