Explanation:
Background
This Ordinance is submitted to settle the lawsuit known as Phillip Letten v. City of Columbus, et al., Case No. 2:11 CV 463 in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Eastern Division, in the amount of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00). On May 22, 2010, Mr. Letten was detained and arrested by Officers Spradlin, Yeager, and Konves. In his lawsuit, Mr. Letten claimed false arrest and illegal use of force in violation of the Fourth Amendment, and claimed violation of his First Amendment right to video record in a public place.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funds have not been specifically budgeted for this settlement but are available in the appropriate amount.
Title
To authorize and direct the City Attorney to settle the case of Phillip Letten v. City of Columbus, et al., Case no. 2:11 CV 463 in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Eastern Division; to authorize the expenditure of Fifty Thousand Dollars for the purpose of paying this settlement; and to declare an emergency.
Body
WHEREAS, on May 27, 2011, Mr. Letten filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Eastern Division, Case No. 2:11 CV 463, against the City and Officers Spradlin, Yeager, and Konves, in which he claimed false arrest and the use of illegal force in violation of the Fourth Amendment, and claimed violation of his First Amendment right to video record in a public place.
WHEREAS, in connection with the court-ordered settlement conference, the amount of Fifty thousand and 00/100 dollars ($50,000.00) on Mr. Letten's claims was deemed acceptable by the City of Columbus, along with dismissal of the case with prejudice and a release of the City of Columbus and its employees from any further liability; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the City of Columbus to authorize the City Attorney to enter into this settlement agreement; and
WHEREAS, an emergenc...
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