Council moves to executive session to consult legal counsel on imminent litigation

Circleville City Council voted on May 20 to adjourn to an executive session to consult with legal counsel about matters described in the motion as subject to imminent court action.

Council member Katie Hedges made the motion under Ohio Revised Code section 121.22(G)(3), which the motion cited explicitly. The motion also listed officials to be included in the executive session; the transcript records the motion identifying individuals named for inclusion: “President Hiller, Mayor Bolden, Law Director Kenny, HR Director Val Dhillie, incoming Safety Director Paul Pryde, and Chief Brian Thompson.” A second to the motion was made by Jeff Hallinan, and the roll-call vote recorded the motion as approved. The mayor and law director were present for earlier portions of the meeting; the motion specifies inclusion of city leadership and legal counsel for the closed session.

The council announced that it would adjourn the meeting after returning from executive session; no further public discussion followed at the time the motion was made. The transcript does not include details of the subject matter beyond the motion’s statutory citation nor does it record any actions taken in executive session, consistent with Ohio law limiting public disclosure of closed-session deliberations.

The council noted when it went into executive session (07:18 on the meeting clock) and adjourned afterward; the public minutes for the executive session portion, including any actions required by law, will be recorded consistent with statutory requirements.