Little v. Anniston, City of et al

Filing 22

MEMORANDUM OPINION. Signed by Judge Virginia Emerson Hopkins on 12/22/2016. (JLC)

FILED
2016 Dec-22 AM 09:36
U.S. DISTRICT COURT
N.D. OF ALABAMA

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA
EASTERN DIVISION
BEN LITTLE,
Plaintiff,
v.
CITY OF ANNISTON, GENE D.
ROBINSON, and HERBERT N.
PALMORE,
Defendants.

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) Case No.: 1:15-CV-954-VEH
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MEMORANDUM OPINION
This civil action was originally filed on May 5, 2015, in the Circuit Court of
Calhoun County by the Plaintiff, Ben Little, against the following Defendants: the
City of Anniston, Alabama (“the City”); Gene D. Robinson, in his official capacity
as the mayor of Anniston, Alabama; and Herbert N. Palmore, in his official capacity
as a member of the City Council of Anniston, Alabama.1 The Complaint sets out
claims for “racial discrimination” under 42 U.S.C. §§ 1983 and 1988 (Count One),

1

How the individual defendants are sued (i.e. in their official or individual capacities) is
confusingly stated in the caption of the Complaint which names Robinson “individually as
former mayor [of the City Anniston],” and Palmore “individually as former member of the
Anniston City Council.” (Doc. 1-3 at 2). The caption also includes the line “and their successors
in office.” (Doc. 1-3 at 2). Paragraph 3 of the body of the Complaint seems to resolve all doubt
when it states that “Defendants are all sued in their official capacities.” (Doc. 1-3 at 3). Thus,
the Court treats the individual defendants as sued in their official capacities only.

and “breach of implied contract” under Alabama law (Count Two). Both counts arise
out of two lawsuits filed against the Plaintiff while he was a member of the Anniston
City Council and the City’s failure to pay the Plaintiff’s attorney’s fees incurred in
defending those proceedings.
The case comes before the Court on the Defendants’ motion for summary
judgment (doc. 16), and motion to strike certain evidence proffered by the Plaintiff
in opposition to the motion (doc. 19). For the reasons stated herein, the motion to
strike will be GRANTED, and the motion for summary judgment will be
GRANTED.
I.

THE DEFENDANTS’ MOTION TO STRIKE (DOC. 19)
In the motion to strike the Defendants write:
In the Plaintiff’s Response to Defendants’ Motion for Summary
Judgment, the Plaintiff relied upon six evidentiary submissions which
were not previously produced or identified, each of which should have
been responsive to Defendants’ written discovery requests, as well as the
disclosure requirements of Fed. R. Civ. P. 26:
B.

Cleo Thomas Email 12/14/11 (D.18-2)

F.

Don Hoyt Email 12/16/11 (D.18-6)

J.

Ken Smith Email 12/9/11 (D.18-9)

K.

Don Hoyt Email (D.18-10)

N.

Raymond Johnson Letter to Joel Laird 9/17/14
2

(D.18-13)
R.

Ben Little Claim for Attorney’s Fees to Ken Smith
1/2/14 (D.18-17)

(Doc. 19 at 3-4). The Plaintiff does not dispute that these documents have always
been under his care, custody, or control. Accordingly, since these documents are
being used by the Plaintiff to support his claims, they fall under Rule 26(a)(1)(A)(ii)
of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, which requires the Plaintiff to produce:
a copy--or a description by category and location--of all documents,
electronically stored information, and tangible things that the disclosing
party has in its possession, custody, or control and may use to support
its claims or defenses, unless the use would be solely for impeachment[.]
Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(a)(1)(A)(ii) (underlining added). It is undisputed that the Plaintiff
failed to produce or even to identify the requested documents as required by Rule
26(a)2, and never filed a supplemental response identifying or producing those
documents.
It is also undisputed that the above referenced documents were within the scope
of materials sought by the Defendants in their requests for production.3 The Plaintiff

2

In his disclosures under Rule 26(a)(1)(A)(ii) the Plaintiff wrote only the name and
address of his counsel and failed to describe any documents. (Doc. 19-1 at 4).
3

The Defendants state that:

During discovery in this matter, Defendants propounded discovery
requests on Plaintiff, requesting, among other things:
3

does not dispute that he did not respond to those requests by producing or identifying
the documents.4 It is also undisputed that the documents were not produced or
identified as a result of any supplemental production by the Plaintiff.
Rule 37(c)(1) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure provides that “[i]f a party
fails to provide information or identify a witness as required by Rule 26(a) or (e), the
party is not allowed to use that information or witness to supply evidence on a
motion, at a hearing, or at a trial, unless the failure was substantially justified or is

· Please produce a copy of every document upon which you may
rely or which you may offer into evidence at trial;
· Please produce a copy of each and every document or item in
your, or your attorney’s, possession or control which you believe
supports or evidences your claims or allegations;
· Please produce a copy of each and every document or item in
your, or your attorney’s possession, or control which disproves or
controverts any defenses of the Defendants;
· Please identify all correspondence, electronic mail, documents,
notes, and/or memorandums, whether in either written form or
electronic data, between you and the named Defendants regarding
the facts made the basis of your complaint. Please produce a copy
of each correspondence as part of your response to this
interrogatory.
(Doc. 19 at 2-3; see also, doc. 19-2 at 5, ¶15; at 6, ¶¶2, 4; at 7 ¶5).
4

