Notice of Appeal of Claim by Austin BodenhoferCopyrighted
August 17, 2026
City of Dubuque
City Council
ITEM TITLE:
SUMMARY:
SUGGUESTED
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
CONSENT ITEMS # 2.
Notice of Appeal of Claim
Austin Bodenhofer for vehicle damage.
Receive and File; Refer to City Attorney
1. Appeal of Claim by Austin Bodenhofer
APPEAL OF CLAIM
Damage to Vehicle During Police Search
Austin Bodenhofer
Itq weJ� 230 �,kee�
Dubuque, IA s',Ico)
- rW3 q7 _-1 ?43
`'qsJ"0 toic)iQroo,i.COrit
Date: _ lr�- 9,6
Dubuque City Council
c/o City Clerk
City Hall
50 W. 13th Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
RE: Appeal of Claim — $3,310 Damage to My Vehicle
Dear Members of the Dubuque City Council,
I am writing to formally appeal the denial of my claim for the damage to my vehicle that occurred during the
execution of a search at the residence.
I respectfully ask the City Council to reconsider my claim because I was not the person who was the
subject of the search. I was not involved in the circumstances that led law enforcement to the
residence, and at the time of the incident, I was asleep.
Despite having no involvement in the reason for the police activity, my personal vehicle was damaged
during the incident. The damage is documented in the photographs included with this appeal, and the
estimated cost of repairing the damage is $3,310.00.
1 understand that law enforcement officers were performing their duties. However, I believe it is important for
the City Council to consider the circumstances from my perspective. I was an innocent third parry. I did not
cause the situation that resulted in the search, I was not the person law enforcement was looking for, and I
had no control over the actions that resulted in my vehicle being damaged.
I am therefore asking the City Council to reconsider the denial of my claim and reimburse me for the
$3,310.00 necessary to repair my vehicle.
I have included photographs documenting the damage and supporting evidence. I can also provide the
repair estimate or invoice and any other documentation the City Council needs.
I respectfully ask that the Council consider the fact that I was not involved in the incident and that I should
not have to personally absorb a $3,310 expense for damage to my property resulting from an incident in
which I had no involvement.
Appeal Packet — Austin Bodenhofer — Page 1
Thank you for your time and consideration. I would also appreciate the opportunity to attend the Council
meeting and explain the circumstances personally if necessary.
Respectfully,
Austin Bodenhofer
Signature:
Attachments: Six photographs documenting the vehicle condition/damage. Repair estimate/invoice and other supporting records
should be attached if available.
Appeal Packet — Austin Bodenhofer — Page 2
Rear vehicle panel — close-up view of visible surface marks/scratches.
Appeal Packet — Austin Bodenhofer — Page 4
EXHIBIT A
Appeal Packet — Austin Bodenhofer — Page 3
Rear vehicle panel and trunk area — close-up view of visible marks/scratches.
Appeal Packet — Austin Bodenhofer — Page 6
EXHIBIT B
Photograph 2 of 6
Appeal Packet — Austin Bodenhofer — Page 5
Rear corner/body panel — close-up view of visible surface damage.
Appeal Packet — Austin Bodenhofer — Page 8
EXHIBIT C
Photograph 3 of 6
Appeal Packet — Austin Bodenhofer — Page 7
Rear body/trunk area — close-up view of visible marks/scratches.
Appeal Packet — Austin Bodenhofer — Page 10
EXHIBIT D
Photograph 4 of 6
Appeal Packet — Austin Bodenhofer — Page 9
Vehicle roof/rear area — photograph documenting vehicle condition.
Appeal Packet - Austin Bodenhofer - Page 12
EXHIBIT E
Appeal Packet — Austin Bodenhofer — Page 11
Nighttime photograph documenting the vehicle aVnear the location around the time of the incident.
Appeal Packet - Austin Bodenhofer - Page 14
EXHIBIT F
Photograph 6 of 6
Appeal Packet - Austin Bodenhofer - Page 13