Explanation
This ordinance will authorize the City Attorney to settle a claim on behalf of the Division of Police. On December 2, 2005, Thurston Taylor was involved in an automobile accident at the intersection on Lockbourne Road and Watkins Road with a vehicle owned by the City of Columbus and operated by an employee of the Division of Police. The driver of the City owned vehicle was found to be at fault according to the Sgts. report of December 20, 2005 and as specified in Section IV, A2 of the Fleet Safety Manual, which states, "Operator of vehicle in vilolation of a traffic ordinance." This settlement is being offered to reimburse Mr. Taylor for his medical expenses, pain and suffering.
Fiscal Impact - There is sufficient appropriation within the Police Divisions 2007 Operating Budget to accommodate the expenditure.
Title
To authorize the City Attorney to settle a claim against the Department of Public Safety, Division of Police, to authorize the expenditure of Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000.00) and to declare an emergency. ($30,000.00).
Body
WHEREAS, following investigation and an evaluation of the claim, the parties have reached an agreement to settle this matter for the total amount of Thirty Thousand Dollars in exchange for a release of the City and its employees from any further liability, and
WHEREAS, settlement of this matter was deemed to be acceptable by the Division of Police, and to be in the best interest of the City and,
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Public Safety, Division of Police in that it is immediately necessary to appropriate and expend funds to pay this settlement so the Division can meet its obligation to the injured party; now therefore
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS
SECTION 1. That the City Attorney be and hereby is authorized and directed to settle all claims against the City of Columbus, its officers, agents and employees brought against it as a result of an accident involving our employee, Dirk C. Russell, on December 2, 2005, by payment of Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000.00) as a reasonable and fair amount and in the best interst of the City of Columbus.
SECTION 2. That for the purpose of paying this settlement, there be and hereby is authorized to be expended by the Department of Public Safety, Division of Police, from, Dept./Div 3003 General Fund 010, object level (1) 05, object level (3) 5563, OCA 301382, the sum of Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000.00).
SECTION 3. That the City Auditor be and is hereby authorized to draw a warrant upon the City Treasurer upon receipt of a voucher and release approved by the City Attorney in the total amount of $30,000.00, payable to Thurston Taylor and his attorney Keith Shepardson.
SECTION 4. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor, or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.