Woonsocket City Council votes to enter executive session under state law for collective bargaining or litigation

The Woonsocket City Council voted unanimously Thursday, July 10, 2025, to go into executive session under Rhode Island General Laws § 42-46-5(a)(2) for sessions “pertaining to collective bargaining or litigation.”

The motion was made by Councilwoman Sierra and seconded by Councilwoman Fox, and the clerk conducted a roll call. Councilman Kenoyer, Councilman DuBois, Councilwoman Fox, Councilwoman Gonzales, Councilwoman Harmon, Councilwoman Sierra and President Gendron all voted in the affirmative. The council confirmed it had a quorum before taking the vote.

The council cited R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-46-5(a)(2) as the authority for closing the meeting to the public. During the public portion of the recorded transcript the motion was introduced and immediately moved; the clerk then called the roll. Councilwoman Sierra said, “So moved.” At the end of the roll call the presiding officer said, “Yes. And we are in executive session. If you could just let us shut everything down.”

The transcript does not record any details about the subject matter beyond the statute citation, nor does it show any formal action taken within the executive session. The public portion of the meeting concluded with the council leaving the open session and entering the closed session described in the motion.