Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Citizen Concerns topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Lewistown commission approves $1,000 goodwill payment after resident’s shed was damaged
Summary
After a resident said city equipment damaged his shed during April waterline work, the commission voted unanimously to pay $1,000 as a goodwill gesture despite a prior insurance settlement through MMIA; commissioners debated precedent and notification procedures.
During public comment Sept. 2, resident Charlie Pfau described damage to his backyard shed after city workers operating a backhoe struck the structure during alley waterline work in April. Pfau said he reported the incident to the city and that the claim went to the Montana Municipal Interlocal Authority (MMIA); he said MMIA paid 75% of the shed’s value and that he is now out $1,000. "It is not fair to treat citizens in a manner in which it’s not our fault but we’re saddled with the financial burden," Pfau said.
City Manager Holly Phelps explained that MMIA holds settlement authority and that Pfau signed a release; she said the Commission can consider a goodwill payment but MMIA may not be able to defend such action. Commissioner Spika said "if the City screws up nobody should have to pay for that cost" and moved to compensate Pfau $1,000; Commissioner Terry seconded and the roll call vote was unanimous. The record shows discussion about precedence and the trade-off between making an exception and setting a future expectation.
