Comments on: Why we’re publishing public meetings

By: Matt Petty

Matt Petty — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:25:15 +0000

@Sandy – You should ask your city attorney to provide you with the ordinance or code that says that. He won’t be able to, because your mayor is lying.

By: Sandy

Sandy — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:56:51 +0000

I am the publisher of an online historical and present for Fulton County, NY. I am running into snags by 1 municipality in the county. The mayor is telling me I can not publish meeting agendas or minutes for the city. If I do he said I will be in “big” trouble. What I need is the case law that permits me to FOIL and post the minutes and other public info on my website. Can anyone help? Thanks a bunch

By: mpetty

mpetty — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:40:54 +0000

@Christopher Spencer – No, they do charge us to publish it. Every advertisement and meeting notice. In fact, the contract is up for renewal on Tuesday.

Now, they don’t charge us when they choose to provide a notice of a meeting that is of significant public interest, but usually those notices are wrapped up in an article or editorial. We have to pay to publish the agendas, lists of meetings, and notices of public hearings.

By: Todd Gill

Todd Gill — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:15:45 +0000

@Christopher Spencer – To be clear, when you say “the newspapers don’t charge for that part of the paper,” you mean they don’t charge the city to publish it. They do charge the public to view it. For now, at least…

By: Christopher Spencer

Christopher Spencer — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:04:35 +0000

I also think it’s a nice daily service that you provide your readers, myself included. Having that information pass in front of someone’s eyes might remind them of an issue that they feel is important. They end up at the meeting as a result participating in the government.

Not that Fayetteville has any issues with lack of governmental participation, hehe.

Matthew, the newspapers don’t charge for that part of the paper. It’s editorial and provided as information for free. Special events the city might want to push are paid advertising oftentimes, and of course, there are the laws regarding public notice, but public meetings is all gratis.

By: Johnathan

Johnathan — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:12:02 +0000

Although if you could get the city to throw them some money, Matt, that would be great! These guys deserve it.

Seriously though-thanks, Todd and Dustin, for keeping such a valuable resource going. I may not read every article about every meeting, but I know it’s here if I need it.

By: mpetty

mpetty — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 23:18:44 +0000

It’s not a waste of time at all, and I appreciate that you do it for free as a value-added service for your readers instead of demanding the City pay for it by the column-inch.

By: Todd Gill

Todd Gill — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:49:04 +0000

That was quick. Thanks for the responses.

By: Amber

Amber — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:46:27 +0000

I appreciate it. Plus, it helps remind me when these are going on. And it reminds me that the are equally important as the cool social events going on!

By: chancevb

chancevb — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:30:04 +0000

I really appreciate y’all posting them. Thanks.