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La Porte approves $7,605 settlement for dry-weather sewer backup at 304 Martin Street
Summary
The board approved a $7,605.18 settlement to resolve claims related to a dry-weather sewer backup and approved city practice of covering dry-weather backup cleanup.
The Board of Public Works and Safety approved a settlement of $7,605.18 on Oct. 7 to resolve a claim for a dry-weather sewer backup at 304 Martin Street.
City staff explained that when a sewer blockage during dry weather causes a basement backup, the city has generally covered cleanup costs and related damages; wet-weather backups typically fall under different liability rules. The settlement covers mold remediation ($3,008.03) and other cleanup and property-damage costs; the staff memo and agreement were attached to the meeting record.
“This is a dry weather event where we had a blockage and had a backup into the basement... we've already taken care of cleanup costs and then, then mold became an issue... The amount is for $7,605.18. The mold cleanup is $3,008.03,” a staff member said during the discussion.
Board members asked whether the cause of the blockage had been addressed; staff confirmed the pipe had been cleaned and was in good shape. Staff also said the city recently purchased sewer-inspection equipment, tied into GIS, to better identify and prevent future blockages. A motion to approve the settlement passed during the meeting.
