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Britt council unanimously approves settlement to resolve litigation with Shelby Johnson
Summary
The Britt City Council voted unanimously on Feb. 24, 2026, to settle its litigation with Shelby Johnson per a recommendation from the city’s insurance carrier, stating the settlement is to avoid costs and will expressly deny any wrongdoing by the city or its employees.
The Britt City Council unanimously approved a settlement to resolve litigation with Shelby Johnson during a special meeting on Feb. 24, 2026. Councilmember N. Stewart moved the council adopt the insurance carrier’s recommended resolution “to avoid the costs, expenses, attorney fees and risks of ongoing litigation and not because there was any wrongdoing on the part of the City or its employees,” language the motion said would be expressly included in the settlement documents. The motion was seconded by B. Hiscocks and passed with all ayes.
The vote followed a closed session convened to discuss litigation strategy under Iowa Code section 21.5(1)(c). Council records show the council entered closed session at 6:30 p.m. and returned at 6:48 p.m.; the settlement motion was made immediately after the council exited closed session.
In addition to the settlement vote, the council approved routine business earlier in the meeting. T. Romer moved to approve the meeting agenda, seconded by N. Stewart, and the council approved the agenda by unanimous vote. The council also approved the 2024–2025 Urban Renewal Report on a motion by T. Romer, seconded by T. Hildman, with ‘All Ayes’ recorded.
The council later held a separate closed session for a personnel review under Iowa Code 21.5(1)(i). That closed session began at 6:53 p.m. and concluded at 8:00 p.m.; the minutes state that no formal actions were taken during that session.
Votes at a glance
- Motion to approve agenda: mover T. Romer; second N. Stewart. Outcome: approved (All Ayes). - Motion to approve 2024–2025 Urban Renewal Report: mover T. Romer; second T. Hildman. Outcome: approved (All Ayes). - Motion to enter closed session under Iowa Code 21.5(1)(c): mover N. Stewart; second T. Hildman. Outcome: approved by roll call (T. Hildman, N. Stewart, T. Romer, B. Hiscocks all Yes). - Motion to resolve litigation with Shelby Johnson as recommended by the City’s insurance carrier: mover N. Stewart; second B. Hiscocks. Outcome: approved (All Ayes). - Motion to enter closed session under Iowa Code 21.5(1)(i) for personnel review: mover T. Romer; second N. Stewart. Outcome: approved by roll call; later exited by roll-call motion (no actions recorded). - Motion to adjourn: mover T. Romer; second B. Hiscocks. Outcome: approved (All Ayes).
The meeting record notes J. Thompson as absent. Tom Reavely was present to address responsibilities of the new city council; the minutes record his attendance but do not include further detail about his remarks. The meeting adjourned after the personnel closed session concluded.
