Title
Authorizing the Office of the City Attorney to negotiate and settle claims and lawsuits in a dollar amount not to exceed $45,000, without the necessity of a City Council resolution.
Body
WHEREAS, individuals routinely make claims and initiate lawsuits against the City of Saint Paul seeking money for damages arising out of city activities; and
WHEREAS, the Council passed Resolution 97-1411 confirming the authority of the Office of the City Attorney to negotiate and settle claims and lawsuits in a dollar amount not to exceed $7,500 without the necessity of a Council resolution; and
WHEREAS, the Office of the City Attorney has acted prudently and exercised good judgment in settling claims and lawsuits fairly, equitably, and efficiently; and
WHEREAS, the costs and damages associated with claims and lawsuits have increased significantly since the Council passed Resolution 97-1411; and
WHEREAS, the Council believes an increase to the settlement authority of the Office of the City Attorney would improve the ability of the Office of the City Attorney to resolve claims and lawsuits fairly, equitably, and efficiently; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED that the Council does hereby authorize the Office of the City Attorney to negotiate and settle claims and lawsuits in a dollar amount not to exceed $45,000, without the necessity of a Council resolution;
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Office of the City Attorney will provide quarterly reports to the City Council listing all claims and lawsuits settled by the Office of the City Attorney for amounts not exceeding $45,000.