The city shall establish a Problem Sewer Repair/Replacement Reimbursement Fund.
(A) Committee. The Fund shall be administered by a committee which shall include the Public Works Superintendent, Public Works Assistant Superintendent and the City Administrator. This Committee shall consider and recommend eligible reimbursements for sewer work.
(B) Procedures. Any property owner may apply for partial reimbursement of problem sewer replacement/repair costs. Criteria for eligibility for reimbursement of repair/replacement cost shall include the following:
(1) Proof of ownership of the property. This proof may include a copy of the last recorded deed. Other proofs may be considered by the Committee.
(2) Proof of property damage as a result of consistent and repetitive sewer back-up damage. Submission of property insurance claims and photographs are encouraged. The Committee shall be the sole judge of whether sufficient proof has been submitted.
(3) Proof shall include evidence that the intrusions are the result of faulty or inadequate sewers.
(4) Three bids from licensed and bonded plumbers shall be submitted to the Committee. These bids shall contain the nature of work to be performed and a listing of all fees and costs.
(5) The city shall be the sole judge of whether the submissions are sufficient.
(6) The submission by the residents and acceptance by the Committee does not create any right or entitlement for reimbursement.
(7) The Committee shall select one of the bids as presented or may request additional submittals if the Committee concludes insufficient information has been supplied.
(8) The Committee may establish further substantive and procedural rules.
(9) In the event the city receives an excess number of complete and fully compliant applications the Committee shall select the participants by use of a lottery or similar device.
(C) Limits of reimbursement. The contribution to any residence shall be 50% of the direct out-of-pocket contractor costs to a limit of $3,000. No other costs or charges shall be eligible for reimbursement.
(D) Time of reimbursement. The homeowners shall be eligible for reimbursement upon proof of full payment of all contractor charges or final lien waivers. The city shall be the sole judge whether the submitted documents are sufficient proof of payment. Upon Committee approval of reimbursement, the matter shall be referred to the City Council for their consideration.
(E) Release. Each property owner shall, prior to receipt of funds, submit and execute a document releasing the city from any claim relating to any repair or replacement of the problem sewer.
(F) Guarantees. The city does not guarantee the quality of the repair or replacement work. The city is not responsible for any claim arising out of the work performed on the subject property or the condition thereof. The city does not warrant that all deficiencies are listed in the application. The city does not warrant anything as to the condition of the property or the habitability thereof.
(2000 Code, § 13.08.315)