Tentative Settlement Reached With Ex-Chief

The City Council has reached a tentative settlement in its legal battle with former Police Chief John Distelrath over his firing in February.

City officials said details of the settlement will not be released until they are final.

“The settlement was agreed upon for business reasons to save the taxpayers the cost of continued litigation, allow the city to move forward with new management and to allow Mr. Distelrath to move on as well,” said a statement issued by the city.

At least one councilman, Michael Touhey, refused to agree to a settlement during a closed-session discussion last week. Touhey said that in general, he did not believe in settling such disputes.

Distelrath was fired based on allegations of conflict of interest. An investigation by the city attorney found that Distelrath had, among other things, hired a business partner as a consultant for the Police Department. Distelrath has denied any wrongdoing.