Council authorizes settlement approach for Tenth Avenue water‑main river crossing litigation

Following a closed‑session attorney‑client briefing, the Minneapolis City Council on Sept. 25 approved a motion to resolve all known claims between the city and the general contractor on the Tenth Avenue Water Main River Crossing Project by executing a deductive change order.

City Attorney staff briefed the council under the Minnesota open‑meeting law exception for attorney‑client communications (Minnesota Statutes §13D.05). Council Member Cashman moved the resolution to resolve claims, stating the City Attorney’s Office and Public Works Department were authorized to execute documents required to implement the resolution. The motion was seconded and the clerk recorded a roll call; the motion carried with 10 ayes recorded on the floor.

The transcript records the legal basis for the closed session (attorney‑client privilege under Minnesota statute) and the council’s subsequent open‑session action authorizing a deductive change order to resolve claims, including those relating to subcontractor costs for micro‑tunneling. The motion delegated execution authority to the City Attorney’s Office and Public Works Department; the transcript does not provide dollar amounts or settlement terms on the council floor.

Ending: The council authorized staff to finalize the settlement documents. Because detailed settlement terms were discussed in closed session and are not in the public transcript, the clerk’s office and City Attorney’s Office hold the records that contain the executed change order and any associated financial terms.