Dan Ristau, far right, was appointed to the Blue Earth City Council on Monday night, June 6.

On Monday, June 6, the Blue Earth City Council filled a chair which has sat empty for several weeks.

Blue Earth resident Dan Ristau will now occupy the seat in question, which was vacated by Glenn Gaylord at a May 2 City Council meeting.

Gaylord resigned following a dispute over a proposed joint tennis court project between the city and the Blue Earth Area School District.

Gaylord, who served on the City Council for 22 years, explained, “I feel that the council at this time is not representing the financial interests of the citizens of Blue Earth.” 

Ristau hopes he will be able to make an impact right away as Gaylord’s replacement on the City Council.

“I am active in numerous community organizations,” Ristau wrote. He added he currently serves on the Blue Earth Economic Development Authority, the Blue Earth Fire Department and the United Hospital District Finance Committee.

Ristau is also secretary for the Blue Earth Fire Department Relief Association, treasurer for the Blue Earth School Foundation and assistant coach for the 12U Girls Softball team.

“My family and I consider ourselves fortunate to have been able to make our home in the same community we grew up in and be able to raise our children here,” Ristau concluded. “It is my belief that there is much potential for the growth of Blue Earth and it would be my pleasure to be considered to serve on the City Council.”

The council voted unanimously to appoint Ristau to the vacant position. Immediately after, Ristau was sworn in by city attorney David Frundt and took his place next to council member Ann Hanna.

Noting that Ristau was the only applicant for the position, mayor Rick Scholtes said he was disappointed at the lack of interest in Gaylord’s spot.

Scholtes brought the matter up once again as the council debated raising the pay for Blue Earth’s mayor and City Council members.

He suggested that increasing pay for council members could generate more community interest in vacant City Council positions.

“We may find in the future we may have to start paying people to do this job – just to keep people interested,” Scholtes considered.  

Currently, the mayor of Blue Earth receives a $4,800 annual salary and council members receive a $3,000 annual salary.

The City Council decided not to increase its pay in a 5-1 vote, with Scholtes in opposition.

“Everybody in here should be compensated for our time,” Scholtes reasoned. “That’s part of our duty to our city.”