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Attorney: judge dismissed Matlow Sunshine Law suit with prejudice in March; motion for reconsideration set for June 3
Summary
General counsel told the board that Circuit Judge Cooper dismissed Commissioner Matlow’s lawsuit alleging Sunshine Law violations with prejudice in March and that Matlow filed a motion for reconsideration with a hearing set for June 3. The agency has spent approximately $52,000 in outside counsel fees defending the case to date.
The Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency was briefed May 8 on the status of litigation filed by Commissioner Matlow alleging Sunshine Law violations involving the IMC. According to the agency’s legal counsel, Circuit Judge Cooper dismissed Matlow’s lawsuit in March with prejudice, finding no evidence to support the allegations that secret meetings occurred. The counsel said Matlow has filed a motion for reconsideration and the court has scheduled a hearing for June 3 at 10 a.m. Counsel told the board the agency has spent roughly $52,000 in attorney fees to date defending the case; additional fees will accrue while counsel prepares for the motion for reconsideration. Why it matters: The litigation involves a sitting board member and the agency’s governance of the IMC; legal outcomes and counsel costs were discussed by the board. What to expect next: Counsel will continue representation through the June 3 hearing; the board was advised that fees will increase as counsel prepares for the reconsideration hearing. Direct quotes (from transcript): General Counsel: "[Judge Cooper] dismissed it with prejudice, finding that, there was absolutely, no evidence, to support, mister Matlow's, lawsuit against Blueprint for any violation of the Sunshine Law involving, the IMC." Ending: The board received the update and counsel will represent the agency at the June 3 hearing; financial tracking of legal fees will continue.
