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HomeMy WebLinkAbout174-00 RESOLUTION• RESOLUTION NO. 174_00 I ICROFILMED A RESOLUTION APPROVING A SETTLEMENT OF THE SEWER BACK-UP CLAIM AT 3260 KINGS CROSS IN THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF $24,124.89 AND APPROVAL OF A BUDGET ADJUSTMENT. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS* Section 1. That the City Council hereby approves a settlement of the sewer back-up claim at 3260 Kings Cross in the maximum amount of $24,124.89. A copy of the claim is attached hereto marked Exhibit "A" and made a part hereof. Section 2. The City Council hereby approves a budget adjustment in the amount of $24,125 increasing Sewer Self Insur, Acct. No. 5400 4410 5311 00 by decreasing Sewer Const. Mat'ls, Acct. No. 5400 4410 5216 00. A copy of the budget adjustment is attached marked Exhibit "B" and made a part hereof. PASSED AND APPROVED this 19th day of December , 2000. ATTEArattd /c By: Heather Woodruff, City Clerk APPROVEDinnir / Ali By: x Fred Hanna, Mayor NAME OF FILE: Resolution No.174-00 • CROSS REFERENCE: 12/19/00 Resolution No. 174-00 12/12/00 Exhibit "A"(Copy of the Claim) 12/12/00 Exhibit "B" (Copy of the Budget Adjustment) 12/19/00 Staff Review Form NOTES: FAYETTEdILLE THE CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS DEPARTMENTAL CORRESPONDENCE To: Mayor Hanna and the Fayetteville City Council Thru: Don Bunn, Assistant Publicrksirector From: David Jurgens, Water/Sewer Date: December 13, 2000 • EXHIBIT A cat Subject: Citizen Claim- 3260 Kings Cro ' (Aimee and Johnny Buffer) Follow-up Memo This memo addresses some of the questions which arose in the City Council agenda session on December 12. Negotiations. The negotiations for the final amount will not be like most negotiations, so having a cap does not automatically mean the amount will be that cap. The claimants must prove that each item considered unsalvageable was touched by the sewer water and could not be cleaned They must also prove that each item they had cleaned was touched by sewer water. Otherwise, the City should not pay for the cleaning or replacement. The residents were told these rules repeatedly both the day of the incident and in the weeks following. The City will pay for nothing that the residents discarded that we did not see. Neither will we pay for the unnecessary cleaning (in our opinion, not theirs) of other items. Thus, the cap gives us the ability to negotiate, and a maxunum, but in no way should it imply that the settlement amount will indeed be that maximum. The council resolution should be written such that we do not have to pay any given amount, and that we have the fallback position of tort immunity wkuch leaves us with absolutely no financial responsibility for any of the claim. Maximum Reimbursement Amount. I arrived at the maximum amount by adding the three figures shown below: m Complete Restoration Invoice (part 1) $ 11,445.17 X Complete Restoration Estunate (part 2) 3,37L72 Validated provert-v damage 9308.00 $ 24,124.89 �.. DJ\1CLAIMS\King3260-2. W PD RECEIVED DEC 1 4 2000 CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE • FAYETTEIPILLE THE CITY OF FAYEITEVILLE. ARKANSAS DEPARTMENTAL CORRESPONDENCE • To: Mayor Hanna and the Fayetteville City Council Thru: Don Bunn, Assistant Public ksf I irector From: David Jurgens, Water/Sewer Date: December 13, 2000 Subject: Citizen Claim- 3260 Kings Cro (Aimee and Johnny Buffer) Follow-up Memo This memo addresses some of the questions which arose in the City Council agenda session on December 12. Negotiations. The negotiations for the final amount will not be like most negotiations, so having a cap does not automatically mean the amount will be that cap. The claimants must prove that each item considered unsalvageable was touched by the sewer water and could not be cleaned. They must also prove that each item they had cleaned was touched by sewer water. Otherwise, the City should not pay for the cleaning or replacement The residents were told these rules repeatedly both the day of the incident and in the weeks following. The City will pay for nothing that the residents discarded that we did not see Neither will we pay for the unnecessary cleaning (in our opinion, not theirs) of other items. Thus, the cap gives us the ability to negotiate, and a maxunum, but in no way should it imply that the settlement amount will indeed be that maximum. The council resolution should be written such that we do not have to pay any given amount, and that we have the fallback position of tort immunity which leaves us with absolutely no financial responsibility for any of the claim. Maximum Reimbursement Amount. I amved at the maximum amount by adding the three figures shown below: Complete Restoration Invoice (part 1) Complete Restoration Estimate (part 2) Validated property damage Dl\\CLAQASting3260-2. WPD $ 11,445.17 3,371.72 9,308.00 $ 24,124.89 • • FAYETTEdILLE THE CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS DEPARTMENTAL CORRESPONDENCE • EXHIBIT A To: Don Bunn, Assistant Public ks 1 'rector From: David Jurgens, Water/Sewer Date: December 12, 2000 Subject: Citizen Claim- 3260 Kings Cross (Aimee and Johnny Buffer) General The claim for reimbursement of damages is partially valid. There was a sewer backup into Aimee and Johnny Buffer's home (which they were leasing) which they discovered on 4 July 2000. They and their two or three young sons had been on vacation; the sewer water may have backed up for up to four days. The water reached a maximum depth of 2". You could see some lines on baseboards, but the depth never exceeded the height of a baseboard. The baseboards in the photographs attached to the claim do not show a water mark above the carpet, although there were some locations where there was a water mark. The water covered roughly 75% of the floor in the home. All carpeting and pads were wet due to wicking action. Most clothing items on the floor were damp, and some were soaked m the sewer water. Hard items on the floor (bowling balls, plungers, etc.) would be easy to clean. Items not in contact with the water would not have been damaged. Sewer Blockage. The blockage was in the 6" clay sewer maim, caused by two places where the pipe was misaligned. We had washed the main less than three weeks before, and had no reason to expect that a backup might occur. We televised the main the next day, and repaired the bad spots the next week. Claim Amount. The Buffer's reaction to this backup is unique in my experience. They seem to beheve that almost everything within the home was contaminated. This behef is reflected in the claim, as it includes $43,154.00 of personal property they claim was not salvageable. They also claim $11,445.17 from Complete Restoration, Inc., for restoration costs for the remaining salvageable items. This does not include any costs of cleaning the home or replacing carpets, flooring, etc. Most of the items m the claim were never touched by the water. Their claim total is $54,599.17. There is an additional portion of the Complete Restoration estimate for $$3,371 72 which appears to have been left out of the claimed amount. The Buffers elected to move out of the home. They also stated R{ to me that the City should pay for their movers and all moving expenses. As a note, their claim includes a total of $8,045 for shoes alone. Fifty-eight pair of these shoes were for their children, with a stated value of $1,640.00. City Obligations. This claim is, m my opinion, unreasonable. The City has no legal obligation to ID pay anything, but has always tried to follow the "do nght" rule m being fair to the residents. This —+ clams, however, far exceeds anything we have ever seen before, although the backup was by no means the most severe we had ever se. For a historical perspective, the highclaim to date was for $21,871.39 in 1999, and that mcluded both personal property, cleanup, and temporary lodging for