Fire Commission approves settlement in closed session and votes not to disclose deliberations

The San Francisco Fire Commission on Aug. 9 voted in open session to enter closed session to consider existing litigation and personnel matters, later reported approvals taken in closed session and then declined to disclose the discussions.

In open session the commission voted to go into closed session to consider item 7b (existing litigation) and items 7c and 7d (personnel matters) citing state and local legal authorities for closed'door deliberations. Commissioner Francie Covington moved to enter closed session; Commissioner Joe Alioto Veronese seconded and the motion carried by voice vote. The chamber cleared for a 10'minute break and the commission met in closed session.

When the commission returned to open session at 10:46 a.m., the city attorney reported three actions taken in closed session: approval of a settlement agreement on item 7b; approval, as amended, of proposed findings of fact in item 7c; and approval of proposed findings of fact in item 7d. The report was read into the record by the city attorney.

After the report'out, Commissioner Covington moved "not to disclose" any or all discussions held in closed session under San Francisco Administrative Code section 67.12(a). Commissioner Michael Hardiman seconded the motion. The Commission voted "aye" with no opposition recorded and the record shows the commission declined to disclose the substance of the closed session discussions.

The meeting then adjourned in memory of Earl Gage, identified in earlier remarks as the first African American firefighter in the department.