Council approves resolution adopting litigation counsel's advice in Jeffrey Revert case

The Pontiac City Council voted unanimously to adopt a resolution approving litigation counsel's advice in the Oakland County Circuit Court case Jeffrey Revert v. City of Pontiac (case no. 2521 4577). The council moved into closed session to receive privileged attorney-client consultation before taking the vote.

The motion to go into closed session, described by the presiding officer as consultation under the Open Meetings Act (referenced in the meeting as section 8.1E 15.2681E), was moved by President Pro Tem Carrington and carried on a roll-call vote with five yeas and no nays. The council reconvened from closed session at about 5:36 p.m.

After returning to open session the council first voted to suspend the rules to add a resolution to the agenda. The resolution, read aloud by the presiding officer, was "to approve the advice of litigation counsel as discussed in closed session." Councilwoman Jones moved the resolution; Councilwoman Campbell seconded. A roll-call vote approved the resolution with five yeas and no nays.

Council roll-call responses recorded Austin, Campbell, Carrington, James and Jones as voting yes. Councilmembers Jackson and Goodman were excused earlier in the meeting.

The meeting record shows the matter discussed in closed session relates to the named court case. No further detail about the litigation strategy or counsel's advice was disclosed during the open session. The council adjourned at approximately 5:38 p.m.

The council did not state any immediate public next steps for the litigation during the open session; the resolution adopts the closed-session advice for the city to follow as its privileged legal position.