Resident tells council sewage backup ruined home, submits tort claim

Amanda Drake used the citizens’ opportunity time to tell the council that on Aug. 17 a sewer backup from the city’s system caused extensive damage to her home, forced her displacement and precipitated substantial mitigation and repair costs. Represented by attorney Ryan Fulda, Drake described seven hours of emergency pumping, four weeks of mitigation and approximately eight weeks displaced from her home; she said final construction was completed recently but that she had to take a loan to pay for repairs and has submitted a tort claim to the city.

Drake said the event compounded personal grief she has managed in recent years and stressed the emotional as well as financial toll. Attorney Ryan Fulda said the presentation included photographs and an itemized list of expenses; council members asked for a copy of the submitted materials, and staff acknowledged receipt and said they would obtain and review the documentation as part of the city’s process.

No formal action on liability or payment was recorded in the meeting; the transcript shows the submission of a tort claim and a council request to receive the supporting materials for staff review.