DEPARTMENT: Office of the County Manager
FILE TYPE: Regular Action
TITLE
title
Closed Executive Session: Discussion Of Legal Strategy In Cham v. Dakota County
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Hold a closed executive session.
SUMMARY
The Dakota County Attorney has advised that prior to closing a County Board meeting, pursuant to the Open Meeting Law, Minn. Stat. Ch. 13D, the County Board must resolve by majority vote to close the meeting.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
The County Manager has recommended that a closed executive session be held pursuant to attorney-client privilege during the Dakota County Board meeting of January 20, 2026, to discuss the following:
• Legal strategy in Cham v. Dakota County.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
Fiscal impact will be discussed in closed session.
☒ None ☐ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
body
WHEREAS, Abulla Cham (Plaintiff) filed a federal lawsuit against Dakota County (Court File No. 25-cv-03747) alleging, among other things, race discrimination in his former employment with Dakota County; and
WHEREAS, the Dakota County Board of Commissioners (Board) seeks legal advice from the County Attorney with respect to litigation strategy, the public disclosure of which would be detrimental to Dakota County’s defense of this matter; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 13D.05, Subdivision 3(b), the Board by resolution may close a meeting as permitted by the attorney-client privilege.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby closes the Board meeting on January 20, 2026, and recesses to conference room 3A, Administration Center, Hastings, to discuss with the County Attorney the legal strategy in Cham v. Dakota County.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: None.
BOARD GOALS
☐ Thriving People ☐ A Healthy Environment with Quality Natural Resources
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☒ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Heidi Welsch
Author: Jeni Reynolds