the residents for two weeks. The personal property amount was only $4,717.24, and included a laptop computer. The balance was for cleaning and carpet and home repairs. City Policy. Our policy has been to pay depreciated costs for items which we deem unsalvageable (such as clothing immersed in the sewer). We also pay a smaller amount for damage to items which can still be used (fiuniture with some warping at the bottom). We do not pay for choice items (moving, cleaning of items which were not touched by the sewer water, food in the refrigerator, etc.). By ordinance, we will pay no more than $2,500 total for any sewer backup. Itemized Reimbursement. I did not use the Buffer's itemized list of items, as Water/Sewer employees removed those items that were wet and which we deemed to be valid for the claim. We do not have substantiation for the other items on the list, and feel they are unreasonable. They are listed below: Item Shirts (t -shirts to dress shirts) Coats Skirts/Shorts Pants Shoes (pair) Underwear King Sized Box Springs Coveralls Misc Items * Total Ouantity 172 24 23 56 26 10 1 1 N/A Average Cost $ 20.00 25.00 20 00 30.00 40 00 10 00 400.00 40.00 N/A Extended Cost $ 3,440.00 600.00 460.00 1,680.00 1,040.00 100.00 400.00 40.00 1,548.00 $9,308 00 * Miscellaneous items include pillows, sheets, table cloths, a throw rug, a Pokeman Gameboy, a glue gun, a dust rag, a comforter with sham, rolls of toilet paper, a beach towel, and other, similar items. ** This includes associated expenses that were not itemized in the claim Additionally, I concur that some, but not all, items which were removed for disinfection needed the same The estimate for that work was $11,445.17. Most of this work has already been completed by Complete Restoration, Inc. There is an additional portion of the Complete Restoration estimate for $$3,371.72 which appears to have been left out ofthe claimed amount. I believe this latter portion is an estimate, and the $11,445.17 is for completed work. This claim has been very difficult to process, due to the lack of detailed information (they did not include itemized prices and/or unit quantities, etc. for many oftheir claimed items) and the intermixing of actual and supposed damage. The home is owned by Cheryl and Gene Long as a rental unit. They had insurance which covered the sewer backup, but certainly had to pay a deductible. We have not received any claim from them at this time. Thus, there may be another valid submission on this claim Final Resolution. The Buffer/live not been very open to negotiation. Illy y did not fill out a claim form, include unit pnces and item quantities in their claim, and sent the claim through an attorney rather than to us. Thus, I feel that the final claim will be based on attorney to attorney negotiations rather than via me dealing with the owners This represents the first claim in seven years that I have not been able to successfully negotiate myself. Rather than be guided by the initial claim amount, we should do what is fair and consistent with other claimants. Recommendation. To expedite handling this claim, I recommend we have the City Council pass a resolution approving handling this claim in the maximum amount of $24,124.89, and approve a budget adjustment to transfer funds from the sewer construction matenals account (5400-4410- 5216.00) to the sewer self insurance account (5400-4410-5311.00). I further recommend that the City Attorney's office schedule a meeting with the Buffer's attorney after the City Council passes their resolution, to determine the final amount of the claim. DJ\ICLAIMS\ICmg3260. WPD NORTHWEST ARKANSAS TORN R. ELROD' GREG S. SCHARLAU' RUTH ANN WISENER' TERRI DILL CHADICK' VICKI BRONSON' CHARLES E SCHARL AU. OF COUNSEL D. RANDY LANEY. OF COUNSEL' TULSA JOHN E BARRY HENRY G. WILL JOSEPH J. MCCAIN. IR. LYNNWOOD 0. MOORE IR. ROBERT A. CURRY STEVEN W. MCGRATH D. RICHARD FUNK RANDOIPH L. JONES. IR. J. RONALD PETRIKIN LARRY B. LIPS' • • CONNER & WINTERS, P.L.L.C. JAMES E. GREEN. JR. MARTIN 0. WING JOHN W. INGRAHAM ANDREW R. TURNER DOUGLAS M. RATHER' GENERA ABBEY SOREM R. KEVIN REDWINE TONY W. HAYNIE BRUCE W. FREEMAN DAVID 0. CORDELL JOHN N. HOVE C. RAYMOND PATTON 1R PAUL E. BRADEN ROBERT I. MELOAARD P. SCOTT HATHAWAY JOHN A. BUGG LAWRENCE A. HALL TIMOTHY T. TRUMP MARK E DREYER NANCY E. VAUGHN GREGORY D. RENBERG MARK D. BERMAN KATHERINE G. COYLE VLA HAND DELIVERY Jerry Rose, Esq. Fayetteville City Attorney City Administration Building Fayetteville, AR 72701 Dear Jerry: AFFILIATED WITH CONNER & WINTERS A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION IN OKLAHOMA LAWYERS SUITE 200 100 WEST CENTER STREET FAYET7EVI LLE. ARKANSAS 727014081 (501) 582-5711 FAX (501) 587-1426 WRITER'S E-MAIL ADDRESS Ichedick@cwlew.mm October 11, 2000 Re: Buffer sewer matter ANNE B. SUOLEI T REBECCA S. WOODWARD BEVERLY K. SMITH MELODIE FREEMAN-BURNEY JACALYN W. PETER ROBERT D. JAMES' DAVID H. REMOLD ELIZABETH K. GIDDENS JONATHAN M. CTNOCCA JASON S. TAYLOR JACQUELINE L. BLOCKER OF COUNSEL CHARLES C. KILLIN JAMES R. RYAN RUSSELL H. HARBAUGH IR. DAVID 0. CORDED. OF COUNSEL EMERITUS ROBERT L. MCGOWEN JOHN S. ATHENS OKLAHOMA CITY PETER B. BRADFORD RAYMOND E. TOMPKINS IRWIN H. STEINHORN JOHN W. FUNK KIRAN A. PHANSALKAR TIMOTHY J. BOI.WOFF MITCHELL D BLACKBURN P. BLAKE ALLEN MARX H. BENNETT L. DON SMITHFAMAN LAURA L. McCASLAND CECILY H. MURRAY KIMBERLY 0. MARCHANT BENJAMIN C. CONNER De79-1961) JOHN M. WINTERS. IR. (1901.19]9) • Admitted in AAueu OCT cip C/Iy477 137000 OFp/CF As we recently discussed, I represent Aimee and Johnny Buffer and their three children. The Buffers were lessors of a house located at 3260 Kings Cross in Fayetteville. The owners of the property are Cheryl Gorton Long and Gene Long In July of this year, the sewer backed up into that house and destroyed most all of the Buffer family's personal possessions. I have attached pictures showing the damage. I spoke with Paul Mitchell, Public Work Operations Assistant for the City and he opined that the problem was caused by the City's line, not the homeowner's line. Please have the Water and Sewer Department look into this matter and let me know as soon as possible if the City is willing to compensate the Buffers for their losses. The personal items believed to be salvageable were taken to Complete Restoration, Inc. That company has estimated that it will cost $11,445.17 to restore those items. I have attached a copy of Complete Restoration's written estimate. In addition, much of the Buffers' possessions were not salvageable I have attached a list of those items with an estimated total cost of $43,154.00. October 5, 2000 Page 2 The Buffers are hereby making a claim for compensation ofthe $54,599.17 in losses incurred by the Buffer family. Please let me know the City's position on this matter as soon as possible. If you need anything further, please let me know. Also, as we discussed please request that this matter be placed on the City Council's agenda as soon as possible after the City has had time to investigate the matter. It would be great if this could be on the October 17, 2000 agenda, but the November 7, 2000 agenda may be more realistic. My clients would be available for either meeting. I look forward to working with you. Sincerely, 4erriI Dill Chadick Enclosures • • BUFFER ITEMS THAT WERE NOT SALVAGEABLE G:\Tcha\Butre+, Aimee\chaf.wpd ITEM COST Armoir $500.00 King Size Bed $1,200.00 Linens $1,000.00 Fish Tank with Fish $300.00 Computer Desk $200.00 Lazy Boy Recliner $375.00 Glassware $100.00 Dinnerware $85.00 Pyrex Pots and Paris $200.00 Mixing Bowls and Mixer $75.00 Coffee Pot $30.00 Two Week Supply of Food $300.00 Other Pantry Items, Including Spices $120.00 Toaster $15.00 Towels $300.00 Plants $200.00 Pottery Inc. Flowers $125.00 Custom Designed Urn with Arrangement $300.00 Silverware $125.00 Prescription Medication and Other Medication $1,000.00 Iron $15.00 Tablecloths (at $40.00 each) $80.00 Candles/Candle