Tia Ross told the Judiciary and Legislation Committee on Dec. 8 that flooding from a nearby water-main break on Dec. 16, 2024 flooded her basement at 3919 N. 42nd St., damaging household goods and family photographs she described as irreplaceable.

Ross sought $10,526.92 for property damage and $95,000 for sentimental and emotional loss. Milwaukee Water Works’ claims specialist Laurie Shealy summarized the utility’s investigation: the initial dispatch was logged about 9:59 a.m., crews were on-site by roughly 10:15 a.m., and emergency shutoff procedures were completed; the 12-inch main was returned to service later that day. Shealy said photos and a Ring-camera clip show water ponding in yards and flowing against the foundation; her assessment was that clean water entered through foundation points or basement windows rather than through sanitary sewers, and that the utility’s response did not show negligence. She also noted the utility paid for repairs in at least one lateral-related matter discussed earlier in the meeting.

Committee members expressed sympathy for Ross’s losses but agreed with the city attorney’s office recommendation to refer the denial to the full council, noting the committee does not adjudicate personal-injury or non-property damages and that the formal denial is a prerequisite to litigation. The committee moved the recommendation and will present it to the Common Council on Dec. 16. If the full council adopts the recommendation of denial, Ross will receive formal notice by mail and may then pursue circuit-court remedies if she wishes.

Ross’s direct account of lost family property and the city’s photographic and GIS evidence formed the factual record before the panel; the committee’s action preserved both the city’s investigative finding and Ross’s opportunity to seek further review.