The Council is allowed to discuss real estate transactions in an executive session, and the City Attorney was advising the City Council through the process so that they would follow any legal requirements. For the August 14, 2023, City Council Meeting, the Wastewater Treatment Plant discussion was an agenda item following executive session. If the Council had directed staff to begin negotiations on a property purchase, they would not have been able to discuss the location of the property that evening. The topic was listed as a general discussion on the agenda following the executive session, and there were members of the public who attended the meeting and commented.
You can view the meeting packet, minutes, and video where the Council discusses their decision here: https://www.cityofestacada.org/bc/meeting/city-council-meeting-0
Following the executive session (which was not recorded) the City Attorney gives a thorough overview of the process and the decision. (approx. 1 hour 26 minutes into the meeting).