Legal Cases

Rakela: DV 17-150

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Note that the Judicial Findings of Fact completely support the Board’s decisions.

• • Rakela suit dismissed with prejudice
  • Signed Settlement Agreement
  • Motion to dismiss O’Connell appeal
  • Response to dismissal of Parkers and Dobrowski
  • Judicial Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law
  • Reply to Plaintiffs Response to Motion Re O’Connells
  • Rakela response to order resolving vexatious litigant
  • Rakela affidavit re O’Connell Vexatious Litigant response
  • Answer to Plaintiff’s Amended Complaint
  • Motion to Grant Amended FOF & COL
  • Amended Complaint and Relief Petition
  • Court response to Motion to Modify
  • Motion to Modify Court order
  • Court Order after Mar. 23 hearing
  • Court denies O’Connell Joinder
  • Order Setting Mar. 23 Hearing Date
  • Amended Schedule 03/06/18
  • Rakela motion to stay Jan. 2 2018 hearing
  • GLA Full response to Rakela
  • GLA Response to O’Connell Joinder
  • GLA initial response to Rakela
  • Rakela lawsuit hearing schedule
  • O’Connell joinder
  • Full Rakela petition
  • Election Restraining order

  O’Connell Restraining Order

  In Oct. 2017, GLA board members filed a temporary restraining order against the O’Connells.  That order was converted to a 2 year Interim Order of Protection on Dec. 22, 2017.

  • O’Connell appeal to MT Supreme Court
  • Findings of Fact, Interim Protection Order (2 years)
  • Order granting summary judgement
  • Order denying O’Connell Rule 59 & 60 motions

  O’Connell Vexatious Litigant Lawsuit:

  In 2016, the GLA started a vexatious litigant complaint against Valery and Daniel O’Connell.  Shortly thereafter, Cristal O’Connell filed a lawsuit against the GLA.  The court recognized this as an attempt by the O’Connell parents to use their children as proxies in filing lawsuits.  Therefore, the O’Connell children were added to the vexatious litigant complaint.  Filings and court rulings about the vexatious litigant suit are listed here.

  • US District Court Magistrate Recommendations
  • Dismissal of O’Connell rule 60 motions
  • O’Connell rule 60 & counterclaim motions
  • O’Connell Children Rule 60 Motion
  • O’Connell Vexatious Litigant Violation Ruling
  • GLA action on vexatious litigants
  • Vexatious Litigants Ruling
  • O’Connell vexatious litigant hearing schedule

   

• O’Connell Lawsuit:  DV-2011-114

  The original complaint was dismissed by the District Court for failure to state a claim for which relief could be granted, and the O’Connells were ordered to pay costs and attorney fees.The District court issued its ruling on May 31, 2016 on the O’Connell complaint and GLA Motion for Summary Judgment.The files posted here relate to the amended complaint.

  Documents are listed in chronological order.  (Bolded are the most recently posted documents.)

