While public agencies across Orange County meet each week to hash out tough issues facing taxpayers, the most daunting public policy questions typically are discussed and often decided behind closed doors.
It’s called the “closed session,” and under exceptions to the Brown Act, California’s open-meetings law, officials may meet in private to discuss a limited number of topics, including legal issues, property negotiations and employee contracts and evaluations.
While they may meet in secret, California law requires public agencies to reveal some basic information about what will be discussed in closed session.
Here is a rundown of some of the topics that will be discussed behind closed doors this week in Orange County:
County Board of Supervisors, Tuesday, July 19
- Negotiations with Santa Ana developer Mike Harrah regarding a building at 888 N. Main St.
- A possible lawsuit by an undisclosed entity or person.
- Labor contracts with the Orange County Attorney’s Association and Association of County Law Enforcement Management.
- Performance evaluations of County Counsel Nick Chrisos and the interim public defender.
Santa Ana City Council, Monday, July 18
- Appointment of a city attorney and city manager, unspecified future litigation and labor negotiations.
Costa Mesa City Council, Tuesday, July 19
- Labor negotiations, a lawsuit filed by the Costa Mesa Employees Association, and other anticipated litigation.
Fullerton City Council, Tuesday, July 19
- Negotiations with the county on the price and terms of a property in Placentia, negotiations with public employee unions, appointment of a city manager and unspecified litigation.
Tustin City Council, Tuesday, July 19
- Four unspecified potential lawsuits, labor negotiations and an ongoing lawsuit with the Tustin Unified School District.