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BE reviews property violations

BLUE EARTH– Apparently, ’tis the season for property violations in Blue Earth.

The Blue Earth City Council met on Monday to take action regarding two local properties which have been in violation of city code for several weeks.

The first property, located at 507 East Seventh Street, received a notice of violation on March 21.

The notice required owner Fairmont Investment Group, LLC to remove unstable and dangerous furniture and appliances from the property’s yard before March 28.

The council noted the violations still have not been corrected, and the house located on the property is also in poor condition.

“If we want to inspect and condemn, it’s a big process,” mayor Rick Scholtes said.

City attorney David Frundt suggested the city obtain a search warrant and inspect the property, which action the council agreed to.

The council also held a public hearing for violations at a 507 East 14th Street property owned by Matthew Bartz.

Bartz received a violation notice on Feb. 16 citing an accessory structure located on the property, a trailer parked permanently in the yard and refuse on the back side of the property.

Bartz received a final notice of violation on March 2, requesting the violations be addressed before March 9.

As the property is still in violation of several city codes, the council unanimously ordered an abatement of the property.

Bartz will have until April 30 to address the violations, otherwise the city will seek a court order to correct the violations.

In other business, the City Council:

— Passed a resolution ratifying the sale of $4,250,000 in electric revenue bonds, which will be used to finance utility improvement projects conducted by Blue Earth Light and Water.

The bonds were underwritten by Northland Securities, Inc.

— Approved Addendum No. 3 of the Professional Agreement for General Engineering Services with Bolton & Menk in regards to projects on North Gormand Street, First Street and Fourth Street.

— Passed a resolution approving a bid from Holtmeier Construction in the amount of $4,154,515 for proposed 2022 Blue Earth street and utility improvements.

— Approved having city administrator Mary Kennedy continue drafting a request for proposals for animal impound services.

— Passed a resolution supporting statewide policies and resources for public safety mental and physical injury education, prevention and treatment.

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