Farber, principal of Brownstein Hyatt & Farber, says that is not the case. Farber says he simply wants a 30-day delay so the council can better understand the huge agreement that has more than 400 pages of details.

"When we're talking about a 70-year agreement, what difference does another 30 days make?" Farber asks.

Vail Resorts has threatened to sue Intrawest, claiming the agreement with the city over Winter Park may violate a non-compete agreement that stems from a joint venture they're doing at Vail's Keystone Resort.

Intrawest, which plans to invest $99 million in Winter Park over the next decade, and will have a 76-year lease, disagrees with Vail.

Webb says if Vail had a stronger legal position, it wouldn't be trying to derail the deal through lobbying. Several council members, such as Happy Haynes and Cathy Reynolds, agree with the mayor, although councilwoman Deborah Ortega says she will likely vote for the delay.

Farber disagrees with the mayor and his supporters.

"I don't see anything wrong with asking the watchdogs to their job," Farber tells GlobeSt.com. "I would expect the same scrutiny on every deal. Even if I brought them a deal, I'd expect them to look at it carefully."

Farber says he's being straightforward with the city and isn't trying to do anything behind their back.

"I'm telling city council members that if you think this is the right deal, vote for it," he tells GlobeSt.com.

Vail senior vice president Porter Wharton III says it is reasonable to allow lawyers to ask for a delay so they can review the documents to see if Denver is participating in a "contract that is well known to all parties."

But Webb says if Vail thinks it has a strong case, it should allow the city council approve the agreement and then file a lawsuit.

City officials involved with the process say they are convinced that Vail doesn't have a strong legal case, and if Vail chooses to sue, they will be defeated in court.