BLUE EARTH — Blue Earth City Council had several public hearings to sort through Monday.

The council first addressed ongoing concerns with 906 Valley Drive, a house on Upper Valley Drive that has been vacant for some time. The city’s attorney, David Frundt, discussed the abatement order he created to serve to Lakeview Loan Servicing, the current owner of the property.

Neighbors near the property say there have been multiple visits to the site by repair technicians from out of state. One resident said that just this past weekend, someone from Michigan was there to repair the broken plumbing.

“There’s more worth in the plumbing than there is in the house now,” the resident said.

City administrator Tim Ibisch believes the owners are trying to improve the property in order to still sell it.

Lakeview Loan Servicing has until Sept. 30 to respond to Frundt’s letter.

The second public hearing was in regard to final assessments for the 13th and Moore Street improvement project.

One resident wrote a letter to the council in regard to their sidewalk. The letter stated that the home owners are not pleased with the project team ripping up their sidewalk, which they say they had redone recently. They requested credit for the sidewalk that was removed. However, the city has no record of the work.

“There is no permit from the city for repairs or improvements with this address,” Ibisch said.

Councilman Dan Warner said that if the permit process was bypassed, the residents should not receive compensation for the sidewalk removal.

The city engineer, Wes Brown, said a $271.20 amount could be credited to the property for a 20-foot area improved by the city.

Other council members said that if the resident had an honest concern, they would have been present at the public hearing.

The council OK’d a motion, 4-3, to approve crediting the residents with the $271.20 off their original $1,200 sidewalk assessment.

Another resident said the street improvement went well and believes his property value improved after the project was complete.

When it came to the final two hearings, there was no public input in regard to authorizing a city sales tax or an amendment to City Code regarding boulevards. Both ordinances passed unanimously.

In other action, the council:

o Received an update on the housing project on the northeast side of Blue Earth. Utilities are finishing up with gas and electric installation, as is water and sewer.

o Heard an update on the Sailor Street project. Sewer and water mains have been completed on First Street, and crews are finishing up on Riverview Lane as they begin working south from Second Street. By next week, the construction team hopes to have base material in and, in two weeks, begin work on Third Street.

o Received an update on the near completion of the city’s new comprehensive plan. More details will be forthcoming at the council meeting scheduled for July 29.