BLUE EARTH - The ward system in Blue Earth has a small possibility of being revoked.

The Blue Earth Charter Commission met recently, voting 5-3 in favor of doing away with the wards, which would mean all council persons would be "at-large."

Some commissioners felt the system was archaic and not enough people were running for the seats to reflect the original intent. Opponents of change said the ward system was a fair way of distributing representation.

The Charter Commission made a recommendation to Blue Earth City Council, which now has to vote its choice within 60 days.

Mayor Rob Hammond, a supporter of displacing wards, told the council it has three options. The council can unanimously approve or decline the recommendation; however, Hammond assumed Councilman Dick Maher would oppose as he has done in the past.

If a unanimous approval isn't possible, a 5/7ths voter approval is needed. The question would be put on the next general or special election ballot.

If five out of seven voters don't agree, then the only way wards can be vanquished is by filing a petition with 250 signatures of eligible voters, which Hammond said he is willing to start. At this point, the time limit would no longer be in effect.

Maher told Hammond the council may as well skip straight to the petition.

"I definitely will be opposed," he said. "You probably will have three votes not to go to the election, so you might as well just start your petition right away."

Both Hammond and City Administrator Kathy Bailey said the council is required to vote on the first two processes.

According to the commission minutes, Councilman Glenn Gaylord, who also is a commissioner, said he was against the change in the past but favored it now, believing an "at-large" council would serve the community better as a whole.

The council was in favor of voting on the first two processes Monday night, but City Attorney David Frundt said an ordinance first has to be drafted.

In other business, the council had a brief discussion on the 2010 budget and levy.

Hammond did not want to cut into the street funds, as was previously discussed. It was noted the city is making more than it can spend on streets in the next five years. It was suggested to move funds to another area.

Hammond proposed taking funds from the liquor store, which will be reimbursed later by tax increment financing.

In other discussion, Howard Smith of Blue Earth asked the council to do something about a property near Main Street and Bartel Drive. Smith lives on Bartel Drive and is concerned about an alleged blighted property.

"I built a house there 20 years ago. I paid $2,200 a year in taxes. I don't think I should have to put up with what's on that corner," he said, complaining about cars parked on the lawn and a garage "so full of junk he can't close the garage door."

Smith said he spoke with the police chief, and was told if there isn't a satisfactory outcome to talk to Bailey. Instead, he chose to talk to the whole council.

Hammond said the law limits what the council can do, but it will be investigated. Three councilmen said they've seen the property and agree with Smith.