Saturday's Internet Edition, May 17, 2008.
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City Officials and those named in the lawsuit entered mediation at City Hall on Jan. 28. No settlement was made at thar time, and mediation was tabled until Feb. 15. The lawsuit was dropped in late February.
“I can tell you there was a lot of frank talk,” Mitchell said of the mediation. “It is an unusual case because there are basically four parties involved, all of whom were doing business with each other for a long time and are still doing business.”
All of the turmoil stemmed from a project the City embarked on for improvements at Finch Field in February of 2006. The project was contracted for no more than $280,000.
Childers Concrete, according to the lawsuit filed in Guilford County in July of 2007, accused the parties of not paying for concrete it furnished for improvements at Finch Field. The company also made the claim against Suire, the Hi-Toms and Thomas for using deceptive practices.
When filing the lawsuit, the company was hoping to receive $14,314.47 from the City of Thomasville, Suire and Hi-Toms jointly and Thomas for a trebled amount totaling $42,943.71, with interest accrued, plus attorneys’ fees.
Mitchell emphasized the “City didn’t pay a nickel” to have the lawsuit dropped, and continues to have a good relationship with Childers Concrete.
“It is not often when someone gets sued and not only does business with the people before the case, but during and after the case,” the city attorney said. “We bought concrete from Childers Concrete today.”
Staff Writer Darrick Ignasiak can be reached at 472-9500, ext. 231, or ignasiak@tvilletimes.com.