By Angela K. Holt | March 8, 2023

Members of the Blue Mound city council met on Monday, March 6, for their regular monthly meeting. The council discussed the unfinished business pertaining to filling the vacant council position left by Shelley Collette, who resigned earlier this year. City clerk Max Krull explained to the board that, according to the League of Municipalities, the council has 60 days to fill the position; if they are unable to reach a consensus, they must have a special election. 

Krull further explained that the council vote for the individual recommended by the mayor does not have to be 100 percent, just majority. However, the mayor’s vote counts on this specific case. If the council cannot reach a majority vote, they must pass a resolution explaining why they were not voted in. If the resolution is not done within 45 days, the person originally recommended by the mayor will assume the council seat.

Krull noted it had already been 30 days since the mayor, Russell Beth, had recommended Marri Krupco for the council seat. After a discussion by the council, a vote was held and Krupco was voted onto the city council. She will be sworn into office at the April meeting.

Council members discussed sewage drains; Krull stated maintenance would get started prior to spring rains. He included that part of the project would be paid for with ARPA grant money, as there would be some pieces within the system that need replaced.

The council was updated on the progress of the water study grant, which is nearing completion. If approved, the grant would include, among other improvements, a new city water tower. Krull noted that they were still waiting on studies to be completed for the sewer study grant.

Mayor Russell Beth informed the council that there are three or four places on the city dam showing erosion due to people driving their recreational vehicles on it. Krull stated he would talk to Don George on advice on who to talk to concerning the issue.

In other business, the council approved minutes of the previous meeting and payment of bills in the amount of $68,720.84.