The Blue Earth EDA discussed a proposal from Business of Child Care and the replacement of an AC unit for the Ag Center at their meeting on Thursday, May 14.

EDA specialist Amy Schaefer presented the EDA with an update on the ongoing childcare initiative discussion with Business of Child Care.

“As discussed at our last meeting, we reached out to Business of Child Care to get a child care initiative set up for Blue Earth,” Schaefer reported. “Discussions with them have been going very well, and after learning more about our needs here in Blue Earth, they have drafted a three-month kickstart plan to get us started. The price for this program will be $8,500.”

Schaefer went on to explain that Blue Earth was in a unique position regarding childcare, as many of their professionals had several years of experience, but a majority of them were also nearing retirement age.

“I think we need to be proactive rather than reactive, and this program sounds like it can help us achieve a smooth transition when some of the older childcare providers start to retire,” EDA member Kara Drake remarked. “I think we should move forwards with the kickstart program and see where we are after three months.”

Hearing no further discussion on the issue, a motion was made and seconded to accept the proposal from Business of Child Care. The motion passed unanimously.

City administrator Dawn Collins presented the EDA with a memo regarding the AC units in the Ag Center.

“After our recent inspection of the AC units on the Ag Center, it was discovered that the unit located above the atrium has completely failed and cannot be repaired,” Collins shared. “The replacement will cost us $23,670, and we can cover it with funds from the Ag Center building repairs and Ag Center Maintenance/Repair line items. I’m requesting permission to go ahead with the repair.”

“Just as a note for the future, I think it would be a good idea to have all of the AC units inspected and see if we can’t get them all replaced at the same time,” mayor Rick Scholtes said. “Those AC units are original to the building, so it’s very likely that we’ll need to replace more of them soon.”

Following discussion, a motion was made and seconded to approve the purchase of the new AC unit from Electric Service Co. at the price of $23, 670. The motion passed unanimously.

Other business discussed at the EDA meeting included:

• SMIF director Aaron Johnson presented the EDA with an update on the current SMIF programming, and the various projects they’ve been assisting with in Blue Earth.