After closed session, commissioners authorize building and planning to pursue possible abatement

Cowlitz County commissioners recessed into executive session Monday to discuss potential litigation. When the board reconvened, commissioners said they had discussed litigation and provided direction to the building and planning department to proceed with a potential abatement process. No further details about the property, the grounds for abatement or the timetable were discussed in open session and no motion or vote was recorded in public minutes during the meeting. Commissioners said the board had authorized building and planning staff to pursue the abatement process and to report back as appropriate. Because the discussion took place in executive session on potential litigation, commissioners limited public comment during the open-session report to confirm only that direction had been given; they did not disclose privileged details.