Takoma Park council approves closed session to brief labor negotiations with AFSCME, UFCW

The Takoma Park City Council voted unanimously this evening to convene a closed session to receive a briefing and legal advice on collective bargaining negotiations with AFSCME Local 3399 and UFCW Local 400.

Mayor Searcy announced the proposed action, saying, "The city will vote to convene in closed session to meet with staff and the city's labor attorney to receive a briefing and legal advice on collective bargaining negotiations with AFSCME local 3399 and UFCW local 400." He cited the authority for the closure, referencing the Annotated Code of Maryland, General Provisions Article §3-305(b)(9) and §3-305(b)(7).

A council member moved to enter closed session; the clerk identified the mover in the record as "Council member Dabbala" while the roll-call transcription also contains variants of that name (appearing elsewhere as "Dibala" and "de Balas"). Council member Landman seconded the motion. The clerk then led a roll-call vote; each named member was recorded voting in the affirmative, and the motion carried.

The clerk read the roll and recorded responses for Mayor Searcy and six council members. The recorded affirmative votes listed in the transcript were: Council member Landman; Council member (transcript variant) Dibala/Dabbala/de Balas; Council member Schlegel; Council member Gilbert; Council member Hansack; Council member Wesselak; and Mayor Searcy.

The council announced it would reconvene for the regular public meeting at approximately 7:30 p.m. after the closed session.

Authorities cited at the meeting for the closed-session justification were the Annotated Code of Maryland, General Provisions Article §3-305(b)(9) (collective bargaining) and §3-305(b)(7) (consultation with counsel for legal advice). The motion and unanimous recorded vote authorized the council to go into the closed session; no votes on public policy or ordinances were taken in the public portion recorded here.