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San Bernardino council reports $1.8 million settlement, authorizes litigation in two receivership cases
Summary
At its July 16 meeting the City of San Bernardino reported two closed-session actions: a $1.8 million settlement of a federal lawsuit and unanimous authority to initiate two receivership lawsuits.
City Attorney (name not specified) told the council in open session that the mayor and council met in closed session and took two reportable actions: authorizing a $1,800,000 settlement in a federal case and granting authority to initiate two receivership lawsuits.
The council disclosed the closed-session outcomes after returning to open session. The City Attorney said the settlement resolves Daniel Felix v. Andrew Saibini et al., United States District Court case number 5:24-cv-01494, and that the settlement motion was moved by Council member Sanchez, seconded by Council member Charette and approved by a 5–1 vote, with Council member Ortiz voting no.
The council also voted unanimously, on a motion by Council member Charette seconded by Council member Sanchez, to authorize the city to initiate litigation in two anticipated receivership cases. The city attorney said details of the receivership cases will be released to the public when the cases are filed.
Why it matters: the settlement will be paid from city funds and was publicly disclosed as required after closed session. The litigation authority permits the city to pursue court action to place property under receivership, a remedy typically used to secure and preserve assets pending resolution of claims.
The council did not discuss further operational details or budget accounting for the settlement in open session. The city attorney's report was limited to the required disclosure of the two reportable closed-session actions.
