To: Board of County Commissioners
Through: Ronald Carl, County Attorney
Prepared By:
prepared
Ben Swartzendruber, Sr. Assistant County Attorney
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Subject:
title
Approval of a resolution authorizing settlement of Lateef Akolade litigation
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Purpose and Request:
recommended action
The County received a Notice of Claim and later litigation filed by claimant Lateef Akolade related to a motor-vehicle accident that occurred on January 31, 2023. This BSR and the accompanying resolution seek the Board’s formal approval of the settlement the parties agreed to in principle and as previously discussed with the Board.
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Background and Discussion: On January 31, 2023, claimant was driving a vehicle headed eastbound on Iliff Avenue near the intersection of South Idalia Street. At the same time, an Arapahoe Deputy Sheriff was traveling westbound on Iliff. The Deputy turned left toward southbound Idalia Street, resulting in a collision with claimant’s vehicle. Based on the available evidence, the County may be found liable for the accident. With the Board’s blessing, the parties’ counsel negotiated an agreement in principle on the terms of a settlement, subject to formal approval by the Board.
Alternatives: If the Board rejects the settlement, claimant’s litigation will proceed, and the County could risk judgment being entered in claimant’s favor in excess of the settlement amount.
Fiscal Impact: The County will be required to pay the settlement amount agreed to by the parties that was previously discussed with the Board.
Alignment with Strategic Plan:
☒Be fiscally sustainable
☒Provide essential and mandated service
☒Be community focused
Concurrence: Risk Management concurs with this request.
Resolution: A draft resolution is included.