Explanation
Background:
This Ordinance is submitted to settle the lawsuit known as Lashon Sims v. City of Columbus, et al., 2:21-cv-02834 in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, in the amount of fifty thousand dollars and zero cents ($50,000.00). Lashon Sims’ claim arises out of a situation where she was pepper sprayed by officers from the Division of Police, was knocked to the ground, and was injured.
On May 27, 2021, Ms. Sims filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Case No. 2:21-cv-02834, against the City of Columbus and Thomas Quinlan, in which she claimed she was injured after being pepper sprayed and knocked to the ground on May 30, 2020. Specifically, Ms. Sims alleges she underwent a hip and knee replacement as a result.
Fiscal Impact:
Funds were not specifically budgeted for this settlement; however, sufficient monies are available in the Division of Police’s general fund budget for this purpose. This ordinance is contingent upon passage of the 2022 General Fund Budget via Ordinance 2741-2021.
Emergency action is requested for this ordinance to be effective immediately in order for the parties to effectuate the settlement of this lawsuit, which is in the best interest of the City, and to pay the agreed to sum without delay.
Title
To authorize and direct the City Attorney to settle the lawsuit known as Lashon Sims v. City of Columbus, et al. pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio; to authorize the expenditure of the sum of fifty thousand dollars and zero cents ($50,000.00) in settlement of this lawsuit; and to declare an emergency. ($50,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, on May 27, 2021, a lawsuit was filed by Lashon Sims in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Case No. 2:21-cv-02834, against the City of Columbus and Thomas Quinlan in which Ms. Sims claimed she was injured after being pepper sprayed and kn...
Click here for full text