City of Oak Creek

Minutes, Small Claims Committee

Friday, September 19, 2003  8:30 am.

  1. This meeting was called to order at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, September 19, 2003, in the Mayor’s office at Oak Creek City Hall, 8640 S. Howell Ave.
  2. Roll Call: 

    Present were:  Mayor Dick Bolender,  Alderman Dimity Grabowski and City Clerk Beverly Buretta.

    Also present:  Weed Commissioner Brent Conley

  3. Review of Claims
    1. Request of Jeanette Landowski to rescind the weed-cutting bill for her property at 6721S.20th St. in the amount of $118.80
      No representative for the claimant was present.  The Committee reviewed the written request and photographs received from Ms. Landowski.  Weed Commissioner Brent Conley was asked the history.  He stated that the area in question was approximately 1 acre.  He brought two pictures of the property taken on 6/14/03, immediately before he began cutting, which showed that the grass and weeds were in excess of the ordinance limits.  He said the weed complaint was made anonymously by an area resident.  He said that after the property owner received a regular weed notice, the claimant went to view the property, then called him about the weeds being in the ROW area.  He explained to her that the City’s ordinance states the height guidelines of both weeds and grasses and that the property owner is responsible for maintenance of ROW area, The City had been cutting the ROW area although it is not required to do so.  The 10’ – 15’ section north of this property had already been cut when the Weed Commissioner came to handle this property.  It was moved by Ald. Grabowski, seconded by B. Buretta, to deny this claim.  All voted aye.
    2. Request of Joni Nelson, 8891 S. Parkside Dr. for reimbursement for carpet cleaning in the amount $306.24 as a result of fingerprinting dust stains from a burglary investigation which occurred over the 7/4/03 weekend.
      The claimant, Ms. Joni Nelson, was present and explained her request.  The Committee reviewed her request letter, police report, and bill.   Mayor Bolender asked the status of any claim by the property owner to her homeowners’ insurance carrier.  She indicated that she had been told that this carpet cleaning would not be covered.  Mayor Bolender explained that the City’s ordinances state clearly that the City is not responsible for this type of claim, and that coverage for any loss in connection with this incident is the responsibility of the insurance carrier. He suggested that he could provide the name of the State Commissioner of Insurance if she was not satisfied with the carrier’s response to her claim.  It was moved by Ald. Grabowski, seconded by B. Buretta, to deny this claim.   All voted aye. 
  4. Adjournment
    B. Buretta, seconded by D. Grabowski, moved to adjourn at 9:15 a.m.  All voted aye.