"Victorious"

Did they win?  There was no court case so how could they win?  The petitioners abandoned their claims due to receiving the Mayor's affidavit which finally disclosed what really  happened in the Stecyk sitution.  In reality did the petitioners win as the truth was all they were after?  The City suggested the petitioners pay the costs to date and when the petitioners stated they would proceed to court the City decided to forgo the costs.

Triumphant?  The taxpayers were triumphant as they finally had the Mayor tell the truth of what happened. 

vic·to·ry

1.        a success or triumph over an enemy in battle or war.  

2.        an engagement ending in such triumph: American victories in the Pacific were won at great cost.

3.        the ultimate and decisive superiority in any battle or contest: The new vaccine effected a victory over poliomyelitis.

4.       a success or superior position achieved against any opponent, opposition, difficulty, etc.: a moral victory.  

Was this word meant to mislead the public into thinking Council won this one? What did they win?  What kind of Council makes it necessary for the public to take them to court in the first place?  Could it be this council has little respect for the people they represent and they want to keep proving they do not have to be accountable?