UPDATED: Lisa Tilton Awarded $250,000 in Lawsuit Settlement With Galloway Township
She will not be permitted to seek re-employment with the township.
Former Galloway Township Clerk Lisa Tilton will receive $250,000 as part of her settlement with the township, according to the agreement released by the township on Monday, Jan. 7.
There is no admission of guilt in the agreement, as the township denies Tilton was ever subjected to a hostile work environment, intimidation or retaliation, as she claimed in her lawsuit.
Tilton agreed to the dismissal with prejudice, meaning her claims will forever be barred. She indemnifies the township on various counts, and will be held responsible for any taxes that result from the agreement.
According to the agreement, Tilton will receive her settlement through the Indian Harbor Insurance Company within 30 days of the execution of the agreement.
The township agrees to provide a letter of recommendation to future employers, provided that request is sent to the township manager. The township is not to be held responsible for the result of any inquiries directed by Tilton to any other township employee or representative.
Tilton is not permitted to apply for employment or re-employment with the Township of Galloway. She also can't enter into any contract in which she would exchange her services for monetary gain from the township.
In her lawsuit, Tilton had been seeking reinstatement to her position, with back pay and benefits, among other judgments. Tilton didn't specify a monetary amount in the lawsuit, despite three prior tort claim notices for $3 million each, filed against Galloway.
There is no confidentiality order for either side in the agreement.
If either side finds any dispute with the contract, the sides will once again appear before Judge John J. Keefe Sr., and, if necessary, go back into mediation prior to a lawsuit being filed. However, this doesn’t mean any of the parties involved necessarily waive legal rights, including the right to file a future lawsuit. The cost of the mediator would be shared by all parties involved.
A portion of the agreement was redacted in its release to the media, concerning the removal and possible destruction of unspecified records.
The details of the agreement were released nearly one month after the township passed a resolution to enter into the agreement. However, signatures were needed from former Township Manager Steve Bonanni, former Councilman Dennis Kleiner and representatives from the Atlantic County Joint Insurance Fund (JIF) before it could be fully executed. According to Township Clerk Thalia C. Kay, the township received the final copy, fully executed, on Friday.
The agreement was released on Monday.
“With the various aspects of litigation promising to continue for many years, this resolution allows me to put an end to a costly dispute and achieve closure,” Tilton said in a statement made via email. “Although no settlement can replace the pride and unique experiences afforded by my former employment as the Township Clerk, I am very satisfied with the outcome of this matter. During the nearly 10 years I was employed by Galloway, I was blessed to serve the community in which I was a longtime resident; it is indeed a special place filled with kind and engaging citizens who care deeply about their community. I was also blessed to work with many truly caring and devoted dedicated public servants and extend my thanks and gratitude to them, as well as to so many other friends and family members whose unwavering support during this time in my life opened my eyes to the true meaning of loyalty and friendship. With the settlement now finalized, I am excited to move forward both personally and professionally and look forward to returning to a career in public service."
While Tilton was satisfied with the agreement and looked forward to the future, Kleiner believed the recently released details would clarify the situation in the eyes of the residents.
“People should see that she was lying about everything and she got what she wanted, which was a payday,” Kleiner said, adding that the fact that she settled and the amount she settled for don’t seem like the actions of someone “who was treated as badly as she said she was treated.”
“Why not just go for the $3 million. If this doesn’t open most people’s eyes, I don’t know what will.”
Kleiner added that “95 percent of what she said would’ve easily been disproved in court.”
“The township settled because they would’ve had to pay $600,000-$700,000 in attorney’s fees, so they settled and basically paid her legal fees with no admission of guilt,” Kleiner said. “They saved the taxpayers half a million or more. … Everything I’ve been saying is validated.”
Bonanni could not be reached for comment, and his attorney was unavailable for comment on Monday.
Tilton filed the lawsuit in May, and was seeking a rescindment of the Settlement Agreement and Release agreed to on July 18. She claimed that agreement was later violated by the township.
The agreement released on Monday specifies that the July 18 agreement remains fully intact. However, it also specifies that in the event of any inconsistencies between that agreement and the most recent agreement, the most recent agreement is the superseding agreement.
Additionally, if any aspect of the most recent agreement is declared invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that part of the agreement becomes invalid, and the rest of the agreement remains fully intact.
Tilton claimed her suspension and later dismissal were the result of a vendetta Bonanni and Kleiner.
Former Township Solicitor Michael Blee was also named in the suit, as it relates to the release of Tilton’s personal information in an Open Public Records (OPRA) request from a third party not involved in the dispute.
Bonanni resigned as township manager on Jan. 31 of this year. Kleiner resigned from council effective June 25. Blee was appointed to the position of Superior Court judge earlier this year, resulting in his resignation as township solicitor.
