Chicopee committee approves several winter-related damage claims, postpones others pending more documentation

Summary

The Claims & Accounts Committee approved multiple small claims for pothole and plow-related damage, citing DPW recommendations and a city policy raising the DPW approval cap; several storm-related tow and vehicle claims were denied or continued after committee members cited the mayor's storm advisory and missing documentation.

CHICOPEE — The Chicopee City Claims & Accounts Committee on Wednesday approved several small claims for vehicle and mailbox damage tied to winter potholes and plow operations, while postponing or denying other storm-related claims after debate over a mayoral press advisory and missing evidence.

The committee approved reimbursement for multiple claims recommended by the Department of Public Works, including payments for pothole and mailbox damage. John Boleyer, representing the Department of Public Works, told the committee after on-site review that “we do feel that the city is responsible” for several pothole incidents and that DPW recommended payment at the adjusted cap the City Council set earlier this year.

The approvals covered: a claim filed by Deborah Nato for damage after hitting a chunk of asphalt on Angela Drive (committee approved $600, per the council's new limit); mailbox claims including Michael Gazda ($329), Paul and Andrea Irielt ($270.18), and Michelle Watson ($299); and several vehicle-tire claims, including one from Justin Stratton ($156.03) and a right-front tire claim for 73 Bonneville Avenue ($175.31). Jim Albert’s older pothole claim was also approved after…

Chicopee committee approves several winter-related damage claims, postpones others pending more documentation

Summary

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