Claim Response Schmerbach, RanBARRY A. LINDAHL, /E~Q.
CORPORATION COUN~L, CITY OF DUBUQUE
MEMO
TO:
Mayor Terrance M. Duggan and
Members of the City Council
DATE: May 28, 2003
RE:
Claim Against the City By Randy Schmerbach
Claimant
Date of Claim
Date of Loss
Nature of Claim
Randy Schmerbach '04/29/03
04/20/03
Vehicle Damage
This is a claim in which claimant alleges that the rear bumper of his vehicle was dented
after striking an 18"-24" pole in the City Bluff Street parking lot, located across from
Carnegie Stout Public Library.
According to the report of Tim Horsfield, Parking Systems Supervisor, Mr. Horsfield
observed the area in which claimant indicated the damage occurred. Mr. Horsfield states
that several years ago, the Parking Division went to a duplex type of mounting from a
singular mounting, for the meters in this lot. Thus, every other pole is no longer used for a
meter, though left in place, and is located throughout the parking lot between the current
duplex meter poles.
After reviewing the information provided by Mr. Schmerbach and observing the area where
the incident occurred, Mr. Horsfield reports that the poles are rather short, making it
somewhat difficult to be seen when backing up. It is therefore the recommendation of Tim
Horsfield to approve this claim in the amount of $412.50. The Legal Department concurs
with this recommendation.
BALtUs
CC:
Michael Van Milligen, City Manager
Jeanne Schneider, City Clerk
Tim Horsfield, Parking Systems Supervisor
Randy Schmerbach
SUITE 330, HARBOR VIEW PLACE, 300 MAIN STREET DUBUQUE, IA 52001-6944
TELEPHONE (563) 583-4113 / FAX (563) 583-1040 / EMAIL BALESQ~MWCI.NET
Parking Division
830 Bluff Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4662
(563) 589-4266 phone
(563) 5894308 fax
(563) 690~6678 TDD
May 23,2003
Barry Lindahl, Esq.
Corporation Counsel
Suite 300 Harbor Place
300 Main Street
Dubuque, IA 52001-6944
RE: Randy Schmerbach Damage Claim
Dear Barry:
I received your communication and claim filed by Randy Schmerbach for vehicle
damage sustained in Lot 6 (12th/Locust) owned by the City of Dubuque.
I have observed the area in which Mr. Schmerbach indicated the damage occurred. It is
my understanding that at one time, the parking meters in this lot were individually
mounted on separate poles. Several years ago, the Parking Division went to a duplex
type of mounting for the meters in this lot. Thus, every other pole was no longer used
for a meter, however left in place. These poles are located throughout the parking lot
between the current duplex meter poles.
After reviewing the information provided by Mr. Schmerbach, and observing the area
where the incident occurred, I would recommend that the claim be paid as the poles
seem to be cut off rather short and may not be seen when backing up.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact me at your
convenience.
Sincerely,
Tim Horsfield, Parking System Supervisor
cc: Bill Baum, Economic Development Director
Service People Integrity Responsibility Innovation Teamwork