Page 60 - Yucaipa Valley Water District Board Workshop

Workshop Memorandum 13-158

Date: September 10, 2013

Subject: Denial of Claim Related to Damages at 35228 Silver Leaf Circle,
Yucaipa

The Yucaipa Valley Water District received a claim on August 19, 2013 from Mr. Jonathan
Engle for damages resulting from flooding at 35228 Silver Leaf Circle, Yucaipa.

As the initial claim was incomplete, additional information was requested from Mr. Engle listing
the monetary value claimed. Mr. Engle submitted cost estimates in the amount of $9,114.50
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from Padgett’s Cleaning and Restoration, Inc. on August 27 . The claim alleges that the
damage occurred as a result of the District turning on the water meter for the property.

Background

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The water meter was turned off on July 31 (prior owner) and Mr. Engle requested that the
water be turned on August 6, 2013.

District practice is to turn on the water and leave it on if someone is present at the location. If
the water meter is flowing, the meter is turned off and the owner is notified of a possible leak. If
the meter is not flowing, the meter is left on even if no one is present at the property.

The meter reader who turned the meter on indicated that the water meter leak indicator was not
flowing, and therefore the meter was left on. This address is located at the upper end of
Pressure Zone 5; therefore the water pressure is not excessive.

Therefore, staff recommends that this claim be denied by the Board of Directors.

Yucaipa Valley Water District Board Workshop - September 10, 2013 - Page 60 of 84