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Residents urge Oshkosh to act after January water main break left sewage, silt in basements
Summary
Residents described sewage and silt flooding in basements after a Jan. 11 water main break and said claims filed with the city have had limited follow-up; the city clerk said claims were received recently and an insurance representative assignment was mentioned.
Several residents told the Oshkosh Common Council on Feb. 25 that a Jan. 11 water main break left sewage and silt in multiple basements and that claim follow-up from city staff and the city’s insurer has been slow.
Resident Lynn Phil (identified as speaking for neighbors) described sewage, silt and contaminated water in basements and detailed restoration costs. Phil said restoration for her basement cost just under $6,000 for extraction and antimicrobial treatment and that other homes had larger bills. She said residents had been directed to file claims with the city but had not received timely follow-up and that one insurance representative assigned to the city’s claim handling is named Doug Dudley.
City response: The city clerk said the claims were received “yesterday” (as of the Feb. 25 meeting) and that the city’s insurer representative (Doug Dudley) would be asked to contact claimants. The clerk and assigned staff followed up during the meeting to confirm Dudley would be asked to reach out to the residents. Other speakers confirmed claims were filed and that city staff had not previously contacted them.
Why it matters: Residents said the break caused significant property damage and emotional distress. They asked the council and city administration to ensure timely claim processing and assistance with restoration costs where appropriate.
Outcome and next steps: No formal council action or appropriation was taken. The city clerk and staff told residents they would prompt the insurer’s representative to contact claimants and noted the recorded claim receipt date. Residents said they do not seek extra money beyond documented restoration, plumbing and electrical costs; the city clerk and insurance representative follow-up was the promised next step.
Ending: Council did not take immediate formal action in the meeting record; staff committed to follow up with the insurer representative and claimants, and residents asked for expedited attention to their filed claims.