Each man had his own attorney in the matter. Blee was not part of this settlement.
Kleiner said he used his own attorney because since he resigned from council on June 25, he’s had no communication with the other members of council, the Atlantic County Joint Insurance Fund (JIF) or the township manager.
“I wanted to make sure my interests weren’t sold short,” Kleiner said.
Kleiner said he would have liked to have gone to court, but that he feels vindicated. He also said he feels no ill will toward Tilton.
“I hope she can move on and make a career for herself,” Kleiner said.
The full list of defendants in the case included: the Township of Galloway; former Township Manager Steve Bonanni, in his individual and official capacity; former Councilman Dennis Kleiner; former Township Solicitor Michael Blee, in both his capacity with the township and the law offices of Michael Blee; Mayor Don Purdy, in his individual and official capacity; Deputy Mayor Tony Coppola, in his individual and official capacity; current council members Tom Bassford, Jim Gorman, Dennis Kleiner; Brian Tyrrell and Whitney Ullman, each in their individual and official capacities; Township Clerk Thalia Kay, in her official capacity; Registrar of Vital Statistics Carol Hackney, in her official capacity; and former Acting Township Clerk Karen Bacon, in her official capacity.
In the lawsuit, Tilton touted her “exemplary employment” as a member of the township prior to the appointment of Bonanni as Township Manager in January, 2011.
As of Nov. 25, 2011, Tilton would’ve been up for reappointment and thus been eligible for tenure.
She alleged Kleiner had threatened this reappointment because, as a member of the Planning Board, she didn’t vote in favor of his preferred choice of engineering firm.
She claimed that, following a meeting with Bonanni and Blee, an investigation was conducted into the matter. She claimed that although her allegations were substantiated, no action was taken against Kleiner.
She also claimed Bonanni subjected her to numerous and substantial sexually explicit comments, including comments about her body, her clothes and requests to engage in an extramarital affair.
She claims that Bonanni asked her to withdraw an OPRA request she filed against the Atlantic County Board of Elections. He then told her she was not allowed to have contact with any members of council, she said, calling the command unconstitutionally overbroad on its face and as applied.
She says he asked council members to sign an acknowledgement of this policy, and although many members of council declined to sign, none attempted to prevent Bonanni from disciplining her.
She alleges Bonanni subjected to her to three disciplinary actions between May 24 and June 10 for “pre-textual reasons.”
She claimed she was told if she didn’t resign from Planning Board, her five-day suspension would become a termination of her employment. She then resigned.
Shortly after the lawsuit was filed, the township filed a request to narrow the charges, and clarify which charges applied to which defendant in the case. Those charges were narrowed, but the sides entered into settlement talks before the township issued its response.
Tilton also filed tort claim notices against Atlantic County, the Atlantic County Board of Elections and Middle Township. The Middle Township tort was filed recently. She claims Middle Township discriminated against her in its hiring process for a new deputy clerk.
A copy of the agreement is attached to the story as a PDF.
This is a developing story. Check back with Galloway Patch for updates.
Keep Galloway Green
4:04 pm on Monday, January 7, 2013
Anthony...How much are the individual parties paying Tilton in the Lawsuit?....Are you saying Bonanni ...Kleiner & others are paying 0 in the Tilton settlement?....And people that were getting sued...Purdy...Coppola & others voted to let Indian Harbor pay for their misdeeds & let Galloway taxpayers pay the settlement? Sounds awful corrupt to me. Maybe you could make a list of how much each person is paying?....Would that be Purdy - 0.....Coppolla -0....Bonnani - 0....Kleiner - 0...Bassford - 0...Ulhman - 0....Gorman - 0....Tyrell - 0 ?....All others - 0?...So the guilty parties will cause Galloway insurance to go up. I would like to see a list of all the parties & how much they are paying?....Can you do that Anthony?
smithvillian
4:09 pm on Monday, January 7, 2013
So....let me get this straight...and I quote.....
"There is no admission of guilt in the agreement, as the township denies Tilton was ever subjected to a hostile work environment, intimidation or retaliation, as she claimed in her lawsuit."
Our town officials just gave away a quarter of a million dollars...plus the lawyer fees for everyone major player indicated in this suit....for nothing? Really..??..no admission of guilt? What does Steve Bonanni have on these guys that gets them to go to bat for him...it's shameful. People of Galloway you've been done dirty.
Keep Galloway Green
4:31 pm on Monday, January 7, 2013
The whole thing is a crime against Galloway Taxpayers. Hey Anthony...How much were Galloways legal fees? Which the taxpayers get stuck for. Purdy & 5 council people should be indicted for this!
