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Show City to fight suit because of principle The Vernal City Council elected to fight a 1978 law suit filed against them by William Leslie Allen asking for over $1 million. In an executive session at a special noon council meeting Wednesday of last week an out of court settlement for around $2,000 for the Allen suit was discussed by the council. Although fighting the suit in court may cost more than the proposed $2,000 settlement, the principle involved was why the council elected to fight the suit, City Manager Kenneth Bassett said. The suit stems from the arrest of Allen about four years ago on misdemeanor charges of passing lewd and obscene notes. The suit charges that Vernal City Police made the arrest without a warrant, he was improperly incarcerated, and cites conditions at the Uintah County Jail as issues in the suit. Robert T. Downard, Vernal City Police Chief, called the suit "a frivolous law suit." "Public record rebuts every allegation," Downard said. Bassett said he thought it "alarming that the court would allow the city to be a defendent in the case," referring to the city's indirect involvement. The suit will go to court next month. In other action, the council approved the Main Street Improvement District assessments to businessmen on Main Street. According to Bassett there were several businessmen who contested their assessment for the improvements on Main Street two summers ago, but most were settled during special hearings last week. The assessment will receive formal approval for the city bonding council Jan. 6, but the council gave their approval so that businessmen could pay before the end of the taxing year. ) |