To each request the Plaintiff responded only with “Plaintiff will respond to this request
based on the Court’s pre-trial order.” (Doc. 19-2 at 5, ¶15; at 6, ¶¶2, 4; at 7 ¶5).
4

harmless.” Fed. R. Civ. P. 37(c)(1) (emphasis added).5 “The burden of establishing
that a failure to disclose was substantially justified or harmless rests on the
nondisclosing party.” Mitchell v. Ford Motor Co., 318 F. App'x 821, 824 (11th Cir.
2009) (emphasis added, internal citations omitted).6
Although a number of courts have articulated a standard for determining
whether a failure to disclose was “substantially justified,” the Eleventh Circuit has
not. However, many district courts within this circuit have adopted the approach that
a failure to disclose is “substantially justified” when there is a “justification to a
degree that could satisfy a reasonable person that parties could differ as to whether

5

As noted, the Plaintiff also failed to produce or identify the subject documents in
response to a request for inspection under Rule 34. Under Rule 37(d), a district court may
sanction a party who fails to serve a “written response” to a request for inspection submitted
under Rule 34. Even if a response is filed, that is not always enough to insulate the Plaintiff from
a Rule 37(d) sanction. See OFS Fitel, LLC v. Epstein, Becker & Green, P.C., 549 F.3d 1344,
1367 (11th Cir. 2008) (“under appropriate circumstances, evasive and incomplete answers to
interrogatories are tantamount to no answers at all”); In re Plywood Antitrust Litig., 655 F.2d
627, 638 (5th Cir. Unit A Sept.1981) (same). One appropriate sanction mentioned in Rule 37 is
“prohibiting the disobedient party from supporting or opposing designated claims or defenses, or
from introducing designated matters in evidence.” Fed. R. Civ. P. 37(b)(2)(A)(ii). However, in
this case the Defendants do not seek relief under Rule 37(d). Accordingly, the Court analyzes the
motion only under Rule 37(c)(1).
6

Both parties cite Bearint ex rel. Bearint v. Dorell Juvenile Grp., Inc., 389 F.3d 1339,
1353 (11th Cir. 2004), as purportedly setting out the standard applicable when ruling on a motion
to strike. (See doc. 19 at 4; doc. 21 at 3). However, Bearint dealt with a district court’s
exclusion of a witness from testifying at trial when that witness was not listed on the pre-trial
order. See, Bearint, 389 F.3d at 1353 (“We review a district court's exclusion of a witness not
listed on the pretrial order for abuse of discretion, and consider: (1) the importance of the
testimony; (2) the reason for the appellant's failure to disclose the witness earlier; and (3) the
prejudice to the opposing party if the witness had been allowed to testify.”).
5

the party was required to comply with the disclosure request.” See, e.g., Longhini v.
W. 97 Corp., No. 1:15-CV-22874-UU, 2016 WL 3671870, at *4 (S.D. Fla. July 11,
2016) (Ungaro, J.); REX D. HILL, Plaintiff, v. ALLIANZ LIFE INSURANCE
COMPANY OF NORTH AMERICA, Defendant., No. 614CV950ORL41KRS, 2016
WL 7228748, at *4 (M.D. Fla. Jan. 20, 2016) (Mendoza, J.); Graf v. Morgan, No.
CIV.A. 11-0064-CG-N, 2012 WL 869004, at *3 (S.D. Ala. Mar. 13, 2012) (Granade,
J.); Great N. Ins. Co. v. Ruiz, No. CV 408-194, 2011 WL 321782, at *4 (S.D. Ga. Jan.
28, 2011) (Hall, J.); Smith v. Jacobs Eng'g Grp., Inc., No. 4:06CV496-WS, 2008 WL
4194521, at *12 (N.D. Fla. Sept. 8, 2008) (Stafford, J.); Herndon v. Tippets, No.
CIV.A. 04-PWG-1026-E, 2005 WL 6736112, at *3 (N.D. Ala. Aug. 16, 2005)
(Greene, M.J.); Bosch v. Title Max, Inc., No. CIV A 03-AR-0463-S, 2004 WL
5238128, at *4 (N.D. Ala. Aug. 25, 2004) (Acker, J.); Chapple v. Alabama, 174
F.R.D. 698, 701 (M.D.Ala.1997) (Carroll, M.J.). The Eleventh Circuit has articulated
this same approach with regards to sanctions under Rule 37(a) and (b). See, Devaney
v. Cont'l Am. Ins. Co., 989 F.2d 1154, 1163 (11th Cir. 1993) (citing and quoting
Pierce v. Underwood, 487 U.S. 552, 565, 108 S.Ct. 2541, 2550, 101 L.Ed.2d 490
(1988)) (“The Supreme Court has clarified that an individual's discovery conduct
should be found ‘substantially justified’ under Rule 37 if it is a response to a ‘genuine
dispute, or if reasonable people could differ as to the appropriateness of the contested
6