• 2013 Filings – DV-2011-114

  • 01 New Amended Complaint & Motion for Pleading 2-31-13 (link)
  • 02 Notice of Appearance DV 11-114 3-18-13 (link)
  • 03 Defendants’ Answer and Affirmative Defenses 11-114 3-18-13 (link)
  • 04 Order 3-15-13 (link)
  • 05 Motion to Allow Counterclaim 4-9-13 (link)
  • 06 Proposed Counterclaim 4-9-13 (link)
  • 07 Order Granting Counterclaim 4-16-13 (link)
  • 08 Plaintiffs’ Motion for Change of Venue 4-24-13 (link)
  • 09 Plaintiffs’ Motions for Dismissal of Defendants’ Counterclaim & Extension to Answer & Rule 60(b) Motion 4-24-13 (link)
  • 10 Defendants’ Response Regarding Dismissal of Counterclaim and Extension to Answer and Rule 60(b) Motion 5-13-13 (link)
  • 11 Defendants’ Response to Plaintiffs’ Motion for Change of Venue 5-16-13 (link)
  • 12 Plaintiffs’ Motion for Joiner of Claims & Cases 5-24-13 (link)
  • 13 Plaintiffs Motion Reply re Dismissal of Counterclaim 12(b)(6) Motion & 60(b) Motion 5-31-13 (link)
  • 14 Plaintiffs’ Motion for Partial Discovery Request 6-10-13 (link)
  • 15 Notice of Decision in DV-2012-220 & DV-2012-164 Making Plaintiffs’ Pending Motions Moot 6-21-13 (link)
  • 16 Defendants’ Response to Plaintiffs’ Motion for Partial Discovery 6-26-13 (link)
  • 17 Plaintiffs’ Motion Response & Partial Discovery Request for Docs & Admissions Only 6-28-13 (link)
  • 18 Plaintiffs’ Motion for Sanctions and Removal of Limited Scope Representative 7-9-13 (link)
  • 19 Defendant’s Motion for Partial Summary Judgment DV2011-114 7-11-13 (link)
  • 20 Defendant’s Brief in Support of Its Motion for Partial Summary Judgment DV2011-114 7-11-13 (link)
  • 21 Response to Motion for Sanction and Removal of Attorney 7-14-13 (link)
  • 22 Defendants’ Response to Plaintiffs’ Motion Response & Partial Discovery Request for Docs & Admissions Only 7-26-13 (link)
  • 23 Plaintiffs’ Reply & Motion to Strike Partial Summary Judgment Motion 7-26-13 (link)
  • 24 Plaintiffs’ Affidavit in Support of Motion to Strike & Deny Summary Judgment Motion 7-26-13 (link)
  • 25 Plaintiffs’ Reply Brief to Motion for Sanctions & Removal of Limited Scope Counsel 7-26-13 (link)
  • 26 Defendants’ Reply Brief to Plaintiffs’ Reply in Opposition to Defendants’ Motion for Partial Summary Judgment 8-9-13 (link)
  • 27 Plaintiffs’ Reply & More Partial Discovery Requested for Documents & Admissions (link)
  • 28 Defendants’ Response to Plaintiffs’ Reply & More Partial Discovery Requested for Docs & Admissions 9-11-13 (link)
  • 29 Proposed Order re Motion for Sanction and Removal of Attorney 10-2-13 (link)
  • 30 Order re Motion for Sanction and Removal of Attorney 10-7-13 (link)
  • 31 Order Granting Defendant’s Motion for Partial Summary Judgment 12-9-13 (link)
  • 32 Notice of Delay of Discovery and Oral Deposition 06-13-2014 (link)

