Albert Lea, MN
January 8, 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, Al Brooks and Mayor Bob Haukoos. Also present were City Manager Paul Sparks, Public Works Director David Olson, City Attorney Steven Schwab, Council Secretary Sandi Behrens and representatives from KATE Radio, the Albert Lea Tribune and KTTC-TV.
Mayor Haukoos asked Councilor Marin to share a
prayer.
CONSENT AGENDA
(a)
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMBER 26, 2000.
(b)
LICENSES AND BONDS APPROVED:
ANNUAL LICENSE
FOOD/BEVERAGE
Roland Keyeski d/b/a Just
Like Home Place, 701 Fountain
BOARDING/LODGING
Roland Keyeski d/b/a Just
Like Home Place, 701 Fountain
(c)
ESTABLISHES THE VALUE OF ONE ACRE OF UNDEVELOPED LAND AT $5,000.
(d)
CALLS A PUBLIC HEARING FOR AN ON-SALE INTOXICATING LIQUOR LICENSE AND A
SUNDAY ON-SALE INTOXICATING LIQUOR LICENSE FOR APPLEBEE’S RESTAURANT FOR THE
NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING ON JANUARY 22, 2001.
(e)
RESOLUTION 01-1 ADOPTED - APPROVES
A CONTRACT WITH THE FIGURE SKATING CLUB: Resolution
01-1 authorizes a contract with the Albert Lea Figure Skating Club for rental of
ice time at the City Arena for its 2001 season.
(See Secretary’s Original Resolution
01-1 included
with these minutes.)
(f)
RESOLUTION 01-2 ADOPTED –
APPROVING AGREEMENT FOR PORT AUTHOR-ITY STAFF SERVICES:
Resolution 01-2 authorizes an agreement for staff services with the
Albert Lea Port Authority for 2001.
(See Secretary’s Original Resolution
01-2 included
with these minutes.)
(See Secretary’s Original Resolution
01-3 included
with these minutes.)
(h)
RESOLUTION 01-4 ADOPTED –
CALLING A HEARING ON OVERLAY PROJECTS: Resolution
01-4 accepts the Engineer’s feasibility report and calls a public hearing for
Job 0101, 2001 Bituminous Overlay Project in the northeastern quarter of the
City for February 12, 2001.
(See Secretary’s Original Resolution
01-4 included
with these minutes.)
(i)
RESOLUTION
01-5
ADOPTED - CLAIMS: Resolution 01-5
presents the financial claims
of the City.
(See Secretary's Original
Resolution
01-5
included with these minutes.)
Councilor Amundson
moved, Councilor Brooks
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
01-6 ADOPTED – AUTHORIZING TRANSFER OF INTEREST EARNINGS – PUBLIC HEARING
Mayor Haukoos opened a public hearing for the
transfer of interest earnings from Fire and Police Residual Asset Funds to the
City’s General Fund to defray the cost of budget expenditures for Police and
Fire services. The necessary notice
for this hearing was published on December 29, 2000.
There was no public discussion.
After council discussion, Councilor Sorenson moved,
Councilor McPherson seconded, that Resolution 01-6, authorizing the transfer of
interest earnings 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
01-6 included
with these minutes.)
MAYOR PRO TEMPORE APPOINTED
Councilor Kron nominated Councilor Sorenson as
Mayor Pro Tem. Councilor Sorenson
declined the appointment.
Councilor Marin moved, Councilor Brooks seconded,
the appointment of Dave McPherson as Mayor Pro Tempore for 2001.
On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion with the
exception of Councilor McPherson who abstained.
Mayor Haukoos declared the motion carried and Councilor McPherson
appointed.
RESOLUTION 01-7 ADOPTED - NAMING OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER
Councilor Marin moved, Councilor McPherson seconded, that Resolution 01-7, naming the Albert Lea Tribune as the official newspaper of the City of Albert Lea for publication of notices, ordinances and resolutions for 2001, 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
01-7 included
with these minutes.)
RESOLUTION
01-8 ADOPTED – ADOPTING COUNCIL PROCEDURES
Councilor
Sorenson moved, Councilor Kron seconded, that Resolution 01-8, adopting council
procedures for 2001, 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
01-8 included with these minutes.)
Councilor
McPherson moved, Councilor Brooks seconded, that Resolution 01-9, designating
depositories of City funds and signatories for withdrawal of funds and
authorizing investment of municipal funds and collateral security deposits for
2001, 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
01-9 included with these minutes.)
RESOLUTION 01-10 ADOPTED – CALLING A HEARING FOR REMOVAL OF PARKING RESTRICTIONS
City Manager Sparks explained that with the relocation of the Albert Lea High School the demand for parking in the area of the old high school has dropped substantially. The restrictions currently in place no longer appear to be necessary. He noted that the City Engineer is recommending the removal of parking signs restricting parking during school days and school hours, 30-minute parking and handicap parking and will include the removal of ten school crossing signs plus the deactivation of the flashing amber light at Clark and Euclid.