Holders (at $16.00 each) $320.00 Portable Stereo System $100.00 Bowling Ball $20.00 G:\Tcha\Butre+, Aimee\chaf.wpd • • G:\Tche\Buffer, Aimeekhen.wpd -2- ITEM COST Duffle Bags (at $20 each) $60.00 Boys Clothes: Jeans (at $50 each) $200.00 Dress Pants (at $20 each) $300.00 Shirts (range in prices) $450.00 Sweaters (at $30 each) $1,200.00 Shorts (at $17 each) $425.00 Hats (at $30 each) $90.00 Shoes (at $60 each) $840.00 Shoes (at $18 each) $800.00 Underwear/Socks ($25/child) $75.00 Mens Clothes: Shirts $2,800.00 Slacks (at $36 each) $432.00 Sports Coats (at $200 each) $1,200.00 Suits (at $300 each) $1,800.00 Socks $100.00 Boxers (at $10 each) $300.00 Jeans (at $36 each) $216.00 Shoes $3,000.00 Shorts $500.00 Womens Clothes: Sweaters/sweatshirts $1,200.00 Scarves $126.00 Bathing Suits $195.00 Lingerie $600.00 Leather Jackets (at $450 each) $900.00 Coats $200.00 Nursing shoes $65.00 Scrub Tops/Lab Coats (at $20 each) $520.00 Scrub Pants (at $16 each) $160.00 G:\Tche\Buffer, Aimeekhen.wpd -2- • • ITEM COST Slacks $2,500.00 Suits (at $300 each) $7,500.00 Dresses (at $45 each) $315.00 Summer suits/shorts outfits (at $90 each) $4,500.00 Shoes $2,500.00 TOTAL $43,154.00 G:\Tcha\Buffer, Aimee \chart.wpd -3- Campine Restoration Inc. 3919 l:lm Springs Road • P.O. Box i62 • Springdale. AR72764 300-2424414 or501-766-5383 Fax(501)751-6401 ' Tax. TD 71-0710369 Room: Paek & move contents DESCRIPTION BUF0704000N QN'TY TJlirr COST TOTAL Provide box for fragile items bubble wrap. tape & labels 90.00 E rie 4.90= 441.00 Suptavisory dnd administrative labor - par hour 12.00 HRaf 39.64= 475.03 Labor forpacic-ant - per hour - 24.00 HR@ -7911= 703.44 Labor to load contents - per hour 24.00 RR`u,• 52.76= 786.24 Large rnovin van & equipment - per day 1.50 DAa 187.64= 281.46 Room: Persanai Property DESCRTPT110N QNTY UtfiT COST TOTAL I Clean box co; tents• 1.5 cubic ft.- Unoaci:, clean. re -pack ✓Clean box contents -3.2 cubic t- Unpack, clean. re -pack ;/Clean box contents - 6.1 cubic ft. - Unpack. clean. repack ;/Clean toy chst - Razorback /Clean hutch. Diningroom 1/C1ean buffet T large kc lean. washed- interior and exterior ' i Clean dryer -• interior and exterior 1/Clean table - dining "ratan chair - Pining Clean blue plastic locker ;Clean televison• Sonyo portable Clean televisbn - Magnavox 1 Clean televispn - Orion Clean microtjave - exterior • Sharp Clean refrigeljaor - inmrior and exteriors Clean & dem&L rug - braided and looked - of site Cleat & deodorize mattress or box spring - full Clear & deciorize mattress or box spring - twin /Clean bed frame complete vClean headb1ard - double bed BUF0704000N 55.00 EAR. 6.00EAa 21.00 EM.51 1.00 EA@ 1.00 EAt& 1.00 EA1 1.00 EA@ 1.00 E.)1@ 1.00 EA@ 6.00 Eke) 1.00 EA!m. 1.00 E4@ 1.00 SAO. 1.00 E4fd1 IRO EArru. 1.00 EA(ds 35.00 SF@ 2.00 EAfi4 2.00 EA@ 2.00 Ear 1.00 EA@. 23.49= 32.48= 45.97- 4.66= 11.18- 20.69= 42,34= 39.72= 13.79= 10.3:.= 11.99= 5,73= 5.73= 5.73= 4.59 22.98-- 1.00= 34.48= '"G 11= 7.63= 9.20= 1,351.85 194.83 965.37 4.56 11.18 20.69 42.54 39.72 13.79 61.92 11.99 5.73 5.73 5.73 4.59 22.98 5.00 68.96 t0 54 15.30 920 07/20/2000 Page: 2 Complete Restoration Inc. 3919 Elm Sprins Roaa P O. Box 162 arinudate. AR 72764 1 300-242-4414 ar 501-766-5383 Fa(50!) 751-6401 • 1Iax 1D 71-0710369 • DESCRIPTION CONTINUED - Personal Property QNTY U`?T T COST. TOTAL Clean headboard - twin size Clean table - Itaasional - Make-up table Clean entena'nmenr unit Clean chest of drawers Clean dressed Clean & deodorize chair - large - W ingback Clean & deodorize sofa Clean & deodorize office chair Clean stainless steel towel rack Clean plant- ilarge Clean file ca}linet - two drawer - Includes paper work Clean shelf - 1oat shelf Clean night stand Clean black S decker floor duster Clean diver clash cart Process dry cleaning NOTE: THE FOLLOWING IS AN ESTIMATE FOR DRYCLE A NTNG Electronic cleaning & restoration - per 4tur NOTE: ANYISERVICE REPAIR WILL' SE EXTRA. Pieatres - retar & re -back 1.00 EA(&1 L00 EA@ 6.00 LFtrk !.00 EA(2I 1.00 E C 1.00 EA@ 6.00 EMI 1.00 E. -t z 1.00 EA(.. LOO EA671. 1.00 EAIa? LOO EA@ 1.00 EA(ii 1.00 EA;ot 1.00 EA!& 00 Etc OF CLOMES. 3.00 LAc 3.00 EA@ 1 6.90= 5.73= 2.38= 3.62= 23.355= 411 11:5= 1839= 6.44- 10.33- 920= 12.4,- 6.90= 920= 6.90= 1,723.41= 2098- 25.94= 6.90 5.73 17.28 S.62 28.15 40.22 66.90 18.39 6.44 10.33 9.20 12.44 6.90 9.20 6.90 1,7228.4! 167.84 77.82_ { Room: Refinish furniture DESCRIPTION QNTY WII1T COST TOTAL Refinihch I 'sofa - legs only Refinish ent4iaimnent cabinet - lower unit Refinish dresser with mirror - touch bottom only Refinish nigtil stand - bottom only Refinish headboard - full - touch up Doli BUF0704OCbN 1.00 EAr4 1.00 EA(n^. 1.00 EA@ 1.00 EA(r 1.00 E4ru, 225.00= 55.13= 165.40- 35.51= 64.94= 215..00 35.13 16540 3531 64.94 07202000 Page: 3 Complete Restoration Inc. • 3919 Elm Snipes Road P.O. Box 162 Springdale. AR722764I 800-2424414 or 501-7156-5383 Fex(501) 751-6401 ' Tax TO 71-0710869 DESCRIPTION CONTINUED - Refinish furniture QNTY U1iT COST TOTAL Refinish headboard - single - touch up only 1.00 EA(m. 54.94--; 54.94 Room:M9ve & reset content D£SCRIPTODN QNTY UNIT COST TOTAL Supervisory and administrative labor - per hour ; Labor to load contents • pet hour Large movin! van &t equipment • per day 12.00 HR.@ 24 00 HRiiu 1.00 DAi4' 39.64= 32.76= 137.64= 475.68 736.24 187.64 'Grand, Total yeas: 0.001 SF Wails 0.001 SF Floor 0.001 SF Long Wall BUF0704000N 0.00 SF Ctilin$ 0.00 SY Flooring 0.00 SF Short Wall 0.00 0.00 0 00 SF Walls & Ceiling LF Floor Perimeter 1F Ceil. Perimeter 07/20/2000 Page: 4 • Complete Restoration Inc. 3919 E:m Sprit= Road • P O. Sox 162 Springdale, AR 72 764 800.2424414 or501-756-5383 Fax(501) 75I-6401 "'Tax 1D 71.0710869 Total I le Items Overhead Profs[ Taxable Mems I Grand iota' 8UF070400011 Summary for Sewer Damage 10.00% 10.00% 6.625% 2.59.13 1?59.13 8.078.99 Gene Korismeier Ce.tlftei Restorer • 10.438.:2 235.91 235.91 5=5.?3 11,445.17 O7120/2000 :_e: 5 Complete Restorationit. 3919 Lin Senna Rona P.O. Box 162 Springdale. AR 72764 i 800-242-4414 or 501.756.5383 Fax(501) 751-6101 " Tax TD 11.0710869 Room: Refinish furniture DESCRIPTION Refinish diming chair Refinish tab4 - Diainsroam Refinish chit cabinet Refinish Buffet Refinish dresber with mirror BUF07040REF QNTY UNIT COST TOTAL 6.00 EA@u+ 1.00 EA@ 1.00 EA(i 1.00 EA@ 1.00 SAM: 98.00= 588.00 550.00= 550.00 150.00= 550.00 556.36= 55636 _`65.40— 565.40 Grand Total areas: 0.001 SF Walls 0.001 SF Floor O.0Gj SF Long Wail BUF07040REF 0.00 SF Ceiling 0.00 SY Flooring 0.00 SF Short Wall 0.00 SF Walls d: Ceiling 0.00 V Floor Perimeter 0.00 LF Ceil. Perimcer 07/20000 Page: 2 Complexe Restoration iga 3919 Elm Springs Road P.O. Box 162 Springdale, AR 127641 800-242-4414 or.501-756-5383 Fax(501)751-6411 - Tax ID 71-0710869 Toad Line items Overhead Profit Grand Total UF07040REF Summary for Sewer Damage 10.00°i 10.00% 2,309.76 2.309.76 2,309.76 280.98 2E0.98 3371.