*Pay settlement of Jorge Bello bodily injury lawsuit for $60,000 involving the Portland Police Bureau
The City of Portland ordains:
Section 1. The Council finds:
- Jorge Bello, through attorney Daniel K Le Roux, has filed a lawsuit against the City for injuries sustained during his arrest by officers of the Portland Police Bureau on August 24, 2020.
- The lawsuit has been investigated by Risk Management Services and the City Attorney’s Office. The investigation indicates there is risk the City may be found liable. Therefore, in order to avoid the risk of an adverse jury award, we feel it is prudent to compromise the lawsuit at this time.
- Risk Management Services recommends the lawsuit be compromised for the total sum of $60,000, subject to the claimant providing the City with a release in a form to be approved by the City Attorney.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Council directs:
- The Mayor and City Auditor are hereby authorized to draw and deliver a check in the amount of $60,000 made payable to Unlawful Termination Lawyers, LLC, Lawyer Trust Account.
- Risk Management Services will execute a payment authorization in the amount 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 bodily injury lawsuit; therefore, this Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage by the Council.
Official Record (Efiles)
An ordinance when passed by the Council shall be signed by the Auditor. It shall be carefully filed and preserved in the custody of the Auditor (City Charter Chapter 2 Article 1 Section 2-122)
Passed by Council
Auditor of the City of Portland
Simone Rede
Impact Statement
Purpose of Proposed Legislation and Background Information
This Ordinance settles a bodily injury lawsuit brought by Jorge Bello, resulting from an encounter with Portland Police officers in north Portland.
Financial and Budgetary Impacts
This legislation will have no impact on City revenue.
Total cost to the City to settle the lawsuit is $60,000. 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 and Community Involvement
This Ordinance settles a lawsuit resulting from an encounter 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.
100% Renewable Goal
This legislation will have no impact on City energy use.
Financial and Budget Analysis
Total cost to the City to settle the lawsuit is $60,000. The source of funding is the City’s Insurance and Claims Fund. All costs of the settlement are in the current fiscal year.