Infrastructure committee convenes closed session to evaluate builder bids

The Darlington Community School District Infrastructure Committee on July 7 moved to evaluate builder submissions and to interview prospective builders in a closed session under Wisconsin law.

"Motion by Crist, seconded by Fink, to convene into closed session pursuant to Wis. Stat. s. 19.85(1)(e) for the purpose of evaluating builder submissions, interviewing builders, discussing negotiation strategy or price offers related to bids for building services, and considering potential contract negotiations where competitive and bargaining reasons require a closed session. Motion carried unanimously." Committee member Crist made the motion; Committee member Fink seconded.

The committee reconvened in open session after the closed discussion and "reported a recommendation for building services," but the record states the committee took "No Action" on any contract or award during this meeting. The committee did not record a public vote on any builder selection before adjourning.

The closed-session citation, Wis. Stat. s. 19.85(1)(e), authorizes governmental bodies to meet in closed session to deliberate or negotiate the purchase of public property, the investing of public funds, or to conduct other specified competitive-bid or bargaining discussions; the committee said it relied on that statute to review and compare competitive submissions. Any formal recommendation to the full Board of Education, or a public contract award, would be reflected in a future open meeting or posted agenda item.