^ Gene Kordsmcier Cm -titled Restorer • 07/20/2000 Page: 3 TOTPL P.09 A�.lt Complete Restoration Inc. • I 3919 Elm S rinss Road • P.O. Box 162 ! Sonngdale, AR 727641 80-242-4414 or 501-7.56-3383 Fax(501)7514401 • Tax 11D 71-0710669 Orient Johnny Buffer Home: (501)251.7494 Home: 3260 Kings Cross Fayetteville, AR 72701 Operator: Gn Estimator. Gene Kordsmeier trifle: Certified Restorer Type ofEsn, are: Sewer Damage Das Emered: 7/202000 Dare Assigned: 7/4.2000 Price Use F.4YF,TiF.V99 Estimate: BUF07040RE= File Ncber. BUF07040 Business: (50 ) 756.5383 • FAYETTEaILLE THE CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS DEPARTMENTAL CORRESPONDENCE • To: Don Bunn, Assistant Public From: David Jurgens, Water/Sewer Date: December 12, 2000 'rector Subject: Citizen Claim- 3260 Kings Cross (Aimee and Johnny Buffer) GeneraL The claim for reimbursement of damages is partially valid. There was a sewer backup into Aimee and Johnny Buffer's home (which they were leasing) which they discovered on 4 July 2000. They and their two or three young sons had been on vacation; the sewer water may have backed up for up to four days. The water reached a maximum depth of 2". You could see some lines on baseboards, but the depth never exceeded the height of a baseboard. The baseboards in the photographs attached to the claim do not show a water mark above the carpet, although there were some locations where there was a water mark. The water covered roughly 75% of the floor in the home. All carpeting and pads were wet due to wicking action. Most clothing items on the floor were damp, and some were soaked in the sewer water. Hard items on the floor (bowling balls, plungers, etc.) would be easy to clean. Items not in contact with the water would not have been damaged. Sewer Blockage. The blockage was in the 6" clay sewer main, caused by two places where the pipe was nusaligned. We had washed the main less than three weeks before, and had no reason to expect that a backup might occur. We televised the main the next day, and repaired the bad spots the next week. Claim Amount. The Buffer's reaction to this backup is unique in my experience. They seem to beheve that almost everything within the home was contaminated. This belief is reflected in the claim, as it includes $43,154.00 of personal property they claim was not salvageable They also claim $11,445.17 from Complete Restoration, Inc., for restoration costs for the remaining salvageable items. This does not include any costs of cleaning the home or replacing carpets, flooring, etc. Most of the items in the claim were never touched by the water. Their claim total is $54,599.17. There is an additional portion of the Complete Restoration estimate for $$3,371.72 which appears to have been left out of the claimed amount. The Buffers elected to move out of the home. They also stated to me that the City should pay for their movers and all moving expenses. As a note, their claim includes a total of $8,045 for shoes alone. Fifty-eight pair of these shoes were for their children, with a stated value of $1,640.00. City Obligations. This claim is, m my opinion, unreasonable. The City has no legal obligation to pay anything, but has always tned to follow the "do nght" rule m being fair to the residents. This claim, however, far exceeds anything we have ever seen before, although the backup was by no means the most severe we had ever a. For a historical perspective, the hit claim to date was for $21,871.39 in 1999, and that included both personal property, cleanup, and temporary lodging for the residents for two weeks. The personal property amount was only $4,717.24, and included a laptop computer. The balance was for cleaning and carpet and home repairs. City Policy. Our policy has been to pay depreciated costs for items which we deem unsalvageable (such as clothing immersed in the sewer). We also pay a smaller amount for damage to items which can still be used (fiuniture with some warping at the bottom). We do not pay for choice items (moving, cleaning of items which were not touched by the sewer water, food in the refrigerator, etc.). By ordinance, we will pay no more than $2,500 total for any sewer backup. Itemized Reimbursement. I did not use the Buffer's itemized list of items, as Water/Sewer employees removed those items that were wet and which we deemed to be valid for the claim. We do not have substantiation for the other items on the list, and feel they are unreasonable. They are listed below: - Average Extended Item Quantity Cost Cost Shirts (t -shirts to dress shirts) 172 $ 20.00 $ 3,440.00 Coats 24 25.00 600.00 Skirts/Shorts 23 20.00 460.00 Pants 56 30.00 1,680.00 Shoes (pair) 26 40.00 1,040.00 Underwear 10 10.00 100.00 King Sized Box Springs 1 400.00 400.00 Coveralls 1 40.00 40.00 Misc Items * N/A N/A 1,548.00 Total $9,308.00 * Miscellaneous items include pillows, sheets, table cloths, a throw rug, a Pokeman Gameboy, a glue gun, a dust rag, a comforter with sham, rolls of toilet paper, a beach towel, and other, similar items. *1 This includes associated expenses that were not itemized in the claim Additionally, I concur that some, but not all, items which were removed for disinfection needed the same. The estimate for that•work was $11,445.17. Most of this work has already been completed by Complete Restoration, Inc. There is an additional portion of the Complete Restoration estimate for $$3,371.72 which appears to have been left out of the claimed amount. I believe this latter portion is an estimate, and the $11,445.17 is for completed work. This claim has been very difficult to process, due to the lack of detailed information (they did not include itemized prices and/or unit quantities, etc. for many of their claimed items) and the intermixing of actual and supposed damage. The home is owned by Cheryl and Gene Long as a rental unit. They had insurance which covered the sewer backup, but certainly had to pay a deductible. We have not received any claim from them at this time. Thus, there may be another valid submission on this claim Final Resolution. The Buffe_ve not been very open to negotiation. ey did not fill out a claim form, include unit prices and item quantities in their claim, and sent the claim through an attorney rather than to us. Thus, I feel that the final claim will be based on attorney to attorney negotiations rather than via me dealing with the owners. This represents the first claim in seven years that I have not been able to successfully negotiate myself. Rather than be guided by the initial claim amount, we should do what is fair and consistent with other claimants. Recommendation. To expedite handling this claim, I recommend we have the City Council pass a resolution approving handling this claim in the maximum amount of $24,124.89, and approve a budget adjustment to transfer funds from the sewer construction materials account (5400-4410- 5216.00) to the sewer self insurance account (5400-4410-5311.00). I further recommend that the City Attorney's office schedule a meeting with the Buffer's attorney after the City Council passes their resolution, to determine the final amount of the claim. DJ\CLAIMSUCmg3260. WPD . • CONNER & WINTERS, P.L.L.C. AFFILIATED WITH CONNER & WINTERS A PROFESSIONAL LVNtlRATION IN OKLAHOMA NORTHT ARKANSAS JAMES E. GRBEN, M. LAWYERS ANNE B. SUBLETT OKLAl1OMA CITY W'LS MARTIN K. WING REBECCA S. WOODWARD GREG R. SELRODCMAJU BEVERLY K. SMDII PETER P. BRADFORD GREG S.SCNAR .R ANDREOHNWW INORAIIAM RAYMOND E- T%1R:INS 0.1fD1 ANN WISENF.R• DOUGLA' M. RATHE SUITE 200 MELODIE W. PETID1 PNET IR\YIN II. SIEIMIORN DOUGLAS ABBEY EATIIPA• ROBERTN J PEI£0. JOUN W. FUNK TERN DR.LMADICK• ROBERTI) JAMES• CHARLEONSCH K KE 9 REDWINEREN 100 WEST CENTER STREET KIRAN A. RIANSALKAR CHARLES A0.LAU. RNYW. HAYNIN[ DANOH.HK.G DD MITCHETIMOTHLL O. DANDYLAV BRUCw.. FREEMAN FAYETTEVILLG ARKANSAS 727014081 JONATHAN K. GINOBNS µILARL O. BLACKBURN BRUCE V. S. TAYLORN M. CINOC('A O. RANDY UNITY,MARK HALLEN SO j$7 -j711 JASON UE OF NUNSBL• DAVID R. CVRDELL � J IACOUELIHf L.OLIXTER MARK II. OENNLIT JOHN MOND LOONSMTTM'PMAN TULSA PAUL(501)587-1426 R. J. MELD OF COUNSEL CECIL? H. MURRAY HNRY .WIL ROBERT HATHA ARD CHARLES C. KILLIN KIMBERLY E. MARCHANT HENRY G. cCALL P.SCOFFA. BUOG wAY WRITER'SF MAIL ADDRESS JAMES ft. RYAN LY?OTJOSEPJ. DR,MOO. JOHN AW E.B000 RUSSELL H. 14ARRAUGH. JR. LYNNWWD0.. MOORE.IR. LAWRENCE A. IIALI. ¢heEiCk@'ew.IXJm BENJAMIN C. CONNER DAVID O. CORDELL ROBERT A. CURRY MMOTE. T. TRUMP NM(tJWINTERS. O. RICHAR. RJI* 1 NIANC E VAUG0. OFCOUNSEL EMERITUS HIIIN M. WINTERS. 10.. R.M4 LRD JONES. NANCYE.0. RENRUGHN fl`n119R9) 0.AONAI.O EL. RJK N MRRCARY ERM NPERG J O N S L. ENS LARRY B. IFIRIKIN MARK D.OEG M HIIINS ATHENS •A.,inul in AAuai LARRY B, LIPF.