Does the term “meeting” include such things as informal gatherings, briefing sessions, informal discussions, attendance at social functions, etc.?
As noted above, a “meeting” is the convening of a governing body to make a decision or deliberate toward a decision. Additionally, a quorum must be present. Idaho Water Resources Board v. Kramer, 97 Idaho 535, 548 P.2d 45 (1976). The California Court of Appeals in Sacramento Newspaper Guild v. Sacramento County Board of Supervisors, 69 Cal.Rptr, discussed the dual facets of deliberation and action. 48 (Cal. App. 1968), wherein it was stated: “. . . It [California Open Meeting Law] declares the law’s intent that deliberation as well as action occur openly and publicly. Recognition of deliberation and action as dual components of the collective decision-making process brings awareness that the meeting concept cannot be split off and confined to one component only, but rather comprehends both and either. To “deliberate” is to examine, weigh and reflect upon the reasons for or against the choice . . . . Deliberation thus connotes not only collective discussion, but the collective acquisiti
