Opinion ID: 1316376
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Continuum

Text: In accordance with the foregoing analysis of the Commission's activities, we next consider whether the Act applies to the continuum of consultations, deliberations and the process of making a decision. This continuum is in actuality representative of the day to day operation of the Commission. Consultations, deliberations and the process of making a decision might often involve more than a single case, and in this regard indicate the impracticality of making these activities subject to the Act's requirements. Because these activities are informal occurrences in the Commission's day to day operation, there is no requirement of a quorum before these activities can take place or before there can be a convening of a consultation, etc. Conceivably one commissioner might meet with staff; certainly this would not constitute a convening of the governing body. Similarly, one commissioner might deliberate alone or engage alone in the process of making a decision, and in such instances there would be no convening of the governing body. Because a quorum is not required at any stage of this continuum and because no stage necessarily involves the convening of the governing body, we find that the definition of meeting does not encompass consultations with staff, deliberations or the process of making a decision. Accordingly, we hold that the Act does not apply to these matters.