Open meetings law

The Black Hills Pioneer editor praised the city's open meetings briefing, noting South Dakota's Open Meetings Commission has found violations in 12 of 16 recent complaints statewide, including in Central City, Sturgis, and Piedmont. He said most violations stem from ignorance, not willfulness, which is why trainings like this one matter.

Asked how the city handles email exchanges between councilmembers before meetings, saying it sometimes seems decisions are pre-made before public sessions. The mayor and several councilmembers responded that no backroom deal-making occurs and emails are blind-copied to comply with the law.