Determining where a lost animal belongs in the city of Wells will be much easier in the future following a ‘microchip’ event which was organized by the non-profit group, Paws for Cause, of Blue Earth.

“People brought in their pet dogs and cats and had a microchip placed in them,” Wells Police chief Tim Brenegan told the Wells City Council at their meeting on Monday, Oct. 23. “Now when we find a stray or lost animal, we will be able to use a scanner to scan the chip and find out where the animal belongs and the animal control officer doesn’t have to drive all the way over here from Blue Earth. It will save time and money.”

Brenegan shared the response was so good for the microchip event that they ran out of microchips before all of the animals could get one, so another microchip event is going to be scheduled in the future for people to have a chance to get the microchip placed in their animal.

“The cost was only $10 per chip,” Brenegan said. “The money raised from selling the chips will be used to help buy the scanner for our department. The animals will be part of a county-wide database we will be able to access which will have a record of all of the pets in the county who have been microchipped.”

Street foreman Mike Pyzick shared that road repairs are nearly complete except for on Seventh Street SW and Third Avenue SW.

“Street sweeping is ongoing and will continue until the end of the season,” Pyzick reported. “All city buildings have been converted from cooling to heat.”

City administrator Connor La Pointe’s report was also short.

“We closed down the golf course last week,” La Pointe said. “Before next golf season, we will need to determine if we wish to continue using the kiosk at the golf course for paying for rounds of golf.”

During the business portion of their meeting the council approved a resolution deferring special assessments for property owned by three retired people, two who are on permanent and total disability.

“Staff verified that these people met the income requirements to qualify for having their assessments deferred,” La Pointe commented. “The total principal amount of the deferral is $40,397 and the total is deferred until Oct. 23, 2053, whereupon the deferred special assessment shall be due and payable.”

In other business the council:

• Approved the hiring of Mitch Stevermer to work at the Flame Theatre.

• Voted to accept a donation of $2,000 from United Hospital District for the Thompson Park Improvement Project.

• Learned that the walls for the new concession stand at Thompson Park will be set in place the week of Oct. 30.