passed ordinance

*Pay property damage claims of Nikayla Banks for $6,520 and Steven Cameron for $5,821 resulting from a motor vehicle collision involving the Portland Police Bureau

public safety
ordinance

Department: Risk Management
Introduced by: Former Mayor Ted Wheeler
Status: Passed

Impact statement

Purpose & background

This Ordinance settles two property damage claims brought by Nikayla Banks and Steven Cameron, resulting from a vehicle collision in southeast Portland.

Financial impacts

This legislation will have no impact on City revenue. Total cost to the City to settle the claims is $12,341.18. The source of funding is the City’s Insurance and Claims Fund. All cost of the settlement is in the current fiscal year. This Ordinance does not amend the budget.

Community impacts

This Ordinance settles two tort claims resulting from a chain collision involving the Portland Police Bureau. No public involvement or input was sought regarding this Ordinance. The City Attorney’s Office and Risk Management have concluded that it is not appropriate to have public involvement in settlement negotiations regarding tort claims or lawsuits against the City. No future public involvement is anticipated or necessary. Approval by City Council of this Ordinance will fully settle a tort claim against the City of Portland.

▸ Full text (the legislation as adopted)

The City of Portland ordains: Section 1. The Council finds: Nikayla Banks and Steven Cameron, and their insurers State Farm Insurance and Geico Insurance have claims against the City for damages resulting from a motor vehicle collision involving the Portland Police Bureau on January 15, 2023. The claims have been investigated by Risk Management Services. The investigation indicates there is risk the City may be found liable. Therefore, in order to avoid the risk of an adverse jury award, it is prudent to compromise the claims at this time. Risk Management Services recommends the claims be compromised as follows: Nikayla Banks for a total sum of $6,520.45 with the amount of $5,833.88 still due and Steven Cameron for a total sum of $5,820.73. NOW, THEREFORE, the Council directs: The Mayor and Auditor are hereby authorized to draw and deliver a check in the amount of $5,833.88 payable to “Shumsky & Backman as attorneys for State Farm” and a check in the amount of $5,820.73 payable to Geico Insurance. Risk Management Services will execute the payment authorizations in the amounts set forth in sub-paragraph (A) above. Section 2. The Council declares that an emergency exists in order to avoid undue and costly delay in settling these property damage claims; therefore, this Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage by the Council.

Tally

5 yea 0 nay