Council moves forward on Master Solution LLC lobby contract amid questions about mayoral signature

The city council considered an addendum resolution authorizing the council president to sign a contract with Master Solution LLC and to advance the lobby registration documents, directing the mayor’s office to complete administrative measures. The item drew questions about whether such an action infringed on the mayor’s authority under the mayor–council act because the mayor had declined to sign the contract previously.

Legal staff said general law empowered the council to direct signature and that the council had authority to approve contracts and authorize execution in the absence of mayoral action. Several council members said the vendor had already performed services and the council had previously authorized funds from the council’s consulting line to pay for work rendered. Some members asked for the contract to be properly executed and for the council to receive a copy of any amended contract reflecting substitutions and the vote.

The council amended language on the item and approved the amended measure after votes on reconsideration and substitution language; the clerk noted the item would be brought back on the agenda with amended language following procedural steps. Public commentary that followed referenced the item and urged active mayoral participation in Montgomery advocacy.

Ending: The council approved amended language authorizing execution and directed staff to provide the council with the executed contract reflecting the changes voted on at the meeting.