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Harwood signs stipulation halting legal action with Ruud; council discusses dangerous Sellars home and enforcement options
Summary
The council approved and notarized a Notice and Stipulation pausing city legal action regarding Arne Ruud until May 1, 2025, and reviewed a Department of Health report that the Sellars home at 311 Lind Blvd is undermined and subject to notices for junk and rodent harborage.
The Harwood City Council on Feb. 3 authorized the mayor and auditor to sign a Notice and Stipulation presented by counsel for Arne Ruud that pauses city legal action through May 1, 2025, and discussed next steps for addressing a hazardous residence at 311 Lind Blvd.
City Attorney Sarah Wear explained the stipulation presented by Ruud's lawyer; the council voted to approve signing the document (motion by Dick Sundberg, seconded by Chris Higgins). The mayor and auditor signed the stipulation and Wear notarized it. The stipulation will prevent the city from pursuing legal remedies on the matter until May 1, 2025.
Separately, Councilman Chris Fix read a Department of Health report which concluded that the foundation at the Sellars home is undermined and that notices will be issued for "Accumulation of Junk, Rodent Harborage due to Junk." Public Works responded that a major water pipe burst had led staff to shut off water to the property; the auditor said she had attempted to contact the homeowner. Council discussed options including obtaining an administrative warrant to gain entry if access is refused. Councilman Fix recused himself from the Sellars-home discussion because of an interest in the property.
The minutes record unanimous council votes on the stipulation; the minutes do not specify penalties, the homeowner's contact details or the later steps' precise timeline.
