St. Louis Park City Council approves funds for residents impacted by water main break at Monday’s meeting

Update:

The St. Louis Park City Council approved a reimbursement fund Monday evening for residents impacted by the two water main breaks that happened on May 21 and June 3.

Residents with damage from the May 21 water main break can get up to $40,000 from the city’s insurer, the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust (LMCIT). In a news release, the city notes it’s “unknown at the time how coverage from the LMCIT may change for those impacted by the second water main break,” which occurred June 3.

According to a city spokesperson, in addition to the $40,000 residents can get from the city’s insurer, the city is now offering reimbursement funds of up to an extra $60,000 for those impacted by the May 21 water main break, or up to an extra $80,000 for residents affected by both water main breaks.

“Between LMCIT funds and city reimbursement, property owners affected by both water main breaks may receive up to $120,000. Those affected by the first water main break alone would receive up to $100,000,” a city news release notes. All funds can be used for either mitigation or restoration, according to the city.

Original story:

Members of the St. Louis Park City Council are expected to discuss the amount of damage caused by a water main break in the city last month.

According to the meeting agenda, councilors will discuss the break that happened on Saturday, May 21, as well as options for residents who were affected by the break.

The agenda also states a recommended action is for a staff proposal to sunset an emergency fund program that was created on May 25 and would roll expenses from that program into claims with the League of MN Cities Insurance Trust. In addition, the recommended action states councilors adopt an expanded financial relief program for properties that were affected by the break.

The break on May 21 was the first of two main breaks that happened in two weeks.

A 12-inch water main ruptured at Texas and Sumter avenues on May 21, and on Friday, June 3, a second break happened in the same general location.

RELATED: St. Louis Park neighborhood coping with flooding after a second water main break in two weeks

An emergency meeting regarding the May 21 break was held on May 25. Minutes of that meeting can be found by CLICKING HERE, and a presentation made during that same meeting can be found by CLICKING THIS LINK.

Monday’s meeting at City Hall starts at 6:30 p.m.

Community members who aren’t able to attend the meeting can watch either on local cable channels (Comcast SD channel 17 and HD channel 859) or by CLICKING HERE.

In addition, a neighborhood meeting is being held Wednesday at the Lenox Community Center from 6-8 p.m. for those who were affected by the May 21 water main break. According to the city, a League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust official will be at the meeting to answer questions with elected officials and city staff.

Residents can find additional resources — including how to report damage and fill out claims — regarding the water main breaks by CLICKING HERE.