Stonecrest Development Authority approves real estate actions after executive session

The Stonecrest Development Authority on April 20 voted unanimously to move into an executive session to discuss real estate matters, accepted the executive-session minutes and approved proceeding with the matters discussed in that closed session.

The decision came during a virtual meeting called to order at 6:11 p.m. The chair, speaking from out of town, said the authority will continue meeting virtually when possible because “the law, the state law did change that allows authorities to meet virtually.” No members of the public submitted comments in advance, the authority said.

Board member Jennifer Capers offered the motion to move into an executive session for real estate; the motion was seconded and carried on a roll-call vote with all members responding “yay.” The authority later moved to accept the executive-session minutes and then voted to proceed with all real-estate matters discussed in that closed session. The board recorded unanimous approval on both motions.

The meeting included roll call from officers and members: Secretary Elijah Ajayi, Vice Chair Chris Seabrook, Treasurer Joyce Walker, board members Al Ringer and Andrew Shambling, attorney Wiggins, and others. The chair noted the authority often uses executive sessions because “most of what we do is real estate,” and the board followed that pattern at this meeting.

Because the substantive real estate discussion occurred in executive session, the authority did not disclose details of properties, negotiations, or contract terms during the public portion of the meeting. The board said it will distribute any public comments received after the meeting electronically and read them into the minutes at the next meeting if applicable.

The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote to adjourn and a note that the authority will continue to meet virtually when practical and will follow up by email with scheduling information for the next meeting.