  2014 Filings – DV-2011-114

  • 33 Claim & Motion Request to Indemnify Plaintiff 06-3-2014 (link)
  • 34 Affidavit in Support of Motion Indemnify Plaintiff 06-03-2014 (link)
  • 35 Affadavit in Support of Motion to Indemnify Plaintiff 06-03-2014 (link)
  • 36 Notice of Additional Method of Recording Deposition of Alyssa Allen 06-05-2014 (link)
  • 37 Plaintiffs Delay of Deposition Pending Motion to Indemnify 06-10-2014 (link)
  • 38 Defendant’s Response in Opp to Ps’ Claim & Motion Request to Indemnify Plaintiff 06-17-2014 (link)
  • 39 Order to Serve Counsel of Record for Defendants_Note cause no is in error 06-23-2014 (link)
  • 40 Plaintiffs’ Notice & Clarification on Orders to Serve Counsel of Record 06-27-14 (link)
  • 41 Plaintiff’s Affidavit in Support of Indemnification Motion06-30-2014 (link)
  • 42 Plaintiffs’ Response to Ds’ Reply to Indemnification Motion 06-30-2014 (link)
  • 43 Defendant’s Brief in Support of its Motion for Summary Judgment 08-04-2014 (link)
  • 45  Notice to Modify Date and Place of Depositions 08-18-2014 (link)
  • 46  Plaintiffs Motion for Extension of Time & Motion to Strike Defendants’ Motion for Summary Judgment 08-18-2014 (link)
  • 47  Defendant’s Motion to Quash Subpoenas for Depositions and Brief in Support 08-26-14 (link)
  • 48  Plaintiffs’ Response in Opposition to Motion to Quash Subpoenas  08-28-14 (link)
  • 49  Defendant’s Reply to Ps’ Response in Opp to Motion to Quash Subpoenas for Depositions 09-03-14  (link)
  • 50  Defendant’s Response in Opposition to Plaintiffs’ Motion for Extension of Time & Motion to Strike  09-04-14  (link)
  • 51  Order Granting Defendant’s Motion to Quash Subpoenas and Depositions  09-08-14 (link)
  • 52  Plaintiffs’ Reply to Motion for Extension of Time & Motion to Strike Defendant’s Motion for Summary Judgement  09-10-14 (link)
  • 53  Plaintiffs’ Motion for Relief from Orders Dated Sept 8, 2014  09-10-14 (link)
  • 54  Plaintiffs’ Pre-Discovery Disclosure Notice 09-10-14  (link)
  • 55  Defendant’s Response in Opposition to Plaintiff’s Motion for Relief from Orders Dated Sept 8 2014  09-22-14 (link)
  • 56  Defendant’s Submission of Attorney Fees and Costs  09-25-14  (link)
  • 57 Plaintiffs Reply Motion for Relief from Orders Dated Sept 8, 2014 10-6-14 (link)
  • 58 Plaintiff’s Motion for Delay of Orders Pending Rule 60 Motion Outcome and Response Against Attorney Fees 10-14-14 (link)
  • D9 Plaintiffs Requests for Defendant Admissions 10-14-14 (link)
  • D10 Plaintiffs’ Amended Request For Admissions GLA 10-17-14 (link)
  • 60 GLA Response in Opposition to Plaintiffs’ Motion for Delay of Orders Pending Rule 60 Motion Outcome and Response Against Attorney Fees & Costs 10-27-14 (link)
  • D11 Plaintiffs’ Interrogatories to GLA 10-31-14 (link)
  • D11a Appendix 1 Plaintiffs’ Pre-Discovery Disclosure for Interrogatories 10-31-14 (link)
  • 61 Plaintiffs’ Local Rule 10 Motion to Strike GLA’s Summary Judgment Motion & Motion for Rule 11 Sanctions & Motion for Extension of Time 11-5-14 (link)
  • 62 Plaintiffs’ Motion Response for Delay of Orders Pending Rule 60 Motion & Response Against GLA’s Attorney Fees & Costs_11-12-14 (link)
  • D12 GLA Response to Plaintiffs Amended Request for GLA Admissions 11-17-14 (link)
  • 63 GLA Motion to Proceed on Summary Judgment Brief 11-18-14 (link)
  • 64 Plaintiffs’ Proposed Order Granting Motion Against Sept 9, 2014 Orders 11-18-14 (link)
  • 65 GLA Motion for Extension to Respond to Plaintiffs’ Interrogatories 11-20-14 (link)
  • 66 Plaintiffs’ Motion Ordering GLA Respond to Discovery of Interrogatories, Reply Against GLAs Extension Motion, Reply Against Motion to Proceed on SJM (Summary Judgment Motion) & Reply for Sanction Motion 12-4-14 (link)
  • 67 Plaintiffs’ Motion for Orders Reestablishing Parties to the Complaint 12-2-14 (link)
  • 68 Order Granting GLA’s Motion for Extension to Respond to Plaintiffs’ Interrogatories 12-2-14 (link)
  • 69 GLA’s Opposition to Plaintiffs’ Motion for Orders Reestablishing Parties to the Court 12-16-14 (link)
  • 70 GLA’s Response in Opposition to Plaintiffs’ Motion Ordering GLA Respond to Discovery of Interrogatories, Reply Against GLA’s Extension Motion, Reply Against Motion to Proceed on Summary Judgment Motion & Reply for Sanction Motion 12-14-14 (link)
  • 71 Plaintiffs’ Motion Response Reestablishing parties 12-31-14 (link)
  • D13 GLA Response to Plaintiffs’ Interrogatories to GLA 12-31-14 (link)

