Belvidere council tables selection of law firm for long-running Landmark development litigation

A motion to retain the law firm Zakowski Rogers Flut & McLe for Landmark development litigation was presented out of the Finance and Personnel committee, but Chairwoman Frank asked the council to postpone the decision so she could consider other firms and better understand the scope of the litigation.

Frank described the underlying issue as a long-running matter (she said it began roughly 20 years ago) and raised concerns that an earlier agreement left city taxpayers providing services without receiving property-tax revenue from certain subdivisions. She argued council should evaluate whether the city can ‘‘get out from underneath’’ the agreement rather than continue costly litigation.

Alderman Peterson moved to table the retention (postpone generally); after brief debate — including a request from Alderman Flurry to hear from the city attorney about scope — the motion to table carried 6–3. Roll-call results recorded six votes in favor and three opposed, so the council did not immediately retain outside counsel and the decision was postponed.

Council members asked for clarity on the scope of work and whether other firms should be considered; the meeting record does not show a new date for reconsideration.