Mayor Emery Doughtie said the matter was discussed during a closed session Tuesday night at council’s meeting.
“We’re trying to instill that time is of the essence,” the mayor said this morning.
The lawsuit will serve as Gatling’s eviction notice. The mayor said the city must follow the same process as in any other landlord-tenant situation. “He has the authority to keep you out. We asked the attorney if we could have shows. We could have shows if he gave us permission.”
Doughtie said the city has sent Gatling’s attorneys a letter stating all previous offers for Gatling to buy the theater are null. “We continue to tell him he can buy it.”
The city contends it has a valid agreement with Gatling, one which the Chicago businessman has defaulted on. Gatling owes the city more than $200,000.
The city voted in April to end its contract with Gatling last month because of late payments and few shows.
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