BLUE EARTH– A serious incident which occurred at the Faribault County Humane Society (FCHS) on Nov. 17 resulted in a severe injury to the organization’s president, Debby Johnson.

The dog who perpetrated the attack was euthanized the same day.

The incident did not involve a dog in the city of Blue Earth’s custody. However, the council added a discussion about the FCHS to its meeting agenda on Monday as the city contracts with the FCHS to hold its impounded animals.

“This is extremely concerning to me because we take animals there,” city administrator Mary Kennedy said. “I’m very concerned about the procedures and policies in place at this facility to keep other animals and human beings safe from harm.” 

Mayor Rick Scholtes suggested the council should not make any decisions regarding its contract with FCHS on Monday as the discussion was added to the agenda with little notice.

“I want to give (the FCHS) a fair chance to get on the agenda,”  Scholtes explained.

As an interim measure, Kennedy requested that any animals impounded by the city be held at a different kenneling facility.

The council agreed, and voted that Blue Earth’s impounded animals be held elsewhere for the next two weeks. The council will further discuss its contract with the FCHS at its next meeting on Monday, Dec. 4.

The council also held a 6 p.m. work session to update the public about the proposed annexation of the Township of Blue Earth City –within which Riverside Heights is located–to the city of Blue Earth.

The annexation itself is in process. City attorney David Frundt said the city has filed a petition for annexation, and an annexation evidentiary hearing is scheduled for Dec. 6.

City engineer Wes Brown also provided preliminary updates on the proposed improvements to Riverside Heights’s infrastructure.

He said the city is in the process of securing funding for the project, and an application for a Point Source Implementation Grant (PSIG) was submitted in July. However, the state has been delayed in announcing projects which are eligible to receive PSIG funding.

If the project’s schedule stays on course, construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2025.

In other business, the Blue Earth City Council:

— Went into closed session to discuss pending litigation related to the annexation project.

— The council discussed correspondence, and had discussion on how to respond, Frundt said. “No action was taken. “

— Accepted Holtmeier Construction’s $308,853 bid for the installation of a prefabricated steel lift station on Highland Drive.

— Approved Bolton & Menk’s request for an additional $17,500 to complete the Highland Drive lift station project.

— Approved the sale of city-owned property –the Kerr McGee property –to Chad and Sheila Malwitz for $10,500.

— Approved Resolution 23-40, which allows the city to purchase the former Wells Fargo building now, and issue a bond to finance the purchase at a later date.

The city was expected to close on the purchase on Tuesday, Nov. 21.

— Amended a subsection of the City Code concerning requirements for deferred assessments.

— Approved the Blue Earth Fire Department Relief Association s request to move its benefit level from $2,6,75 to $2,750 per annual year of service.

— Updated the 2024-26 wages for part-time city staff.