Placement: Resolutions
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
title
Resolution 26-R13, a Resolution of the City of Port St. Lucie, Florida, Authorizing the Administrative Settlement of Non-Covered Claims.
body
Submitted By: Richard Berrios, City Attorney
Strategic Plan Link: The City's Goal of a high-performing city government organization.
Executive Summary (General Business): This Resolution authorizes the City Manager to administratively settle claims that are not otherwise covered through the City’s Risk Management Program, insurance/reinsurance policies, or through its participation in the Treasure Coast Risk Management Program.
Presentation Information: Staff will be available to answer questions should any arise.
Staff Recommendation: Move that the Council complete the motion in the affirmative and approve the Resolution.
Alternate Recommendations:
1. Move that the Council amend the recommendation and complete the motion in the affirmative and approve the Resolution.
2. Move that the Council not approve the Resolution and provide feedback and/or direction.
Background: The City of Stuart, Martin County, St. Lucie County, and the City of Port St. Lucie are participants in and members of the Treasure Coast Risk Management Program, a self-insurance pool and risk management program (“TRICO”).
Issues/Analysis: From time to time the City must defend claims and suits for monetary relief that are not covered and/or excluded from coverage by TRICO, the City’s risk management program, or other City insurance/reinsurance policies (“Non-Covered Claims”). These Non-Covered Claims can often be time-sensitive and may require prompt review and response to avoid the expenditure of City resources on litigation (e.g., employee time and litigation costs). With reasonable settlement authority, fewer claims would have to be presented to the City Council for review and disposition, thereby reducing administrative overhead and streamlining the claims process for these Non-Covered Claims. In sum, if approved, this Resolution is designed to enhance governmental efficiency.
Financial Information: Monetary settlement of Non-Covered Claims are paid out from different budget lines depending on the type of claim and the department(s) at issue in the claim.
Special Consideration: The monetary threshold limit authorized by this Resolution parallels the City Manager’s current spending authority relative to goods and services.
Location of Project: N/A
Business Impact Statement: N/A
Attachments: 1. Resolution
NOTE: All of the listed items in the “Attachment” section above are in the custody of the City Clerk. Any item(s) not provided in City Council packets are available upon request from the City Clerk.
Internal Reference Number: 26028-16
Legal Sufficiency Review:
Reviewed by Richard Berrios, City Attorney. Approved as to Legal form and sufficiency by Richard Berrios, City Attorney.