Dallas City Council Members Paula Blackmon and Adam Bazaldua have dropped their lawsuit over the future of City Hall after a judge’s June order blocking several agenda items gave them the relief they sought.

Background of the Lawsuit

The council members filed a notice on July 2 voluntarily dismissing their claims against the City of Dallas, City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert, and City Secretary Bilierae Johnson. State District Judge Eric Moyé dismissed the case on July 6.

Blackmon and Bazaldua had sought a temporary restraining order ahead of the council’s June 10 meeting, arguing that agenda notices concerning the possible relocation of city operations and redevelopment of the City Hall property did not provide the public with enough information about the actions the council could take.

Moyé granted the order, blocking votes on several relocation and redevelopment items after finding the notices too vague under the Texas Open Meetings Act. He allowed the council to consider a separately posted proposal concerning repairs to the existing City Hall building.

Current Status of City Hall

The council voted 9-6 on June 10 against funding a phased repair strategy. The approved motion also directed Tolbert to continue exploring options for the City Hall site and return to the council by August 26.

On June 17, the council voted 9-5 to authorize up to $2 million in due diligence on no more than four possible sites for City Hall staff and functions in the Central Business District. Council members separately authorized up to $1 million for due diligence on no more than four sites for the city’s 911 and emergency operations.

Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.