Redemptorists v. Coulthard Services, Inc.

ADKINS, Judge.

In this appeal we are asked to define the scope and effect of a narrowly drafted arbitration provision on a dispute involving multiple overlapping issues, and multiple parties, some of whom are not parties to the agreement to arbitrate. We resolve the appeal by ascertaining that the parties intended to arbitrate only one issue, but recognizing the res judicata effect that arbitration of that issue may have on the overlapping nonarbitrable issues. The issues as to the non-contracting parties should be stayed pending the outcome of the arbitration.

The arbitration clause in…