Editorial: City does right thing in settling on house
The Willmar City Council has settled a lawsuit filed by Warren and Jan Lee Jorgenson of Willmar over damage to the couple's home during a 2007 street flooding event.
It was a right step for the city as well as the Jorgensons. The agreement originated during a recent meditation session.
The council agreed Monday night to settle the lawsuit for a payment of $115,000.
The Jorgensons agreed to provide to the city a clear and free title to their property at 1000 Kandiyohi Ave. S.W. and to release the city from any future claims from the property.
The couple's lawsuit had alleged their home was flooded and damaged on Aug. 21, 2007, due to the city's failure to maintain, repair and operate the storm sewer system properly. The lawsuit was seeking damages of approximately $400,000.
The agreement helps the city clear a lawsuit and its related costs as well as gain ownership of a piece of property damaged by the 2007 street flooding.
The Jorgensons can now start rebuilding the life they had before street flooding damaged their house beyond repair.
The settlement in this lawsuit was the best step for the city and the Jorgensons.
