Explanation
This ordinance is submitted to settle the lawsuit known as Heather Hedges-Large v. City of Columbus, pending before the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Case No. 17 CV 7245, in the amount of seventy-eight thousand, eight hundred thirteen dollars and sixty-five cents ($78,813.65). Ms. Hedges-Large was an employee of the Department of Public Safety, Division of Police. Ms. Hedges-Large filed a complaint alleging disability discrimination with the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas.
Funds were not specifically budgeted for this settlement; however, sufficient monies are available in the Department of Public Safety, Division of Police General Fund Budget to pay the amount of this claim.
Title
To authorize and direct the City Attorney to settle the case of Heather Hedges-Large v. City of Columbus, pending before the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas; to authorize the expenditure of $78,813.65 in payment of the settlement; and to declare an emergency. ($78,813.65)
Body
WHEREAS, Ms. Hedges-Large filed a complaint in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas alleging she was constructively discharged from her employment, that the City refused to accommodate her when it refused to reasonably modify her work schedule and refused to place her in open, posted internal positions, and that the City intentionally discriminated against her because of her disability; and
WHEREAS, following the evaluation of the claims and the risk of continued litigation of the claims against the City of Columbus, a settlement in the amount of seventy-eight thousand, eight hundred thirteen dollars and sixty-five cents ($78,813.65) to be paid by the City, was deemed acceptable by the City of Columbus, Department of Public Safety, 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, sufficient funds are available within the Department of Public Safety’s Division of Polic...
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