Submitted By: William E. Sexton, City Attorney
Presentation By: William E. Sexton, City Attorney
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Department: City Attorney
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
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Authorization to manage claims and/or settle pending claims associated with Hurricane Milton / Lift Station #11 damages claims, including the related expenditure of funds
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OCALA'S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Fiscally Sustainable
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
On or about October 9, 2024, and resulting from a power outage that occurred during and ostensibly caused by the tropical cyclone identified as Hurricane Milton, the City's Lift Station #11, located at or about 628 N.E. 27th Avenue, failed to operate which resulted in the backup of wastewater through sewer plumbing into - potentially - 10 duplex/apartment units and one commercial unit.
The intrusion of the wastewater into the units caused damage to flooring, drywall, cabinets, furniture, and other personal property of the affected parties and raised concerns over the continued occupation of the facilities by the affected parties.
Given the sensitivity of the situation following the Hurricane Milton natural disaster which occurred during a state of emergency in Marion County, Florida, as declared by the President of the United States, the Governor of the State of Florida, and the Board of County Commissioners of Marion County, Florida, it was our desire to provide as much support as possible to the affected parties as quickly as possible. Likewise, it was determined that these efforts only served to mitigate the risk of future, potential claims for damages by the affected parties.
Efforts were immediately undertaken to remediate the situation by offering the affected parties alternative housing in the form of access to an extended-stay hotel. Likewise, our staff and representatives of our third-party claims administrator (TPA) immediately began contacting vendors necessary to remediate and repair the damage to the ...
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