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Bay City commission enters closed session to review bridge toll increase and legal opinion on revenue bonds
Summary
After residents raised alarm about a sudden Bay City bridge toll increase, the commission voted unanimously to hold a closed session to review a legal opinion on the status of revenue bonds and to investigate possible contract noncompliance by Bay City Bridge Partners.
The Bay City City Commission voted unanimously on Feb. 3 to go into closed session to hear a legal opinion about the status of revenue bonds tied to the Bay City bridge, after members of the public and local officials raised concerns about a recently announced toll increase.
“We found out this morning, just like everyone else,” the city manager said before the closed session motion, noting widespread public upset and saying, “We believe that Bay City Bridge Partners didn't follow the correct and we will continue to investigate, and we'll keep everyone informed.” The manager said the city will coordinate with the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce and Bay Future as it examines next steps.
Commissioner Prince moved the motion to enter closed session and Commissioner Coakley seconded. The commission conducted a roll-call vote; the transcript shows nine commissioners voting yes, and the mayor announced the result.
The closed session was described on the record as involving “Warner Norcross & Judd attorney Dennis Langland, concerning the legal opinion on the status of revenue bonds.” The city manager told the audience that public comment would be allowed after the closed session.
The commission’s action to enter closed session is recorded in the meeting roll call and passed without recorded no votes, allowing staff and counsel to discuss the legal advice in private under the commission’s closed-session rules. The commission did not disclose details of attorney Dennis Langland’s opinion at the time of the vote; the city manager said the city would release further information when it is available.
Motion and vote record appear in the meeting minutes: Motion to go into closed session — mover Commissioner Prince; second Commissioner Coakley; roll-call vote recorded as nine yes votes and the mayor declared the motion approved.
The city manager asked the public to remain for a later public-comment period after the closed session and said the city would issue a statement with next steps when more facts are known.