• L'ATHERINEG COI'IE October 11, 2000 I: VL4 HAND DELIVERY OCT Jerry Rose, Esq. Fayetteville City Attorney Oily ' 3 Z0p0 City Administration Building ' 3 20 0 Fayetteville, AR 72701 Re: Buffer sewer mailer Dear Jerry: As we recently discussed, I represent Aimee and Johnny Buffer and their three children. The Buffers were lessors of a house located at 3260 Kings Cross in Fayetteville. The owners of the property are Cheryl Gorton Long and Gene Long. In July of this year, the sewer backed up into that house and destroyed most all of the Buffer family's personal possessions. I have attached pictures showing the damage. I spoke with Paul Mitchell, Public Work Operations Assistant for the City and he opined that the problem was caused by the City's line, not the homeowner's line. Please have the Water and Sewer Department look into this matter and let me know as soon as possible if the City is willing to compensate the Buffers for their losses. The personal items believed to be salvageable were taken to Complete Restoration, Inc. That company has estimated that it will cost $11,445.17 to restore those items. I have attached a copy of Complete Restoration's written estimate. In addition, much of the Buffers' possessions were not salvageable. I have attached a list of those items with an estimated total cost of $43,154.00. 1 1 • • October 5, 2000 Page 2 The Buffers are hereby making aclaim for compensation ofthe $54,599.17 in losses incurred by the Buffer family. Please let me know the City's position on this matter as soon as possible. If you need anything further, please let me know. Also, as we discussed please request that this matter be placed on the City Council's agenda as soon as possible after the City has had time to investigate the matter. It would be great if this could be on the October 17, 2000 agenda, but the November 7, 2000 agenda may be more realistic. My clients would be available for either meeting. I look forward to working with you. Sincerely, rri Dill Chadick Enclosures BUFFER ITEMS THAT WERE NOT SALVAGEABLE ITEM COST Armoir - $500.00 King Size Bed $1,200.00 Linens $1,000.00 Fish Tank with Fish $300.00 Computer Desk $200.00 Lazy Boy Recliner $375.00 Glassware $100.00 Dinnerware $85.00 Pyrex Pots and Pans $200.00 Mixing Bowls and Mixer $75.00 Coffee Pot $30.00 Two Week Supply of Food $300.00 Other Pantry Items, Including Spices $120.00 Toaster $15.00 Towels $300.00 Plants $200.00 Pottery Inc. Flowers $125.00 Custom Designed Um with Arrangement $300.00 Silverware $125.00 Prescription Medication and Other Medication $1,000.00 Iron $15.00 Tablecloths (at $40.00 each) $80.00 Candles/Candle Holders (at $16.00 each) $320.00 Portable Stereo System $100.00 Bowling Ball $20.00 G:\Tcha\nuntt, Aimee\chart.wpd ITEM COST Duffle Bags (at $20 each) $60.00 Boys Clothes: Jeans (at $50 each) $200.00 Dress Pants (at $20 each) $300.00 Shirts (range in prices) $450.00 Sweaters (at $30 each) $1,200.00 Shorts (at $17 each) $425.00 Hats (at $30 each) $90.00 Shoes (at $60 each) $840.00 Shoes (at $18 each) $800.00 Underwear/Socks ($25/child) $75.00 Mens Clothes: Shirts $2,800.00 Slacks (at $36 each) $432.00 Sports Coats (at $200 each) $1,200.00 Suits (at $300 each) $1,800.00 Socks $100.00 Boxers (at $10 each) $300.00 Jeans (at $36 each) $216.00 Shoes $3,000.00 Shorts $500.00 Womens Clothes: Sweaters/sweatshirts $1,200.00 Scarves S126.00 Bathing Suits $195.00 Lingerie $600.00 Leatherjackets (at $450 each) $900.00 Coats $200.00 Nursing shoes $65.00 Scrub Tops/Lab Coats (at $20 each) $520.00 Scrub Pants (at $16 each) $160.00 G:\Tcha\Buller, Aimee\chan.wpd -2- 0 ITEM COST Slacks $2,500.00 Suits (at $300 each) $7,500.00 Dresses (at $45 each) $315.00 Summer suits/shorts outfits (at $90 each) $4,500.00 Shoes $2,500.00 TOTAL $43,154.00 G:\Tcha\Bufcr, Aims\charl.wpd _3 Restoration Inc. 3919 Cirri Springs Road P.O. Box 162 I Springdale. AR 72764 300-242-4414 or50t-756-`383 Fa'(501) 751-.6401 * Tat ID 71-0710969 • BUF07040CON Room: Pack & move contents I i DESCRJPTIION QNTY UTITT COST TOTAL Provide box for tagile itarns, bubble wrap, tape & labes 90.00 EA! a• 4.9C= 141.00 Sumrrvisory dnd administrative labor - per hour 12.00 HR'.! I 39.64= 475.63 Labor for pac'c-out - per our 24.00 FIR?? 2931= 70.3.44 • Labor to loaatcontents - per trout 2400 HRha' I 22.76= 786.24 Large moving van & equipment - per day 1.50 DA: T 137.64- 2S1.46 Room: Persanal Property DESCRIPTION V/Clean box cohtc=-1.5 cubic ft.- Uncaci:, clean. R-?acl- :/Clean box wnteass-3 = cubic fc- Gnp�si. ciean.:e•pec?. /Clean box contents - 6.1 cubic it. - L.npa;.c. clew. repack ;/Clean coy chdst - Razorback /Clean hutch iDiningroom VClean buffet 1 large lean washed- interior and exterior Clean dryer -Iint r or and exterior %Clean table-',klining .''Cleat chair -joining C1eao blue pl stic !ockcr Clean televison - Sanyo portable Clean tetevis0o - Magnavox Clean televis�n - Orion Clem microtyave - exterior - Sharp Clean retrige for - interior and exteriors Clew & dcc�Lrug - braided and hocked - ofsite Clears & deodorize maoress or box spring - full Clem & deetlorizc mattress or box spring - twin 1• -'Clean bed frame complete `vtilean hesdb4ard - double bed BLF07040CDN QNTY 1Thl i' COST TOTAL 55.00 EA 23.49= 23.49= 1.551.35 6.00 E.4@ 32.48= 194.88 21.00 EAU. 45.97- 965.3 1.00 EAri2 I 4.66= 4.50 1.00 E.4rd. 1 11.18-' 11. l 3 3.00 EA@ I 20.69= 20.69 1.00 E<i I 42.54= 42.54 1.00 E:4@ 39.72= 39.72 1.00 EA0a! I 13.79= 13.79 6.00E Th 10.32= 61.92 1.00 E•lt^m • I i 99= 11 99 1.00 E ra I 5.73= 5.73 1.00 EAOth 5.73= 5 73 LGO E41! I 5.73= 5.73 1.00 EAr I 4.59- 4.59 1.00 EA(a "?.98= 2298 35.00 Sr@ 1.00= 25.00 2.00 EA.' 34.48= 68.96 2.00 EA@ I 25.'7= 50.54 2.00 ESr I 7.65= 15.30 1.00 EA(h) 9.20— u 20 1)7.:20/2000 Page: 2 Complete Rc:oraiion Inc. 3919 Elm Springs Road - P.O. Box 162 I mintidale, AR 72764 I 300-242-4414 or 501-756-5383 Fas(501) 751-64'01 • Tx 1D71-0710869 CONTINUED - Personal Property i I I DESCRIPTION QNTV 1J?f'TTCOST TOTAL I _ Clean headboard - twin size 1.L'0 liA(at 630= 6.90 • Clean table - ccasional - Make-up table 1.00 EA(ii! 5.?3= 5.7• 3 Clean entertainment unit 6.00 LF;c; 2.3S= 17,28 i Clean chest eel drawers !.00 EA 1 S.6_= 5.62 • Clean dressej i.0''[ EA: 2S.i5= `= 33.1. Clean & deodorize ::hair - large - W ing[ ick 1.00 EA@ i 40 == 40"' Clean & deodorize sofa 6.00 E?_gi: ii.: _`= 6690 Clean & deodorize otlicc caatr x.00 EAf≤e I8 A= 18.39 Clem stainless stesi towel tack 1.01) EA(Q: 6.44— 5.44 Clean -bare i.00EA@ 10.3_- 10.33 plant Clean file caBinec- two drawer - includes paper work 1-00 EA @ 9?0= 9.20 Clean shelf- boat shelf 1.00 EA@. 12.44- I' 44 Clean night stand L00 EA(' 6.90= 6.90 Clean black S decker floor duster 1.00 EA;&• 9.20 . j9:0= Clean silver dash can 1.00 EAi2: 6.90= 6.90 Process dry cleaning 1.00 EA € 11,723.41= 1,728.4: NOTE: THE FOLLOWING IS AN ESTIMATE FOR DRYCLEANLNG OF CLOTHES. Electronic c!'an!na & restoration - per hour 3.J0 LA:5:. 2098= 167.84 NOTE: ANYISERVICE REPAIR WILL BE EXTRA. Pictures - renal & re -buck 3.00 EA!Th '_59a= 77.8'_ i I I , I i Room: Refinish furniture II DESCRIPTION QNTY UNIT COST TOTAL ; Refu h chat/sofa - legs only LOO EArD4 "?SOC= ??5.00 ! Refinish ent[atainmcnt cubinc[ - lower unit L00 I:A(a 55.13= 35.] 3 Refinish dresser with mirror - touch bottom only 1.00 EA@ 165.40r 16540 Refinish night stand - bottom only I 1.00 EA(rL 35.:1 = 35.31 ! ! Refinish headboard - full - touch up onil 1.00 E4!_u 64.94= 649a I • BUF0704000N 078.0:2000 Page: 3 1 1• fl Comnlere Restoration inc. 3919 Elm sorinas Roarl -i P.O. Box 162 Springdale, AR :761 800-242-4{ 14 or 501-?156-i3S3 Faxi'501) 751-6401' Tax ID 71-0710869 CONTINUED - Refinish furniture DESCRIPTION Refinish headboard - sinelc - touch up ortly Room_ Move & reset content ' I DESCRiPTIIDN Supervisory and administrative labor - per hour Labor to loadcontens - per hour Luce movi4 van fi equipment - per day i 1 r I I i Grand. Total Areas: 0.001 SF Wails 0.001 SF Floor 0.001 SF Long Wall : I I 1 I I i 1 , 1 $UF07040CmN 0.00 SF Ctiling 0.00 SY Flooring 0.00 SF Snow wall QNTY Ur1'IT COST TOTAL 1.00 EA(dl. ! sao_ ia,9y QNTY UNIT COST TOTAL 12.00 HR;' 39.6x= a75 68 2400 nR;$ i 32.76= ;862. 1.00 DAlizl ! 