BLUE EARTH– A request to repaint worn-away bike lane stripes in certain areas of Blue Earth was presented for discussion at the Blue Earth City Council meeting on Monday.

Street Committee chairman Gary Armon came forward during the public comment period with a request for the council to consider the repainting of the bike lane stripes along Rice Street, 14th Street and Seventh Street.

“I have noticed that certain areas where bike lanes were previously painted have worn away to the point where the stripes are difficult to see, which can pose a safety hazard for our young bike-riders in Blue Earth,” Armon explained. “We would like the council to consider a request to repaint the bike lane stripes in those areas.”

Active Living Coalition co-chair David Kittleson, who was also present at the meeting, also voiced his support for the re-painting of the bike stripes.

“We had a very good turnout at the Bike Rodeo on May 10, and while the bike lane signs that the Public Works folks put up in the areas where the stripes have worn away are much appreciated, I noticed that some of the kids were veering outside of the stripes because they were difficult to see,” Kittleson shared. “Having the signage is great, but the kids do a lot better job of staying safe when they can actually see the lines of the bike lanes on the road, especially in areas of Blue Earth where there are no sidewalks for them to ride on.”

Following some discussion, mayor Rick Scholtes confirmed that the request would be added as an agenda item at the next City Council meeting on June 2, and that further action could be discussed at that time.

Other items discussed at the City Council meeting included:

— Council member John Huisman requested clarification about whether Paws For Cause or New Chances Humane Society was currently being utilized as the city kennel. Mayor Scholtes clarified that a contract had been signed with Paws for Cause back in February 2025 designating it as the city kennel for a year, though that contract could be reconsidered when it expires in February 2026. Huisman expressed support for the idea, and remarked that he “hopes the council will support their local non-profit shelter when the agreement expires.”

— Mayor Scholtes presented the council with the question of whether they wanted a police officer present for future City Council meetings or not. Following some discussion, a motion was made and seconded to not have a police officer present at future council meetings. The motion passed 6-1, with council member Ann Hanna in dissent.

— City attorney David Frundt presented the council with Resolution 25-16, requesting the establishment of procedures in compliance with reimbursement bond regulations under the IRS. Mayor Scholtes and Hanna both requested that the resolution be looked over before the council moved forward with approving it. Approval of the resolution has been tabled until the next council meeting.