Martinez City Council holds closed session on Lafayette Street property negotiations

The Martinez City Council met in closed session Jan. 21 to confer with real property negotiators about the Lafayette Street site, recorded in the meeting as APN 373061033Dash8, Mayor Brianne Zorn said.

"Conference with real property negotiators for the property at Lafayette Street site APN 373061033Dash8," Zorn read into the record before the council recessed to closed session. The council later reported it had discussed the matter with city negotiators and the city attorney and "provided guidance to staff," Zorn said when the body reported out.

The closed session item was the sole agenda item for the evening. No public votes or ordinances were announced during the report out. The meeting was adjourned until the council's scheduled 7:00 p.m. regular meeting.

During the public-comment check before the closed session, Kristen Henderson spoke from the remote audience and thanked Kate Cox for acquiring a large parcel, saying, "Kate Cox, if you're out there, thank you for buying. It's a lot of land, and, it's been it was an honor to know your husband. Thank you." The comment appeared to be a separate personal remark and not a formal agenda item.

The council did not disclose substantive details of negotiations in the report out beyond saying staff received guidance; the clerk recorded attendance with Vice Mayor Satinder Mahle and Council member Greg Young present, Council member Jay Howard not present at roll call, and Council member Debbie McKillop excused. The council indicated it will proceed with its 7:00 p.m. regular meeting as scheduled.