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Council gives pre-approval to pursue legal options over Coachman Park defects
Summary
The city authorized staff to proceed with pre-approval to file suit against Stantec and/or Skanska related to alleged design and construction defects at Coachman Park while city attorneys continue settlement discussions; council said the action will not affect park operations.
The Clearwater City Council approved pre-approval for the city to pursue legal action against Stantec and/or Skanska over alleged design and construction defects at Coachman Park, allowing staff and legal counsel to file suit if negotiations fail.
Mayor and city attorneys said the request was a procedural step to preserve the city’s ability to act if settlement talks do not resolve the issues. City officials emphasized the matter is a behind-the-scenes legal action and said the potential litigation will not change park operations or public access.
“Like any owner who has issues with a contractor, it’s not the first time in public history that that’s happened,” the mayor said in general remarks; the mayor and council declined to discuss details because of potential active litigation. A member of the public asked for more specifics during public comment; council members declined to elaborate on the record because of attorney-client and litigation considerations.
Council approved the motion to provide the legal team pre-approval to file suit if necessary. City attorneys will continue negotiations and will proceed to litigation only if required; staff said there are no public-safety impacts or operational changes expected to result from the legal step.
