Shawnee commission votes 5-0 to retain lawyers to pursue claims over firefighting equipment costs and delays

The Shawnee City Commission voted unanimously 5-0 to approve a resolution retaining the law firm Fulmer Seal to pursue potential antitrust claims against manufacturers and distributors over increases in firefighting equipment costs and long vendor wait times, the commission said at its meeting.

Colin Joe Vondren, identified by the mayor as the city attorney, summarized staff’s view that the city “possesses causes of action” related to the matters described in the resolution and asked the commission to approve retaining outside counsel. An agency official told commissioners the proposed arrangement would require “no out of pocket expense to explore these claims.”

The measure was introduced following a brief closed session the commission held under the Oklahoma statute cited on the record, 25 O.S. §307(B)(4), which allows confidential communications with the public body’s attorney about a pending investigation, claim or action when disclosure could impair the public body’s ability to process the claim or conduct litigation. A commissioner moved to enter executive session and the motion passed on a verbal roll-call vote 5-0. The meeting then reconvened to consider the retention resolution.

A commissioner moved to approve the resolution “to help [the] fire department” and “protect citizens”; another participant seconded the motion. The city attorney or staff read the resolution title as providing for the retention of attorneys in “firefighting equipment antitrust litigation.” The commission recorded the final vote on the resolution as unanimous, 5-0.

The staff report and the resolution characterize the problem as rising costs and extended wait times for firefighting equipment that have harmed the city and its residents; the commission approved pursuing legal avenues and retaining counsel to investigate and, if appropriate, file claims. Staff stated the initial exploration of claims under the proposed retainer arrangement would not require an outlay of city funds. The resolution itself and any subsequent filings or agreements were not detailed on the record.

The commission adjourned after the vote. The retention now authorizes staff and outside counsel to move forward with investigation and potential litigation; the transcript did not specify timelines, fee arrangements in final form, or court filings.