Regular meeting (Public Comment – G. Hosking, 7/16/2024)

Executive Summary:

Open Meetings Act Violation:
– The Leelanau County Energy Futures Task Force (EFT) was created by the County Board of Commissioners to “identify opportunities and facilitate implementation of energy efficiency and renewable energy within our county.”
– The EFT held a meeting that was not properly posted, and community members had no notice and could not participate.
– The Prosecutor’s Office concluded that the EFT is a public body subject to the requirements of the Open Meetings Act (OMA), as it was created to perform governmental functions.
– While the EFT’s actions did violate the OMA, the Prosecutor’s Office determined that criminal prosecution was not appropriate, as there was insufficient evidence to show the violation was intentional.
– The EFT has since come into compliance with the OMA by posting meeting minutes and dates.

Policy Recommendations:
– The Prosecutor’s Office recommends that the Board of Commissioners adopt a policy affirming their commitment to open government and ensuring all committees, commissions, and task forces comply with the OMA.
– This would demonstrate to constituents where the commissioners stand on this issue of transparency.

https://www.michigan.gov/documents/ag/2011-3_333430_7.pdf