Council finds consensus

The Fairmont City Council did something remarkable this week on a divisive issue: it arrived at a unanimous decision. The council decided to ask its interim city attorney to work with city staff and the council to define the scope of an investigation and help recommend a qualified investigator. The pending probe relates to the former city attorney and some cases that ran past the statute of limitations.

We have to credit Councilman Randy Lubenow for making this possible. He accepted some sound advice from the interim city attorney and put in motion the compromise.

Time for refresher course

We would be remiss, though, not to raise concerns about the same Fairmont City Council meeting.

One council member, Tom Hawkins, simply cannot learn that it is not OK to run off and try to run the city by himself. Actions to be taken by the city need the approval of the council as a whole. Another council member, Ruth Cyphers, oddly tore into the mayor for questioning Hawkins’ actions.

The city gives candidates for City Council a thick booklet with all kinds of information on its operations. Perhaps these two can review their copies.

Board OKs abatement

The Fairmont School Board this week approved a tax abatement for CHS, which is planning a $100 million plant renovation in Fairmont. The city and county also have approved the deal, although the county has asked that some conditions be met first.

School boards members, it seems, have had the best perspective on the proposal, with one describing it as “a pretty easy decision to make.” We have to agree. There has been too much hemming and hawing surrounding the tax abatement, which only involves $5.3 million of the plan, with no effect on taxpayers.

Court will make visit

Fairmont, it has been announced, will have the honor of hosting the Minnesota Supreme Court in October, as the court makes its 50th trip to hold traveling oral arguments. The court will hear an actual case in front of area high school students on the morning of Oct. 9 in the Performing Arts Center at Fairmont High School. What an incredible opportunity for these students.

The public too has the chance to get involved. On the evening of Oct. 8, there will be a community dinner with the court. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased through Fairmont CER by calling (507) 235-3141.