action.’”). In light of the Devaney opinion, and the district court decisions which have
already adopted this approach, the Court is persuaded to follow suit.
The Eleventh Circuit has also not explained what “harmless” means in the
context of Rule 27(c)(1). Again, though, the recent trend among district courts in this
circuit is to hold that failure to comply with the mandate of the rule is harmless “when
there is no prejudice to the party entitled to the disclosure.” Coleman v. Home Depot
U.S.A., Inc., No. 1:15-CV-21555-UU, 2016 WL 4543120, at *1 (S.D. Fla. Mar. 21,
2016)

(Ungaro,

J.);

see

also,

Lee-Bolton

v.

Koppers

Inc.,

No.

1:10-CV-253-MCR-GRJ, 2015 WL 11110547, at *3 (N.D. Fla. July 28, 2015) (Jones,
J.); Witt v. Franklin Cty. Bd. of Educ., No. CV-11-S-1031-NW, 2013 WL 832152,
at *1 (N.D. Ala. Feb. 28, 2013) (Smith, J.); Ripps v. Powers, No. CIV.A.
07-0832-CG-B, 2010 WL 3339514, at *1 (S.D. Ala. Aug. 24, 2010) (Granade, J.);
Ellison v. Windt, No. 6:99-CV-1268-ORLKRS, 2001 WL 118617, at *2 (M.D. Fla.
Jan. 24, 2001) (Spaulding, M.J.); Chapple, 174 F.R.D. at 701. The Court is
persuaded that this approach is also proper. The Plaintiff fails to set out or argue any
of the above standards, and therefore fails to satisfy his burden. For that reason alone,
the motion to strike is due to be granted. Further, as shown below, the arguments
which are made fail to show how his failure was substantially justified or harmless.
First, the Plaintiff makes no argument whatsoever as to exhibits N and R. The
7

motion to strike will be granted as to those two exhibits. As to the remaining
exhibits, he argues:
Plaintiff’s Exhibits B [sic] is an email sent from Cleo Thomas to
Ken Smith on December 14, 2011, which was copied to Plaintiff Ben
Little and to Defendants Robinson and Palmore. Plaintiff’s Exhibit F is
an email sent from Cleo Thomas to Don Hoyt on December 14, 2011
and was copied to the Plaintiff and to Defendants Palmore and
Robinson. Plaintiff’s Exhibit K is an email that was sent from Don Hoyt
to Plaintiff and Defendants Palmore and Robinson on December 16,
2011. These exhibits were readily available to the Defendant, and the
Plaintiff was substantially justified in producing them in response to
Defendant’s Motion for Summary Judgment.
(Doc. 21 at 2) (italics and underlining in original). The Plaintiff cites no authority,
and this Court has found none, for the proposition that a party is justified in failing
to produce or identify a document in Rule 26(a) merely because that document was
already in the possession of an opposing party.
Nor does the above argument demonstrate lack of prejudice. In making this
argument, the Plaintiff confuses the Defendants’ knowledge that the documents exist
with their knowledge that the documents may be used to support a claim of the
Plaintiff. The fact that the Defendants possessed the documents imputes knowledge
of the former, but not necessarily the latter. The purpose of requiring the Plaintiff to
at least identify these documents as part of his initial disclosures is to avoid surprise
and minimize prejudice. Cash v. State Farm Fire & Cas. Co., 125 F. Supp. 2d 474,

8

477 (M.D. Ala. 2000) (citing Reed v. Iowa Marine & Repair Corp., 16 F.3d 82, 85
(5th Cir.1994); Smith v. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 877 F.2d 1106, 1111
(1st Cir.1989)); King v. City of Waycross, Georgia, No. CV 5:14-CV-32, 2015 WL
5468646, at *3 (S.D. Ga. Sept. 17, 2015). The Plaintiff’s failure to identify and
produce these documents, even if they were in the possession of the Defendants, runs
afoul of this purpose. If they had been produced or identified, the Defendants would
have had the opportunity for further investigation, preparation, and discovery with
regards to the Plaintiff’s anticipated use of these documents. The Plaintiff has failed
to show how the failure to identify or produce these documents, even if they were in
the possession of the Defendants, did not prejudice them.7 The motion to strike will
be granted as to exhibits B, F, and K.
The Plaintiff next argues:
With respect to Exhibit J the Defendant claims that Ken Smith was
never disclosed in Plaintiff’s Responses to Defendants’ Written
Discovery. However, Plaintiff’s response to Defendants’ Exhibit 2. #16.
Plaintiff identifies Ken Smith as having knowledge of assurances that
Plaintiff’s legal fees would be paid. Defendants knew that Ken Smith
could have evidence that could be presented in this case.
(Doc. 21 at 2-3). Actually, the Defendants argue that the Ken Smith email was not
produced or identified pursuant to Rule 26(a).

