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Jasper County board authorizes engineer to act after closed session in 2–1 vote
Summary
After a closed session under Iowa Code §21.5(c) requested by Scott Nicholson and Mike Frietsch, the Jasper County Board of Supervisors voted 2–1 to authorize Engineer Mike Frietsch to take action on matters discussed; Supervisor Cupples opposed the motion.
The Jasper County Board of Supervisors voted 2–1 on March 17 to authorize Engineer Mike Frietsch to take action on matters discussed during a closed session held under Iowa Code Section 21.5(c). The closed session had been requested by Scott Nicholson and Mike Frietsch to discuss strategy with counsel in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent.
The board first voted unanimously to enter closed session under Iowa Code §21.5(c). After returning to open session, Supervisor Talsma moved and Chairman Thad Nearmyer seconded a motion authorizing Frietsch to proceed with actions discussed in the closed session. The motion carried with Nearmyer and Talsma voting yea and Supervisor Cupples voting nay.
The minutes do not disclose the subject matter of the litigation or the specific actions authorized; the board cited Iowa Code Section 21.5(c) in entering closed session, which permits such confidentiality where disclosure would likely prejudice the government body’s position in litigation. No additional detail or timeline for the authorized actions was recorded in the minutes.
