Commissioners debate mediation and negotiations over RDA land requests; closed session scheduled

Commissioners discussed an ongoing RDA property matter involving Dutch John and other parties, debated whether to pursue mediation or informal negotiations, and agreed to convene a closed session to address litigation and land negotiations.

Members said a letter sent through counsel had been interpreted by outside parties as a refusal to engage on land transactions; commissioners clarified on the record that the original letter pertained to one specific offer and did not constitute a county-wide ban on transactions. Commissioners described a willingness to continue negotiations informally or in closed session, but said they need a written list of grievances or issues from the other party before agreeing to formal mediation.

One commissioner observed that mediation is a formal, nonbinding process but warned it could be used later by opposing parties to show administrative remedies had been offered. Commissioners asked that any request for mediation include a brief of claimed grievances so the county can determine what, if anything, should be mediated versus negotiated. The board then made a formal motion to enter closed session for "litigation and purchase, exchange, release of real property," which was approved and convened at about 10:00 a.m.

The transcript records repeated emphasis from commissioners that they remain "open for business" and willing to continue talks, but that they will expect either a written offer or a written list of specific grievances before engaging in formal mediation. The board also discussed scheduling a private appointment or closed-session negotiation if a party wished to present an offer before placing formal mediation on the table.

No final land transfer or agreement was recorded in open session; actions relating to this matter were deferred to the closed session.