7

Whether or not Smith had

Again, the burden is on the Plaintiff to demonstrate a lack of prejudice.
9

“knowledge” pertinent to the issues in this case is irrelevant.
Finally, the Plaintiff argues:
The Defendants are not prejudiced by presenting these exhibits the
failure of the Plaintiff to disclose these documents emails. The
information contained in the emails was also discussed in the deposition.
(D.16-1 Ex. 1Pg. 65-66).
(Doc. 21 at 3). Again, whether or not the emails were “discussed,” whatever that
means in this context, has no bearing on whether they were identified as documents
the Plaintiff would use to support his claim. Further, this underdeveloped and vague
argument does not meet the Plaintiff’s burden to demonstrate that the Defendants
were not prejudiced as a result of the Plaintiff’s failure to produce or identify these
documents.
The Plaintiff having failed to carry his burden to show that his failure to
disclose the documents in question was substantially justified or harmless, the motion
to strike will be GRANTED. Plaintiff’s Exhibits B, F, J, K, N, and R, and all
references and argument pertaining thereto (see doc. 18 at 10, 13-14), will be
STRICKEN.
II.

FACTS
The following facts have been proffered by the Defendants and have been

admitted by the Plaintiff:

10

1.
Ben Little (“Little”) was elected to the City of Anniston City
Council in August 2000 and served until approximately November 5,
2012. (Deposition of Ben Little. (D. 16-1/p. 10-11).
2.
On November 21, 2011, the Fraternal Order of Police and
multiple individuals filed a state lawsuit in the Circuit Court of Calhoun
County (CV-2011-000341) against Councilman Little and former
Councilman John Spain (“Spain”), a Caucasian man, alleging abuse of
process, defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, outrage,
and negligence/recklessness and/or wantonness, and seeking a
declaratory judgment and other injunctive relief (hereinafter, the "F.O.P.
lawsuit")(D. 16-1/p. 67/Ex. 2).
3.

The plaintiffs in the F.O.P. lawsuit allege[d] that Little and Spain:
…carried out a plan, scheme and intentional and continual
pattern and practice of harassment, intimidation, bullying,
defamation, negligence, recklessness, wantonness and
malice toward and against the Plaintiffs, sometimes in
violation of Alabama law and contrary to their oath of
office, creating a hostile work environment for Plaintiffs,
and placing Plaintiffs, and the community, in risk of
extraordinary and unnecessary harm and danger.
Defendants have deliberately and falsely painted Plaintiffs
in a false light and made every attempt possible to turn the
individuals whom the Plaintiffs have taken a vow to protect
and serve against the Plaintiffs. By falsely promoting
distrust of Plaintiffs, with absolutely no basis, and
attempting to turn the community against the Plaintiffs,
Defendants actions have made the Plaintiffs already
difficult and dangerous job even more difficult and
dangerous, exposing Plaintiffs to extreme and unnecessary
danger and causing undue burden and emotional distress to
Plaintiffs.

(Id.)

11

4.
Little hired attorneys Raymond Johnson and Lawrence Cooper to
represent him in the defense of the FOP lawsuit. (D. 16-1/pp. 27-28).
5.
At the December 13, 2011 City of Anniston Council meeting,
Little made a motion to add to the agenda a motion concerning paying
legal fees for him and John Spain in the FOP lawsuit. The motion
carried. (D.16-1/ Ex. 10).
6.
When that agenda item was reached, Cleo Thomas, City Attorney,
stated that Little could neither make nor vote on this motion, and asked
if there was a motion forthcoming. (Id.)
7.
No council member made a motion concerning the attorney’s fees
in the matter against Council Member Little and Council Member
Spain[].8
8.
On December 21, 2011, the City's insurer, the Alabama Municipal
Insurance Corporation (“AMIC”) filed a complaint for Declaratory
Judgment against Ben Little and John Spain in the Circuit Court of
Calhoun County, Alabama (CV-2011-900549)("Declaratory Action"),
seeking a determination that the alleged actions of the defendants were
not covered by the City's insurance policy. The City of Anniston was
not named as a party in the Declaratory Action.9 (D.16-1/Ex. 5).
9.
At the December 27, 2011 City of Anniston Council meeting,
Little made a motion to approve for the City to defend against the
Declaratory Action. The motion was seconded by Mayor Robinson, and
the vote failed with Council Member Little casting the only vote in
favor. (D.16-1/p.58/ Ex. 11).
10. Little failed to respond to the Declaratory Action, and, on July 3,
2012, the court entered a default judgment in favor of AMIC.
8

The original version of fact number 7 included the language “and the motion failed.”
This is the only part of the fact which the Plaintiff disputes. (See doc. 18 at 6, ¶7 (“No motion
was made so it could not fail.”)).
9

