Albert Lea, MN                                                         January 22, 2001

  

The regular meeting of the Albert Lea City Council was called to order at 7:30 P.M. in the City Center Council Chambers by Mayor Bob Haukoos.

 

 

ROLL CALL

 

Present were Councilors Warren Amundson, David McPherson, George Marin, Ron Sorenson, Mary Kron and Mayor Bob Haukoos.  Absent was Councilor Al Brooks.  Also present were City Manager Paul Sparks, Public Works Director David Olson, City Attorney Steven Schwab, Council Secretary Sandi Behrens and a representative from KATE Radio.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

 

(a)            APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE COUNCIL MEETING OF JANUARY 8, 2001.

 

(b)            LICENSES AND BONDS APPROVED:

 

TEMPORARY LICENSE

 

Food/Beverage

 

Stacy Steele, Freeborn County Pork Producers, Alden, for the Freeborn County Fairgrounds February 2 and 3

 

Public Dance

Luis Alvarez, 2400 Clayton, for the Knights of Columbus February 17 and 24

 

(c)     RESOLUTION 01-18 ADOPTED – APPROVING LAWFUL GAMBLING APPLICA-TION:  Resolution 01-18 approves an Application for Authorization for an Exemption from Lawful Gambling License for the Freeborn County Ducks Unlimited for a raffle at the Albert Lea National Guard Armory, 410 Prospect Avenue, on March 31, 2001.

 

                (See Secretary's Original Resolution

01-18 included with these minutes.)

 

(d)   RESOLUTION 01-19 ADOPTED – RESOLUTION 01-19 CALLS A PUBLIC HEARING FOR MISCELLANEOUS ASSESSMENTS ROLL 28 FOR FEBRUARY 26, 2001.

 

(See Secretary's Original Resolution

01-19 included with these minutes.)

 

(e)    RESOLUTION 01-20 ADOPTED - CLAIMS:  Resolution 01-20 presents the financial claims of the City.

 

(See Secretary's Original Resolution

01-20 included with these minutes.)

 

Councilor Sorenson moved, Councilor Amundson seconded, that the consent agenda items be adopted.  On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion.  Mayor Haukoos declared the motion carried and the consent agenda items adopted.

 

 

 

RESOLUTION 01-21 ADOPTED – EXPRESSING INTENT TO ADOPT ASSESSMENTS – PUBLIC HEARING

 

Mayor Haukoos opened a public hearing for the adoption of assessments for 1318 South Shore Drive.  The necessary notice for this hearing was published on December 29, 2000.  There was no public discussion.

 

City Manager Sparks explained that the owner of the property at 1318 South Shore Drive had received approval for a final plat for that property with the intent to develop the remaining parcel.  Mr. Brandt objects to the assessment for this additional lot.  Mr. Sparks noted that there are two types of assessments that the City levies for sewer and water, one is an area assessment that is normally done when property is platted and the second is a specific project assessment that provides for recovery of project costs for the extension of water and sewer service to an area.  Mr. Brandt is objecting to the $4,250 assessment which was held in a deferred status from 1991 when water and sewer services were extended to South Shore Drive.  Mr. Brandt has further indicated his intent to withdraw his request for services if the assessment is not waived.

 

Council discussion centered around the fact that assessing a developed lot is a long standing policy in the City and its intent to uphold the assessment with notification to the property owner for an opportunity to withdraw his request for subdivision of his property. 

 

After council discussion, Councilor Sorenson moved, Councilor Amundson seconded, that Resolution 01-21, expressing the Council’s intent to assess the property at 1318 South Shore Drive if it should continue under development and that the City staff should notify Mr. Brandt of the Council’s intent to permit an opportunity to withdraw plans for the proposed development, be approved.  On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion.  Mayor Haukoos declared the motion carried, the resolution adopted and the public hearing closed.

 

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution

01-21 included with these minutes.)

 

RESOLUTION 01-22 ADOPTED - PARKING RESTRICTIONS REMOVED IN THE OLD HIGH SCHOOL AREA – PUBLIC HEARING      

 

Mayor Haukoos opened a public hearing to consider the removal of parking restrictions in the area of the old High School.  The necessary notice for this hearing was published on January 12, 2001.  No one appeared to be heard.

 

Councilor McPherson moved, Councilor Sorenson seconded, that Resolution 01-22, removing the parking restrictions around the old High School along Clark, West Avenue, Water Street, Euclid Avenue, Adams Avenue and Main Street with the exception of William Street between Euclid Avenue and Adams Avenue to be signed for no parking on both sides of the street.  On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion.  Mayor Haukoos declared the motion carried, the resolution adopted and the public hearing closed.

