HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014 08_Legal Services for the Mayor_2014.08.05CITY OF OWASSO, OKLAHOMA
RESOLUTION NO. 2014 -08
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OWASSO, OKLAHOMA
RETAINING LEGAL SERVICES TO PROVIDE A DEFENSE FOR THE MAYOR OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF OWASSO, JERI MOBERLY.
WHEREAS, Mayor Jeri Moberly has been named as an additional party in an existing lawsuit,
CV -2013- 00898, District Court of Tulsa County, now styled as Patrick D. Ross v. City of Owasso Jeri
Moberly and Shawn Reiss, by means of an Amended Petition filed on or about July 28, 2014, by
Plaintiff Ross specifically alleging claims of defamation against Mayor Jeri Moberly;
WHEREAS, the City is required to respond to and defend the lawsuit filed by Plaintiff Ross
against Mayor Jeri Moberly because the allegations arise from actions taken by Moberly in her
official capacity as a member of the Owasso City Council;
WHEREAS, approval of this resolution is in the best interest of the residents of the City of
Owasso.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Owasso, Oklahoma, as
follows:
Keith Wilkes of the firm of Newton, O'Conner, Turner & Ketchum is retained by the City to
represent Mayor Jeri Moberly in the lawsuit now styled as Patrick D. Ross v. City of Owasso Jeri
Moberly and Shawn Reiss in the District Court of Tulsa County, Case No. CV -2013- 00898.
ATTEST:
Sherry
City
Wdt h day of August, 14.
�y OO`✓ FPI UAL O , Vice -Mayor
j9if�
Ap oved as to Form:
J e Lombardi, City Attorney
The City Wil out Limits.
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council
City of Owasso
FROM: Julie Trout Lombardi
City Attorney
APQp, 0,1SO �Y �p�ty,✓ll.
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SUBJECT: Resolution 2014 -08 retaining legal services to defend Mayor Jeri Moberly in the
matter now styled as Patrick D. Ross v The City of Owasso Jeri Moberly and
Shawn Reiss, CV -2013- 00898, District Court of Tulsa County
DATE: August 1, 2014
BACKGROUND:
On August 6, 2013, a lawsuit was filed by former City Councilor Patrick D. Ross in the District Court
of Tulsa County against the City of Owasso alleging violations of the Open Meeting Act and the
Open Records Act. David Weatherford was hired on or about September 3, 2013, to represent
the City of Owasso in this matter. On July 28, 2014, Ross filed an Amended Petition in this matter
adding Mayor Jeri Moberly, and a private citizen, Shawn Reiss, as defendants to the existing
lawsuit. Specifically, Ross has alleged claims of defamation against Mayor Jeri Moberly and
Reiss.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the City Council approve Resolution 2014 -08 retaining Keith Wilkes to defend
Mayor Jeri Moberly in the litigation now styled as Patrick D. Ross v The City of Owasso Jeri
Moberly and Shawn Reiss CV -2013- 00898, District Court of Tulsa County.
ATTACHMENT:
Proposed Resolution 2014 -08