Town settles with Hugelman

The long-standing legal matter between Eric Hugelman v. Town of Mammoth Lakes has been

settled. The case stemmed from an off-duty bar fight at Rusty’s in Bishop. Then-MLPD Chief Randy Schienle subsequently fired Hugelman. Hugelman appealed the dismissal and was reinstated.

This legal suit mostly focused on past compensation and benefits issues.

The settlement includes the full release of all claims against the Town and past employees. The agreement provides for a payment of $215,000 to Hugelman. Payment is shared by the Town and the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (CJPIA), with the Town’s share being $65,000.

The settlement was reached following consultation with the CJPIA’s legal counsel and the Town’s Attorney.

“These types of cases are never simple, and are time consuming and potentially costly,” stated Mayor Pro Tem Jo Bacon. “To have this matter settled and behind us allows the Town to focus our time and resources on higher priorities.Eliminating this distraction from staff, Council and our employee is a positive step and eliminates what has been and would continue to be a long, drawn-out, expensive legal matter.”

The legal action followed the termination of Mr. Hugelman from Town employment in August, 2009. Mr. Hugelman exercised his employee rights and was reinstated following an arbitrator’s finding regarding the termination. The settlement does not imply or state that the Town is at fault or guilty of any wrongdoing.