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Reporter asks to attend executive session remotely; board cites ORS 192.660(2)(h) and later moves to engage outside counsel
Summary
A Primeville Review reporter asked the board to allow remote attendance at an executive session due to heavy smoke and health concerns; the board discussed Oregon law, confirmed the session did not include a named individual (Justin Alderman), moved into an executive session under ORS 192.660(2)(h), and afterward directed staff to engage outside counsel to review potential claims.
A caller identifying affiliation with the Primeville Review asked whether the board’s executive session would involve Justin Alderman and requested an accommodation to attend remotely because of heavy smoke and health concerns. The caller argued Oregon law allows media access in some remote‑attendance situations. Chair (speaker 1) and other commissioners discussed the legal position and whether existing rules should be bent for health reasons; one commissioner said they would take county counsel’s advice.
The board confirmed on the record that the session did not involve Justin Alderman and then moved into executive session under ORS 192.660(2)(h) to consult with counsel about litigation. After returning to open session, a motion was made and approved to engage outside counsel to review potential claims and advise on next steps. The caller had said, “I just, wanted to know if you could confirm whether the executive session ... involves myself, Justin Alderman,” and commissioners responded that the session did not involve him. The board directed staff to seek outside counsel following the executive discussion; no formal decision about the litigation itself was made in open session.