  2015 Filings – DV-2011-114

  • D14 GLA Response to Plaintiffs Rephrased Requests for GLA Admissions 1-3-15 (link)
  • 72 Plaintiffs’ Response in Opposition to GLA Summary Judgment Motion 4-20-15 (link) – Note: large file
  • 73 GLA’s Reply to Plaintiffs’ Response in Opposition to GLA Motion for Summary Judgment-no exhibits 5-5-15 (link)
  • 73 GLA’s Reply to Plaintiffs’ Response in Opposition to GLA Motion for Summary Judgment-with exhibits 5-5-15 (link) – Note: large file
  • 74 Affidavit of Allen Supp to GLA Motion for Summary Judgment 5-5-15 (link)
  • 75 Plaintiffs’ Motion to Strike Allens Affidavit 5-7-15 (link)
  • 76 Affidavit in Support of Motion to Strike/Disregard Allen’s Affidavit 5-13-15 (link)
  • 77 GLA Response in Opposition to Plaintiffs’ Motion to Strike Allen’s Affidavit 5-21-15 (link)
  • 78 Plaintiffs’ Motion Reply to Strike Allen’s Affidavit 6-4-15 (link)
  • 79 GLA Motion for a Protective Order 7-27-15 (link)
  • 80 GLA Brief in Support of its Motion for Protective Order 7-27-15 (link)
  • 81 Allen Affidavit 7-27-15 (link)
  • 82 Kehoe Affidavit 7-27-15 (link)
  • 83 McSherry Affidavit 7-27-15 (link)
  • 84 Plaintiffs’ Brief and Counter Motion for Protective Order and Sanctions and Reply to GLA Motion for Protective Order 8-7-15 (link)
  • 85 GLA Answer to Plaintiff’s Objection to Motion for Protective Order 8-24-15 (link)
  • 86_Plaintiffs Response to GLAs Answer to Plaintiffs Motion for Protective Order and Sanctions 9-4-15 (link)
  • 87_Order Granting GLA’s Motion for Protective Order 9-15-2015 (link)
  • 88_Plaintiffs Affidavit for Cybulski’s Disqualification 9-23-15 (link)
  • 89_Plaintiffs Rule 62 Motion and Brief for- Stay of 9-17-2015 Orders 9-23-15 (link)
  • 90_MT Supreme Court Order Deny Plaintiffs Affadavit 9-29-2015 (link)
  • 91_Plaintiff’s Petition for Writ of Prohibition or Alternate Writ of Review and for Immediate Stay Pending Disposition 10-14-2015 (link)
  • 92_Affidavit of Michael P. Heringer 10-20-2015 (link)
  • 93_Affidavit of Seth M. Cunningham 10-20-2015 (link)
  • 94_Defendant’s Submission of Atty Fees and Costs as a Result of its Motion for Protective Order 10-20-2015 (link)
  • 95_MT Supreme Court Order Deny Plaintiffs Petition 10-27-2015 (link)
  • 96_Plaintiff’s Motion Reponse for Delay of Orders-Motion and Response Against GLA’s Atty Fees and Costs for Protective Order_11-4-2015 (link)
  • 97_Plaintiff’s Affidavit in Support of Delay of Orders-Motion and Response Against Atty Fees and Costs_11-5-2015 (link)
  • 98_GLA’s Response in Opposition to Plaintiff’s Motion to Delay Orders-Against Atty Fees_11-18-2015 (link)
  • 99_GLA’s Submission of Proposed Decision and Order Granting GLAs Motion for Summary Judgment and Other Pending Motions_12-28-2015 (link)
  • 99a_Proposed Decision and Order Granting GLAs Motion for Summary Judgment and Other Pending Motions_12-28-2015_7-14-2016 (link) (2.5M file size)

