Look in a mirror as you say that.
You betrayed yourself as hypocritical when you said that there IS (not there MIGHT BE) a "reasonable explanation." In the meantime, notice that the city itself is in full damage control, they are bending over backwards to not look intransigent, because they know its not a matter of whether damages will be awarded but how much. Were I the couple's attorney, I would wish the whole city were like calistubborn and the like so that the intransigence factor would be maximized in the eyes of the jury.
Don't bet on it as you might be putting the cart before the horse. I do look at myself in the mirror every morning, and still like what I see, but thanks for your reminder....