Bettendorf council holds closed session on pending litigation, directs staff to proceed

Bettendorf City Council on July 29, 2025 voted to enter an executive session under Iowa Code §21.5(1)(c) to discuss litigation strategy and later authorized staff to proceed as described in that closed session.

Mayor Pro Tem and Second Ward Alderman Scott Nauman asked the council to move into the executive session “to discuss strategy with counsel in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent,” citing the statutory exemption for attorney–client strategy. The council entered the executive session at about 5:01 p.m. and returned to open session at about 5:56 p.m.

In open session after returning from the closed meeting, the council moved — mover and seconder not specified on the record — to authorize staff to proceed as outlined in the executive session. The motion passed on a roll-call vote by all members present. The roll call recorded “aye” votes from Adamson, Jaeger, Brown, Nauman, Sechser, Baden and Palzynski; no noes or abstentions were recorded on the transcript.

City staff who were asked to remain for the executive session included City Attorney Chris Curran, City Administrator Plaine, Director Richland and Police Chief Doug Scott. Mayor Gallagher participated virtually but was not physically present in the room. The council did not disclose the substance of the closed deliberations in the public record; the discussion was held under the attorney–client privilege exemption cited on the record.

The meeting, which began at 5 p.m., was brief and focused on the closed-session item; the council took no other public actions before adjourning. After the vote directing staff to proceed, the council moved to adjourn and the meeting ended without further public discussion.