*Pay settlement of Janet Krasner bodily injury lawsuit for $200,000 involving the Portland Parks & Recreation Bureau
The City of Portland ordains.
Section 1. The Council finds:
- Janet Krasner, through attorney Samuel Pope, has filed a bodily injury lawsuit against the City for injuries suffered involving the Portland Parks & Recreation Bureau on June 26th, 2021.
- 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 lawsuit at this time.
- The City Attorney, Risk Management Services, and Portland Parks & Recreation recommend the lawsuit be compromised for the total sum of $200,000, 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 City Administrator is authorized to settle the lawsuit in the amount of $200,000.
Section 2. The Council declares that an emergency exists because of the potential for 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.
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 Janet Krasner, resulting from a Portland Park’s tree branch falling on property in southeast Portland.
Financial and Budgetary Impacts
This legislation will have no impact on City revenue.
Total cost to the City to settle the lawsuit is $200,000. 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.
Economic and Real Estate Development Impacts
Not applicable.
Community Impacts and Community Involvement
This Ordinance settles a lawsuit resulting from a tree branch failure involving the Portland Parks & Recreation 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
Analysis provided by City Budget Office
This legislation will have no impact on FY 2024-25 City revenues. Total cost to the City to settle the claim is $200,000. The source of funding is the City’s Insurance and Claims Fund. If approved, the cash settlement payment should occur before the end of the fiscal year. This Ordinance does not amend the budget.
Document History
Document number: 2025-126
President's referral: City Council