MONROE - The City of Monroe Claims Committee voted unanimously Dec. 17 to recommend the city settle out of court with the Hartford Insurance Group for $500.
The insurance group, representing its client John Schild of Lexington, Ky., filed in Green County small claims court Nov. 18, for $1,750. Schild claimed snow that was being plowed by city employees on March 18, 2013, fell over the side of the West 6th Ave. overpass and broke his windshield as he was driving on Wisconsin 69.
City Clerk Carol Stamm worked with the insurance company to get the claim reduced to $500, plus a release from further action or claims against the city.
She recommended the settlement, noting that the city could expect the cost of legal representation to increase the cost and that there was no guarantee of the city prevailing in the suit. The case is not in the scope of City Attorney Rex Ewald's contract for day-to-day legal advice and would be an added expense.
The Common Council has twice before voted to deny the claim for damages to Schild's windshield.
In April, the council voted 7-2 to deny the claim at $328; then-aldermen Jan Lefevre and Sara Conway voted against the motion. In May, the council voted again, this time unanimously, to deny the claim for $1,750 presented by The Hartford Group.
The insurance group, representing its client John Schild of Lexington, Ky., filed in Green County small claims court Nov. 18, for $1,750. Schild claimed snow that was being plowed by city employees on March 18, 2013, fell over the side of the West 6th Ave. overpass and broke his windshield as he was driving on Wisconsin 69.
City Clerk Carol Stamm worked with the insurance company to get the claim reduced to $500, plus a release from further action or claims against the city.
She recommended the settlement, noting that the city could expect the cost of legal representation to increase the cost and that there was no guarantee of the city prevailing in the suit. The case is not in the scope of City Attorney Rex Ewald's contract for day-to-day legal advice and would be an added expense.
The Common Council has twice before voted to deny the claim for damages to Schild's windshield.
In April, the council voted 7-2 to deny the claim at $328; then-aldermen Jan Lefevre and Sara Conway voted against the motion. In May, the council voted again, this time unanimously, to deny the claim for $1,750 presented by The Hartford Group.