Jefferson County council votes 5-0 to enter closed session for litigation and property negotiations

The Jefferson County Council voted 5-0 to move into closed session to discuss legal actions and confidential communications with the county’s attorneys and to consider the leasing, purchase or sale of real estate where public knowledge might adversely affect the county’s bargaining position.

Speaker 3 introduced the motion citing R.S. Mo. §610.021 and said the purpose was “for the purpose of discussing legal actions, causes of action, or litigation involving the county, and any confidential or privileged communications between the county and its representatives and attorneys.” Speaker 3 also moved under subdivision 2 to discuss real-estate matters where publicity could affect legal consideration.

The council voted in favor and entered closed session. After completing the closed-session portion of the meeting the council reconvened in open session, with Speaker 3 moving to return to open session and the clerk again announcing a 5-0 vote. The meeting concluded after a unanimous adjournment vote.

The transcript records the legal bases cited for closing the meeting (R.S. Mo. §610.021(1) and (2)) and states the general purposes (litigation and real-estate negotiations). The transcript does not provide details of the matters discussed in closed session, nor does it record any outcomes from the closed session that were disclosed in open session.