Also sometimes referred to in this opinion as the AMIC lawsuit.
12

(D.16-1/Ex.7).
11. On November 24, 2014, the court in the FOP lawsuit dismissed
the claims against Defendant Little with prejudice, but held the case
open to address the issue of Little's contention that the City of Anniston
should be responsible for paying his legal expenses in that case, stating
as follows:
This case shall remain open for the issue of payment of
legal fees of the Defendants. For that reason, the city of
Anniston is joined in this case under Rule 19, Alabama
Rules of Civil Procedure. It will be the responsibility of
the Defendant, Benjamin Little, to insure service on the
city of Anniston as well as his claim regarding the city's
responsibility of paying his accrued legal expenses in this
case. Failure to timely accomplish this will result in waiver
of that claim.
(D. 16-2/p. 4).
12. Little filed a “Notice of Claim” with the City Clerk on December
3, 2014,but never filed a legal pleading asserting a claim against the City
in the FOP lawsuit for the payment of his attorney’s fees requested in his
Notice of Claim. (D.16-2; D.16-1/Ex. 3/¶ 4).10
13. On May 5, 2015, the court in the FOP lawsuit filed an Order, in
response to the City's Motion to Dismiss and Opposition to Motion for
Default Judgment, stating that Defendants Little and Spain must file a
separate action solely against the City of Anniston rather than through
the FOP lawsuit. (D.16-1/Ex. 4).
16.

On May 5, 2015, Little filed the present lawsuit against the City

10

Although this fact is technically “disputed” by the Plaintiff, his “dispute” does not
seem to disagree with the fact as stated. (See, doc. 18 at 7, ¶12 (“In the hearing on November 24,
2014[,] the [C]ourt ordered the City of Anniston joined in the lawsuit and did not direct the
Plaintiff to file an additional pleading against the City.”)).
13

of Anniston, Gene Robinson, former Anniston Mayor, and Herbert
Palmore, former member of Anniston City Council, in the Circuit Court
of Calhoun County, Alabama. (D. 16-1/Ex. 1).
17. On June 5, 2015, this case was removed to this Court, and
Plaintiff's Motion for Remand was denied on July 13, 2015. (D.1; D.6).
18. Mayor Robinson has not served as Mayor for the City of Anniston
since November 2012. (D.16-3/p. 12).
19. Council Member Palmore has not served as a City Council
Member for the City since the end of 2012. (D. 16-4/pp. 17, 18).
(Doc. 17 at 2-6).11
III.

ANALYSIS
11

The Plaintiff proffered six facts, none of which included an evidentiary citation to the
record. (Doc. 18 at 8-9, ¶¶20-25). This Court’s Uniform Initial Order provides:
The third section [of the non-movant’s brief] may contain additional, allegedly
disputed facts set out in separately numbered paragraphs that the opposing party
contends require the denial of summary judgment. The third section of the
opposing party’s statement of facts, if any, shall be clearly designated as such.
Each statement of allegedly disputed facts must be followed by specific reference
to those portions of the evidentiary record which both support and contradict the
alleged fact.
(Doc. 2 at 18) (italics in original). The Uniform Initial Order also provides: “The court reserves
the right sua sponte to STRIKE any statements of fact or responsive statements that fail to
comply with these requirements.” (Doc. 2 at 19) (emphasis in original). Because the Plaintiff
has failed to include a citation to the record in support of any of his proffered facts, these facts
are hereby STRICKEN and will not be considered by the Court.
Further, proffered fact number 21 references the December 16, 2011, Hoyt email which,
as noted above, will be stricken. For that reason as well, the fact will not be included.

14

A.

Summary Judgment Is Appropriate as to the Claims Against
Robinson and Palmore

Because Robinson and Palmore are sued only in their official capacities, the
section 1983 claims against them are essentially suits against the City of Anniston.
Busby v. City of Orlando, 931 F.2d 764, 776 (11th Cir. 1991); see also, Penley v.
Eslinger, 605 F.3d 843, 854 (11th Cir. 2010) (“Official-capacity suits ... generally
represent only another way of pleading an action against an entity of which an officer
is an agent.”) (citation omitted); Mann v. Taser Int'l, Inc., 588 F.3d 1291, 1309 (11th
Cir. 2009) (“A claim asserted against an individual in his or her official capacity is,
in reality, a suit against the entity that employs the individual.”) (citation omitted);
Cook ex rel. Estate of Tessler v. Sheriff of Monroe County, Fla., 402 F.3d 1092, 1115
(11th Cir. 2005) (“[A]n official-capacity suit is, in all respects other than name, to be
treated as a suit against the entity. It is not a suit against the official personally, for
the real party in interest is the entity.”) (citation omitted); Brown v. Neumann, 188
F.3d 1289, 1290 (11th Cir. 1999) (“We start with the proposition that a suit against
a governmental official in his official capacity is deemed a suit against the entity that
he represents.”). For that reason, summary judgment will be granted as to the section
1983 claims (Count One) against Robinson and Palmore.
The same theory applies as to the state law claim in Count Two. As Judge

