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Commission authorizes defense in Rainier suit and approves insurance‑funded settlement in separate case
Summary
The commission authorized the city to defend against litigation by Rainier Performance Fibers and approved a $65,000 settlement (city share $20,000) in a separate case with the city's insurance company covering the payment; both votes were unanimous.
City legal staff asked for and received commission authorization on March 18 to defend against a lawsuit filed by Rainier Performance Fibers (company name read into the record). The city attorney said staff had already notified the insurance carrier and were awaiting the carrier's decision on defense counsel assignment; commissioners approved the authorization to defend and pursue insurance coverage.
Separately, the commission approved a settlement in a pending case involving Terry C. Van Beek; staff said the total settlement amount is $65,000 and the city's negotiated share is $20,000, with the insurance company covering that payment so no city general‑fund dollars would be required. The commission approved the settlement unanimously.
Commissioners asked about possible insurance coverage and any implications for future premiums; staff said the carrier had referred coverage questions to a specialist and that formal direction would follow as the carrier evaluated the claim.
