Humboldt County supervisors approve hiring process, hold closed session and unanimously vote to proceed with 'Option A'

The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors on Dec. 1 approved several routine actions and a post–closed-session direction that the minutes identify as “Option A.”

Early in the meeting Supervisor Rasmussen moved, and Supervisor Carpenter seconded, to approve the agenda; the motion passed unanimously. Supervisor Reimers moved and Supervisor Rasmussen seconded to approve the Nov. 24 minutes; that motion also passed unanimously. Later the board approved a hiring process for a Recorder’s Office clerk on a motion from Supervisor Reimers seconded by Supervisor Thompson; that motion passed unanimously.

The board then voted to enter closed session under Iowa Code section 21.5(c) “to discuss strategy with counsel in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent where its disclosure would be likely to prejudice or disadvantage the position of the county in that litigation.” The roll call to enter closed session recorded Carpenter—aye; Pedersen—aye; Rasmussen—aye; Reimers—aye; Thompson—aye. After the closed session the board returned to open session by unanimous roll call and, on motion of Supervisor Reimers seconded by Supervisor Rasmussen, voted by roll call to proceed with the option discussed in closed session (listed in the minutes as “Option A”). The minutes do not describe the substance of Option A or related litigation strategy.

The meeting closed after committee reports and the board adjourned at 10:05 a.m. on a motion from Supervisor Carpenter seconded by Supervisor Thompson; the adjournment vote was unanimous.