15

Steele, in the Southern District of Alabama has noted:
The Alabama Supreme Court has recognized that, just as claims against
county commissioners in their official capacities constitute claims
against the county, “claims that are brought against municipal
employees in their official capacity are also, as a matter of law, claims
against the municipality.” Morrow v. Caldwell, 153 So.3d 764, 771
(Ala. 2014); see also Alabama Mun. Ins. Corp. v. Allen, 164 So.3d 568,
576 (Ala. 2014) (same); Ex parte Labbe, 156 So.3d 368, 374 (Ala. 2014)
(“the claims asserted against Mayor Labbe in his official capacity are
simply claims asserted against the City”); Dickinson v. City of
Huntsville, 822 So.2d 411, 415 (Ala. 2001) (reasoning that a mayor is
“in her official capacity, within the line and scope of her office, the
agent of the City, through whom the City acts. Thus, to sue the mayor
in her official capacity is simply another way of suing the City.”)
(emphasis added).
Raby v. Reese, No. CV 15-0159-WS-C, 2016 WL 1642677, at *9 (S.D. Ala. Apr. 25,
2016) (Steele, J.). Accordingly, summary judgment will be granted as to the state law
breach of implied contract claim (Count Two) against Robinson and Palmore..12
B.

Summary Judgment Is Appropriate as to the Claims Against the
City of Anniston
1.

The Section 1983 Claim in Count One

Count One alleges that Little’s request that the City pay his attorney’s fees was

12

Because the individual defendants are sued only in their official capacities, there is no
need to review their qualified immunity arguments. (Doc. 17 at 16). See, Fish v. Brown, 838
F.3d 1153, 1162 (11th Cir. 2016) (“The doctrine of qualified immunity protects governmental
officials who are sued under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 for money damages in their personal, or
individual, capacities[.]”).

16

denied, because he is an African American, in violation of the equal protection clause
of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. The claim is based
on two separate requests to pay fees associated with two separate suits–the FOP
lawsuit and the AMIC lawsuit.
a.

The Statute of Limitations as to These Claims Has Run

The Eleventh Circuit has noted that “[a]ll constitutional claims brought under
§ 1983 are tort actions, subject to the statute of limitations governing personal injury
actions in the state where the § 1983 action has been brought.” McNair v. Allen, 515
F.3d 1168, 1173 (11th Cir. 2008) (citing Wilson v. Garcia, 471 U.S. 261, 275–76, 105
S.Ct. 1938, 1946–47, 85 L.Ed.2d 254 (1985)). Because this claim was brought in
Alabama, the two-year statute limitations found in Ala. Code § 6-2-38 applies. Jones
v. Preuit & Mauldin, 876 F.2d 1480, 1483 (11th Cir. 1989). However,
federal law determines the date on which the statute of limitations
begins to run, and for a § 1983 action the statute begins to run from the
date “the facts which would support a cause of action are apparent or
should be apparent to a person with a reasonably prudent regard for his
rights.” Brown v. Ga. Bd. of Pardons & Paroles, 335 F.3d 1259, 1261
(11th Cir.2003). While a plaintiff must have “a complete and present
cause of action” to bring suit, the “cause of action accrues even though
the full extent of the injury is not then known or predictable” once the
wrongful act occurs. Wallace v. Kato, 549 U.S. 384, 388, 391, 127 S.Ct.
1091, 166 L.Ed.2d 973 (2007).
Allen v. Dekalb Cty. Jail's Med. Providers/Private Contractors, 632 F. App'x 593,

17

594 (11th Cir. 2016).
Little makes no argument that the section 1983 claim, to the extent that it is
based upon Little’s request for payment of attorney’s fees in connection with the
AMIC lawsuit, is timely.13 Regardless, that claim accrued, and the statute of
limitations began to run, on December 27, 2011, when Little made a motion before
the council for those fees to be paid, and the motion failed. At that point “the facts
which would support a cause of action [were] apparent,” or they should have been
apparent “to a person with a reasonably prudent regard for his rights.” Brown, 335
F.3d 1259, 1261 (11th Cir.2003). Because this case was not filed until May 5, 2015,
well more than two years after the statute of limitations began to run on that claim,
it is untimely and due to be dismissed.
The statute of limitations for a section 1983 claim for fees related to the FOP
litigation began to run on December 13, 2011. That was the date that Little asked for
the issue to be added to the council’s agenda, and it was, but ultimately no motion

13

It appears that the Plaintiff may have recognized the futility of doing so. In his brief he
seems to limit his section 1983 claim to only the FOP lawsuit, writing:
The FOP Lawsuit was directed specifically at Little. The fact that Spain was
named was secondary to the FOP’s efforts to disgrace, humiliate and destroy
Little’s personal and political life. This §1983 claim is brought against the City for
discriminating against Little by not acting to pay his attorney’s fees in the lawsuit.
(Doc. 18 at 15).
18

was made as to that agenda item. Little argues, without authority, that the fact that
“no vote was ever taken” (doc. 18 at 15) means that the statute did not begin to run
on that date. This argument is without merit. The fact that the matter was before the
council and it refused to approve his request should have been enough for “a person
with a reasonably prudent regard for his rights.” Brown, 335 F.3d 1259, 1261 (11th
Cir.2003).14 Likewise, just because the state court “held the case open to address the
issue of Little’s contention that the City of Anniston should be responsible for paying
his legal expenses in that case” (doc. 18 at 15-16), does not mean that the city’s
earlier failure to approve fees should not have put him on notice that he had a claim.
Little has offered no authority to the contrary, and the Court is aware of none.
More than two years having passed since the council meeting on December 13,
2011, the section 1983 claim, to the extent it is based on the request for payment of
attorney’s fees in connection with the FOP litigation, is untimely, and summary
judgment is appropriate on that claim.
b.

