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Council hears resident complaint about denied claim; approves separate settled claim amendment
Summary
A resident asked the council about a denied property-damage claim involving a lawnmower contractor. City staff said the contractor's insurance is likely liable; the council separately approved an amended claim payment of $20,135.97 for a different claimant.
At the Feb. 3 Lincoln City Council meeting a resident asked the council about a denied claim after her son’s car was damaged by debris from a mowing operation, and the council later approved an amended claim payment for a separate settled claim.
Marcy Bridal told the council she received a denial letter after she filed a claim for damage to her son's vehicle that she said occurred when an object struck the driver-side front door while a third-party contractor mowed in the medians near 70th and Pioneers. Bridal said she had contacted the contractor and that ownership of the company had since changed.
Yancy Christie, the city attorney, said the city—s contracts with third-party landscape vendors typically include indemnification language and that the contractor is generally responsible for claims. Christie said he would look into the change in ownership and the claim.
During the voting session on claims against the city (covering Jan. 1 to Jan. 15, 2025), Councilmember (name read on the record as) moved to amend the claims report to allow a claim by Joseph Rafayik in the amount of $20,135.97. The motion was seconded and passed by roll call, seven to zero. The council then approved the main motion accepting the report of new and pending claims by a unanimous vote.
Council members directed staff and the city attorney to follow up on Bridal—s inquiry about the denied claim and the contractor—s insurance information; the city indicated that a certificate of insurance naming the city and a contact for the insurer had been provided to the resident.
No further action on Bridal—s specific claim was recorded at the meeting; Christie said he would investigate and the matter may return to the council if further action is required.