After
council discussion, Councilor McPherson moved, Councilor Amundson seconded, that
Resolution 01-10, calling a public hearing for neighborhood comment on the
proposed removal of parking restrictions around the old Albert Lea High School
for the next regular City Council meeting on January 22, 2001.
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 called.
(See Secretary’s Original Resolution
01-10 included with these minutes.)
RESOLUTION 01-11 ADOPTED – APPROVING HRA STAFF SERVICES AGREEMENT AND REORGANIZATION
City Manager Sparks explained that this resolution approves an agreement between the City and the Housing and Redevelopment Authority for staff services for 2001. The resolution also covers a reorganization of the Housing Authority staff. A change in staffing recently occurred due to a resignation and the workload of the staff has also changed resulting in a need for a somewhat different level of service with more hands on contact with the tenants but a lower level of technical expertise. The Manager is recommending the reorganization include two housing technician positions and a housing maintenance lead position leaving total staffing at the same number. He noted that the Board supports the staff reorganization.
After
council discussion, Councilor Amundson moved, Councilor Kron seconded, that
Resolution 01-11, authorizing an agreement for 2001 HRA staff services and
reorganization as described by the City Manager, 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
01-11 included with these minutes.)
City Manager Sparks explained that this resolution authorizes the bond payments for the coming year. This permits the staff to automatically make the payments when due.
After
council discussion, Councilor Brooks moved, Councilor Amundson seconded, that
Resolution 01-12, authorizing bond payments for 2001, 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
01-12 included with these minutes.)
RESOLUTION 01-13 ADOPTED – ACCEPTING THE 2001 CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
LIST
City Manager Sparks explained that this resolution accepts the 2001 Construction Projects List including the bituminous overlay of certain streets in the northeast area of the City, Fountain Street improvements, Frank Avenue reconstruction, downtown street reconstruction year 2001 phase and Maplehill Drive reconstruction.
Council
discussion centered around various aspects of the projects listed.
After council discussion, Councilor
Kron moved, Councilor Sorenson
seconded, that Resolution 01-13,
accepting the 2001 Construction Projects List as described by the City Manager,
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
01-13 included with these minutes.)
City Manager Sparks explained that this resolution
receives the Engineer’s feasibility report for the Frank Avenue replacement
and calls a public hearing for this improvement for March 12, 2001.
He noted that the project calls for street reconstruction on Frank Avenue
from James Avenue to Seventh Street
and street milling and overlay on Frank Avenue from Front Street to James Avenue
(Job 9705) at an estimated cost of $1,028,462.50.
He also noted that the residents will be assessed approximately 27
percent of the cost with the remainder to be paid by the City.
After
council discussion, Councilor Brooks moved, Councilor Kron seconded, that
Resolution 01-14, receiving the Engineer’s feasibility report and calling a
hearing for Job 9705 as outlined by the City Manager, 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
01-14 included with these minutes.)
RESOLUTION 01-15 ADOPTED – RECEIVING REPORT AND CALLING A HEARING FOR JOB 2001
City Manager Sparks explained that this resolution accepts the Engineer’s feasibility report and calls a public hearing for the Fountain Street reconstruction from Park Avenue to St. Mary Avenue and pavement repair on Fountain Street from St. Mary Avenue to Newton Avenue at an estimated cost of $477,100 for February 26, 2001. He noted that only a small portion of the project may be assessed due to the age of the improvements not exceeding the City’s guarantee but that the area has deteriorated rapidly and the City is receiving numerous complaints about the disrepair.
After
council discussion, Councilor McPherson moved, Councilor Kron seconded, that
Resolution 01-15, receiving the Engineer’s feasibility report and calling a
hearing for Job 2001, 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
01-15 included with these minutes.)
City Manager Sparks explained that this resolution approves an administrative survey for splitting of Lot 6, Block 1, Port Authority Plat No. 1 and authorization to proceed with the sale of Tract A of that split to Kleentec at a purchase price of $30,500. He noted that the proceeds from the sale would go to the Port Authority. Originally the property was to be transferred to the Port Authority in exchange for a loan held by the Port Authority which was transferred to the City’s Revolving Loan Fund. The property transfer paperwork did not get completed by the time the City reached agreement to sell the property and as a result the City Manager is requesting permission to proceed with the sale of the lot with proceeds going to the Port Authority.
After
council discussion, Councilor Amundson moved, Councilor Marin seconded, that
Resolution 01-16, approving the lot split in Port Authority Plat No. 1 and the
sale of Tract A to Kleentec for a purchase price of $30,500, 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
01-16 included with these minutes.)
