DEPARTMENT: Office of the County Manager
FILE TYPE: Regular Action
TITLE
title
Approval Of Legal Strategy In Tory Hart v. Dakota County et al.
end
PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Hold a closed executive session.
SUMMARY
The Dakota County Attorney has advised that prior to closing a County Board meeting, pursuant to the Open Meeting Law, Minn. Stat. Ch. 13D, the County Board must resolve by majority vote to close the meeting.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
The County Manager has recommended that a closed executive session be held pursuant to attorney-client privilege during a special Dakota County Board meeting of June 4, 2024, to discuss the following:
• the legal strategy in Tory Hart, trustee for the heirs and next-of-kin of E.K.A.H. v. Dakota County, et al., Court File 22-cv-02035.
end
EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
Fiscal impact will be discussed in closed session.
☒ None ☐ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
body
WHEREAS, Tory Hart, trustee for the heirs and next-of-kin of E.K.A.H (Plaintiff), commenced a lawsuit against Dakota County (County) and certain County staff; and
WHEREAS, Plaintiff provided the County with a settlement demand on May 15, 2024; and
WHEREAS, on May 24, 2024, the County Attorney's Office provided a confidential memorandum to the Dakota County Board of Commissioners (County Board) explaining the legal strategy in this matter; and
WHEREAS, after reviewing the information contained in the confidential memorandum, the County Board determined a closed session discussion with the Dakota County Attorney's Office was not required prior to providing direction.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the Dakota County Attorney’s Office to proceed with the proposed legal strategy as set forth in the confidential memorandum provided to the Board.
end
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: None.
BOARD GOALS
☐ A Great Place to Live ☐ A Healthy Environment
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☒ Excellence in Public Service
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT LEVEL
☐ Inform and Listen ☐ Discuss ☐ Involve ☒ N/A
CONTACT
Department Head: Tom Novak
Author: Jeni Reynolds