Precautions Now Taken After Closed Session Was Recorded

An incident where a member of the media recorded a closed session has led the Antelope County Supervisors to take precautions to ensure it does not happen again.

The supervisors went into executive session in March for the purpose of discussing the interim zoning administrator. However, a portion of that closed meeting was recorded, according to Antelope County Attorney Joe Abler and Board of Supervisors Chairman Jerry Schwager.

Schwager said that during the closed session, a member of the media left a phone in the room and it was recording the discussion. Schwager said after supervisors were made aware of the situation, the recording was stopped and deleted.

Abler said the county followed up on the recording and has confirmed it has been deleted from all electronic devices.

As a result of the incident, Abler said changes have taken place to ensure closed sessions will not be recorded again. 

"Now when they go into closed session, everyone must remove their coats and all electronic devices from the room," he said. "They also search the room for electronic devices and make sure everything is removed. This is now done as a precaution and under my recommendation."