RESOLUTION 01-17 ADOPTED – ACCEPTING QUIT CLAIM DEED AND AUTHORIZING DEMOLITION
City Manager Sparks explained that the City had just received a quit claim deed from Daniel and Francine Wear for property at 1413 Circle Drive which was damaged during a fire. He noted that the property has fallen into disrepair and has become a neighborhood nuisance. He is recommending that the Council accept the quit claim deed and authorize demolition of the fire damaged building as soon as possible.
After
council discussion, Councilor McPherson moved, Councilor Amundson seconded, that
Resolution 01-17, accepting the quit claim deed from Daniel and Francine Wear
for property at 1413 Circle Drive described as Lot 4, Oakwood Park West and the
demolition of the fire damaged structure on the property with costs assessed to
the property, 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
01-17 included with these minutes.)
UNLISTED
ITEMS
WARD
ITEMS
First
Ward, Councilor Amundson:
a)
Stated that with the move to the new High School parking on Highland has
been a problem. He noted that
apparently students are parking on Highland Avenue and either walking or
shuttling to school causing snow removal problems for the residents along
Highland. He questioned whether the
City could do anything to assist these residents other than marking the area for
no parking.
City
Manager Sparks responded that the only alternative would be to sign the street
for no parking during school hours. He
noted that this may be a problem for property owners but that restrictions apply
to all parkers.
Second
Ward, Councilor McPherson:
a)
Noted that he has received several calls relating to snow removal and
expressed his appreciation to the Street Department crew for its snow removal
efforts. He noted that the crews
are working many hours of overtime and the obvious problem is caused by a lot of
snow this season and a number of vehicles parked on streets all over town.
He also mentioned that the downtown is partly in his Ward and the area is
signed for no parking between the hours of 2 and 6 A.M. He questioned whether the Police Department could ticket some
of these individual cars violating this no parking regulation around 3 or 4 A.M.
to permit the snow removal crews to clear the streets of snow.
He also mentioned that people are requesting the even/odd parking
provided for in the City Code. He stated that this may take longer and requested Council
discussion regarding this issue.
City
Manager Sparks explained that the odd/even plowing requirement is not as
efficient and he noted that accumulations received with the extreme cold
temperatures don’t permit melting which causes narrowed streets.
Another problem with the odd/even or north/south, east/west no parking
requirement is that some streets run diagonally or meander which would cause a
problem of interpretation for both residents and snow removal staff.
He further explained that the snow needs to be hauled and that this
requires a large amount of time for the snow removal crews.
b)
Noted that Medical Center employees are parking on the side streets west
of the hospital causing traffic problems for the residents in that area and
requested that the Council discuss solutions to these parking problems at a
future date.
Third
Ward, Councilor Marin:
a)
Noted that he too has received phone calls relating to snow and snow
removal. He thanked the City crews
for the work that they are doing and noted that he had received a call regarding
snow obstructing street traffic, he contacted the Street Department and the
problem was taken care of.
Fourth
Ward, Councilor Sorenson:
a)
Also thanked the snow removal crews.
He has been receiving calls relating to snow and when he explains the
problems encountered by the City crews the people are very understanding and
relate that they would rather be able to get around town in two to three days
rather than proceed with the more costly odd/even approach.
Fifth
Ward, Councilor Kron:
a)
Noted that her neighborhood had been marked for snow removal and when she
contacted some of the neighbors still parked on the street they moved the cars
and the street is clean curb to curb.
b)
Reported a problem with the church on College.
She stated that people are parking on the yellow next to the church
causing problems for the churchgoers entering and exiting the church.
She requested a sign for no parking between the church and the alley.
c) Noted
that Lake Street is a very narrow street and requested review for parking on
only one side of that street.
Sixth Ward, Councilor Brooks:
a) Noted
that he too is receiving calls regarding snow.
Questioned what the time limit was for moving cars.
Mr. Sparks stated that the time limit is a maximum 24 hours in one spot
and if the Council chooses it could go to a shorter time period but the City
would probably get more complaints due to the various working schedules of the
residents; some people work nights and sleep days.
PUBLIC ITEMS
Mike Murtaugh, 511 Harriet Lane, thanked the City
Council and the street crews for the prompt response in cleaning his street
after his appearance at the previous council meeting.
He also noted that he would like to see more discussion on the odd/even
approach to plowing.
Mr. Murtaugh also mentioned that he has been
visiting the City’s web site and is pleased to see the City Code and Council
meeting agendas and minutes in addition to other items included on that site.
Roger Bok, 1012 Cato Drive, requested repairs to
the speaker system in the Council chambers and noted that he has several Charter
items that he wishes to discuss with the Mayor.
The Mayor advised him to contact his secretary for an appointment.
ADJOURNMENT
– 8:46 P.M.
Councilor
Amundson moved, Councilor Brooks 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, January 22, 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 9, 2001.
________________________
_____________________________
Secretary of the Council Mayor