04.01 City Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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SPECIAL MEETING OF THE PEQUOT LAKES CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2020 PEQUOT LAKES CITY HALL Members Present: Mayor Tayloe, Council Members Ciement, Pederson, Seils, and Swanson Staff Present: Nancy Malecha, City Administrator; Chelsea Bodin, City Attorney (via teleconference) 1. Call Meetin� to Order Mayor Tayloe called the special meeting of the Pequot Lakes City Council to order at 6:30 p.m. 1.1. Pledqe of Alleaiance Mayor Tayloe led with the Pledge of Allegiance. 2. Consider Actenda COUNCIL MEMBER SEILS MOVED TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS PRESENTED. COUNCIL MEMBER CLEMENT SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 3. Threatened Litiqation from Citv of Pequot Lakes Emplovee Related to Emplovment with the Citv Pursuant to Minnesota Statute 13D.05, Subd. 3(b) Mayor Tayloe stated that the City's need for absolute confidentiality outweighs the purposes served by the open meeting law in this case based on the following. • The City Council and legal counsel, participating by teleconference, need to have a candid and open discussion to determine the available legal options to handle threatened litigation from a former City of Pequot Lakes employee related to employment with the City based on actions the City has already taken, including response strategy and possible areas of reconciliation. • The purpose of the closed meeting is not to make a decision behind closed-doors, but instead the purpose of the meeting is to determine the legal options for handling the threatened litigation. • The only business to be discussed is the threatened litigation. • An open session would be detrimental because it may take place in the presence of individuals involved in the threatened litigation. • A closed session would benefit the public because the ultimate outcome of the threatened litigation may impact the finances, operations, and reputation of the City.