187.o4= 187.64 U.00 bF Walls x Ceiiing U.00 LF Floor Perimeter 000 frF Cell. Perimetr 07/20@000 Page: a • Complete Restoration Inc. 3919 Elm S rings Road I P.O. Box 162 Springdale, AR 72764 ; • 800.242-4414 ar SO I - 36-=333 Fax(50I)751-6401 •'Pax ID 71-0710869 I i I Summary for Sewer Damage Total Line Items Overhead 10.00% 2.359.I3 Profit 10.00% 2J5. 13 Taxable )terns 6.625% 3.078.99 Craod Total I Gcnc Korismeier Certified Restorer I 10.4:5.:2 235.91 23.91 53f.23 11,445.17 07,2012000 ?se: 5 Complete Restoration 7�c j 3919 Elm Springs Road 46 1 P.O. Box 162 1 , Springdale. AR72764 i 800-242-4414 or501.756.5383 Fax(501) 751-6101 ' Tax ID 71-0710869 • Room: ReAnish furniture DESCRIPTION Refinish dinipg chair Refinish tab! -Dinin ruam Refinish chin cabinct Refinish Buffet Refinish dresber with mirror GFartdTotal 4reas: 0.001 SF Walls 0.06. SF Floor 0.Od SF Long Wail BUF07040B4F BUF07040REF 0.00 SF Ceiling 0.00 SY Flooring 0.00 SF Short Wail QNTY 6.00 EA4I' 1.00 EA@ 1.00 EAtd 1.00 6A( 1.00 EAfn UNIT COST 98.GO- 550.00= • :50.00= 5&36= `-- 4 0.00 SF Wafts & Cciiing 0.00 F Floor Perimeter 0.00 LF Ce:l. Perimeter TOTAL 588.00 550.00 550.00 556.36 565.40 07'20i2000 Page: 2 Complete Restoration Inc. 3919 Elm Spprings Road P.O. Box 1!2 . Springdale. AR :2_7641 800-242-4414 or.501-756.5383 • Fn(501)751-.5401 • Tax TO 71-0710869 TOM] Like Items Overhead Prorit • 1 • Grand Total SUF07040REF! i I i I Summary for Sewer Damage 2.309.76 10.00% =,309.'.6 230.98 10.00% • '-.30936 280.5 3 371.;1 Cone Kordsmeier Certified Restorer i 07120/2000 Pays: 3 -0TrL F. ter? Compicte Restorntioa Inc. 3919 Elm Springs Road P.O. Box 162 , Sonngda(e, AR 727641 800-242-4414 or 501-756-5383 Fax(501) 751-6401 • '>jax 1) 71-0710669 sent: Johnny Buffer Home: 3260 Kings Cross Fayetteville, AR 72701 • Operator. GK • Es I ator. Gene Kordsmeier Certified Restorer Type of Estimare: Sewer Damage Dam En{ered: 7802000 Prim List: FAYF.TTF.V99 Estimate: BUF07040RE= • File Nt$ber: SUF07040 Date Assigned: 7/4.2000 Home: (501) 251-7494 Business: (501) 756.5383 FAYETTEtILLE THE CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS DEPARTMENTAL CORRESPONDENCE To: Don Bunn, Assistant Public From: David Jurgens, Date: December 12, 2000 Subject: Citizen Claim- 3260 Kings Cross (Aimee and Johnny Buffer) General The claim for reimbursement of damages is partially valid. There was a sewer backup into Aimee and Johnny Buffer's home (which they were leasing) which they discovered on 4 July 2000. They and their two or three young sons had been on vacation; the sewer water may have backed up for up to four days. The water reached a maximum depth of 2". You could see some lines on baseboards, but the depth never exceeded the height of a baseboard. The baseboards in the photographs attached to the claim do not show a water mark above the carpet, although there were some locations where there was a water mark. The water covered roughly 75% of the floor in the home. All carpeting and pads were wet due to wicking action. Most clothing items on the floor were damp, and some were soaked in the sewer water. Hard items on the floor (bowling balls, plungers, etc.) would be easy to clean. Items not in contact with the water would not have been damaged. Sewer Blockage. The blockage was in the 6" clay sewer main, caused by two places where the pipe was misaligned. We had washed the main less than three weeks before, and had no reason to expect that a backup might occur. We televised the main the next day, and repaired the bad spots the next week. Claim Amount. The Buffer's reaction to this backup is unique in my experience. They seem to believe that almost everything within the home was contaminated. This belief is reflected in the claim, as it includes $43,154.00 of personal property they claim was not salvageable. They also claim $11,445.17 from Complete Restoration, Inc., for restoration costs for the remaining salvageable items. This does not include any costs of cleaning the home or replacing carpets, flooring, etc. Most of the items in the claim were never touched by the water. Their claim total is $54,599.17. There is an additional portion of the Complete Restoration estimate for $$3,371.72 which appears to have been left out of the claimed amount. The Buffers elected to move out of the home. They also stated to me that the City should pay for their movers and all moving expenses. As a note, their claim includes a total of $8,045 for shoes alone. Fifty-eight pair of these shoes were for their children, with a stated value of $1,640.00. City Obligations. This claim is, in my opinion, unreasonable. The City has no legal obligation to pay anything, but has always tried to follow the "do right" rule in being fair to the residents. This claim, however, far exceeds anything we have ever seen before, although the backup was by no means the most severe we had ever see.For a historical perspective, the high0claim to date was for $21,871.39 in 1999, and that included both personal property, cleanup, and temporary lodging for the residents for two weeks. The personal property amount was only $4,717.24, and included a laptop computer. The balance was for cleaning and carpet and home repairs. City Policy. Our policy has been to pay depreciated costs for items which we deem unsalvageable (such as clothing immersed in the sewer). We also pay a smaller amount for damage to items which can still be used (furniture with some warping at the bottom). We do not pay for choice items (moving, cleaning of items which were not touched by the sewer water, food in the refrigerator, etc.). By ordinance, we will pay no more than $2,500 total for any sewer backup. Itemized Reimbursement. I did not use the Buffer's itemized list of items, as Water/Sewer employees removed those items that were wet and which we deemed to be valid for the claim. We do not have substantiation for the other items on the list, and feel they are unreasonable. They are listed below: Average Extended Item Quantity Cost Cost Shirts (t -shirts to dress shirts) 172 $ 20.00 $ 3,440.00 Coats 24 25.00 600.00 Skirts/Shorts 23 20.00 460.00 Pants 56 30.00 1,680.00 Shoes (pair) 26 40.00 1,040.00 Underwear 10 10.00 100.00 King Sized Box Springs 1 400.00 400.00 Coveralls 1 40.00 40.00 Misc Items * N/A N/A 1,548.00 Total $9,308.00 * Miscellaneous items include pillows, sheets, table cloths, a throw rug, a Pokeman Gameboy, a glue gun, a dust rag, a comforter with sham, rolls of toilet paper, a beach towel, and other, similar items. ** This includes associated expenses that were not itemized in the claim. Additionally, I concur that some, but not all, items which were removed for disinfection needed the same. The estimate for that work was $11,445.17. Most of this work has already been completed by Complete Restoration, Inc. There is an additional portion of the Complete Restoration estimate for $$3,371.72 which appears to have been left out ofthe claimed amount. I believe this latter portion is an estimate, and the $11,445.17 is for completed work. This claim has been very difficult to process, due to the lack of detailed information (they did not include itemized prices and/or unit quantities, etc. for many oftheir claimed items) and the intermixing of actual and supposed damage. The home is owned by Cheryl and Gene Long as a rental unit. They had insurance which covered the sewer backup, but certainly had to pay a deductible. We have not received any claim from them at this time. Thus, there may be another valid submission on this claim. Final Resolution. The Buffer.ve not been very open to negotiation. ly did not fill out a claim form, include unit prices and item quantities in their claim, and sent the claim through an attorney rather than to us. Thus, I feel that the final claim will be based on attorney to attorney negotiations rather than via me dealing with the owners. This represents the first claim in seven years that I have not been able to successfully negotiate myself. Rather than be guided by the initial claim amount, we