BLUE EARTH — Efficiency was the order of the day at the latest Blue Earth City Council meeting, which took place on Tuesday evening, July 6. Public comments were the main source of discussion at the meeting, which otherwise saw the council breeze through business.

Blue Earth Area Schools superintendent Mandy Fletcher opened public comments, clarifying she was attending the meeting as a private citizen.

Fletcher presented an idea to the council regarding a commemorative 9.11 kilometer bike ride on Sept. 11.

Fletcher added she believes this would be a meaningful event for the community.

“That day in history is ingrained in my own memory; I thought it would be neat to do something of that nature to recognize that day,” said Fletcher.

She hopes the bike ride can take place this Sept. 11, and asked for the council’s permission to chart a bike path.

“Thank you for taking charge of this,” Mayor Rick Scholtes responded. “I don’t see any problems as long as an event request is submitted.”

Minnesota State representative Bjorn Olson was next to address the council regarding his involvement with the House of Representatives’ transportation and local government committees.

Olson was most eager to share news of a recent bill passed by the transportation committee.

“$18 million from a general government fund will be evenly distributed among small cities in the state by population,” shared Olson.

Faribault County, which is made up of several small cities, will be receiving $250,000 in funds.

The council asked Olson whether the funds will be allocated permanently.

Olson clarified, “We want to reallocate funds from auto parts sales. We are trying to increase the percent of the tax on auto parts that is allocated toward city streets to provide permanent funding.”

“For now, we will take the general government fund money for this year while continuing to work on an equation that will provide cities with permanent funds,” Olson added.

The council addressed the following items from the meeting’s regular agenda:

— Several amendments to city ordinances. The council approved amending the language in an ordinance regulating the use of crossbows within city limits to provide more clarity to citizens.

An amendment to the ordinance clarifying the number of pets allowed within city limits was also discussed; the council will have a second reading of the amendment at the next meeting.

— Adopting a new safety management program from the Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association for local employees. The program currently in use by the city costs less, but cannot meet the needs of Blue Earth’s larger staff size. The council approved the purchase of the new training program.