Law Director: City's Not Liable for Moral Claims Regarding Flooding

The city should not be held liable for any moral claim filed by residents after the , Law Director Hans Nilges recommended to Council Monday night.

(Residents are able to receive payments for property damage through what the city calls moral claims.)

Nilges said, after a comprehensive review of all the claims, the city didn't show any negligence that would cause them to be held accountable for the flooding or damages because of it.

The majority of the 40 or so claims that were filed were flooding related, he said.

"Some of these go up to $25-$40,000," Nilges said. "How do you pick and choose which ones to pay and which ones not to pay when they are largely caused by an act of God?"

Council members agreed to eliminate moral claims, saying the city rarely is liable for many filed claims. And if the city is found liable, insurance plans generally cover the damages.

In other business, council tabled an item that had been added to the agenda that night by Council President Jon Snyder. Snyder said Council needs to address the wording on an ordinance regarding how new exempt employees' vacation time is awarded. As written, the way vacation time is accrued for those employees is unclear.