On or about July 10, 2019, Plaintiff Sandra L. Ortiz filed her lawsuit entitled Sandra L. Ortiz v. City of Houston, Civil Action No.: 4:19-cv-02488 in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division (“Lawsuit”). Plaintiff Sandra Ortiz is currently employed by the Houston Fire Department as a Fire Inspector. She asserts several claims in this case, including an Equal Pay Act claim, hostile work environment, retaliation, and sex discrimination claims. Ortiz’s claims are premised on allegations that she did not receive as much overtime as men, was sexually harassed by a middle manager, and was retaliated against after complaining about overtime and harassment. The City denies all alleged acts raised in her lawsuit. The parties engaged in discovery and the City filed its Motion for Summary Judgment. Prior to ruling on the City’s motion, the Court ordered the parties to participate in mediation. The parties participated in mediation on September 25, 2023. The parties reached an Agreement to resolve the lawsuit and provide for certain payments in full settlement and discharge of all matters of any kind or character whatsoever relating to the Plaintiff’s claims.
The City Attorney recommends that City Council adopt an ordinance approving and authorizing the settlement and release and Plaintiff’s claims against the City of Houston, Texas, by issuing a check to Sandra L. Ortiz and her attorney, Benjamin Foster of Foster Yarborough PLLC, in the amount of $65,000.00.
Fiscal Note:
Funding for this item is included in the FY2024 Adopted Budget. Therefore, no Fiscal Note is required as stated in the Financial Policies.
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Arturo G. Michel, City Attorney
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Estimated Spending Authority
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Department
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Current FY
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Out Year
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Total
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Legal
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$65,000.00
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$0
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$65,000.00
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