BLUE EARTH–The Blue Earth City Council rang in the New Year on Tuesday by swearing in five council members.

Ann Hanna, Dan Ristau and Jacque Drew were elected to full terms last November, while Mike McNerney and Stephanie Walter were elected to two-year terms. The council members joined veteran council member John Huisman as representatives of the city of Blue Earth after taking their Oath of Office on Tuesday.

Additionally, a Blue Earth Area High School student was appointed as an honorary City Council member. BEA senior Cass Davis will not have an official vote, but he will observe City Council meetings and join council discussions.

Once all members of the City Council were sworn in, the council reviewed correspondence from the county regarding an upcoming 2023 Local Board of Appeals and Equalization meeting. The meeting’s purpose is to determine whether property in the jurisdiction has been properly valued and classified by the Faribault County assessor.

The council set the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization’s meeting for 3 p.m. on April 10, at Blue Earth City Hall.

Under old business, the council approved a City of Blue Earth Personnel Policy update which adds Christmas Eve Day as a holiday for employees. The change was made to reflect similar vacation day policies set by local unions.

The council also approved the 2023 City Council meeting schedule, which sets Blue Earth City Council meetings on the first and third Monday of each month. Exceptions include meetings scheduled on Tuesday, Jan. 17, Tuesday, Feb. 21, Tuesday, June 20 and Tuesday, Sept. 5 to avoid national holidays.

Scholtes appointed members of the council to area boards, commissions, committees and standing committees. He also appointed Ristau as vice mayor.

Additionally, the council agreed to establish three year term limits for members of the Street Committee and Parks and Recreation Subcommittee.

Finally, the City Council appointed the Faribault County Register as the city’s official newspaper for publication, First Bank Blue Earth as the city’s official depository and Carlson SV as the city’s auditor.

The council will meet next on Tuesday, Jan. 17. The regular meeting, which begins at 5 p.m., will be preceded by a 3:30 p.m. worksession during which council members will undergo investigation training with Faribault County Chief Deputy Scott Adams.