Saint Paul Council hires special counsel to challenge federal grants rule

The City of Saint Paul on a unanimous vote adopted Resolution 26-1544 to appoint the Public Rights Project as special counsel to represent the city in affirmative litigation challenging a federal rule relating to grants.

Council suspended the rules to consider the late item and, after brief remarks from the sponsor, the council approved the measure 7–0. Council President Naker read the resolution into the record and noted the item "was something we needed to get on the agenda, somewhat quickly." The resolution directs the city attorney's office to retain external counsel to pursue the challenge.

The vote was taken immediately after suspension of the rules; the clerk recorded seven in favor and none opposed. No written amendments were offered on the floor.

The resolution and vote record appear as late-breaking legislation filed by the city attorney's office; further procedural steps will be handled by the city attorney and the retained outside counsel.