FAYETTEVILLE -- Five water line breaks during the first two months of the year have pending damage claims working their way through the city.
The Water, Sewer and Solid Waste Committee on Tuesday signed off on a $13,099 claim for damage done to a home in the 1100 block of Oaks Manor Drive. Heavy rain saturated the ground in late February and a water main broke, flooding the home.
The item will be on consent agenda for the City Council's meeting Tuesday, meaning it will be approved without discussion. Half of the council members serve on the Water, Sewer and Solid Waste Committee.
Hardwood flooring in the house had to be replaced, with drywall torn out and new doors and carpeting needed, said Mark Rogers, water and sewer operations manager for the city.
A nearby home, in the 2800 block of North Sheryl Avenue, also had damage during the same rupture. Water entered a bedroom, causing carpeting and baseboard damage, Rogers said. The claimed amount was $2,247.
Any claims of more than $8,000 have to be approved by the City Council, Chief of Staff Don Marr said.
An unrelated claim of $11,854 was made for damage to Pathway Baptist Church, 3395 W. Mount Comfort Road. A water line split on Jan. 10, causing extensive damage to the church's parking lot, landscaping, retention ponds and an air-conditioning unit, according to city documents.
Officials are waiting to see what the church's insurance will pay before sending the item to the City Council for approval, Rogers said.
Two other claims for water leaks at a vacant house in the 1000 block of North Eastwood Drive and a home in the 2300 block of West Eiffel Crossing are awaiting estimates.
"It seems we get hit all at once with these, then go a long period without any," Rogers said.
The city budgets in anticipation of such costs, Chief Financial Officer Paul Becker said.
"That's a lot all at once, but it does happen," Council Member Mark Kinion said, who leads the committee.
NW News on 04/11/2018