The Medford City Council defended themselves yesterday against accusations they were conducting public business in private after conducting extensive executive sessions discussing a compromise deal over a low income apartment complex.

Councilman Bob Strosser was quoted as saying “Those meetings are not secret, the press is present.” The press and council are admonished during executive sessions that they cannot discuss the proceedings in public.

Strosser pointed out the council voted to lift the gag order November 15th so councilors and the Urban Renewal Agency Board could openly discuss the Housing Authority proposal.