For the past four years, Ward 3 Alderperson Doug Oitzinger has been engaged in legal action against the City of Marinette Council, alleging Open Meetings Violations during sessions held on October 6th and 7th, 2020, which focused on PFAS issues. Interestingly, Mr. Oitzinger himself voted to enter these meetings on both occasions. City of Marinette Mayor Steve Genisot has stated, “The city is aware of the recent Court of Appeals decision, and while the appellate court disagreed with the trial court, the city respectfully disagrees with the appellate court’s findings. We are currently collaborating with our insurance carrier to uphold our stance on what we believe was appropriate.”

Genisot says, “The city’s legal defense has been covered by their insurance company. Up until this point we’re unsure if it’s going to come out of city reserves. ”

Alderperson Oitzinger took nearly a year to initiate his lawsuit against the council on which he serves. A circuit court determined that one of the meetings was in violation, while the other was not. Appeals ensued. As stated in the court’s previous decision and based on their view that the Open Meetings Law’s exemption does not apply, it was concluded that the Council violated the Open Meetings Law by entering into closed sessions on October 6th and 7th, 2020. Consequently, as the prevailing party, the court decided that Oitzinger is entitled to his reasonable attorney fees for privately ensuring compliance with the Open Meetings Law, according to their 39-page decision. Genisot remarked, “The city takes the state’s open-government laws very seriously and is committed to acting in the best interest of the people of Marinette.”