*Pay Workers’ Compensation Claims of Paul J. Bieker for $420,000 involving Portland Fire & Rescue
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.
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 workers’ compensation claims brought by Paul Bieker and his surviving spouse, Dorle Bieker, resulting from an occupational disease.
Financial and Budgetary 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 and Real Estate Development Impacts
Not applicable.
Community Impacts and Community Involvement
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.
100% Renewable Goal
This legislation will have no impact on City energy use.
Financial and Budget Analysis
Workers' Compensation claim for occupational disease with exposure dates of November 4, 2022 and March 19, 2023 involving Portland Fire & Rescue. Total cost to the City to settle the claim is $420,000. The source of funding is the City's Workers' Compensation Claims Fund. All costs of the settlement are in the current fiscal year