 

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution

01-22 included with these minutes.)

 

Lawrence Holcomb, 521 Grace Street, appeared before the City Council regarding parking along Grace and Vinehurst.  It was decided to consider this at a later point in the agenda.

 

APPLEBEE’S LIQUOR LICENSES APPROVED – PUBLIC HEARING

 

Mayor Haukoos opened a public hearing to consider the issuance of an On-Sale and Sunday On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License to Applebee’s.  The necessary notice for this hearing was published on January 12, 2001.

 

There was no public discussion.  After council discussion, Councilor Sorenson moved, Councilor McPherson seconded, that the application of Applebee’s for an On-Sale Intoxicating and Sunday On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License, be approved.  On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion.  Mayor Haukoos declared the motion carried, the applications approved and the public hearing closed.

 

PORT AUTHORITY ANNUAL REVIEW – PUBLIC HEARING

 

Mayor Haukoos opened a public hearing for the annual review of the Albert Lea Port Authority.  The necessary notice for this hearing was published on January 12, 2001. 

 

No one appeared to be heard and there was no Council discussion.  No action was taken on this item.

 

ON-STREET PARKING ON GRACE AND VINEHURST   

 

Mayor Haukoos announced that the City Council would accept comments from Mr. Holcomb.  Councilor McPherson stated that he intended to bring this to the Council’s attention in Ward Items and possibly request that the Engineering Department take a look at possible changes to the Grace/Vinehurst area.

 

Lawrence Holcomb, 521 Grace Street, stated that he had talked to his neighbors and that it was the general consensus that two-hour parking in that area or possibly no parking for a period of time during the day may eliminate the problem of extended parking by hospital employees.  Mr. Holcomb noted that these are very narrow streets and that with cars parking on both sides safety becomes an issue.

 

Councilor McPherson suggested that perhaps no parking on one side of Vinehurst and Grace may be an option but that the residents in the area need somewhere for on-street parking.

 

Councilor Kron questioned whether there was insufficient parking for hospital employees on hospital property.  Mr. Holcomb noted that the hospital has been contacted for assistance and notes that they cannot control employee parking.

 

Mayor Haukoos suggested that Councilor McPherson meet with the City Engineer and residents in the area to discuss possible solutions.

 

 

 

RESOLUTION 01-23 ADOPTED – PROCEED WITH ASSISTANCE FOR 113 SOUTH NEWTON

 

City Manager Sparks explained that Scott Knudsen has requested a low interest loan and tax increment finance assistance for his redevelopment project at 113 S. Newton Avenue.  He indicated that a low interest loan would be limited to an amount up to 20 percent of the construction costs and would be subordinate to a first mortgage at four percent interest with a 15-year amortization rate and a ten-year balloon.  He also noted that the building lies within the Downtown Tax Increment District but would require a determination on the value of the property today and when the improvement is complete.  The tax increment assistance would be limited to an updated sprinkler system, handicap restrooms and removing building code problems.

 

After council discussion, Councilor Kron moved, Councilor Marin seconded, that Resolution 01-23, directing the City Manager to proceed with a determination of value for tax increment finance assistance and a low interest loan limited to an amount up to 20 percent of the construction costs subordinate to a first mortgage at four percent interest with a 15-year amortization rate and a ten-year balloon, be authorized.  On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion.  Mayor Haukoos declared the motion carried and the resolution adopted.

 

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution

01-23 included with these minutes.)

 

RESOLUTION 01-24 ADOPTED – FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR FESTIVAL OF BANDS

 

City Manager Sparks explained that the Festival of Bands is again requesting support for its event scheduled for June 17, 2001.  He noted that these funds were provided by the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau tax proceeds last year and that the Council could authorize the same this year.

 

After council discussion, Councilor McPherson moved, Councilor Sorenson seconded, that Resolution 01-24, approving $1,000 in support of the Festival of Bands, be approved.  On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion.  Mayor Haukoos declared the motion carried and the resolution adopted.

 

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution

01-24 included with these minutes.)

 

RESOLUTION 01-25 ADOPTED – CALLING A HEARING FOR JOB 0102

 

City Manager Sparks explained that the City had received the Engineer’s feasibility study with reference to the bituminous street surface replacement on Maplehill Drive from Plainview Lane to West Front Street at an estimated cost of $157,800. 

