Meter reader takes plunge in grass hole, sues city

Caseyville meter reader Julie Piesbergen, who broke her right foot while on duty, is suing Fairview Heights because the city breached its duty to maintain an easement.

According to a complaint filed Aug. 15 in St. Clair County Circuit Court, Piesbergen stepped into an 18-inch grass hole between the sidewalk and street at 7421 Lonewolf Ct. on Aug. 16, 2004.

Represented by Eric M. Rhein of Belleville, Piesbergen claims the city was negligent for failing to inspect the easement on a timely basis and for not filling in or warning passersby of the hole.

"That maintenance of said easement was a ministerial duty on defendant's part, and said maintenance is not a discretionary duty," the complaint states.

She is seeking in excess of $20,000.