From
Don Postell
Title
Resolution approving the settlement of litigation styled Victor Rodriguez v. The City of Grand Prairie, et al., No. 3:15-CV-0718-D, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas.
Presenter
Don Postell, City Attorney
Recommended Action
Approve
Analysis
The City of Grand Prairie is a defendant in the case of Victor Rodriguez v. The City of Grand Prairie, et al., No. 3:15-CV-0718-D, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, in which the plaintiff sought 1) to create a system of all single member districts for city council; 2) to eliminate staggered elections of city council members; and 3) to allow election of council members by plurality rather than majority vote. The City has reached agreement with the plaintiff to settle the case by redrawing the current single member district boundaries and paying $75,000 in attorney fees. The settlement will preserve the at-large election of the Mayor and two council members, staggered elections and majority vote elections.
Financial Consideration
$75,000 is available in the liability fund.
Body
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF GRAND PRAIRIE, TEXAS, APPROVING THE SETTLEMENT OF PENDING LITIGATION STYLED VICTOR RODRIGUEZ V. THE CITY OF GRAND PRAIRIE, ET AL., NO. 3:15-CV00718-D IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
Whereas, the City of Grand Prairie is a defendant in the case of Victor Rodriguez v. The City of Grand Prairie, et al., No. 3:15-CV-0718-D, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas; and
Whereas, the plaintiff sought 1) to create a system of all single member districts for city council; 2) to eliminate staggered elections of city council members; and 3) to allow election of council members by plurality rather than majority vote; and
Whereas, the City has reached agreement with the plaintiff to settle the case by redrawing the current single member district boundaries and paying $75,000 in attorney fees; and
Whereas, the settlement will preserve the at-large election of the Mayor and two council members, staggered elections and majority vote elections; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the city council district redistricting plan passed by separate ordinance is in the best interest of the citizens of the City.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas that:
Section 1. The City Manager and City Attorney are authorized to enter into settlement agreements with plaintiff consistent with the terms expressed above.
Section 2. This Resolution is effective upon passage and it is accordingly so resolved.
PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRAND PRAIRIE, TEXAS, ON THIS THE 14TH DAY OF JULY, 2015.