Wayne Stenehjem Speaks On Open Meeting Laws

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem says the Mandan City Commission did not break the law when it met behind closed doors to discuss purchasing some property.

Stenehjem says in a legal opinion that the commission held a special meeting in June to discuss negotiating strategy for buying property for a city park district project.

Stenehjem says the issue was raised by a man who alleged the executive session was illegal because public money was being discussed.

Stenehjem says the closed meeting was recorded, as required by state law. He says the city's bargaining strategy for the property would have been compromised if the meeting were held in public.