Commission moves into nonpublic session to discuss contract negotiations

The Strafford County Commission voted unanimously on Dec. 18, 2025, to go into a nonpublic session to discuss personal contract negotiations after commissioners said initial construction bids raised confidentiality concerns.

Commissioners discussed handling initial bids for what was described as a warming center project in executive session, with one commissioner noting there were seven different construction firms and differing proposals. An unidentified commissioner said, “We’re concerned about trade secrets that, could give other people advantages during negotiations,” arguing that early-stage negotiation details should not be disclosed publicly after the RFP was issued.

Speaker 1, who identified later in the meeting as Michelle Luciano, said the documents for the tax anticipation note would be signed in the usual way and noted a practical signature arrangement for commission business: “As long as we have 2 out of the 3 signatures, Pam will be in later.” That discussion preceded the motion to move into nonpublic session.

A motion "to go with the nonpublic for the purpose of discussing personal contract negotiation" was made and seconded. Speaker 1 said, “Faye and I will second that.” A roll call was held; Speaker 1 recorded a yes vote and the chair stated the vote was unanimous. The commission then retired to nonpublic session. No further actions were disclosed on the public record before the meeting recessed.

The commission noted that while early negotiating steps would be handled in nonpublic, the final stages of any contract negotiation would be subject to full public discussion, according to comments during the meeting.