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Moraine staff to seek emergency funds after storm uproots park trees; insurance denies coverage
Summary
City staff reported seven trees down and 10 more identified as high risk after recent damage; insurance will not cover removal and staff will collect estimates and bring emergency supplemental legislation to the next regular meeting.
City Manager reported that recent storm damage left seven trees in a city park either down or uprooted and identified another 10 as high risk, and that the city’s insurance will not cover removal, prompting staff to seek emergency supplemental legislation to pay for tree removal and mitigation.
The City Manager told the Moraine City Council’s committee of the whole that an insurance adjuster surveyed several city sites and that crews have placed caution tape at the back of the park around a “very liquid and forest area.” “Unfortunately, insurance will not cover that,” the City Manager said. He said staff are working with contractors to obtain three estimates and expect to present emergency legislation for supplemental appropriation at the next regular meeting.
Why it matters: City officials said the work is being pursued for the health and safety of park patrons and employees and to reduce liability. The City Manager said the administration hopes to complete work before the city’s 60th anniversary, if possible.
Details: The City Manager said staff members “Chris and Rocky are working with some companies now to get 3 different estimates” and that the intent is to remove hazards “as soon as possible.” No specific dollar amounts or contractor names were given during the discussion. The City Manager did not indicate a firm funding source; he said the estimates would inform emergency supplemental legislation to be drafted for the next regular meeting.
Council action: There was no formal vote on emergency funding at the committee meeting. The City Manager said staff would return with drafted legislation; council did not take final action during the session.
Context and next steps: The City Manager framed the request as urgent because insurance denial leaves the city responsible for removal costs and potential liability. He said staff will present three contractor estimates and proposed emergency legislation at the next regular meeting for council consideration.
