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Council authorizes up to $35,000 for outside counsel in vendor dispute
Summary
City Attorney Stokes requested and council approved up to $35,000 to retain outside counsel for litigation related to an underwater engineering services vendor; staff will seek coverage from the city's insurance carrier and may pursue recovery of attorney fees under contract terms.
City Attorney Stokes told council that the city had previously authorized outside counsel in a dispute with an underwater engineering vendor and that litigation now appears likely. The mayor authorized additional funding, and council voted to increase the outside‑counsel authorization to a cap of $35,000 to continue the prosecution of the matter.
Stokes said the prior authorization (up to $10,000) has been largely expended and that the city will discuss coverage with its insurance carrier; the vendor contract includes an attorney‑fees provision, so the city may seek to recover fees if litigation proceeds. Council approved the additional funding by roll call.
Next steps: outside counsel will continue representation under the new cap, staff will consult the insurer about coverage and the city may seek recovery of fees per contract provisions.