Michael Guenther
4:48 pm on Monday, January 7, 2013
Isn't a non admission of guilt fairly standard legal practice for these sort of things?
ke in sedlak
4:52 pm on Monday, January 7, 2013
R u kidding me? They did nothing wrong and ms tilton was paid $250K. I dont think the taxpayers are that stupid. These individuals should be paying taxpayers back for their lack of professionalism. Bonani should be stripped of his retirement and put in jail. I know if i did what he did. I wouldnt be li ing in florida on a galloway pension. Bet our taxes go up to boot. This is an outrage and insult to galloway taxpayers. All these people should resign and pay the piper. The taxpayers did nothing wrong but are getting the bohica again
Our_Town
5:06 pm on Monday, January 7, 2013
Seriously? Every settlement agreement has a no admission of guilt. Thats what you pay for!!! Galloway taxpayers bought these guys a get out of jail free card for $250,000. Your elected officials think you are stupid enough to believe they did nothing wrong but payed that much money. They will probably say it was all done so they didnt incur more legal costs .....BS
Harry Scheeler
6:01 pm on Monday, January 7, 2013
Legal costs were close to $250,000 total according to bills added up from OPRA requests.
Harry Scheeler
6:07 pm on Monday, January 7, 2013
Tiltion settlement, $250,000 legal costs $250,000. Then we have the Smith settlement of $250,000 plus legal costs. Galloway is bleeding cash due to lawsuits caused by their officials. The tax payers are out the money and the officials are still there. What's wrong with this picture?
Ron Schreiber
6:23 pm on Monday, January 7, 2013
and not a thing was done .they skate ...what a joke this is ....wake up people ..this is "Main Street'
Charles Michel
6:33 pm on Monday, January 7, 2013
Someone did something wrong , was it tilton ? Was it a elected official ? Some one cost us a lot . The other board members know or should have known what was going on ,that's their job to look out for us . How about a reporter look in to this and get statements from all of them ?
Don G
6:34 pm on Monday, January 7, 2013
Harry hits the nail on the head as usual!
Kleiner vindicated? LOL
How is Kleiner completely vindicated? Didn't Tilton have a settlement agreement already with the Township that released them of any claims prior to July 18th? So essentially, the Township paid $250,000 for actions since then. Didn't Kleiner sit at a public meeting and publicly defame Tilton and yet, he continues in his comments here. Yea Right Kleiner, you really feel vindicated! I guess your resignation from Council also vindicated you. The rumor in town hall is that those that had their own lawyers had them because the insurance company wouldnt defend the claims because they acted outside of their scope. Looks like they are more guilty then ever now and maybe got off light because of that July 18th agreement.
Keep Galloway Green
7:29 pm on Monday, January 7, 2013
Kleiner says "They saved the taxpayers half a milion or more"....No!...Mayor & Council COST the taxpayers a $250,000 settlement & $250,000 legal fees ( according to Harry) . The logic of corrupt politicians is mind boggling. Indian Harbor should not pay for the mistakes of Bonanni....Kleiner & others. This settlement is just like the Langford/Marsh settlement. Purdy & Council should have never voted on it. Purdy used Galloway $$$$ & insurance to settle a case that was against individuals. Corruption at it's best.
Harry Scheeler
7:54 pm on Monday, January 7, 2013
Bonanni is the main cause of this mess and he is off Scott free with his tax payer funded pension and sick time payout. While he is living the good life in FL with his ladies of the night everyone in galloway pays the bill.
1776
8:01 pm on Monday, January 7, 2013
$500,000 for legal fees and settlement? That is an admission of guilt.
1776
8:03 pm on Monday, January 7, 2013
Dennis sounds like he hasn't done the "funky cold Madina" in a VERY long time lol
Concerned GT Resident
8:26 pm on Monday, January 7, 2013
“The township settled because they would’ve had to pay $600,000-$700,000 in attorney’s fees, so they settled and basically paid her legal fees with no admission of guilt,” Kleiner said. “They saved the taxpayers half a million or more. … Everything I’ve been saying is validated.”
Hey Kleiner, how much did your personal attorney cost you? Didn't you have to get your our attorney because the Township wouldn't cover certain charges against you? I'm sure before you speak you should know there are documents out there that show that. Care to revise your comment?
smithvillian
8:31 pm on Monday, January 7, 2013
Harry.....I know you're out of the Galloway watchdog biz BUT what is the status of all the info that was sent to the Attorney General. IIRC...wasn't there plenty that warranted an investigation? This should not be the end of the road for Steve Bonnani. He is small government cancer...a slow growing speck that if not detected...turns into a dangerous terminal mass....and here we are...where do we go from here.
Don
9:02 pm on Monday, January 7, 2013
First they were in court because of the claim that it was violated and no longer valid which is why she was suing for all of the "harassment" now there is your LOL
Second Kleiner moved outside of Galloway hence his resignation.
