Title
Closed Session Request - Pending Litigation
Filipo Genova v GLWA and Navarro Winston
WCCC No. 24-007667-NI; (DOI 12/21/23)
Body
Agenda of: January 22, 2025
Item No.: 2025-025
Amount: N/A
TO: The Honorable
Board of Directors
Great Lakes Water Authority
FROM: Suzanne R. Coffey, P.E.
Chief Executive Officer
Great Lakes Water Authority
DATE: January 15, 2025
RE: Closed Session Request - Pending Litigation
Filipo Genova v GLWA and Navarro Winston
WCCC No. 24-007667-NI; (DOI 12/21/23)
MOTION
Upon recommendation and opinion of William M. Wolfson, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, and David W. Jones, General Counsel, the Board of Directors (Board) for the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA):
1) Agrees to meet with legal counsel, in closed session, pursuant to Section 8(e) and (h) of the Michigan Open Meetings Act to discuss pending litigation in the matter of:
Filipo Genova v GLWA and Navarro Winston
WCCC No. 24-007667-NI; (DOI 12/21/23)
2) Notes that an affirmative roll call vote of 2/3 of the Board Members appointed and serving is required for approval of this Motion; and
3) Authorizes the Chief Executive Officer to take such other action as may be necessary to accomplish the intent of this vote.
JUSTIFICATION
A meeting in closed session is requested to discuss the above referenced matter. Section 8(e) of the Michigan Open Meetings Act, MCL 15.268(e) allows a public body to meet in closed session: “To consult with its attorney regarding trial or settlement strategy in connection with specific pending litigation, but only if an open meeting would have a detrimental financial effect on the litigating or settlement position of the public body.” It is my opinion as GLWA Counsel that a public discussion of this pending litigation would have a detrimental financial effect on the litigating or settlement position of the GLWA. Pursuant to this provision of the Open Meetings Act quoted above and this opinion, General Counsel requests an opportunity to meet with you in closed session.
BUDGET IMPACT
This request for a Closed Session meeting does not impact the GLWA’s budget.
COMMITTEE REVIEW
This matter is being presented directly to the GLWA Board of Directors.
SHARED SERVICES IMPACT
This request for a Closed Session meeting does not impact the Shared Services Agreement between GLWA and DWSD.