Council votes to enter two executive sessions on airport noise payment and police collective bargaining

The Thornton City Council voted to hold two executive sessions during the special meeting: one to receive legal advice and develop negotiation strategy regarding a noise-violation payment from Denver under an intergovernmental agreement for the airport, and a second to discuss collective bargaining negotiations with the Fraternal Order of Police, Thornton Police Department, Colorado Lodge 16.

Motion language and legal basis: The council moved into executive session under Colorado Revised Statutes section 24-6-402(4)(b) (receive legal advice and determine positions that may be subject to negotiations) and 24-6-402(4)(e)(I) (develop strategy, instruct negotiators regarding collective bargaining). The city attorney read the two motions aloud and council members provided a motion and a second; the roll call recorded all members present.

Vote and attendance: At roll call the following members were present: Mayor Coleman; Council member Rufinto; Council member Ayala; Mayor/President Bigelow; Council member Martinez; Council member Russell; Council member Sandgren; Council member Amreich. Both motions carried with an affirmative voice vote; no opposition was recorded.

Why it matters: The matters described involve legal advice and negotiation strategy on a payment under an intergovernmental airport agreement and a pending labor negotiation; both are standard uses of executive session authority under state statute.

Ending: After the motions and roll call the council recessed into executive session as stated.