The Peculiar Board of Aldermen advanced the first reading of Bill 2025‑09, described by city counsel as the first step toward an amicable resolution with Mayor Stark that could avoid costly litigation for both sides.

“The council for Mayor Stark and counsel for the city have discussed the matter and agreed that in light of the amount of money which could exceed … the mid six figures for both sides … the matter should be amicably resolved without the need for a final hearing,” the city’s counsel said during the meeting.

When aldermen asked whether the mayor intended to resign as part of any agreement, counsel said he had been told the mayor intended to provide further notice consistent with an agreement in principle but that counsel could not speak for the mayor’s final decision.

“I do believe that it would meet with your approval, but I can’t speak for him,” counsel said, adding that the parties would “deny the allegations of the other and agree to disagree on the particulars” as part of a negotiated resolution.

A motion was made to approve the first reading by title only and aldermen recorded the vote by roll call and voice as the reading moved forward. No final settlement was presented at the meeting and the board did not adopt a final ordinance; the vote advanced the bill to a second reading and left open further communication between the mayor and his counsel and the city.

City counsel said both sides expect further communication before the second reading and that final terms, if any, would be presented to the board once reached. The board did not schedule or announce a hearing date for a final vote at the June 16 meeting.