Access dispute at 169 North Winder prompts Orteville council to enter executive session over possible litigation

Residents during public comment complained that barriers placed near 169 North Winder have obstructed driveways, narrowed the road and created safety concerns. Speakers said the town has already incurred attorney expenses on the matter and urged the council to resolve the right-of-way and easement questions either by negotiation or through the courts.

One speaker said, "He's put the barricades up there, blocking driveways and ... narrowing the road up. It needs to be stopped," and another noted the town had already spent approximately $5,000 on related legal work. Council members asked for documentation, title history and attorney opinion letters to determine whether litigation was necessary or whether a negotiated solution could resolve access and safety concerns.

Councilors debated whether to review legal materials in public or in a closed executive session. Some members argued attorney‑client privilege and litigation strategy justified closing the meeting; others preferred transparency but acknowledged strategic reasons to inspect legal opinions privately. Following that discussion, a motion to move into executive session to review attorney opinion letters and potential litigation was made, seconded and approved. The public was asked to step outside while the council reviewed privileged documents.

The council did not announce any further action during open session; members directed staff to circulate legal documents to sworn officials and to report back in open session after any privileged review and subsequent determinations.