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File #: 2023-080    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Resolution Status: New Business
File created: 2/17/2023 In control: Board of Directors
On agenda: 2/22/2023 Final action:
Title: Closed Session Request - Pending Litigation - DWSD v HIGHLAND PARK, WCCC No. 14-001974-CK; GLWA V HIGHLAND PARK, WCCC No. 20-011589-CB
Sponsors: Randal Brown
Indexes: General Counsel

Title

Closed Session Request - Pending Litigation - DWSD v HIGHLAND PARK, WCCC No. 14-001974-CK; GLWA V HIGHLAND PARK, WCCC No. 20-011589-CB

 

Body

Agenda of:                      February 22, 2023

Item No.:                     2023-080

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:                     February 17, 2023

 

RE:                     Closed Session Request - Pending Litigation - DWSD v HIGHLAND PARK, WCCC No. 14-001974-CK; GLWA V HIGHLAND PARK, WCCC No. 20-011589-CB                                          

MOTION

 

Upon recommendation and opinion of Randal M. Brown, 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 matters of:

DWSD v HIGHLAND PARK, WCCC No. 14-001974-CK;

GLWA V HIGHLAND PARK, WCCC No. 20-011589-CB; and

 

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 Board.

SHARED SERVICES IMPACT

This request for a Closed Session meeting does not impact the Shared Services Agreement between GLWA and DWSD.