Committee recesses into closed session to consult on multiple pending litigations under MCL 15.263E

The Committee of the Whole voted unanimously March 24 to recess into closed session under Michigan Compiled Law MCL 15.263E to consult with the city attorney about pending litigation. Vice President Carter moved the closed-session motion, citing that an open meeting would have a detrimental financial effect on the city's litigation or settlement position.

The motion listed multiple pending matters by name, including Atkinson et al. v. City of Lansing et al.; Blackman v. Vaughn Berley; People of the City of Lansing v. Meggans; City of Lansing et al. v. Purdue Pharma et al. (opioid litigation); City of Lansing v. Eli Lilly et al. (insulin pricing litigation); City of Lansing v. Woodside Metals, Apartment Owner LLC; several matters styled Davis v. City of Lansing; Fisher v. City of Lansing; Fitzpatrick v. City of Lansing (multiple entries); Harkin v. City of Lansing; Hokanson v. City of Lansing; Hulan v. City of Lansing; Mingus v. City of Lansing; OPV Partners LLC v. City of Lansing; Republican National Committee v. City of Lansing; Romero v. City of Lansing; Ward v. City of Lansing; and Willis v. City of Lansing. Vice President Carter also requested that Mark Lawrence be permitted to sit in during the closed session. The clerk recorded a roll-call vote of 6 in favor, 0 opposed; two members (Hussain and Jackson) had excused absences.

The committee recessed into closed session at approximately 6:10 p.m. The committee reconvened later and continued to final agenda items. The meeting record does not disclose the discussions that took place in closed session, consistent with the statutory exemption cited.