Council denies open‑meeting complaints, explains executive sessions as legal response to repeated record requests

The Newport City Council voted to deny two open‑meeting‑law complaints referenced in a Dec. 12 correspondence from Jennifer Bierling and stated on the record that executive sessions called during the meeting were conducted under the statutory grounds cited on the agenda.

Council made and approved motions finding that premature public disclosure of attorney‑client communications would place the city at a substantial disadvantage, and then entered and exited executive session on matters including evaluation of a candidate for potential appointment as fire chief and attorney‑client communications concerning hiring/firing policies. Council reported no final action resulted from at least one prior executive session.

During public comment, several residents criticized repeated public‑records requests and open‑meeting complaints submitted by a local attorney (identified in public comment as Jennifer Burling/Burling). One resident described those requests as ‘‘vexatious’’ and argued they consumed staff time and legal fees; the speaker urged the council to protect staff resources. The council acknowledged those concerns and said consultation with legal counsel in response to complaints is necessary to protect municipal interests.

Council then voted to deny the open‑meeting allegations as stated in the correspondence. The motions to deny were moved, seconded and carried by voice vote.