1. Is an unscheduled, unannounced study session with an attorney present a special meeting (therefore a public meeting) if the entire board of a public agency is present? 2. Should minutes be recorded during special meetings? 3. Should minutes reflect more than a list of the agenda topics? 4. Should an executive session's purpose be announced during a scheduled public meeting and should the public meeting continue after the announced duration of the executive session?
RCW 42.30.020(4) defines a “meeting” as a meeting at which action is taken. The definition of “action” is very broad and is the transaction of official business by a governing body, including but not limited to receipt of public testimony, deliberations, discussions, considerations, reviews, evaluations, and final actions. RCW 42.30.020(3). Therefore, the consideration of official business by a quorum of the governing body may include a study session or training on the legal requirements of the Public Records Act. Consideration of official business does not require interaction by members of the governing body.