A Warrenton dentist told the Warren Co. R-III Board that construction-linked runoff has damaged his office and threatened his business.

Adam Stotts, who identified himself as a dentist and the business owner at Grand Hema Dentistry near the new elementary site, described repeated heavy-rain events and water flowing onto the north and west sides of his property. Stotts said he observed a construction worker dumping water onto his property on April 21 and said barriers intended to divert runoff failed during a later storm, pushing mud and rock up against his building. He said he hired a foundation-repair expert, who estimated foundation replacement at $33,770, and that related drywall/flooring removal and replacement would cost about $8,955.

Stotts said he contacted district staff and the construction company and that his insurers and opposing counsel have largely pointed fingers at one another. He told the board his insurer denied the claim as flood coverage and that the construction company’s insurer directed him to pursue the construction company’s counsel. "I requested payment of $60,007,725 dollars," Stotts said during his remarks, adding that he had staff and patients who would be affected if the practice closed for repairs.

Board members thanked Stotts for presenting the evidence and said the district had referred the issue to its insurance company and was awaiting a response. A board member said, "we'll take your comments into consideration and make sure that we can follow-up month to month with Dr. Stotts." The board did not take immediate action to authorize payment or a settlement at the meeting; the district said it is awaiting insurance review.