Horsfield Construction, Inc. Claim
BARRY A. LINDAHL, ESQ.
CORPORATION COUNSEL
MEMO
To:
Mayor Terrance M. Duggan
and members of the City Council
Date:
September 14, 2000
Re:
Horsfield Construction, Inc. Claim
Claimant
Date of Claim Date of Loss Nature of Claim
Horsfield Construction 9/13/00
9/13/00
property damage
This is a claim by Horsfield Construction, Inc., which was
doing street construction work for the City near the intersection
of Langworthy and the alley between Booth Street and Parkway. As
a result of the flushing of a fire hydrant in the vicinity of the
work, damage was done to Horsfield's laser pipe alignment machine.
The value of the machine is $5,895.
Enclosed is a memorandum from Public Works Director Mike Koch,
recommending payment of the claim. The Legal Department concurs
with that recommendation.
It is therefore the recommendation of the Legal Department
that this claim for the repair or replacement of the machine, in an
amount not to exceed $5,895 plus tax in the amount of $353.70, for
a total amount of $6,248.70 be paid by the Finance Director.
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TELE 319583-4113 FAX 319 583-1040
e-mail balesq@mwci.net
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cc - Mr. Mike Koch
cc - Mr. Bob Green
CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
MEMORANDUM
September 14, 2000
TO: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel
FROM: Michael A. Koch, Public Works Director J/,i/(d
SUBJECT: Claim of Horsfield Construction, Inc. Dated September 13, 2000
This is in response to a claim from Horsfield Construction, Inc., who is doing street
construction work for the City of Dubuque near the intersection of Langworthy and the
alley between Booth Street and Parkway. The work in progress consisted of the
installation of storm sewer pipe in an excavation approximately four feet below the
street level.
On WedneSday, September 18, 2000, at or about 7:45 a.m., the City Water
Department flushed a fire hydrant at the intersection of West Third and College Street
due to water quality concerns at 210 College Street. SUbsequently, the water ran
down the College Street curb line and then directly into the excavation where the
workers were installing the new storm sewer. Luckily, no one was hurt in this
incident; however, there were damages to a laser pipe alignment machine owned by
Horsfield Construction, with a value of $5,895 plus tax. This laser machine was
washed down the storm sewer system and damaged by the water.
The Water Department knew that Horsfield Construction was performing
reconstruction work on COllege Street because of their involvement with other
watermain alterations associated with this construction project. Furthermore, the
location of the fire hydrant flushed was 2-1/2 blocks from the contractor's project.
The Water Department should have checked the area before flushing of this fire
hydrant.
It is my opinion that the City Water Department is responsible for the damage to this
laser equipment, and that the full amount of damage be paid to Horsfield Construction.
MA K/vjd
cc: Bob Green, Water Plant Manager
Attach.