Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution authorizes and directs City staff to send automated alder and mayor blog notifications to subscribers of the service if the content meets certain limitations, authorizes alders to host public information meetings during the campaign period using City resources if the purpose of the meeting meets defined limitations, and directs City staff to print and send meeting notifications for meetings that satisfy the criteria. It is not anticipated that this resolution will result in additional notifications or public information meetings, and therefore, no fiscal impact is expected. No appropriation is required.
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Defining Appropriate Use of Alder Blogs and Allowable Topics of Alder-Hosted Public Meetings During Election Periods.
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Title
Defining Appropriate Use of Alder Blogs and Allowable Topics of Alder-Hosted Public Meetings During Election Periods.
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WHEREAS, Wisconsin Statute Section 11.1205 prohibits elected officials who are candidates from using public funds for the cost of materials or distribution for more than 50 pieces of substantially identical material during election periods; and
WHEREAS, the statutory 50-piece rule does not apply to the use of public funds for the costs of actions taken by local government administrative officers pursuant to a specific law, ordinance or resolution which authorizes or directs the actions to be taken; and
WHEREAS, essential City business requiring and benefitting from public input continues to occur during spring election periods which occur for over four months prior to the election of alders and the Mayor; and,
WHEREAS, the Common Council wishes to continue to inform and engage the public and solicit public input regarding City business, issues and policies during election periods through City agencies and staff publishing and distributing various notices, mailings and communications pertaining to specific alder districts; and through communicating with members of the public at informational meetings; and
WHEREAS, the Common Council adopted RES-22-00610 on September 6, 2022 to direct City staff to produce and send notifications to residents related to neighborhood meetings for development proposals and meetings and public hearings regarding alcohol establishment licenses, and to continue the automated alder and mayor blog notifications to subscribers of that service; and
WHEREAS, RES-22-00610 did not define or restrict the acceptable content of alder blog posts during the election period or the acceptable topics of public meetings hosted by alders using public resources during the election period; and
WHEREAS, in addition to the provisions of Wis. Stat. § 11.1205, the Common Council wishes to avoid the actual or perceived use of public resources for campaign purposes by incumbent alders who are running for reelection;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the provisions of RES-22-00610 and this Resolution do not apply to elected officials who have filed a Notification of Non-Candidacy and do not campaign for reelection; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, in order to clarify the acceptable content that may be posted on alder and mayor blogs during the election period, the Common Council authorizes and directs City staff to send automated alder and mayor blog notifications to subscribers of the service if the content of said blogs is limited to the following:
1. Specific matters pending before the Common Council, City boards, commissions and committees, or City agencies prior to the end of the election period.
2. Upcoming City meetings and City-sponsored events.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, in order to define the appropriate use of public funds for meetings hosted by alders during the election period, the Common Council authorizes alders to host public information meetings during the campaign period, either virtually or in person, using City resources if the purpose of the meeting is limited to discussion of specific matters pending before the Common Council, City boards, commissions and committees, or City agencies prior to the end of the election period.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Common Council directs City staff to print and send meeting notifications exceeding 49 pieces for meetings that satisfy the above criteria.