should do what is fair and consistent with other claimants. Recommendation. To expedite handling this claim, I recommend we have the City Council pass a resolution approving handling this claim in the maximum amount of $24,124.89, and approve a budget adjustment to transfer funds from the sewer construction materials account (5400-4410- 5216.00) to the sewer self insurance account (5400-4410-5311.00). I further recommend that the City Attorney's office schedule a meeting with the Buffer's attorney after the City Council passes their resolution, to determine the final amount of the claim. DJ\\CLAIMSUCmg3260. WPD CONNER & WINTERS, P.L.L.C. AFFILIATED WITH CONNER & WINTERS A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION M OKLAB AA NORTBW6TARKANSAS JAMES E. GREEN, JR. LAWYERS ANNE B. SUBLETT OKLAHOMA CITY low R ELROD' MARTIN R. WING REBECCA & WOODWARD PETER B. BRADFORD DFOPKMS JOHN W. INGRAHAM BEVERLY K. SMITH GREG S. SCHARLAU• RAYMOND E To ANDREW R TURNER SUITE 200 MELODIE FREEMAN -GURNEY RUIN ANN WISENER' IRWM H,D EINHORN DOUGLAS M RATHER• JACALYN W. PEITR TERM] DILL SOADIIX • GENERA AEDWINEREM LOO WEST CENTER STREET ROBERT D.ITtROL JOHN W. FUNK CHRLESEBRONSON' KORAN A. FHANSAIXAR CHARLES E SCHAIILAU. R. KEVIN DAVID H. H TIMOIHYJ.. HAYNIEE W NATNIE FAYETTEVRS,E, ARKANSAS 72701-6081 K. GIDD ELIZABETH K. ONOCCA OFCOUNSNE BLA(FF MITCHELL 0. BLACKBURN D. IIFMOYLANEY. BRUCE B0.UCE W. iAFAMAN JONATHAN M. CINOLYA P. BLAKE ALLEN DAVIOR. CORDFIL (501)582-5711 JASON S. TAYLOR OF COUNSEL• MARK H BENNER JOHN N. HOW JACQUELINE L. BLOCKER L. DON SMITHERMAN C. RAD PATTON,10. FAX (501) 587-1426 ,N LM E. BRADEN PAUL F. OF COUNSEL LAURA L. MFCASLAND CECRY H. MURRAY JOHN BARRY J.MELD ROBERT I.ATRAWAY OIARLES C. KRLM KP.MBERLY E MARCHAHT HENRY HATHAWAY WRITER'S EMAIL ADDRESS TAMER R. RYAN JOSEPH I. MCGM.IR. J. A JOHNA.P. JOHN A. tchedick�aNLw.mm RUSSELL H.HARBAUGH. JR. _ MOORS I0. CE A HALL CEU A. DAVID O. CORDELL BENIWIN C CONNER ROBERT CURRY ROBERT A. CU T1M0THY T. TRUMP TIMOTHY II N RICHAR NARKS DVAUG0. OFCWNSFI ET.@R11V5 JOHN M. WINTERS.JR. M.Wi F FUNK D. RICHARD FUNK D. NANCY [TAI -19X97 RANDOLPH L. JONESBJKIN 10. D.VAUGHN ERG MMARK EN J. RNAD IFE' 0. ERIIAN JROHNS. JOAN S. ATHENS THE S IUL M,yyv� B. LARRY B, LIFE' KA ERNE G. CO KATHERINE G. COYLE October 11, 2000 VIA HAND DELIVERY Jerry Rose, Esq. C j Fayetteville City Attorney C/ 7YAn ? oOQ City Administration Building 0RNEYSOFFic� Fayetteville, AR 72701 Re: Buffer sewer matter Dear Jerry: As we recently discussed, I represent Aimee and Johnny Buffer and their three children. The Buffers were lessors of a house located at 3260 Kings Cross in Fayetteville. The owners of the property are Cheryl Gorton Long and Gene Long. In July of this year, the sewer backed up into that house and destroyed most all of the Buffer family's personal possessions. I have attached pictures showing the damage. I spoke with Paul Mitchell, Public Work Operations Assistant for the City and he opined that the problem was caused by the City's line, not the homeowner's line. Please have the Water and Sewer Department look into this matter and let me know as soon as possible if the City is willing to compensate the Buffers for their losses. The personal items believed to be salvageable were taken to Complete Restoration, Inc. That company has estimated that it will cost $11,445.17 to restore those items. I have attached a copy of Complete Restoration's written estimate. In addition, much of the Buffers' possessions were not salvageable. I have attached a list of those items with an estimated total cost of $43,154.00. October 5, 2000 Page 2 The Buffers are hereby making a claim for compensation ofthe $54,599.17 in losses incurred by the Buffer family. Please let me know the City's position on this matter as soon as possible. If you need anything further, please let me know. Also, as we discussed please request that this matter be placed on the City Council's agenda as soon as possible after the City has had time to investigate the matter. It would be great if this could be on the October 17, 2000 agenda, but the November 7, 2000 agenda may be more realistic. My clients would be available for either meeting. I look forward to working with you. Sincerely, rri Dill Chadick Enclosures BUFFER ITEMS THAT WERE NOT SALVAGEABLE ITEM COST Armoir $500.00 King Size Bed $1,200.00 Linens $1,000.00 Fish Tank with Fish $300.00 Computer Desk $200.00 Lazy Boy Recliner $375.00 Glassware $100.00 Dinnerware $85.00 Pyrex Pots and Pans $200.00 Mixing Bowls and Mixer $75.00 Coffee Pot $30.00 Two Week Supply of Food $300.00 Other Pantry Items, Including Spices $120.00 Toaster $15.00 Towels $300.00 Plants $200.00 Pottery Inc. Flowers $125.00 Custom Designed Urn with Arrangement $300.00 Silverware $125.00 Prescription Medication and Other Medication $1,000.00 Iron $15.00 Tablecloths (at $40.00 each) $80.00 Candles/Candle Holders (at $16.00 each) $320.00 Portable Stereo System $100.00 Bowling Ball $20.00 G:\Ttha\Buffer Aimee\ehen.wpd ITEM COST Duffle Bags (at $20 each) $60.00 Boys Clothes: Jeans (at $50 each) $200.00 Dress Pants (at $20 each) $300.00 Shirts (range in prices) $450.00 Sweaters (at $30 each) $1,200.00 Shorts (at $17 each) $425.00 Hats (at $30 each) $90.00 Shoes (at $60 each) $840.00 Shoes (at $18 each) $800.00 Underwear/Socks ($25/child) $75.00 Mens Clothes: Shirts $2,800.00 Slacks (at $36 each) $432.00 Sports Coats (at $200 each) $1,200.00 Suits (at $300 each) $1,800.00 Socks $100.00 Boxers (at $10 each) $300.00 Jeans (at $36 each) $216.00 Shoes $3,000.00 Shorts $500.00 Womens Clothes: Sweaters/sweatshirts $1,200.00 Scarves $126.00 Bathing Suits $195.00 Lingerie $600.00 Leather jackets (at $450 each) $900.00 Coats $200.00 Nursing shoes $65.00 Scrub Tops/Lab Coats (at $20 each) $520.00 Scrub Pants (at $16 each) $160.00 G:\Tcha\Buffer, Aimee\ hart.wpd -2- ITEM COST Slacks $2,500.00 Suits (at $300 each) $7,500.00 Dresses (at $45 each) $315.00 Summer suits/shorts outfits (at $90 each) $4,500.00 Shoes $2,500.00 TOTAL $43,154.00 G:\Tcha\Bifer, Aimee\chart.wpd -3- f. Complete Restoration Inc. 3919 L'• Springs Road x ! P.O. Boxi62 I, Soriaedaie. AR72764 '• 390 -?42-4414 oe501-706-?383 Fax(501) 751-6401 ' Tax TD 71-0710869 BLTF0704000N Room: Paek & move contents QNTY Ur9TT COST TOTAL DESCRIrrioN Provide box 4or fragile items, bubble wrap, tape & labels 90.00 EAr& ! 4.90 441.00 Suoirvisory dnd administrative labor - per hour 12.001&@ I 39.64= 475.63 for hour 24.00 HR? c. 1 2921= 703.44 Labor paeic-eut - per Labor to loa d contents - per hour 24-00 Ht`' fl76= 06'24 Large mmin'van & equipment- per day 1.50 D.;fa! 1 137.64= 231.40 Room: Pet, DESCRIP'TI Clean box co. i%Cleaa bar co ;/Clean box ca /Clean toy chu /Clean hutch Clean buffet ]ean SYaanel 1 Clean dryer - %Clean able - .'yClean chair - Clean blue p //Clean televit Clean televi! Clean televii Clean micro' Clean refrig+ i Clean & dec Clean & dcc ! Clean & de: !•/Clean bed fi vCiean headl BUF07040( Property is -I.5 cubic ft.- Unpack, clean. repack t5-3 cubic R- Unpack, dean. re -peck to - 6.1 cubic ft. - Unpack. dean. repack Razorback large interior and exterior nt rior and exterior c locker - Sonyo portable t - Magnavox i -Orion .ve - exTerior - Sharp tar - interior and exteriors rug - braided and hooked- off site trize mattre55 or box spring - Tull ,rizc mattress or box sprig - twin to complete ird - double bed QNTY JThAl COST TOTAL i_ 65.00 EA;7c 6.00 EA @. 21.00EA@.. 1.00 EAr� LOU EAfir< i.00 EA@ 1.00 E_ -.e 1.00 E42$ L00 EAfa; 6.00 Erinl LCO EAa'i LOU EAI@ LOGE @ LOU E9@ 1.00 EA@ 1.00 EA@ 35.00 SF@ _'.00 2.00 EA@ 2.00 E / 1.00 EA@ 23.49= 1,351.85 32.48= 194.83 45.97- %5,37 4.66= 4.56 t1.18= 11.18 20.69= 20.69 42.34= 42.54 39.72= ?9.72 .- 13.79 10.32= 6192 11 .99= 11.99 573 5.73 5.73 5.7. 