City resident brought action against mayor and city council members, alleging violation of Open Meetings Act arising from city council’s use of closed session to interview candidate for position of city clerk.
After a bench trial, the District Court entered judgment dismissing case. Resident appealed, and appeal was transferred. The Court of Appeals reversed. Mayor and council members applied for further review, which was granted.
The Supreme Court held that:
- Act allows a governmental body to close a job interview upon request without evidence of an actual threat to a candidate’s reputation;
- City council’s use of closed session for job interview did not violate Act; and
- Trial court properly sealed minutes and recording of the closed session.