Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Municipal Liability topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Wheatland council agrees to pay $3,500 toward resident's vehicle damage after trash can was blown into it
Summary
After reviewing a claim that a town trash can blew into Nathan Willetson's vehicle and caused damage, the council approved a motion to pay $3,500 toward repair costs; the town's insurer denied the claim and council discussed prior remediation to secure cans.
The Wheatland City Council agreed to provide $3,500 toward repairs after a town-owned trash can was blown into resident Nathan Willetson's vehicle.
Council reviewed the claim and noted the town's insurer denied coverage. Willetson told the council his insurance deductible is $500 but that his vehicle is used for work and he wants to avoid a total loss if possible; he said the vehicle logged about 30,000 miles in the past year. Council members discussed past mitigation steps (adding feet/angle iron to cans) and whether those had been effective.
After discussing cost estimates and public stewardship of town funds, a council member moved that the town contribute $3,500 toward repair costs. The motion was seconded, and the council approved the payment by voice vote.
Councilmembers described the payment as a pragmatic remedy in a case where the town's can was clearly involved in the damage; they also discussed long-term fixes to reduce future incidents.