5.73= 5.73 4.59^ 4.59 2•,.98 22.98 1.00= 35.00 34.48 68.96 _ 50.54 7.65= 15.30 920- °2Q OT2012000 Page: 2 Complete Restoration Inc. 1 3919 Elm Springs Road • P.U. Box 162 ! S tringdale, AR 72764 i 300-242-4414 or 501-756-5383 Fa'c(501) 751-64.01 ' "Fk+x ID i I-0710869 CONTINUED - Personai Property DESCRIPTION QNTY jTT COST TOTAL I Clem headboard -twin size 1.00 EAc� 6.90= 6.90 Clean table - }ccasional - Make-up table 1.00 EA@ 5.73= 5.73 Clean entertainment unit 6.00 LF(c; 2.3S= 17.23 I Clean chest of drawers !.00 EA;T. 3.622= 3.62 Clean dress 1.00 E.4 G 23.19= 23.15 k Clean & deodorize chair - large - W ingtiack 1.00 EA@ 40?-' 40.22 Cl an & deodorize sofa 6.00 EA`: j 11.14= 5690 Giusti & deodorize chair 1.00 EA iiyt I&39 18.39 office Clean stuinleis steel towel rack 1.00 EA@ 6.44— 6.44 Clean plant-Ir'arge 1.00 EA@ I 10.33— 10.33 Clean file cabinet- two drawer - Includds paper work 1.00 EA@ ! 930= 9.20 Clean shelf - }acs shelf 1.00 EA@ ! 12.44" 12.44 ta Clem night snd 1.00 EA@ 1 ! 6.90= 6.90 Clean black a decker floor duster 1.00 EMI' 9.20 9.20 Clem sliver trlash can I.00 EA.a`. j 6.90= 6.90 Process dry =fuming 1.00 EA. 11,723.41= 1,728.41 NOTE: THE FOLLOWING IS AN ESTIMATE FOR DRYCLi ANLNG OF CLOTHES. Electronic cleattina & restoration - per hour 3.00 L A@ I 20.98" 161.34 NOTE: ANYISER VICE REPAIR WILL BE EXTRA. 1 j Pictures - re-�at & re -back 3.00 E.4!ii� I '5.9d= 77.82 Room: Refinish furniture DESCRIPTION E QNTY WIlT COST TOTAL ._.-_ I Refmi-h chairisofa - legs only ` X00 EAlu! 225.DC= 225.00 Refinish entertainment cabin[ - lower unit X00 EEA@ i 55.13= 35.1; I Refinish dresser with mirror - touch bosom only X00 Lk(t 165 40- 165.40 I II ! I Refinish night stand - bosom only 1.00 EA( 31.31= j 35.31 � Refinish headboard - full - touchup oni} 1.00 EA(iu, j 64.94= 64.94 i I 07120:2000 Page: 3 1 BUF07040CON Complete Inc. 3919 Elm Springs Road P.O. Box 162 .I Springda(e. AR 2764 800-242-4414 or 501-n56-1583 FaV50I) 751-6401 ' Tax ID 71.0710869 CONTINUED -Refinish furniture IReImish headboard - single - touch tap oliN Room: MMve & reset content D£5CR1PTtION Sunervisory and administrative labor - per hour Labor to load, consents - per hour Lame moving% van &: cluipmenl - per day • I i j I Ge and. Total kreas: 0-00I SF Walls 0.001 SF Floor 0.001 Sr Long Wall 1 I l 1 i I ; ' i I i 1 � 0.00 SF CsiUpg 0.00 SY Flooring 0.00 SF Short Wall QNTY 1.00 EAtaj COST 54 0o- QNTY UMT COST 12.00 KR4T 24 00 iiRiiu 1.00 DA1a! 39.64= 32.76= 187.64= 0.00 SF Wails & Ceiling 0.00 LF Floor Perimeter 000 F Cell. Perimeter TOTAL 5494 TOTAL 475.68 786 24 187.64 07/20/2000 Page: 4 Complete Restoration Inc. � 1 3919 Em Springs Road a P.O. P.U. Box 162 1.. II I I -`Frio@<Lnle, .4R -12764 I` I i 800.242-4414ar501-e56-=383 Fax(501)751-6401 'tax ID 71-0710869 1 I I I Iaurmary for Sewer Damage Total Line Items Overhead 10.00°'0 Profit 10.00% Taxanle tems 6.62595 Grand itotal i ( i • Gene Kordsmeier Certified Restorer • i I I .._59.1_ 2.359. 13 3.078.99 1048..2 2==5.91 4...91 535.23 1 11,445.17 07,20/2000 Pte: 5 i I Complete Restoration I1. • 3919 Ebt Sprint Roaa P.O. Box l6? t I Springdale. AR7 764 i 1 •800 242-1414 or501 756-5?83 j • i Fax(501) 751-6101 ' Tax fD 71-0710869 i I BUF0704OREF• Room: ReAnisb furniture I I DESCRIPTION QNTY Ut1T COST TOTAL Refinish d niriIg chair 6.00 EAG MOO= 588.00 Refiaish tab!C - Dinin roam 1.00 EA@ 5:0.00= 550.00 Refinish chit cabinet L0U EA+'it' 550,00= 550.00 ! Refinish Buffer 1.00 EA@ 556.36= 556.36 Refinishdresberwith mirror 1.00EA!i) 565.40— 565.40 I I •Gland Total reas: 0.0 SF Walls • 0.0d SF Floor 0.0q SF Lang Wail I • 1 ! 1 1 • BUF07040RIrF 0.00 SF Ceiling 0.00 SY Flooring 0.00 SF Short Wall 0.00 SF Walls & Cciiing 0.00 FF Floor Perimeter 0.00 Li: Ceil. Perimeter 07'20/000 Page: 2 Complete Restoration Inc. h 3919 Elm SpnRoadI P.O. Box 162 Sorin;daie, AR 72764 800-242-4414 or.501-756.5363 Far(501) 751-5401 - Tat iD 71-0710869 • i Snnimary for Sewer Damage Total Line Items Overhe0o 10.00% • Pratt 1 10.00% • Grand Total i Cene Rordsmeier I Ccrtitied Restorer 9UF07040REF i I ' I j : 3,809.'.5 380.98 ?.809.15 ?80.98 3,3 1.72 t 0720/2000 Pays: 3 '0Tii P.Cr9 • I1I Cumpiete Rest:orniion Inc. I3919Elm5pringRoad P.O.Box16Z • Sonngdale, .4R 72764i I 800-242-4414 or 501-2256-5383 • Fax(501)751-6401 • lax ID 71-0710869 • ' 1 Bent Home: Opemror: Esdmaror. • ride: Tvoe of Esamare: • • Dare Enjered Price List: Esuinare: File i limber. • I ! I k Johnny Buffer 3?60 Kicgs Cross Fayerreville, AR ''2701 JA. Gene Kordsmeier Certified Restorer Sewer Damage 7/202000 F.AYF.TTF.V99 BUF07040RE_ SUF07040 Dare Assigned: 7/4.2000 Home: (50E)251-7494 Business: (50) 756.5383 City of Fayetteville, Arkansas EMDIT Q D • Budget Adjustment Form Li 1 Increase Expense (Decrease Revenue) Account Name A ounce Account Number Project Number Decrease Expense (Increase Revenue) Account Name Amount Account Number _ Project Number. -_ _ Approval Signatures _Lt_D2c� Qo Date Dec 1 51 'L cots Date par[men[ rector Date Ad s irec r Da e Mayor Date Blue Copy: Budget & Research / Budget Office Use Only Type: A B C OD E Date of Approval F�p Posted to General Ledger Posted to Project Accounting Entered in Category Log Yellow Copy: Requester FAYETTE!TILLE THE CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS DEPARTMENTAL CORRESPONDENCE 0 To: Steve Davis, Budget From: David Jurgens, Water/Sewer Date: December 13, 2000 Subject: Citizen Claim- 3260 Kings Cross (Aimee and Johnny Buffer) I have attached two other memorandums regarding the sewer claim at 3260 Kings Cross. The sewer self insurance account (5400-4410-5311.00) does not have sufficient funds, so I am recommending doing a budget adjustment to transfer the funds from sewer construction materials (5400-4410- 5216.00). I have attached a budget adjustment form for this change. DJ\\CLAIMS\King3260-3. WPD . • STAFF REVIEW FORM XXX AGENDA REQUEST CONTRACT REVIEW GRANT REVIEW For the City Council meeting of December 19, 2000 FROM: David Jurgen Water/Sewer Public Works Name Division Department ACTION REQUIRED: City Council approve staff handling the claim for sewer backup at 3260 Kings Cross in the amount not to exceed $24,124.89, and approve a budget adjustment for the same. COST TO CITY: $ 24,124.89 $ 4 S., ' � r Self Insurance Cost of this request Project Budge C4rFl q & oci, Project Name 5400-4410-5311.01 $ 419,613 Sewer Main Const Account Number Funds used to date Program Name $ C,≤1 Ra 34 Water and Sewer Project Number Remaining Balance Fund BUDGET REVIEW: _ Budgeted Item XX Budget Adjustment Attached CONTRACT/GRANT/LEASE REVIEW: tQ /ate 0 Accou f g Manager U City Attom Date W &Q Ia-t -oa Administrative Services Director GRANTING AGENCY: ADA Coordinator Date 14,1,1'/oar Internal fitditor Date Date TION: Approve change orders as stated above. Date Cross Reference: �riUG(� 1.4.0altmen D cror Date New Item: Yes No a dminls ative a r'es Director Previous Ord/Res #: Mayor Date Orig Contract Date: DJ REHAB-SW'BAS16301 .WPD Meeting Date: December 19, 2000 STAFF REVIEW FORM Page 2 Description: Sewer Claim Settlement, 3260 Kings Cross Comments: Budget Coordinator: Accounting Manager: City Attorney: Purchasing Officer: ADA Coordinator: Internal Auditor: Reference Comments: I.J a:n?S,Yri1:LRYM10A i�. RESOLUTION NO. 174_00 A RESOLUTION APPROVING A SETTLEMENT OF THE SEWER BACK-UP CLAIM AT 3260 KINGS CROSS IN THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF $24,124.89 AND APPROVAL OF A BUDGET ADJUSTMENT. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS: Section 1. That the City Council hereby approves a settlement of the sewer back-up claim at 3260 Kings Cross in the maximum amount of $24,124.89. A copy of the claim is attached hereto marked Exhibit "A" and made a part hereof. Section 2. The City Council hereby approves a budget adjustment in the amount of $24,125 increasing Sewer Self Insur, Acct. No. 5400 4410 5311 00 by decreasing Sewer Const. Mat'ls, Acct. No. 5400 4410 5216 00. A copy of the budget adjustment is attached marked Exhibit "B" and made a part hereof. PASSED AND APPROVED this 19th day of December , 2000. APPROVED n��'/' By: �/ Fred Hanna, Mayor ATTES . f / `f/ s Heather Woodruff, City Clerk