BLUE EARTH– On Monday, the Blue Earth City Council began its regular meeting with a special announcement.

City administrator Mary Kennedy informed the council that Blue Earth police officer Tharen Haugh is the recipient of South Central Service Cooperative’s Spotlight Employee Recognition Award.

“The award recognizes team members that are willing to go above and beyond for their organization and applauds coworkers that are willing to lend a hand,” Kennedy explained.

She went on to describe Haugh’s qualifications for the award.

“His kindness and collaborative spirit have significantly contributed to fostering a safe environment for everyone…he embodies the essence of a true public servant,” Kennedy said.

Under old business, the council reviewed and approved several contracts, policies and agreements, including a year-long kenneling services agreement with Paws for Cause.

The agreement states that Paws for Cause will reserve two kennels for the city for $500 per month. The city will also pay Paws for Cause $20 a day per animal being held at the facility.

“It is pretty much the same contract that was in place with the Faribault County Humane Society,” Kennedy observed.

Additionally, the council reviewed and approved two contracts with Brunton Architects for renovations to the former Wells Fargo building, which is the future site of Blue Earth City Hall.

In light of certain improvements required at the building – including the replacement of the electrical panels – Brunton recommended that the city hire them for both architectural and engineering services and construction management and advisory services.

“This takes the responsibility of managing an extensive project off of us (city employees),” Kennedy explained.

The council approved both contracts – one to engage Brunton for architectural and engineering services, and one to engage the firm for construction management services.

Next, the council reviewed and approved an updated version of Kennedy’s contract. The original contract was set to expire at the end of 2025, but the updated version will expire in 2028.

The contract also includes a pay raise. Kennedy’s annual salary will increase to $115,000, effective Feb. 5. She will receive an annual pay increase of $3,000 on July 6 each year, contingent on her satisfactory completion of her job duties.

Finally, the council approved an updated Wellness and Medical Leave/Earned Safe and Sick Time (ESST) Policy for city employees.

Previously, the Wellness and Medical Leave and ESST Policies had existed as two separate policies. The amended policy combines them, while still meeting the state’s new ESST requirements.

In other business, the Blue Earth City Council:

— Scheduled a public hearing on Feb. 20 for an ordinance to convey property at the Prairie View Subdivision to Jared Bruellman for $5,000.

— Increased the salary of Ag Center maintenance worker Devin Greenside.

Effective immediately, Greenside’s hourly wage will increase from $19.67 to $20.15. Effective Oct. 26, his hourly wage will increase to $20.83.

— Took no action following a closed session to discuss pending litigation regarding the special assessment appeal for the 2022 street improvement project, associated with the Riverside Heights annexation proceedings.