Wasilla council authorizes negotiations with Operating Engineers Local 302, holds executive sessions including Talton litigation

On Jan. 19 the Wasilla City Council approved Resolution Serial Number 2601, authorizing the administration to begin negotiations with the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 302 and providing the required opportunity for public review.

Councilmember Rubio moved that the council enter executive session to discuss matters'—specifically contract negotiations with Operating Engineers Local 302'which, the motion said, "the immediate public knowledge of would clearly have an adverse effect upon the finances of the city." The motion named the council, mayor, city clerk, city attorney, public works director and human resources manager as attendees. Council asked whether public comment on the resolution should be taken first; the chair opened public comment for the resolution and no one spoke. The council then entered executive session at 6:30 p.m. and later returned and adopted the resolution.

Later in the meeting the council moved into executive session for matters concerning litigation, specifically "Talton versus City of Wasilla," with the city attorney and police chief present. That session began at 7:15 p.m. and the council exited at 7:30 p.m. The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.

All actions on the record were adopted without objection; the transcript shows council votes were carried by voice without recorded roll-call tallies.