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Portage council goes into closed session on litigation; Urban clarifies status of a $500,000 pledge
Summary
The council voted to enter closed session to consult with the city attorney on litigation strategy; earlier in the meeting Council member Urban clarified that a previously approved $500,000 county contribution had expired and the city was not asked to fund a later shelter plan.
The Portage City Council moved into closed session Tuesday to consult with the city attorney about trial or settlement strategy, citing the exception provided under Michigan law.
Council member Burns moved to enter closed session immediately following the meeting's statements section, citing MCL 15.268(8)(e) as the authority for the consultation. The council recorded roll-call 'yes' votes from Miller, Randall, Urban, Young, Burns and Ledbetter and approved the motion.
Earlier in the meeting, Council member Terry Urban addressed a local news item that said the city had "pulled" a $500,000 pledge for a family homeless shelter. Urban said the city had approved a $500,000 contribution to a specific site and included an expiration date in the agreement; because the county did not use the funds before that date, the agreement expired.
"We were never asked to contribute to that new plan," Urban said, adding that the city manager never brought any renewed request to the council. Urban said the contribution had been time-limited and that the city did not take action to withdraw funds from a subsequent plan.
After returning from closed session, council members reported no additional business and the meeting was adjourned.
