The Blue Earth City Council met Tuesday night for their 2nd meeting of the year. Chuck Hunt, representing the Library Board, provided an update on the library’s collaboration with Jim Pollard, regarding the dinosaur fossil exhibit. Hunt reported that the Library Board voted to accept $19,335 worth of items for the exhibit. Additionally, Hunt said that Pollard is currently raising funds to purchase a teradacton fossil, which will also be accepted by the Library Board. The fossil is valued at $40,000.
The Council voted to purchase the former Kerr McGee lot for $4,700, with the possible intention of building a Veteran’s Memorial at the location.
There was significant discussion regarding the status of the 3 Sisters Buildings/Rural Renaissance Project. Ultimately, the Council decided to notify the 3 Sisters Project that they have fulfilled their original contract obligations and the City will release the building to them.
The Council also conducted the annual review for City Administrator Mary Kennedy. Mayor Rick Scholtes says that Kennedy scored 8.19 collectively, up from 7.66 at her last review. The council voted to increase Kennedy’s salary to $85,000 effective immediately, create a new contract and include a $3000 annual increase for each subsequent year she is employed by the city.