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Committee hears update on 1300 Lafayette litigation as Miller Law Firm contract is pared back
Summary
Members reviewed contract 6007646 (legal services) reduced from $500,000 to $375,000 and received a public update on litigation involving 1300 Lafayette and Detroit Thermal; counsel said the city was dismissed from the suit and recommended limiting public detail on ongoing litigation.
The committee reviewed contract 6007646, a 100% city‑funded legal services contract that was described to the committee as having been reduced from $500,000 to $375,000. The chair invited legal counsel present to comment on the case background and the need for outside legal support.
A representative introduced as Butch Hollowell described the matter involving 1300 Lafayette and Detroit Thermal, said earlier court rulings had been reversed on appeal, and reported that "we settled, we got the city dismissed from the lawsuit yesterday." Hollowell emphasized the work’s importance to protect the health and safety of residents and the city’s ability to provide necessary services.
Law department counsel advised the committee to avoid detailed litigation discussions in public and said witnesses could speak in general terms about their approach and the necessity for the work. The committee did not adopt a final vote on the contract during this session; members asked for follow‑up and indicated the item would return for further consideration.
The contract reduction and the litigation update will be part of the materials the committee reviews when the item returns.
