passed ordinance

*Pay settlement of Christina Self property damage claim for $26,355 resulting from a motor vehicle collision involving the Portland Police Bureau

public safety
budget finance
claim settlement

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

Impact statement

Purpose & background

This Ordinance settles a property damage claim brought by Christina Self, resulting from a motor vehicle collision in northeast Portland.

Financial impacts

This legislation will have no impact on City revenue. Total cost to the City to settle the claim is $26,355.43. 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 a tort claim resulting from a vehicle 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: Christina Self and their insurer The Hartford have filed a property damage claim against the City for damage resulting from a motor vehicle collision involving the Portland Police Bureau on October 19, 2023. The claim has 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 claim at this time. Risk Management Services and the Portland Police Bureau recommend the claim be compromised for the total sum of $26,355.43, subject to the claimants providing the City with a release in a form to be approved by the City Attorney. NOW, THEREFORE, the Council directs: The Mayor and the Auditor are hereby authorized to draw and deliver a check in the amount of $25,850.25 made payable to Hartford Underwriters Insurance Company, and a second check in the amount of $505.18 made payable to GNS Trust Account OBO Christina Self. Risk Management Services will execute the payments 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 this property damage claim; therefore, this Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage by the Council.

Tally

4 yea 0 nay 1 other