Seneca agrees to $250 thousand payment

After meeting privately with the city attorney, Seneca’s elected leaders Thursday night approved a motion to pay $250 thousand dollars to the plaintiffs in the case brought by the parents of the late Zachary Hammond.  Mayor Pro tem Ronnie O’Kelley’s motion included the proviso that the offer is contingent on a covenant in which the parties promise “not to execute against the city’s property and subject to the approval of the court.”  The contingent part of the action was something that was stressed by both Greg Dietterick, city administrator, and Eric Bland, attorney for Hammond’s parents.  Dietterick said, “Court approvals are still required.  We can’t make any comment at this time.  After approval is over a joint statement can be made.”  Bland issued  this statement, “Attorneys for the Plaintiff and the Defendants in the Hammond litigation issue this joint statement. “There has been some erroneous reporting on this litigation this evening. There is no global settlement or resolution of the litigation at this time. Following an Executive session, Seneca’s city council merely voted to approve a payment that might resolve part of the litigation. No overall agreement has been reached.  And, as to all component parts of any settlement in this case, court approval is required.  Neither the attorneys nor their clients will have any further comment until next Wednesday.”