Council votes to enter closed session to discuss appointments, performance evaluations and property acquisitions

The clerk read a motion to move the council into closed session, citing Virginia code and listing the topics to be discussed in private. The clerk stated, "The motion for your closed session is to be in closed session pursuant to Virginia code sections 2.2 dash 37 11.8 0.1 0.3 and 0.8 to discuss appointments as listed on agenda, and your performance evaluations of the city manager, city attorney, and the city clerk to discuss the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and the disposition of publicly held real property in the areas of Lincoln Park, Buckroe, Kickington 0.25, Downtown Hampton, King Street, Coliseum Central, Divas," after which the council recorded a voice vote.

The reading named specific topics and locations for the real property discussion and referenced appointments and performance evaluations. Council members voiced assent following the reading; the transcript captures several affirmations of "Aye." The clerk's reading also noted that discussing these matters in an open meeting would adversely affect the city's negotiating position and that consultation would include discussions of a development agreement and a lease agreement.

The council did not take public action on development agreements or leases in the open session; the motion and affirmative voice votes moved those topics into the closed-session agenda for further deliberation and any subsequent, legally required public action.