Explanation
Background:
This Ordinance is submitted to settle any and all claims related to the lawsuit known as Vernon Saulsbery v. City of Columbus, pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Case No. 2:24-cv-1425, in the amount of One Hundred and Twenty Thousand Dollars and Zero Cents ($120,000.00). Mr. Saulsbery’s claims relate to recording taken of Mr. Saulsbery during the course of an administrative investigation while Mr. Saulsbery was employed by the City and claims the City discriminated against Mr. Saulsbery because of his age. Mr. Saulsbery filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio alleging the City violated state and federal wiretap laws by recording him and discriminated against Mr. Saulsbery because of his age and this settlement is to avoid further litigation of such claims.
Fiscal Impact:
Funds were not specifically budgeted for this settlement; however, sufficient monies are available within the Street, Construction, Maintenance and Repair Fund, Fund 2265. Supplemental appropriation is necessary.
Emergency action is requested for this ordinance to be effective immediately in order for the parties to effectuate the settlement of Mr. Saulsbery’s claims against the City, which is in the best interest of the City, and to pay the agreed to sum without delay thereby mitigating any potential claim of further liability.
Title
To authorize and direct the City Attorney to settle the lawsuit known as Vernon Saulsbery v. City of Columbus, Case No. 2:24-cv-1425, pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio; to appropriate funds within the Street, Construction, Maintenance and Repair Fund; to authorize the expenditure of the sum of One Hundred and Twenty Thousand Dollars and Zero Cents ($120,000.00) in settlement of the lawsuit; and to declare an emergency. ($120,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, Vernon Saulsbery was employed by the City of Co...
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