passed ordinance

*Pay Workers’ Compensation Claims of Paul J. Bieker for $420,000 involving Portland Fire & Rescue

public safety
ordinance

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

Impact statement

Purpose & background

This Ordinance settles workers’ compensation claims brought by Paul Bieker and his surviving spouse, Dorle Bieker, resulting from an occupational disease.

Financial impacts

This legislation will have no impact on City revenue. Total cost to the City to settle these claims is $420,000. The source of funding is the City’s Workers’ Compensation Claims Fund. All cost of the settlement is in the current fiscal year. This Ordinance does not amend the budget.

Economic impacts

Not applicable.

Community impacts

This Ordinance settles workers’ compensation claims resulting from an occupational disease involving Paul Bieker. No public involvement or input was sought regarding this Ordinance. 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: Paul J. Bieker and his estate filed Workers’ Compensation Claims with the City for occupational disease with exposure dates of November 4, 2022, and March 19, 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 decision, it is prudent to compromise the claims at this time. Risk Management Services and the City Attorney recommend the claims be compromised for the total sum of $420,000, subject to Bieker and his estate 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 $420,000 made payable to Bieker’s attorneys: Bennett Hartman Client Trust Account. Risk Management Services will execute a payment authorization in the amount set forth in subparagraph A. Section 2. The Council declares that an emergency exists in order to avoid undue and costly delay in settling these workers’ compensation claims; therefore, this Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage by the Council.

Tally

5 yea 0 nay