The Faribault County Humane Society Animal Shelter is shown at left. It is located in the West Industrial Park.

On Monday, Nov. 20, the Blue Earth City Council discussed a serious incident which occurred at the Faribault County Humane Society (FCHS) on Friday, Nov. 17. It resulted in a severe injury to the organization’s president, Debby Johnson.

The incident did not involve a dog in the city’s custody. However, the council added a discussion about the FCHS to its meeting agenda because 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.” 

She added, “I think the council should be aware of the level of severity in this attack that is coming on the heels of an incident that did happen to an animal in our custody.” 

Friday’s incident occurred late that morning. Law enforcement was dispatched to the FCHS shortly before noon after Johnson was attacked.

The police report documenting the incident states Johnson’s thumb was bitten off at the first knuckle and she sustained multiple puncture wounds.

The dog who perpetrated the attack was immediately transported to Makotah Veterinary Center and euthanized. According to Kennedy, the dog had previously attacked another dog, as well as other FCHS staff.

Photographs show that a warning was posted on the dog’s kennel at the FCHS. It advised that the dog should not be let out with other animals as he was likely to attack.

On Nov. 20, mayor Rick Scholtes suggested the council should not make any decisions regarding its contract with FCHS 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.

In other business, the Blue Earth City Council: 

• Discussed the Senior Center Meal Program. The meals, provided by St. Luke’s Lutheran Care Center, are currently subsidized by Senior Center fundraisers and city funds to keep their cost at $3.85 for Senior Center patrons.

Previously, each meal had cost $4.25 before subsidization. However, Kennedy was advised that the cost will be increasing to $6 next year, and by at least 50 cents each year thereafter.

“Does the city want to budget for an increased meal program cost or transfer of funds?” she inquired.

The council requested that Kennedy research other facilities which may be willing to provide meals to the Senior Center for cost comparison. They also requested she consult the Senior Center Board for their feedback.

• 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. The building will serve as the new location for City Hall.

The council decided to schedule a walk through of the building for its next work session on Dec. 4, at 4:15 p.m.

• Received an update about Blue Earth properties in violation of City Code.

City attorney David Frundt said the city has been granted enforcement orders to clean up several properties’ yards.

Another property whose chimney poses a safety hazard has had no change in status, although the owner was successfully contacted. Frundt will bring an order for abatement of the safety hazard to the next council meeting.

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

• Approved an amendment to Addendum No. 1 for the Highland Drive Lift Station Project, fulfilling Bolton & Menk’s request for an additional $17,500 to complete the project.

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

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

“We eliminated some language,” Frundt explained.

• Reviewed the proposed 2024 budget. The council decided to discuss the budget in detail at its next meeting.

• Reviewed a draft of the 2024 Fee Schedule, which has been revised to accurately reflect fees charged at city facilities such as the fitness center, swimming pool and campground.

• 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.

• Accepted part-time officer Jacob Peterson’s resignation from the Blue Earth Police Department.