Stirring Up A Hornet’s Nest-Part 2

I’d like to thank each and every person who came to the Hayden City Council meeting Tuesday night to give encouragement and to speak during public comment. The Kootenai Metropolitan Planning Organization (KMPO) was not on the agenda as something to discuss in the public, although I did mention it during the round table when I gave a report.

There were, however, two items listed under executive session and before the meeting, I was told that one of them, item Idaho Code 74-206(1)(b)* (To consider the evaluation, dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, or public school student), had to do with me and the KMPO.

I don’t believe that my role on the KMPO or attendance at a town hall with other KMPO board members applied to the given executive session definition. Twice during the meeting I asked to have the executive session removed from the agenda but the motion failed for lack of a second. Due to these concerns, I decided not attend the executive session.

I will continue to represent the people of Hayden and to do what I’m elected to do.

*https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title74/T74CH2/SECT74-206/

TITLE 74

TRANSPARENT AND ETHICAL GOVERNMENT

CHAPTER 2

OPEN MEETINGS LAW

74-206. EXECUTIVE SESSIONS — WHEN AUTHORIZED. (1) An executive session at which members of the public are excluded may be held, but only for the purposes and only in the manner set forth in this section. The motion to go into executive session shall identify the specific subsections of this section that authorize the executive session. There shall be a roll call vote on the motion and the vote shall be recorded in the minutes. An executive session shall be authorized by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the governing body. An executive session may be held:

(a) To consider hiring a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, wherein the respective qualities of individuals are to be evaluated in order to fill a particular vacancy or need. This paragraph does not apply to filling a vacancy in an elective office or deliberations about staffing needs in general;

(b) To consider the evaluation, dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, or public school student;

(c) To acquire an interest in real property not owned by a public agency;

(d) To consider records that are exempt from disclosure as provided in chapter 1, title 74, Idaho Code;

(e) To consider preliminary negotiations involving matters of trade or commerce in which the governing body is in competition with governing bodies in other states or nations;

(f) To communicate with legal counsel for the public agency to discuss the legal ramifications of and legal options for pending litigation, or controversies not yet being litigated but imminently likely to be litigated. The mere presence of legal counsel at an executive session does not satisfy this requirement;

(g) By the commission of pardons and parole, as provided by law;

(h) By the custody review board of the Idaho department of juvenile corrections, as provided by law;

(i) To engage in communications with a representative of the public agency’s risk manager or insurance provider to discuss the adjustment of a pending claim or prevention of a claim imminently likely to be filed. The mere presence of a representative of the public agency’s risk manager or insurance provider at an executive session does not satisfy this requirement; or

(j) To consider labor contract matters authorized under section 74-206A (1)(a) and (b), Idaho Code.

(2) The exceptions to the general policy in favor of open meetings stated in this section shall be narrowly construed. It shall be a violation of this chapter to change the subject within the executive session to one not identified within the motion to enter the executive session or to any topic for which an executive session is not provided.

(3) No executive session may be held for the purpose of taking any final action or making any final decision.

(4) If the governing board of a public school district, charter district, or public charter school has vacancies such that fewer than two-thirds (2/3) of board members have been seated, then the board may enter into executive session on a simple roll call majority vote.