April 30, 1997

 

 

 

Ms. Frances J. Thompson
4525 Henry Hudson Parkway
Bronx, NY 10471

The staff of the Committee on Open Government is authorized to issue advisory opinions. The ensuing staff advisory opinion is based solely upon the information presented in your correspondence.

Dear Ms. Thompson:

I have received your letter of April 6.

You have asked whether "an agenda is required for any and all meetings of the N.Y.C. Teachers' Retirement System's Board of Trustees' Investment Committee", and "if a public meeting can be held by a public body if an agenda for the meeting has not been prepared" (emphasis yours).

In this regard, in short, there is nothing in the Open Meetings Law or any other law of which I am aware that deals specifically with agendas. While many public bodies prepare agendas, the Open Meetings Law does not require that they do so. Similarly, the Open Meetings Law does not require that a prepared agenda be followed. However, a public body on its own initiative may adopt rules or procedures concerning the preparation and use of agendas.

I hope that the foregoing serves to enhance your understanding of the matter and that I have been of assistance.

Sincerely,

 

Robert J. Freeman
Executive Director

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