11/19/2024 Resolutions 2024-315 RESOLUTION 2024-315
WHEREAS, the City of Grand Island has received notice that our water system
may be eligible for participation in active class action cases regarding the presence of PFAS in
public water systems; and
WHEREAS, Class action lawsuits and mass environmental tort litigation are a
highly specialized areas of law beyond the area of expertise of the City Attorney's Office and
require specialized council with experience in these matters. Though City Code section 2-40
permits the City Attorney to hire outside counsel on matters in which the City Attorney lacks
expertise without council approval,the City Attorney is seeking council authorization to enter into
a retention agreement that would authorize outside council to not only advise the City of Grand
Island about its eligibility for participation in PFAS litigation, but to submit claims on our behalf
and accept settlements from the Court overseeing any mass litigation; and,
WHEREAS, the City Attorney wishes to retain Environmental Law Group, PC in
conjunction with Class Action Capital Recovery, LLC to represent the City in all matters related
to participation in PFAS class action litigation that may implicate the City of Grand Island's water
system to include filing and resolution of claims.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA, that the Mayor and/or City Attorney be
authorized to execute a consolidated retention agreement with Environmental Law Group and
Class Action Capital Recovery as well as any additional and necessary matters which may arise.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor, City Attorney, Utilities Director,
or their designees be authorized to provide any necessary information or authorizations to
Environmental Law Group on behalf of the City of Grand Island without further action by Council.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Grand Island,Nebraska,November 19, 2024.
oger G. Steele, Mayor
Attest:
Vl it.ill Granere, City Clerk