Sponsor: Board of Commissioners
Title
title
Settlement Agreement in John and Amy Waters v. Ramsey County, et al. (Court File No. 62-CV-23-4037).
end
Recommendation
recommendation
1. Approve the settlement agreement with John and Amy Waters relating to Settlement Agreement in John and Amy Waters v. Ramsey County, et al. (Court File No. 62-CV-23-4037), totaling $875,000.
2. Authorize the Chair and Chief Clerk to execute the settlement agreement.
end
Background and Rationale
body
In May 2019, Ramsey County received a report that Plaintiff Amy Waters caused an injury to one of three foster children placed with Plaintiffs on a pre-adoptive basis. Following the report, Plaintiffs allege they made multiple requests under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (“MGDPA”) for information related to the report and Ramsey County’s criminal and child protection investigations. On August 1, 2023, John and Amy Waters filed a civil action alleging (among other things) that Ramsey County violated the MGDPA on multiple occasions, and that as a result of those violations the three children were removed from Plaintiffs’ home and their ability to adopt the three boys was terminated.
Plaintiffs and Ramsey County, on behalf of itself and its employee named as a defendant in her individual and official capacities, reached a settlement. The Board approved that settlement in a closed session on June 10, 2025.
end
County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☐ Well-being ☐ Prosperity ☐ Opportunity ☒ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
There is no racial equity associated with this request for board action.
Community Participation Level and Impact
There is no community engagement associated with this request for board action.
☒ Inform ☐ Consult ☐ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
The County is self-insured, and the settlement agreement will be paid out of the County’s tort liability fund.
Last Previous Action
On June 10, 2025, the Ramsey County Board met in a closed session to receive advice from and provide direction to the County Attorney’s Office (Resolution B2025-119).
Attachments
1. Settlement Agreement