Law firms sought in 2 multimillion-dollar suits
HUTTO — Hutto Lake Park’s playground will become the first city recreational area designed specifically to meet autismfriendly standards, officials announced.
At its Thursday meeting, City Council approved purchasing $222,792 in playground equipment to rebuild the park, which is scheduled to be completed in August, at 805 Estate Drive.
In other business, the council discussed hiring law firms to represent the city in two multimillion-dollar lawsuits involving disputed contracts.
In the matter of the playground, city officials said the overall cost of rebuilding is budgeted at $411,600. The new playscape is being crafted by MWM Design Group.
Bids for a general contractor for the project are being sought.
“You need the playground equipment near the first of the project. If you don’t have it near the first of the project it’s going to delay it,” said Councilman Peter Gordon.
He noted it was part of the city’s commitment to cut down on missed project deadlines. The city has had to extend the timeline for the design phase by nearly four months, because the original project scope did not include Certified Autism Center criteria.
Interim City Engineer Patricia Davis recommended buying the equipment in advance because lead times can vary depending on when products are ordered.
Hutto received its Certified Autism Center designation in 2025. This will be the first project the city is designing with that certification in mind.
The specialized equipment will include a sensory tunnel, interactive play panels and a specially designed spinning chair, among other things. The park will also include standard playscape elements such as slides and climbing structures.
Lawsuit attorneys named
The council adjourned to executive session to receive legal advice on a handful of issues including a pair of lawsuits involving the city.
After reconvening in open session, the council approved hiring Hyde Kelley LLP to represent the city in a suit filed by former City Manager Odis Jones now assigned to to a federal district court in Austin.
In October 2025, the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans dismissed a civil-rights claim brought by Jones but maintained a breach of contract claim awarding Jones $4.5 million plus attorney fees.
The case has been remanded to the district court for final settlement.
Meanwhile, the council took no action regarding hiring Hyde Kelley LLP to represent the city and the Hutto Economic Development Corp. in a civil action brought by Midway Development Group in the 334th state District Court in Houston.
Midway filed a $300 million lawsuit in February against the EDC, the mayor, real estate investment company Terra Halona LLC and its president Joel Scott lodging claims of bribery, civil conspiracy and breach of contract.
Midway was engaged to develop Cottonwood Properties in Hutto, but the contract was terminated by the EDC in October 2025.
The plaintiff is asking for a jury trial.
