Woodland committee approves closed session to discuss volunteer fire and EMS contract

The Woodland Township Committee voted on Sept. 25 to go into a closed executive session to discuss contract negotiations and attorney‑client matters related to the renewal and amendment of the agreement with the Woodland Volunteer Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department.

Chair (speaker 1) moved to approve the executive session resolution and a second was recorded. In the meeting record, the clerk announced that the resolution would be numbered 55 and cited the Open Public Meetings Act; prepared language read aloud stated that the session would cover contract negotiation other than collective bargaining and attorney‑client privileged matters concerning the fire/EMS agreement. "Can I have a motion to approve?" the clerk asked; the Chair responded, "I'll make a motion to approve the executive session," and another member said, "I 2nd." The clerk then called the roll: Mary Groff — yes; Mister Herndon — yes; Miss Moll — yes. The committee approved the resolution and the clerk said they would shut off the tape as the meeting moved into closed session.

The clerk read the prepared 'whereas' text referencing the Open Public Meetings Act and its section 10:4‑2 exemption for closed sessions. The committee did not discuss the substance of the contract on the public record; the stated purpose was to permit negotiations over the renewal and amendment of the township's agreement with the Woodland Volunteer Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department and to consider related attorney‑client matters. The resolution as read instructs staff to discuss potential terms and conditions and acknowledges prior agreements took significant time to negotiate.

With the roll call recorded and votes in favor, the committee moved into closed session; the public portion of the meeting ended with the clerk noting the tape would be turned off.