(a) Fund. There is hereby established a fund, set aside by the City, for the purpose of resolving, settling and litigating claims of all kinds made against the City.
(b) Claims Director. The Finance Director shall also serve as the City Claims Director. All claims against the City, its officers or employees shall be referred to the Claims Director for review and processing.
(c) Defense.
(1) The Director of Law is hereby authorized to defend and act as legal counsel for all complaints, suits and other controversies naming as a party the City, any board or agency of the City or any employee of the City, whether named in their official or individual capacities, so long as they are acting in the scope of their employment.
(2) With respect to any complaint, suit or other controversy naming as a party the City or any of its officers or employees, if the matter is covered by insurance, the Claims Director or the Director of Law is hereby authorized, without the necessity of further action by Council, to refer the matter for defense by insurance counsel. Such insurance defense shall be conducted under the supervision and with the cooperation of the Director of Law.
(3) With respect to any complaint, suit or other controversy being defended by or under the supervision of the Director of Law, such Director may consent to the settlement of any action as follows:
A. He or she may settle any claim under ten thousand dollars ($10,000) with the advice and consent of the Mayor.
B. He or she may settle any claim in excess of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) with the approval of the Mayor and Council.
C. He or she may settle any claim not involving any expenditure of money with the advice and consent of the Mayor and Council.
(Ord. 1986-22. Passed 6-23-86.)