Willows City Council convenes closed session to evaluate city manager

At a February special meeting, the Willows City Council called the session to order at 9:01 a.m. and recessed into closed session to conduct a public employee performance evaluation of the city manager, the presiding official said.

The presiding official led the pledge of allegiance and then called roll. Mayor Hudson, Vice Mayor Thomas, Council Member Hanson and Council Member Busby were recorded as present. Council Member Bridal did not respond on the recorded roll call.

Before moving into closed session, the presiding official announced Item 4 would be considered “pursuant to government code sections 5 4 9 5 4.3,” and told the public they would have an opportunity to address the legislative body on the closed-session item prior to the council convening. “Public comments are generally restricted to 3 minutes,” the presiding official said. When no one came forward, the presiding official stated, “Seeing none, we will remain into closed session at 09:02.”

The transcript records no further public action or votes in open session. The council’s decision to enter closed session means substantive discussion and any determinations about the city manager’s evaluation were held in private, as allowed under the cited government-code provision referenced during the meeting.

No additional public business or outcomes were recorded in the publicly provided transcript for the meeting. The council’s next publicly reported step will depend on whether it returns to open session and announces any reportable actions, which are not included in the transcript provided.