The terms of the settlement in the tort claim brought against the city of Crawfordsville, Mayor John Zumer and city council members by former employee Summar Keesee were disclosed Wednesday.

While Zumer is out of town, he did say that he would release a statement on the matter.

Under terms of the settlement, Keesee will receive $20,000.

A separate supplemental agreement was also signed by Zumer and Keesee. This involved mediation through the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Zumer, Keesee and their attorneys.

According to the settlement with the city, the agreement does not constitute an admission by Zumer or the city of any wrongdoing as alleged by Keesee. Further, Zumer agreed that there shall be no discrimination or retaliation of any kind against Keesee as a result of filing this charge.

Zumer agreed to respond in a neutral manner to any reference checks made on Keesee by providing only her dates of employment and positions held to prospective employers.

In turn, Keesee agreed in writing to keep the terms and provisions of the settlement confidential.

Keesee was asked this morning if she believed it was fair that the city could talk about the settlement but she can’t.

"I am not going to talk about that," Keesee said.

Keesee’s attorney Bruce E. Petit of Carmel did not return phone messages Wednesday.

The city council members who were also named in the tort claim reacted mostly with relief at the news of the settlement.

"I am grateful that it is settled," Council President Les Hearson said. "There is never a winner in these situations and it is not good for the community. I think there were some misunderstandings."

Councilman Roger Rockenbaugh agreed. "I am glad it is over and I am no longer a co-defendant. I didn’t know anything that happened or didn’t happen."

"I am glad it is over," Councilman Loran Rutledge said. "It didn’t help anybody."

Councilman Charlie Coons had a different take. "Without being there I do not know what happened," Coons said. "I was raised to believe that right is right and wrong is wrong and there is no in-between. Where does this settlement leave us?

Councilman Dennis Cook said it was just time to move on. "There are so many things in the city that are more important. I believe the city made a business decision to settle at the lowest cost and get it behind us so we can move on. I would rather pick up the paper in the morning and see that we have a new anchor company for the technology park or some other good news instead of dwelling on this."

Councilman Chuck Fiedler said he would have no comment until he read the entire agreement.