There Is No Evidence that the City Had a Policy or
Custom of Race Discrimination

The Supreme Court has explained:
Title 42 U.S.C. § 1983 provides in relevant part:

14

There is no evidence that the issue was tabled for another meeting or otherwise
continued. Notably, Little never suggests when, if ever, the statute began, or will begin, to run.
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“Every person who, under color of any statute, ordinance,
regulation, custom, or usage, of any State ... subjects, or
causes to be subjected, any citizen of the United States or
other person within the jurisdiction thereof to the
deprivation of any rights, privileges, or immunities secured
by the Constitution and laws, shall be liable to the party
injured in an action at law, suit in equity, or other proper
proceeding for redress ....”
A municipality or other local government may be liable under this
section if the governmental body itself “subjects” a person to a
deprivation of rights or “causes” a person “to be subjected” to such
deprivation. See Monell v. New York City Dept. of Social Servs., 436
U.S. 658, 692, 98 S.Ct. 2018, 56 L.Ed.2d 611 (1978). But, under § 1983,
local governments are responsible only for “their own illegal acts.”
Pembaur v. Cincinnati, 475 U.S. 469, 479, 106 S.Ct. 1292, 89 L.Ed.2d
452 (1986) (citing Monell, 436 U.S., at 665–683, 98 S.Ct. 2018). They
are not vicariously liable under § 1983 for their employees' actions. See
id., at 691, 98 S.Ct. 2018; Canton, 489 U.S., at 392, 109 S.Ct. 1197;
Board of Comm'rs of Bryan Cty. v. Brown, 520 U.S. 397, 403, 117 S.Ct.
1382, 137 L.Ed.2d 626 (1997) (collecting cases).
Plaintiffs who seek to impose liability on local governments under
§ 1983 must prove that “action pursuant to official municipal policy”
caused their injury. Monell, 436 U.S., at 691, 98 S.Ct. 2018; see id., at
694, 98 S.Ct. 2018. Official municipal policy includes the decisions of
a government’s lawmakers, the acts of its policymaking officials, and
practices so persistent and widespread as to practically have the force of
law. See ibid.; Pembaur, supra, at 480–481, 106 S.Ct. 1292; Adickes v.
S.H. Kress & Co., 398 U.S. 144, 167–168, 90 S.Ct. 1598, 26 L.Ed.2d
142 (1970). These are “action[s] for which the municipality is actually
responsible.” Pembaur, supra, at 479–480, 106 S.Ct. 1292.
Connick v. Thompson, 563 U.S. 51, 60–61, 131 S. Ct. 1350, 1358–59, 179 L. Ed. 2d
417 (2011).

20

The Plaintiff does not set out, or explain, what “official municipal policy”
caused his injury in this case. While the Plaintiff’s brief does briefly discuss “policies
or procedures” with regard to “determining whether or not a city official should have
his attorney fees paid” (doc. 18 at 12),15 he does not do so in the context of showing

15

The Plaintiff argues:

In his deposition statement Councilman Herbert Palmore was asked if
there were any policies or procedures that are followed in determining whether or
not a city official should have his attorney fees paid if sued in his official capacity.
Mr. Palmore stated that; “…you have to be in an official capacity, operating under
your position as the authorities you have. If you are operating officially and on an
honest capacity – you should be paid.” He agreed there would be an expectation of
those attorney fees being paid. (Exhibit E. Herbert Palmore Depo. pp 24-26)[.]
(Doc. 11-12). The Plaintiff continues:
However, when asked why the council would not consider paying
Councilor Little’s attorney fees, Mayor Gene Robinson stated; “ Because I didn’t
believe that Spain or Reverend Little needed the money to go forward. That I took
on all my lawsuits myself. I paid for all my lawsuits, and they shouldn’t go and
waste the city money like that. That’s just the way I felt.” (Exhibit F . Gene
Robinson Depo. pp 31-32)[.]
The law provided for the City to pay to defend a councilor sued in his
official capacity, but the mayor felt it was a waste of money. However, we believe
that it all depended on who the particular city council member was. When asked
wasn’t it the practice for the city to pay the legal fees for council members and
elected officials and employees sued for performing the functions of their job,
Mayor Robinson stated, “Not necessarily. It all depends on the individual
case.”(Exhibit G. Herbert Palmore Depo. pp 45-56)[.]
(Doc. 12 at 18) (emphasis in original). Nothing about these paragraphs establishes a custom or
practice of the City of discriminating against African American city councilmen in the failure to
pay legal fees. Notably, the City took the same position regarding the legal fees of Spain, who is
Caucasian.
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that the City had a custom or practice of discrimination. He does not explain how
those procedures led to the alleged discrimination in this case.
The Plaintiff also has not alleged conduct which establishes a practice of the
City. In his Complaint, he alleges that the City had paid the legal fees “for similarly
situated white councilors.” (Doc. 1-3 at 7). However, the Plaintiff has identified only
two lawsuits, one in 2006, and one in 2014, in which he alleges the City has paid the
fees of Caucasian members of the City counsel. Even if the Court were to consider
such allegations evidence, and it does not, see Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(c)(1) (requiring
parties to cite to evidence to support factual positions), two lawsuits over eight years
does not establish a “practice” or “custom.”16
c.

