Council may hold an executive session only during a regular or special meeting of Council providing the subject matter meets the statutory requirements. Approval to schedule an executive session shall be granted by vote of the majority of Council members. No person, other than Council members and appropriate personnel shall attend an executive session unless specifically invited by the President of Council.
The executive session shall be limited to the following areas:
1. Property.
To consider the purchase of property for public purposes, or for the sale of public property, or to consider the sale of property by competitive bid if disclosure of the information would result in a competitive advantage to the other side. No member of the Council may use this exception as subterfuge for providing covert information to prospective buyers or sellers.
2. Court Action.
Conferences with an attorney to discuss pending or imminent court action. Court action is pending if a lawsuit has been commenced. Court action is imminent if it is on the point of happening or is impending. Council may not use this exception to adjourn into executive session for discussions with a Council member who also happens to be an attorney - the attorney should be duly appointed counsel for the Council.
3. Collective Bargaining.
To prepare for, conduct or review collective bargaining strategy.
4. Confidential Matters.
Council may adjourn into executive session to discuss matters required to be kept confidential by federal law, federal rules, or state statutes.
5. Security Arrangements.
To discuss details of security arrangements and emergency response protocols where disclosure could be expected to jeopardize the security of the Council or public office. (Enacted 11-7-06.)