Bloomington, Minn. — The Bloomington City Council on Aug. 11 voted unanimously to adopt a resolution directing the closure of a public meeting so members could receive security briefings and discuss emergency response procedures and security deficiencies under the Minnesota Open Meeting Law.

Miss Manderscheid, a city staff member who presented the legal background, told the council, “I think the most important thing for the listening public is that you all intend to return to open session, assuming you pass this resolution.” The resolution describes grounds for closing the meeting, notes that the closed session will be recorded, specifies how long the recording is retained, and clarifies that financial decisions must be made in open session.

Council member Lohman moved to adopt the resolution; Council member D’Alessandro seconded. The motion passed 7-0. The council proceeded into a closed session to discuss emergency procedures and security matters consistent with the statutory grounds cited in the resolution. After the closed session, the council returned to open session and the mayor announced, “There was no direction taken or decisions made during the closed session business. It was information only.”

The council then adjourned for the evening by unanimous vote. The record of the vote and the council’s statement that no formal action occurred in closed session are matters the council placed on the public record at the meeting’s conclusion.