There Is No Evidence of Disparate Treatment

With regards to claims for race discrimination, the Eleventh Circuit has stated:
To state a § 1983 equal protection claim, [a] plaintiff . . . must show that
she is similarly situated to non-[African Americans] who received more
favorable treatment. See Sweet v. Sec'y, Dep't of Corr., 467 F.3d 1311,
1318–19 (11th Cir.2006) (“To establish an equal protection claim, a
[plaintiff] must demonstrate that (1) he is similarly situated to [others]
who received more favorable treatment; and (2) the state engaged in
invidious discrimination against him based on race, religion, national
origin, or some other constitutionally protected basis.”); Jones v. Ray,
279 F.3d 944, 946–47 (11th Cir.2001) (stating that, to establish an equal
protection violation, a plaintiff must show, among other things, that “he

16

In his deposition the Plaintiff merely stated that “a lot of lawsuits have been paid.”
(Doc. 16-1 at 19(71)).
22

is similarly situated” to others who received more favorable treatment).
Douglas Energy Relief Ass'n v. City of Douglas, Ga., 556 F. App'x 820, 822 (11th
Cir. 2014). The Plaintiff fails to argue, or even cite, this standard. Further, even if
the Court were to consider the allegations in his Complaint to be evidence of
disparate treatment, and it does not, the Plaintiff has presented no evidence that the
Caucasian council-members whose fees were allegedly paid were similarly situated
to the Plaintiff in all relevant respects. See, Campbell v. Rainbow City, Ala., 434 F.3d
1306, 1314 (11th Cir. 2006). There is no discussion of evidence of the nature of
those other suits compared to the FOP lawsuit and the AMIC lawsuit.
2.

The Implied Contract Claim in Count Two

In Count Two, the Plaintiff alleges that “[t]he Defendants have breached their
established policy, as well as their implied contract, by failing to reimburse Little
[for] the fees and expenses he incurred in defendant against the FOP lawsuit.” (Doc.
1-3 at 8).
The Alabama Supreme Court has stated:
“The basic elements of a contract are an offer and an acceptance,
consideration, and mutual assent to the essential terms of the
agreement.” Hargrove v. Tree of Life Christian Day Care Ctr., 699
So.2d 1242, 1247 (Ala.1997). Proof of an implied contract requires the
same basic elements as an express contract. Steiger v. Huntsville City
Bd. of Educ., 653 So.2d 975, 978 (Ala.1995)(explaining that “[n]o
contract is formed without an offer, an acceptance, consideration, and
23

mutual assent to terms essential to the contract” (citing Strength v.
Alabama Dep't of Fin., 622 So.2d 1283, 1289 (Ala.1993))).
Stacey v. Peed, 142 So. 3d 529, 531 (Ala. 2013). The Defendants argue that there is
no evidence of any implied contract. In response, the Plaintiff fails to cite or argue
these elements. Instead he writes:
There was no valid reason given to support why the City has not
voted to pay attorney’s fees for Little in the FOP lawsuit. However, the
City has in the past paid legal expenses for other city officials defending
lawsuits against them in their official capacity. The City of Anniston
paid attorney fees for Councilor Herbert Palmore when he was sued in
a lawsuit with the Joint Power Authority (“JPA”). And, according to
Councilor Palmore, legal fees were also paid by AMIC for Anniston
City Council member Jeff Fink in 2006 sued in his official capacity.
(Exhibit O. Palmore Depo. pp 18-22) I am certain their [sic] are others,
however we have not been privy to those records. But as Mayor
Robinson said, it depends on the individual situation. Councilor Palmore
agreed in his deposition, “if a councilor is sued in his official capacity,
operating under his authority, there would be an expectation those
attorney’s fees would be paid. (Exhibit D. Herbert Palmore Deposition
pp. 24-26)[.]
(Doc. 18 at 16-17). The Plaintiff fails to provide any evidentiary support for any of
the elements of a breach of implied contract claim. Summary judgment is therefore
appropriate on that claim.
IV.

CONCLUSION
Based on the foregoing, the Defendants’ motion to strike and motion for

summary judgment will be GRANTED, and this case will be DISMISSED.

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DONE this 22nd day of December, 2016.

VIRGINIA EMERSON HOPKINS
United States District Judge

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