Approval of participation agreement on behalf of the City of Fort Pierce as required under Resolution 21-R44 and as part of the potential settlement of Opioid Litigation. 

On August 2, 2021, the City Commission passed Resolution 21-R44 approving participation in the settlement of a nationwide class action lawsuit against the makers and distributors of certain opioid drugs. The next step in the settlement process is the execution of participation agreements. The participation agreements release all claims against the settling defendants in exchange for the payment of settlement funds. Such funds will be distributed to Fort Pierce in accordance with regional and statewide agreements. On December 6, 2021, the City Commission approved participation agreements negotiated between the State of Florida and multiple defendants who either manufactured or distributed opioid drugs. Since then, the State of Florida has settled additional claims against Endo Health Solutions Inc. and Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc. The proposed participation agreement would allow Fort Pierce to receive settlement funds generated by the aforementioned State of Florida/Endo Agreement. 

Approval. 

Disapproval of the participation agreement. 

Tanya Earley, City Attorney

Nicholas Mimms, City Manager