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Sunnyside council changes earlier vote and moves to end relationship with Ogden Murphy & Wallace
Summary
After a councilor rescinded an earlier abstention, the Sunnyside City Council voted 3-2 to change the outcome of an April 21 tied decision involving the law firm Ogden Murphy & Wallace, leaving the city without a named replacement counsel and prompting public calls for a forensic audit and a recall meeting.
Mayor Vicki Frato presided as the Sunnyside City Council revisited a tied vote from April 21 about its contract with the law firm Ogden Murphy & Wallace and approved a late motion to change a previous abstention to a yes.
Deputy Mayor Hart said he intended to correct what he called an unintended abstention at the prior meeting and moved to "resend my abstention and vote yes," a motion seconded by Councilor Chavez. After debate about the legal and operational risks of ending the city's relationship with its current firm, the council voted: Chavez — yes; Sati — yes; Dolan — no; Galvan — no; Deputy Mayor Hart — yes. The motion carried 3-2.
Councilors who opposed revisiting the vote warned the city could face near-term gaps in legal services. "If we let this stand without a replacement, we run the risk of not having counsel when we need it," Councilor Dolan said during debate.
City Attorney Julie, who briefed the council on consequences and ongoing public-record obligations, advised that the city remain mindful of pending public-record requests and litigation while transitioning. No new firm was formally named during the meeting, and council members said staff would pursue options and report back.
Several public commenters voiced strong criticism of council conduct and governance after the vote. Resident Monica Nemire told the council she had begun organizing a community meeting about a recall, saying the city's recent personnel decisions were "reckless" and urging a forensic review of finances. "We are going to be having a meeting in the community about a recall," Nemire said during the public comment period.
The council did not take further formal action naming replacement counsel during the session. Officials said they would return with options about next steps and possible procurement steps at an upcoming workshop.
