Shelby Officials Trade Barbs Over Towing Lawsuit (VIDEO)

Emotions ran high at Tuesday's Shelby Township board of trustees meeting as Treasurer Michael Flynn spoke at length about the "ethical questions" raised by Trustee Nick Nightingale's presence on the board given his family's active lawsuit against the township.

"While I can understand how Mr. Nightingale feels he has been wronged, I cannot understand how anyone can ethically serve and sue simultaneously," Flynn said.

Nightingale Services Inc., Shelby Township’s former towing contractor, filed a federal lawsuit against the township and five board members in June 2012, claiming their contract was cancelled as punishment for the business owners spearheading recall efforts against several township officials.

Shelby Township attorney Rob Huth interrupted Flynn about one minute into his statements to object to discussion of what remains pending litigation.

"You're going to finish, you're going to do what you want, and I'm going to say for the record that I don't think you should be talking about the lawsuit," advised Huth.

Nightingale defended his position on the board with the reminder that the lawsuit was filed prior to his campaign and election to the office of township trustee.

"I was very transparent with the residents," Nightingale said. "I did not mislead anyone. I was not unethical."