  2016 Filings – DV-2011-114

  • 100_Plaintiffs Motion for 2015 Amended Complaint and Motion Against Consideration of Proposed Order_1-4-2016 (link)
  • 100a_Plaintiffs 2015 Amended Complaint_1-4-2016 (link)
  • 101_GLA Response in Opposition to Plaintiffs Motion for 2015 Amended Complaint and Motion Against Proposed Order_1-12-16 (link)
  • 103_Decision and Order Granting the GLA Motion of Summary Judgment and other pending motions_5-31-16 (link)
  • 104_Plaintiffs’ Rule 60 Motion in Opposition to Orders Sept 2014 & 2015 & Orders Granting Summary Judgment Motion_6-28-2016 (link)
  • 105_GLA Response in Opposition to Plaintiffs’ Rule 60 Motion in Opp. to Orders 2014, 2015 & SJM (link)
  • GLA Motion to Dismiss 12-21-2016 (link)
  • GLA Brief in Support of Motion to Dismiss 12-21-16.pdf(link)

  2016 Filing – DA-16-0530

  • Appeal Dismissal, MT Supreme Court (link)

  2017 Filings – DV-2011-114

  • 5_OConnell Motion for Extension to file Answer to GLA Dismissal Motion 1-5-17 (link)

  DV-2012-164 and DV-2012-220

  Note: The District Court has ruled in favor of the GLA on all issues, and the O’Connells appealed to the Supreme Court. On December 3, 2013, the Supreme Court also ruled in the GLA’s favor on all of the issues.

  On January 7, 2014 the Supreme Court denied the O’Connell’s request for rehearing, putting this case to rest. 

  Originally 2 separate cases, which were later combined into 1 case.

  Issues:

  1. Minnick Management being hired as an agent
  2. Erickson’s Variance Project
  3. Guesthouse Assessments
  4. Voting Practices

  Documents are listed in chronological order.

