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Re: Storm Event Claim <br /> Dear Mr. Swale, <br /> This letter is in response to your claim filed with respect to damage from the storm events <br /> of August 29, 2013, and September 6, 2013. <br /> Enclosed with this letter is a copy of the resolution by the Everett City Council regarding <br /> the storm events, adopted on September 18, 2013. This resolution contains the <br /> parameters for the settlement of claims. In particular, Section l.a on page three of the <br /> resolution allows payment"of all reasonable and documented costs associated with the <br /> clean-up and repair of property physically damaged by water from the City's sewer and <br /> stormwater system." Furthermore, Section 1.c on page three of the resolution states that <br /> claims may be denied if the "claimant failed to follow City recommendations from the <br /> inspections done in connection with the City's 2010 backwater valve program that, if <br /> implemented,would have prevented the property damage." <br /> The City's inspected your property on September 5, 2013. The inspection revealed that <br /> the water that caused the damage to your property did not come from the City sewer or <br /> stormwater system. Indeed, the backwater valve installed by the City earlier this year <br /> functioned correctly,preventing backflow from the sewer and stormwater system into <br /> your property. Instead,the water causing the damage was from rainfall and surface water <br /> that flowed into your basement,perhaps after a malfunction of your sump pump. <br /> In addition,the City inspection of your property in 2011 revealed that your downspouts <br /> were connected to the side sewer. The inspection report recommended that they be <br /> disconnected, which apparently did not occur. It is probable that, during the 2013 storm <br /> event,the downspouts were unable to discharge into the side sewer because the side <br /> sewer was full, causing the gutters/downspouts to overflow and sending water toward <br /> your basement. A copy of the 2011 inspection is enclosed with this letter. <br /> In light of this,we regretfully must deny your claim. <br /> If there are facts relevant to this denial that you do not believe we have considered,please <br /> notify us in writing at either(1) stormclaims@everettwa.gov or(2) Storm Claims, City of <br /> Everett Public Works, 3200 Cedar Street, Everett WA 98201. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> THE CITY OF EVERETT <br />