 

Joan Templeton, 1013 Maplehill Drive, questioned when the project would begin and approximately how long the project would take.  City Engineer Olson responded that the project would begin in late spring or early summer and is estimated to take approximately six weeks. 

 

After council discussion, Councilor Marin moved, Councilor Kron seconded, that Resolution 01-25, calling a hearing for March 12, 2001 for the proposed improvement, be approved.  On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion.  Mayor Haukoos declared the motion carried and the resolution adopted.

 

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution

01-25 included with these minutes.)

 

RESOLUTION 01-26 ADOPTED – REQUESTING TAX EXEMPT STATUS

 

City Manager Sparks explained that since the City intends to use the Northaire Building No. 3 for an incubator and that most incubator buildings operated by Port Authorities are tax exempt he is recommending that the City petition the County to establish a tax exempt status for Lot 3 of Port Authority Plat No. 1, the site of North Building No. 3.  He noted that the operation of the incubator will be at a net loss therefore it becomes governmental in nature and should be tax exempt.

 

After council discussion, Councilor Amundson moved, Councilor Marin seconded, that Resolution 01-26, petitioning Freeborn County for tax exempt status for Lot 3, Port Authority Plat No. 1, be approved.  On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion.  Mayor Haukoos declared the motion carried and the resolution adopted.

 

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution

01-26 included with these minutes.)

 

RESOLUTION 01-27 ADOPTED – APPROVING PURCHASE OF AIR COMPRESSOR SYSTEM AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS

 

City Manager Sparks explained that the Fire Department has requested approval to purchase an air compressor system to replace the current system used to fill air bottles for the breathing apparatus system.

 

Fire Chief Sydnes stated that the City fills 600 to 700 tanks per year.  He stated that Clarey’s of Rochester, the low bidder, fills between 50 and 60 tanks per day and anticipate its use for 15-20 years.  The system used by Clarey’s would be the same one we will be purchasing.

 

After council discussion, Councilor Kron moved, Councilor Amundson seconded, that Resolution 01-27, authorizing the purchase of the Eagle air compressor system from Clarey’s Equipment of Rochester in the amount of $23,479 with funds provided by the General Fund Fire Department account, be approved.  On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion.  Mayor Haukoos declared the motion carried and the resolution adopted.

 

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution

01-27 included with these minutes.)

  

RESOLUTION 01-28 ADOPTED – AUTHORIZING ASSIGNMENT OF DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT

 

City Manager Sparks explained that this resolution authorizes the Mayor and Manager to assign the Development Agreement for the Alternative Continuum of Care – Albert Lea, LLC, to Wells Fargo Bank.  Wells Fargo is the financing entity and the assignment would mean that Wells Fargo would have an interest in the proceeds from the tax increment district.  City Manager Sparks pointed out that this is not an unusual step to be taken by a lender in regards to tax increment proceeds.

 

After council discussion, Councilor Sorenson moved, Councilor McPherson seconded, that Resolution 01-28, authorizing assignment of the development agreement, be approved.  On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion.  Mayor Haukoos declared the motion carried and the resolution adopted.

 

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution

01-28 included with these minutes.)

 

RESOLUTION 01-29 ADOPTED – ACCEPTING BID FOR 2022

 

City Manager Sparks explained that the City received sealed bids from Crane Creek Construction and Ulland Bros. for 2001 Bituminous Contract No. 1, bituminous overlay of Rowe Lane from Hills Lane to Pilot Street.  He is recommending award to the low bidder, Ulland Bros. in the amount of $32,651.50.

 

After council discussion, Councilor Amundson moved, Councilor Kron seconded, that Resolution 01-29, accepting the bid of Ulland Bros. in the amount of $32,651.50 for 2001 Bituminous Contract No. 1 (Job 2022), be approved.  On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion.  Mayor Haukoos declared the motion carried and the resolution adopted.

 

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution

01-29 included with these minutes.)

 

RESOLUTION 01-30 ADOPTED – AUTHORIZING APPLICATION FOR FUNDING

 

City Manager Sparks explained that this resolution authorizes an application for funding from the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency for the 2001 Minnesota City Participation Program.  He noted that this is the first time home buyer program, in which the City has participated in the past and that the City must put up a deposit of one percent to hold the money for use by Albert Lea lenders.  He noted that the City would receive the deposit back when the money is used.

