COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Branch County Commissioner Terri Norris raised questions and concerns during Thursday’s Board of Commissioners Work Session about recent meetings involving a committee which is overseeing the construction of the new Branch County Jail.
County Administrator Bud Norman said closed meetings were held with Byce and Associates October 23 to talk about mechanical, lighting, plumbing and design as well as with Clark Construction Wednesday to discuss design assist and building design.
Norris felt those meetings may be in violation of the open meetings act because a non-employee is attending.
Norman said in this case, there are advantages to having a closed session, such as being able to have a back-and-forth conversation between stakeholders without going through the formality of an open meeting.
Norris asked Norman to check with the County attorney on whether or not these meetings should be open or closed.
Norris also had a concern about transporting non-county employees in personal vehicles for these meetings. She also asked Norman to check with Risk Management to see if this was a liability to the County.
