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Council approves partial sewer forgiveness for Utica homeowner after basement flood
Summary
The council approved waiving sewer charges above two billing units per month for the months affected by a homeowner's hot‑water‑heater failure after DPW confirmed the excess water discharged to the storm drain, not the sanitary sewer.
Utica City Council on Tuesday agreed to relieve part of a resident’s sewer charges after a hot‑water‑heater failure flooded a basement and DPW confirmed the excess discharge drained to a storm water sump rather than the sanitary sewer.
Charlene Matthews, 7021 Greeley St., told council she returned from out of town to find a flooded basement; her water had poured into a sump pump that discharges to the storm drain. She said she paid a large bill and asked the city to reduce sewer consumption charges because the water did not enter the sewer system.
Superintendent Diamond reported a DPW inspection confirmed the homeowner’s sump pump discharges to the storm drain and that the repair permit and meter reads align with the time frame Ms. Matthews described. Staff recommended and council approved forgiving sewer consumption charges in excess of two units per month for the months affected; other charges (ready‑to‑serve fees, cross‑connection fees and the water consumption portion) remain the homeowner’s responsibility.
Councilmember Sikora moved to waive sewer consumption charges above two units per month for the affected billing period and the motion passed unanimously. The clerk will provide Ms. Matthews an adjusted bill and repayment arrangements if a balance remains.
