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City Council MinutesPage 4 of 7 <br />August 4, 2025 <br />--------- <br />continued to explain that the next step is reconstruction. He stated that the emergency response, <br />clean-up, and reconstruction would cost around $100,000. Mr. Helle talked to the League of Minnesota <br />Cities Insurance Trust (LMCIT) claims adjuster and was told there would not be a dollar-for-dollar <br />match of the loss, but it would be close. Mr. Helle then stated that LMCIT told him that they needed to <br />hire a company to tell them what is salvageable or not. He explained that there are eight families that <br />have been affected by this, all retired and with an average age of 75 years. He stated that they just <br />wanted to let the City Council know what was happening. Mrs. Helle added that the company stated <br />they have to sanitize anything that touches the water; however, she explained the smell has touched <br />everything in their home, and they will not clean it, only the things that have touched the water. They <br />will have to clean everything else themselves. She stated that it is unimaginable what they are going <br />through. <br />Ken Saba, 17147 Yale St NW, explained that they reported it first around 5:30 a.m., and there was <br />a good reaction time, but the damage was already happening. He wants to know what they are <br />supposed to do since they have received their first bill from 24Restore and stated that the bill is already <br />due. Mr. Femrite asked if they were in contact with the city's insurance. Mr. Saba said he has not, as he <br />couldn't stay in the house anymore and was staying at a place up north. Mr. Femrite explained that the <br />instructions would be to get a hold of Lori Stich with the city, who is in charge of the insurance in the <br />city, and who will make sure they get the right contact with the League adjuster. Mr. Femrite explained <br />that the League adjuster would be the right person to answer questions regarding the payment of the <br />invoices they are receiving. <br />Mr. Portner suggested contacting their insurance companies as well. <br />Mr. Helle stated that they did not have insurance for the backup. <br />Councilmember Calva asked to what degree those who have been affected will be responsible for <br />paying. Mr. Portner stated that at this point, We don't know yet. Councilmember Calva asked if the city <br />would be responsible for covering what the insurance does not cover. Mr Portner explained that there <br />would be a Council discussion. When they have more clarity after the insurance is completed, then they <br />can bring it back to the Council for discussion. <br />Mr. Saba asked about his vanity in the bathroom that was touched, but they did not take it out. He <br />asked how does he get them to remove it, too. Mr. Portner recommended that he work with the <br />contractor and the LMCIT, too. <br />Mayor Dietz asked if the adjuster had been out to any of these homes. The residents stated they had <br />not seen an adjuster yet. <br />Mr. Helle stated that he was told by the LMCIT that there would only be one check issued per house <br />and said to have everything submitted all at once, but bills are coming now, and the companies want <br />them paid, but the check will not be issued until all the reconstruction is done, which could be months <br />down the road. <br />Councilmember Wagner asked if someone could put together a step-by-step process for the residents <br />to follow. <br />Councilmember Grupa would like to see someone follow up on this every week. <br />