Open Meetings Requirements

Sunshine Law

Georgia's open meetings laws generally require notice and public accessibility to meetings at which a quorum of city council members are present, as well as meetings of committees formed by city government. See the guide to government in the sunshine for details. There are exceptions for situations where no policies are being discussed or set.

It is my understanding that meetings of the Financial Affairs committee should be subject to these requirements because the committee makes recommendations regarding the budget and millage rate. However, I was told it was too difficult to advertise these meetings. I'm not aware that minutes of these meetings are kept.

Currently, it appears that the city attempts to comply with the minimum requirements for notice of council meetings, but not for other committees. I follow the City of Norcross on Facebook and note that notice is given for regular and special called meetings. Although Facebook is certainly not the legal organ, I suggest that this would be much more effective and timely than the Gwinnett Daily Post. And it's free.

There must be adequate space for the public to attend such meetings. Our council work sessions are held in a small conference room with room for two or three citizens to be present comfortably. I am hopeful that this Berkeley Lake Beacon will generate enough interest in city government to force council to move the work session to the larger council chamber.

I've been told the City cannot afford better communication with our citizens because we don't have the budget of larger neighboring municipalities. However, Facebook and Instagram are free. The city has plenty of money available to update its website and acquire a better content delivery system. Finances should not be an excuse. I will write more about city finances soon.