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BLUE EARTH-- The Blue Earth City Council received unexpected news at a meeting held on Monday.
Disputes over a proposed joint tennis court project between the city and the Blue Earth Area School (BEA) District led council member Glenn Gaylord to submit an official letter of resignation to the council.
"I feel that the council at this time is not representing the financial interests of the citizens of Blue Earth," Gaylord wrote.
At a City Council meeting held on April 18, Gaylord was the sole dissenting vote on a motion to split the estimated $1,026,100 cost of a proposed BEA High School tennis facility between the BEA School District and the city. The motion suggested a 60/40 cost split, with the school district repaying 60 percent of the cost, plus interest, and the city repaying 40 percent of the cost. The city would be responsible for financing the project.
The council accepted Gaylord's resignation on May 2 with some regret.
Noting Gaylord had served on the council for nearly 22 years, council member John Huisman said, "Glenn always strived to serve all the citizens of Blue Earth, and I wish him well."
Mayor Rick Scholtes appointed council member Wendy Cole to replace Gaylord as Blue Earth's vice mayor. Cole accepted the appointment with thanks.
The council passed a motion to advertise for candidates to fill Gaylord's position in the Faribault County Register. Interviews for the vacant position will be conducted at the City Council meeting scheduled for Monday, June 6.
In other business, the Blue Earth City Council:
-- Received a recommendation from Kennedy regarding the proposed tennis court project. Kennedy suggested the BEA High School and Putnam Park facilities should be financed separately. The BEA High School courts could be financed by Annual Appropriation Lease Revenue bonds. Meanwhile, the Putnam Park facility's estimated $779,050 cost could be financed through a DNR Recreational grant and ARPA funding. Kennedy suggested the city could budget for the remaining $189,400.83 cost over the next few years.
-- Passed Ordinance 22-09 conveying HRA and city-owned property to Briar Cliff Properties, LLC for $395,000. The property is a duplex on Fourth Street.
-- Passed Ordinances 22-10 and 22-11, which split the Fourth Street duplex property into two separate entities.
-- Passed Ordinance 22-12 conveying HRA and city-owned property to Morris D. Hanson and Barbara Hanson for $245,000. The property is located at 101 Bluestem Drive.
-- Approved a draft of a request for proposals (RFP) for animal impound services. The RFP stipulates proposals must be submitted to city administrator Mary Kennedy by 4 p.m. on May 27.