G
GREGORYCARTER
Guest
Our nonprofit organization owns, a ten mile long water pipeline. This pipeline serves the members of our Cooperative. We have a problem with individuals, illegally tapping into this pipeline, and using our water. We discovered an unauthorized tap.
1. We asked for, and received, a police escort while disconnecting the unauthorized tap.
2. We rented a tractor to move a pile of gravel in order to gain access to this tap.
The gravel was piled on the road's right of way, next to a chain link fence, which surrounded the property where our water was being used.
3. After several hours of work, the disconnection was finished.
4. A week later, one of our members noticed a large wet area on the ground, about 40 feet south, of the above mentioned disconnection. Our pipeline had been damaged and was leaking.
5. While two members were fixing the leak, the man who ownes the property, where our water was being illegally used, approached.
He was screaming, cursing and threatening. He was extremely upset about "his" gravel pile having been moved.
6. Once he calmed down, one of the members was able to talk to him and the Cooperative agreed to replace the pile of gravel.
7. Within two days, the gravel was ordered, our check was written, and delivery was scheduled.
8. The gentleman was contacted and was asked where he wanted the gravel dumped.
9. He said he did not want the gravel.
10. He wanted a check for $777.56, because that is what he claimed to have paid.
11. Our replacement cost would have been under $400.00.
12. The gentleman owns a gravel and rock business, but doesn't know that we know that.
13. Needless to say, we canceled the order, voided our check and withdrew our offer.
14. We received a demand letter for $777.56 from the gentleman's attorney.
What should we do and should we respond?
1. We asked for, and received, a police escort while disconnecting the unauthorized tap.
2. We rented a tractor to move a pile of gravel in order to gain access to this tap.
The gravel was piled on the road's right of way, next to a chain link fence, which surrounded the property where our water was being used.
3. After several hours of work, the disconnection was finished.
4. A week later, one of our members noticed a large wet area on the ground, about 40 feet south, of the above mentioned disconnection. Our pipeline had been damaged and was leaking.
5. While two members were fixing the leak, the man who ownes the property, where our water was being illegally used, approached.
He was screaming, cursing and threatening. He was extremely upset about "his" gravel pile having been moved.
6. Once he calmed down, one of the members was able to talk to him and the Cooperative agreed to replace the pile of gravel.
7. Within two days, the gravel was ordered, our check was written, and delivery was scheduled.
8. The gentleman was contacted and was asked where he wanted the gravel dumped.
9. He said he did not want the gravel.
10. He wanted a check for $777.56, because that is what he claimed to have paid.
11. Our replacement cost would have been under $400.00.
12. The gentleman owns a gravel and rock business, but doesn't know that we know that.
13. Needless to say, we canceled the order, voided our check and withdrew our offer.
14. We received a demand letter for $777.56 from the gentleman's attorney.
What should we do and should we respond?