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Norwich council approves $50,000 settlement in Baptiste suit, denies officer liability
Summary
Under suspension of the rules the Norwich City Council approved a proposed $50,000 settlement in John Baptiste’s suit against Officer Ryan Froelich, with a provision of no admission of liability and conditioned on a general release and dismissal with prejudice.
The Norwich City Council voted unanimously July 6 to approve a proposed $50,000 settlement in litigation filed by John Baptiste against Officer Ryan Froelich.
The clerk read a resolution that said the settlement was reached as part of discussions for settlement purposes and that the payment would be made with a proviso that there would be no admission or finding of liability on the part of Officer Froelich. The resolution conditions payment on execution of a general release and dismissal of the suit with prejudice.
Council members added the resolution to the agenda under suspension of the rules and then approved it on a 7-0 roll call. The council had earlier gone into executive session to discuss the pending litigation; the vote to enter executive session referenced Connecticut General Statutes §1‑200(6)(B). The council recorded that no votes were taken during the closed session.
The resolution notes the city’s insurer provided a defense to the police officers and that the insurer and the city’s attorneys participated in settlement discussions; the transcript names attorneys assigned to the case and a pro bono counsel appointed to represent Mr. Baptiste. According to the resolution as read, attorney Andrew Glass and counsel for the city recommended approval of the settlement.
The council’s action approves the settlement amount and the release condition; the resolution directs that payment be made consistent with the terms and that the suit be dismissed with prejudice once the release is executed.
