MASON — A tentative settlement has been reached in a former firefighter's sexual harassment lawsuit against ex-Fire Chief Billy Goldfeder and the city.

        Attorneys involved in the settlement declined Tuesday to discuss specific details because the deal has not been filed in U.S. District Court.

Goldfeder

        “I can tell you that it's tentatively settled,” said Ivan Tamarkin, attorney for firefighter Tracy Schatzel. “I'm not allowed to disclose the terms.”

        Mrs. Schatzel, in her lawsuit filed in October, claimed that Mr. Goldfeder subjected her to “a hostile working environment because of her sex” and “deliberately harassed her because she was a woman.”
       

$750K sought

        Mrs. Schatzel, who accused city leaders of failing to take proper action once complaints about Mr. Goldfeder were made, sought more than $750,000 in damages. She declined to comment about the settlement.

        Mr. Goldfeder was out of town Tuesday, and his attorney declined to comment.

        Attorney Gary Becker of Dinsmore & Shohl LLP, which represented Mason in the lawsuit, said the settlement does not need City Council's approval.

        The city's insurance company, Miami Valley Risk Management Association, will make any necessary payouts on behalf of the city and Mr. Goldfeder, said Assistant City Manager Eric Hansen.

        “The provisions of the settlement agreement will be that both sides have agreed to disagree, in essence, that there is no admission of any liability on either the city or the (former) chief's part,” Mr. Becker said.
       

"City prudent'

        Mason Law Director Ken Schneider agreed: “We feel the city did nothing wrong here. The city was very prudent in its handling of the matter. “They handled the matter promptly upon becoming knowledgeable about the facts, circumstances and the allegations, and they took the action necessary,” Mr. Schneider said.

        Mr. Goldfeder resigned Oct. 1 in the midst of a 45-day inquiry commissioned by the city.

        The firefighting veteran was accused of sexually harassing several female firefighters; creating a hostile working environment by screaming and cursing at his officers; and routinely showing favoritism, especially to certain female employees.

Blood donors flood center
Text of President Bush's speech
Can it happen here?
City scenes of carnage and kindness
Clergy: Resist urge for vengeance
Could it ever happen here?
Facts about recent attacks
Famed towers became symbols of inhumanity
Fire led to collapse
Grief, fear take hold as calamity unfolds
Hebrew Union only local college to close
Local lawmakers add voices to chorus
Millions look to Internet for latest news
'Most horrific ... ever'
News can traumatize children
PULFER: Time to show our mettle
Pupils watch history unfold
RADEL: Attacks hit our hearts
Residents cautious after attacks
1,200 stuck at airport
Terrorists' hijackings explode myth that U.S. airports are secure
TV burned images into our collective conscience
Worried motorists make run on gas
Fuller beats Luken in primary
Voter turnout low following attacks
Byrd's execution delayed til Oct. 8
Carthage man pleads not guilty in wife's slaying death
Competency ruling delayed in Bryant case
CPS considers evening out money among its schools
Firefighter settles harassment suit
Reigniting the Comet spirit
UC hopes new logo serves as brand aid
Witness: Landfill costly to develop into home lots