passed ordinance 2025-128

*Pay settlement of Amber Williams bodily injury claim for $81,589 resulting from a motor vehicle collision involving the Portland Bureau of Transportation

transportation
public safety
claim settlement

Department: Risk Management
Introduced by: Mayor Keith Wilson
Status: Passed

Impact statement

Purpose & background

This Ordinance settles a bodily injury claim brought by Amber Williams, resulting from a motor vehicle collision in southeast Portland.

Financial impacts

This legislation will have no impact on City revenue. Total cost to the City to settle the bodily injury claim is $81,589.05. 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.

Economic impacts

Not applicable.

Community impacts

This Ordinance settles a tort claim resulting from a motor vehicle collision involving the Portland Bureau of Transportation. 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: Amber Williams, through attorney Lance Youd, has filed a bodily injury claim against the City for injuries resulting from a motor vehicle collision involving the Portland Bureau of Transportation on March 28th, 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 Bureau of Transportation recommend the claim be compromised for the total sum of $81,589.05 with the amount of $31,589.05 still due. NOW, THEREFORE, the Council directs: The City Administrator is authorized to settle the lawsuit in the amount of $81,589.05. Section 2. The Council declares that an emergency exists because of the potential for undue and costly delay in settling this bodily injury claim; therefore, this Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage by the Council.

Tally

12 yea 0 nay