City Council moves into closed session for labor negotiation strategy

The City Council voted Wednesday to close part of its July 30 special meeting to discuss labor negotiation strategy under “subdivision 1(b),” moving the session into the mayor's office and announcing that no formal action would be taken. The action matters because closed sessions remove the discussion from public view while allowing elected officials and designated staff or representatives to confer on bargaining strategy. The council cited a statutory provision for labor negotiations when it approved the closure. Councilor Whitney moved to close the portion of the meeting for labor negotiation strategy; Councilor Hildebrand seconded the motion. A voice vote followed and the presiding officer announced, “Motion carries.” Earlier in the meeting Councilor Whitney moved to approve the agenda, supported by Councilor Faso; that motion also carried by voice vote. The council later moved to adjourn; the motion to adjourn was moved by Councilor Fossil and supported by Councilor Hildebrand and was carried by voice vote. The meeting record noted that Councilor Swiberger, Councilor Bayless and Councilor Hoffman Sockman were absent. The council specified the closed session would be held in the mayor's office and stated that “only city council and authorized representatives of the city who are reasonably required” would be present for the closed portion. The transcript does not specify the bargaining unit, the statute citation beyond “subdivision 1(b),” nor any timing for when the council will report back publicly; no substantive details of negotiations were disclosed on the public record.