 

After council discussion, Councilor Sorenson moved, Councilor Marin seconded, that Resolution 01-30, authorizing an application for funding from the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency for the 2001 Minnesota City Participation Program, be approved.  On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion.   Mayor Haukoos declared the motion carried and the resolution adopted.

 

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution

01-30 included with these minutes.)

 

CHAMBER USE OF CITY LOGO AUTHORIZED

 

City Manager Sparks explained that the City had received a request from the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce for permission to use the City’s logo on certain promotional pieces currently being developed by the Chamber including ball caps, polo shirts, coffee mugs and sweatshirts.

 

After council discussion, Councilor Sorenson moved, Councilor Kron seconded, that the request of the Albert Lea Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce to use the City’s logo on promotional materials, be approved.  On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion.  Mayor Haukoos declared the motion carried and permission granted.

 

RESOLUTION 01-31 ADOPTED – AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT WITH YAGGY COLBY ASSOCIATES

 

City Manager Sparks explained that this resolution authorizes a contract with Yaggy Colby Associates for the final design of the possible improvement of Fountain Street.  The proposal includes a lump sum fee of $32,000 with construction staking and inspection performed on an hourly basis with total fees not to exceed eight percent of the construction cost.  He further explained that the City’s experience with the Yaggy Colby group has been positive.

 

After council discussion, Councilor McPherson moved, Councilor Amundson seconded, that Resolution 01-31, authorizing a contract with Yaggy Colby Associates for engineering services for final design of the Fountain Street improvements, be approved.  On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion.  Mayor Haukoos declared the motion carried and the resolution adopted.

 

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution

01-31 included with these minutes.)

 

UNLISTED ITEMS

 

WARD ITEMS

 

Second Ward, Councilor McPherson:

 

a)  Noted that he had received a complaint from a resident on Harriet Lane indicating that the street was not plowed until the day following the most recent snow storm.

 

Third Ward, Councilor Marin:

 

a)  Received three phone calls regarding snowplowing.  One of the callers suggested announcing that vehicles need to be removed from the street for snow removal.  City Manager Sparks  explained that in  some areas  there would be no problem in  requiring off-street parking for snow removal.  Others would have a problem as there isn’t enough off-street parking in certain older areas.  He noted that this has been an unusually heavy snowfall year and that the most effective method of hauling snow is posting no-parking signs.  The “no parking” rule would require lots of towing and would be a hardship for some residents.

 

Council discussion centered around the fact that signs seem to be the most effective approach, perhaps trying the no-parking approach on arterial streets, determining a list of emergency snow routes and possibly requiring no-parking 24-hours after a snowfall on these routes.

 

b)  Noted that he had received calls from some residents along Frank Avenue thanking the City for the neighborhood meetings and efforts put forth regarding that project.

 

(c)  Thanked the City Manager for repairs to the Council Chambers sound system.

 

Fourth Ward, Councilor Sorenson:

 

a)  Noted that Councilor Brooks is gone on vacation and that he had received a call from a resident on Margaretha south of Sixteenth Street noting that the street has become narrow and questioned whether the snowplows would be going down Margaretha soon.  He also questioned whether the downtown parking lots could be cleared of snow.

 

PUBLIC ITEMS

 

Patrick Corrigan, 814 Frank Hall Drive, stated that the City posted his street for no parking and came in and removed snow from the park side of the street.  They again posted the street for no parking two more times and the work has not been completed to-date.

 

Mike Murtaugh, 511 Harriet Lane, stated that his street wasn’t plowed after the most recent snowfall until the next day.  His family could not get out for church.  Councilor McPherson got stuck in the street, a neighbor suffering a medical problem could not be reached by the ambulance.  He requested that the City acknowledge that there are difficult streets in town and that there are twelve property owners on his street and they have no alternatives if the street is not cleared and sanded.

 

City Manager Sparks explained that the plow couldn’t get down the street because there were cars parked on both sides.  They were required to remove snow with a front end loader.  He noted that this may be one of those streets where the City may need to prohibit parking for snow removal.

 

Mr. Murtaugh noted that the residents along Harriet Lane could remove their cars from the street.

 

ADJOURNMENT – 8:38 P.M.

 

Councilor Kron moved, Councilor Amundson seconded, that there being no further business, the council meeting be adjourned until the next regular meeting of the Albert Lea City Council on Monday, February 12, 2001.  On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of  said motion.  Mayor Haukoos declared the motion carried and the meeting adjourned.

 

Filed and attested January 23, 2001.

  

________________________                                 _____________________________

Secretary of the Council                                          Mayor