Council approves settlement in Rio Buena Vista dispute; recusal recorded

The city attorney reported out to the council that, after a closed executive session on March 28, the council approved a settlement agreement with the plaintiff in Rio Buena Vista Association v. City of Needles (case number as stated). The report said the city had prevailed at the trial-court level, the plaintiff had filed an appeal, and under the settlement the trial-court ruling will remain intact; the settlement document was described as public record.

The attorney recounted the motion and vote: Council Member Campbell made the motion to approve the settlement, Council Member Longbrake seconded, and the roll-call report listed Council Member Merritt, Council Member Pogue (listed as in favor), Council Member Bell, Council Member Longbrake and Council Member Campbell as voting in favor. Council Member McCorkle recused herself from participation in the closed-session item because she lives in close proximity to the Rio Buena Vista development.

No further details of the settlement terms were read into the public report; the city attorney stated the agreement is now a public record. Council did not take additional action in open session on the matter during the meeting.