Before the lawsuit was filed by the ACLU, the city was willing to discuss an amicable resolution of the matter, including options that would allow the city to address the situation in a humane and professional manner and that would reduce the ACLU's need to incur attorneys' fees and expenses. During the pendency of discussions with the ACLU, and without giving the city a reasonable opportunity to determine the merits of the plaintiffs' claims, including verification of the dollar amounts being demanded by the plaintiffs, the ACLU filed the lawsuit. Thereafter, the city worked diligently with the ACLU in agreeing to the terms of a stipulated order that would eventually be signed by U.S. District Court Judge Helen Gilmor.