Third if the JIF was not covering any of the accused it would have been part of a document or closed session meeting ( let's see if Harry finds that) I bet not. Shoot if you had to trust that council and in that I mean Don (the Teflon Don) Purdy I don't Blaim them.
Fourth so how do you explain the settlement? Tilton said "With the various aspects of litigation promising to continue for many years, this resolution allows me to put an end to a costly dispute and achieve closure,” . so here is the question why would she care how long it went and the cost if she was honest about what had transpired and a Lawyer working for a fee shift outside of a settlement if they won?
Instead she settles for 250k - 38% taxes - lawyer fees= a whole lot less tan 3 mil! She'll be lucky to see 100k.
Green and concerned GT he was obviously referring to bringing it to court ( which he stated he wanted) and that would have cost an additional 600k above what they had already paid just to win the case. We're they getting that back from Tilton? No! they could have gone to court to win but my guess they put pride aside and paid her again to leave. Yes they settled to save money (Lawyer fees).
Lisa Tilton
9:28 pm on Monday, January 7, 2013
Don: Since you know so much, find my number and give me call!
Concerned GT Resident
9:45 pm on Monday, January 7, 2013
Mr. Don you are really not informed. If Kleiner wasn't ousted by the JIF and set out to sunset on his own, than why did he have to sign the agreement on his own? Why did Bonanni have to sign the agreement on their own if this was an all encompassed settlement with the Township. Also, did you not realize this is a Plaintiff lawsuit? The Township really doesn't have a say to settle when the insurance company is paying the bill. At lastly, if Kleiner wanted this to go to trial, he could have taken his own claims that the Township didn't cover and could have finished the lawsuit outside of the Township with Tilton. He didn't. Sorry Mr. Kleiner, but the 'I wanted to go to court", isn't go to fly here since YOU decided to settle.
Don
9:10 pm on Monday, January 7, 2013
Brian McCoyle you haven't stated one thing on this site that has been proven rite yet. If Tilton was so innocent then I guess Kliener and Bonani would be in court separate from this settlement, but as I'm sure you know (or maybe you don't) truth is the ultimate defense against slander. I don't really think he is or was too concerned about Tilton and her accusations (aka lies). People with a brain in their head can see this for what it is.
Why again was Hartman left out and Tryell who was not even part of the council left in?
Michael Doe
10:58 pm on Monday, January 7, 2013
Everyone on here has no idea of the type of person Lisa Tilton. I know first hand as she has not only helped me but my family as well. I find it highly insulting that you have a ex councilman screaming she is a liar and only wanted money. I have know Lisa for many years. Money is the last thing on her mind. For a woman who has been on unemployment, barely making enough to survive on her own, still gives back with the little money she has to people who need it. She has helped my family and other families as well. She would come to my house with groceries for my family even though she didn't have money to feed herself. Mr. Kleiner, it disgusts me to hear you say those things about her. You don't even know her. You should be apologizing for your comments as they are disrespectful, not only to her, but to other people as well that know her. Your comments are not consistent with saying you have no ill will towards her. I do not know much about the lawsuit and I care not know, but I know the individual in Lisa, as you have stated some horrible comments about her that you should be ashamed of and apologizing for.
Samantha Siang
9:27 am on Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Only in Galloway. Sure glad I moved! Good for Lisa Tilton. The low life Bonanni skates to FLA and doesn't pay for his actions but Galloway's taxpayers will pay higher insurance premiums unless someone cleans house in this little Peyton Pl.
Shawn G
9:37 am on Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Just someone trying to get a free ride. Sue for 3 mill and see what i can get! Pathetic
rich price
10:12 am on Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Michael Doe,I do agree with your opion about Liza Tilton,she was also a dedicated hard worker and performed her job well.My main concern is that everyone that has a concern about this case and the way our government is functioning should come out during council meetings and voice their opions so that everyone can hear what you have got to say.Come out of the closset and say what you got to say,stop hiding behind a foney name.If you have a question this is the time to bring it out.There are a few of us that attend every council meetings,and if there is something that should be discussed we make it known.We all welcome your opinion,please come out tonight at 6:30
Anthony Bellano
12:58 pm on Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Reminder, there is no meeting tonight. The next council meeting is scheduled for Jan. 22, 6:30 p.m. at the municipal complex, 300 East Jimmie Leeds Road.
Keep Galloway Green
10:31 am on Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Galloway should sue Kleiner & Bonnanni & whoever was responsible for the Tilton Payout. Galloway should recover That $325,000 ($75,000 & $250,000 legal fees according to Harry) from Kleiner & Bonnanni & whoever caused it. The Taxpayers did not cause this. If Mayor & Council are representing the Taxpayers...they should sue to recover this $$$$. That would be plenty of $$$ to keep a Post Office in Galloway!