The Republic submitted a public-records request on Wednesday for copies of all materials presented during the meeting, but acting City Attorney Nicholas DiPiazza denied the request, saying in an e-mail: “Disclosure of the records demanded at this time would compromise the (request for proposal) process. Although we respect the media’s need to know, we must balance it with: A) the city’s need for confidentiality during a process where it is developing contract terms, and conditions and a negotiating position; and B) the need for confidentiality to ensure a fair and equitable RFP process.â€
DiPiazza refused to disclose the full nature of the documents reviewed in the closed-door session or whether they all pertained to the bid process.
The mere fact that documents were presented in executive session is not enough to withhold them from public disclosure, said media attorney Dan Barr of Phoenix law firm Perkins Coie.
“It’s the city of Glendale’s burden to specifically identify what documents they are withholding and why they are withholding them,†Barr said.
By comparison, the council in February met in open session with the president of an executive-search firm to discuss the firm’s strategy and timeline to attract a new city manager.
DiPiazza said there was a significant difference between the two presentations. One was a “more conceptual discussion of the search for a city manager and the qualities you are looking for, issues, etc.â€
The arena discussion was “terms and conditions of a contract that ultimately will be had with an arena manager,†he said, noting that discussing that publicly could put the city at a disadvantage in negotiations.
Mayor Jerry Weiers said that representatives from several potential Coyotes investment groups have met with him in recent weeks but that none has been prepared for serious discussions concerning the arena.
