Attorneys for the city argued that the final vote, on March 8, 2018, should stand. But the judge ruled that the presence of paid actors at an earlier meeting tainted the process.

The proposed judgment was submitted by the plaintiffs on Wednesday.

The plaintiffs said the use of paid actors in meetings aggravated the violations. Judge Piper Griffin ruled for the city in a second, related lawsuit.

The vote on a settlement with company automatically cancels proposed resolutions to repeal the City Council’s March 2018 power plant approval. Plant opponents criticized council members for taking contributions from the company.

In an ongoing lawsuit, plant opponents say a 2015 council resolution shows that the approval of a new plant may have been predetermined. But City Council utility advisers say opponents are misinterpreting the resolution.

A resolution to repeal the City Council’s approval of a $210 million Entergy power plant in eastern New Orleans will be withdrawn. A new resolution will impose a $5 million fine and require cost protections, maintenance requirements.

The council approved the controversial $211 million gas plant in a 6-1 vote last year. But three council members have concluded that an “astroturfing” scandal, uncovered by The Lens, disrupted the process. They’re offering a resolution to repeal the vote.

As City Council considers $5 million fine over paid actor scandal, council members receive letters from charitable groups supported by Entergy.