Council Tables Legal Contract for Lawsuit Against Andriani

The lawsuit between the city and former head of the now-defunct SWAT team is still making its way through the courts, with the city planning to award a year-long contract to attorney Paul Condon. A vote on the $7,000 contract in the law suit against Angelo Andriani, however, was postponed on Wednesday night after council members said they needed more information. 

Andriani was officially suspended without pay in February 2010 after recommendations from a judge. On Jan. 18, 2010, Andriani was arrested in the Tampa Bay Airport after causing a disturbance and allegedly illegally posing as a police officer. Although he had to hand in his gun and his badge when he was suspended, it turned out he kept some old badges, former Hoboken 

In 2008, Andriani—then head of the now defunct SWAT team—was suspended with pay. Andriani was involved in the so-called "Hooters Scandal." Several Hoboken SWAT officers, during a trip to the South were photographed with Hooters waitresses who were holding their guns. 

On Wednesday night, the case came up again. The city is proposing to appeal a decision by the civil service commission. It was unclear on Wednesday night which decision the city is appealing. In 2011, the commission decided to suspend Andriani temporarily rather than permanently.

Interim Corporation Counsel Melissa Longo said she couldn't be more specific about the case. 

The city council unanimously decided they need more information before they could approve the contract. 

"We have no idea what the outcome of this case is," Councilman Michael Russo said. 

The matter will be discussed in a closed session before the council will cast a vote.