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Lighthouse Point authorizes legal steps over damaged storm drain pipe at 3751 NE 25th Ave
Summary
The commission authorized city administration and the city attorney to take legal steps, including drafting a complaint and pursuing litigation if necessary, to recover damages to a storm drain pipe at 3751 Northeast 25th Avenue after an engineering report found cement blocking the pipe and the property owner/contractor declined responsibility.
The Lighthouse Point City Commission on April 22 authorized city administration and the city attorney to take legal steps — including drafting a complaint and pursuing litigation if necessary — to recover damages to a city storm drainage pipe at 3751 Northeast 25th Avenue.
City Attorney (Attorney Cirillo) told the commission that a pre‑construction inspection found no problem with the pipe, but post‑construction inspection showed the pipe “completely full of cement.” Cirillo said the city obtained an engineering report concluding the damage was caused by work on the property. “We have taken those steps to try to get to that answer,” Cirillo said, and added that the city filed letters and sought a response; most recently both the property owner and contractor indicated they would not take steps to resolve the matter.
Commissioners discussed options including mediation and pre‑suit settlement efforts; the attorney recommended authority to draft a complaint and hold any filing for eight weeks to allow for mediation attempts. A commissioner moved to authorize drafting a complaint and give administration discretion to attempt mediation during an eight‑week window before filing; the motion passed.
The action does not represent immediate filing of a lawsuit, but gives the city attorney’s office authority to pursue formal legal remedies if mediation is unsuccessful. Staff said they will report back to the commission if negotiations require filing sooner or if mediation timelines extend beyond the hold period.
