Council authorizes staff to pursue details on confidential 'Project Wellness' after executive session

The Mineral Wells City Council recessed into executive session under Texas Government Code Chapter 551 and, upon returning to open session, voted 6-0 to authorize staff to proceed with details related to a confidential economic development prospect referred to in the meeting as "Project Wellness." The council cited Texas Government Code §551.087 as the executive-session authority for deliberations about commercial or financial information received from a business prospect and for negotiating financial incentives. After the executive session the council made a public motion authorizing staff to move forward and directed staff to return with additional information at a future meeting. The council did not disclose commercial terms or the identity of the prospect during open session. The action was limited to directing staff to continue negotiations and to report back; no final agreement, incentive vote or contract was authorized in open session.