  01 Plaintiffs Affidavit in Support of Writs of Prohibition & Mandamus 9-24-12 (link)
  02 Notice of Petition & Petition for Writs of Mandamus and Prohibition 9-24-12 (link)
  03 Response to Writ of Prohibition and Writ of Mandamus 10-15-12 (link)
  04 Summons to GLA Board to Answer Petition 10-22-12 (link)
  05 Petition for Temporary & Permanent Restraining Order 10-22-12 (link)
  06 Affidavit in Support of Restraining Order 10-22-12 (link)
  07 Motion to Move for Improper Venue and Motion to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim and Brief 11-6-12 (link)
  08 Affidavit in Support Motion to Move for Improper Venue and Motion to Dismiss 11-1-12 (link)
  09 Plaintiff’s Reply to GLA Temporary Restraining Order Motions (TRO)11-16-12 (link)
  10 Motion and Notice to Remove Other Members 11-16-12 (link)
  11 Notice and Consent to Substitution of Counsel Park County 11-26-12 (link)
  12 Notice and Consent of Substitution of Counsel Gallatin County 11-26-12 (link)
  13 Defendants’ Reply Brief in Support of Its Motion to Dismiss for Failure to State Claim (link)
  14 Defendants’ Reply Brief in Support of Its Motion to Change Venue (link)
  15 Plaintiff’s Notice Resolving Venue Change (link)
  16 Plaintiff’s Motion for Declaratory Judgment & Notice to Join TRO 12-4-12 (link)
  17 Defendants’ Submission of Proposed Venue Change Order (link)
  18 Order to Change Venue (link)
  19 Defendant’s Response to Ps’ Motion for Dec Judgment & Notice to Join TRO & Affidavit (link)
  20 Defendants Submission of Proposed Order 12-27-12 (link)
  21 Order on Plantiffs’ Motion for Declaratory Judgment & TRO 12-27-12 (link)
  22 Motion Reply for Declaratory Judgment & Notice to Join TRO 12-28-12 (link)
  23 Proposed Order for Declaratory Motion (link)
  24 Order on Plaintiffs’ Motion for Dec Judgment & Notice to Join TRO 1-3-13 (link)
  25 Order Regarding Motions to Dismiss 1-9-13 (link)
  26 Defendants’ Answer and Affirmative Defenses 1-17-13 (link)
  27 Motion for Summary Judgment & Motion to Enjoin Cases (link)
  28 Appeal for Orders Regarding Declaratory Motion & Joiner (link)
  29 Reply to Defendants Answer To TRO Complaint & Motion to Strike 2-1-13 (link)
  30 Motions for Sanctions Against GLA Defendant’ Council 2-1-13 (link)
  31 Motions for Sanctions Against GLA Defendant’ Council 2-1-13 (link)
  32 Defendants’ Response to Plaintiffs’ Motion to Join Cases 2-6-13 (link)
  33 Plaintiffs Motion Reply Re Relief of Orders Regarding Declaratory Motion 2-8-13 (link)
  34 Defendants’ Response in Opposition to Plaintiffs’ Motion for Summary Judgment & Brief in Support of Cross-Motion for Summary Judgment 2-11-13 (link)
  35 Defendants’ Cross Motion for Summary Judgment 2-12-13 (link)
  36 Defendants’ Response in Opposition to Plaintiffs’ Reply to Defendants’ Answer to TRO Complaint & Motion to Strike 2-13-13 (link)
  37 Defendants’ Response in Opposition to Plaintiffs’ Motion for Sanctions Against GLA Defendants’ Council 2-13-13 (link)
  38 Plaintiffs Joinder Motion Response 2-19-13 (link)
  39 Order Ruling on Pending Motions 2-22-13 (link)
  40 Affidavit in Support Summary Judgment Motion Reply & Discovery 2-24-13 (link)
  41 Summary Judgment Motion Replies & Motion for Hearing & Discovery 2-25-13 (link)
  42 Reply for Sanction Motion 3-4-13 (link)
  43 Defendants’ Reply Brief in Support of its Cross-Motion Summary Judgment 3-15-13 (link)
  44 Plaintiffs’ Motion Response for Hearing & Discovery 3-22-13 (link)
  45 Proposed Order Granting Plaintiffs Summary Judgment & Discovery 3-22-13 (link)
  46 Reminder of Summary Judgment Motion 5-24-13 (link)
  47 Order Re-Setting Oral Arguments 5-28-13 (link)
  48 District Court Minutes 5-28-13 (link)
  49 Plaintiffs Oral Summary DV-12-164 6-5-13 (link)
  49a Plaintiffs’ Table of Authorities & Notes DV-12-164 (link)
  50 District Court Minutes 6-5-13 (link)
  51 Defendants’ Motion for Leave to Respond to Plaintiffs’ Oral Summary and Table of Authorities 6-12-13 (link)
  52 Defendants’ Response to Plaintiffs’ Oral Summary & Table of Authorities & Notes 6-12-13 (link)
  53 Partial Response to Defendans’ Motion for Leave Opposing Oral Hearing Docs 6-13-13 (link)
  54 Order on Plaintiffs’ Motion for Summary Judgment & Defendants’ Cross Motions for Summary Judgment 6-19-13 (link)
  55 Rule 60 Relief from Judgment & Motion for Jury Trial 6-24-13 (link)
  57 Order on Plaintiffs’ Rule 60 Relief from Judgment & Motion for Jury Trial 6-26-13 (link)
  58 Plaintiffs’ Notice of Appeal 6-28-13 (link)
  59 Notice of Filing 7-1-13 (link)
  60 Entry of Judgment 7-3-13 (link)
  61 Plaintiffs’ Notice of Appeal 6-28-13 (link)
  62 Notice of Filing Appeal 7-1-13 (link)
  63 Notice of Filing District Court Record 7-26-13 (link)
  64 Notice of Filing District Court file in Supreme Court 8-9-13 (link)
  65 Plaintiffs’ Appellants’ Supreme Court Reply Brief 8-26-13 (link)
  66 Appellees Answer Brief (link)
  67 Plaintiffs’ Appellants’ Supreme Court Reply Brief 10-9-13 (link)
  68 Order – Classified – Five Justice Panel (link)
  69 Chief Justice Mike McGrath delivered the Opinion of the Court (link)
  70 Appellants’ Petition for Rehearing 12-13-13 (link)
  71 Appellees’ Objections to O’Connells’ Petition for ReHearing 12-27-13 (link)
  72 Order – Deny-Petition for Rehearing (link)

  DV-2011-193

  • DV-2011-193 Pro Se Complaint 11-10-2011 (link)
  • DV-2011-193 Stipulated Settlement Agreement (link)