November 27, 2006
Elder Kendall Langseth, Albert Lea Church of Christ, offered a prayer.
The regular meeting of the Albert Lea City Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m. in the City Center Council Chambers by Mayor Aaron Summers.
1. ROLL CALL
Present were Councilors Vern Rasmussen, Randy Erdman, George Marin, Jeff Fjelstad, John Severtson and Al Brooks. Also present were City Manager Victoria Simonsen, Public Works Director Steve Jahnke, City Attorney Steve Schwab, Acting Council Secretary Allison Folie and representatives from the Albert Lea Tribune, KATE Radio, and KAAL television.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
2. CONSENT AGENDA
(2a) APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 13, 2006.
(2b) RESOLUTION 06-279 ADOPTED – CLAIMS: Resolution 06-279 presents the financial claims of the City.
(See Secretary's Original Resolution 06-279 included with these minutes.)
(2c) LICENSES APPROVED:
ANNUAL LICENSES
CIGARETTE
A1 Liquor Store, 701 South Broadway
TEMPORARY LICENSES
OFF-PREMISES LIQUOR SALES
Aragon Bar, 130 West College Street, for a birthday party to be held at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds on December 2, 2006
Aragon Bar, 130 West College Street, for a Sesquicentennial event to be held at the Skyline Plaza on December 31, 2006
(2d) RESOLUTION 06-280 ADOPTED – CALLING A PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED MISCELLANEOUS ASSESSMENTS ROLL 0056: Resolution 06-280 calls for a public hearing to consider and adopt Miscellaneous Assessments Roll 0056 to be held on December 11, 2006 at 7:00 p.m.
(See Secretary's Original Resolution 06-280 included with these minutes.)
(2e) RESOLUTION 06-281 ADOPTED – SETTING TRUTH-IN-TAXATION HEARING DATES: Resolution 06-281 calls for the Truth-in-Taxation hearing for the City’s 2007 Annual Budget to be held on December 4, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. If necessary, a continuation hearing would be held on December 11, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. and a hearing subsequent to be held on December 11, 2006 at 7:00 p.m.
(See Secretary's Original Resolution 06-281 included with these minutes.)
Councilor Brooks moved that the consent agenda items be adopted as presented, seconded by Councilor Marin. On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Summers declared the resolutions passed and the consent agenda items adopted.
3. PETITIONS AND REQUESTS
(3a) REQUEST FROM EAGLE’S CLUB FOR CANCER FUNDRAISING PROJECT APPROVED
City Manager Simonsen explained that on Saturday, January 14, 2007 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. the Eagle’s Cancer Committee will be hosting its 7th Annual Fundraising project. The Committee requests approval for special use of the alley and four (4) to six (6) parking stalls. They are also requesting the closure of St. Mary’s Street between Morin and William Street and the use of electricity from the warming house at Morin Park in order to hold this event. Also requested is the placement of placards for advertising and the ability to broadcast live from in the area.
MOTION: To support the request from the Eagle’s Club to hold cancer fundraising project.
Said motion was made by Councilor Marin, seconded by Councilor Severtson. On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Summers declared the motion passed.
(3b) REQUEST FOR SPECIAL EVENT LICENSE – SESQUICENTENNIAL COMMITTEE APPROVED
City Manager advised that the Sesquicentennial Committee is requesting a special events liquor license for December 31, 2006. The Sesquicentennial Committee is hosting its final event at the Skyline Plaza that evening and is requesting to be able to serve and sell alcohol. The Aragon Bar has submitted an off-premises special events liquor license application to cater this event.
MOTION: To honor the request from the Sesquicentennial Committee to approve special event license for a Sesquicentennial event to be held on December 31, 2006 at the Skyline Plaza.
Said motion was made by Councilor Erdman, seconded by Councilor Rasmussen. On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Summers declared the motion passed.
(3c) REQUEST FOR FIREWORKS DISPLAY APPROVED
City Manager Simonsen stated that the Chamber of Commerce is requesting the City’s approval for a fireworks display to occur on New Year’s Eve. This is part of the final Sesquicentennial event and the fireworks would be set off from the City beach as done in the past. The Chamber of Commerce is requesting support from the Police and Fire Departments, as well as other city departments, to make this a successful event.
MOTION: To approve the request for the fireworks display.
Said motion was made by Councilor Marin, seconded by Councilor Brooks. On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Summers declared the motion passed.
(3d) PRESENTATION BY TUCKER CARLSON – CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Arne “Tucker” Carlson, Government Relations Manager for Charter Communications, appeared before the Council to give an overview of services provided through the cable franchise agreement as well as update the public on current issues and answer questions.
Carlson explained that Charter Communications has been completing some recent upgrades to infrastructure in order to provide greater speeds in modem services as well as video on demand content. He advised that Charter is currently working on the ability to provide telephone service to the area in the near future. He further explained that Charter is also working on realigning their digital packages so that customers have more choices available to them.
Carlson addressed the area of competition in the marketplace and stated that there is nothing in the agreement between Charter Communications and the City that is exclusive. He advised that the market is open to other service providers and stated that Charter Communications does not have a monopoly in the market.
Carlson stated that the rates Charter is charging are competitive with satellite competitors. He explained that “bundling”, or adding more services to your package, provides additional savings to the customer.
With regards to a senior discount, Carlson advised that Charter Communications made a marketing decision not to allow senior discounting as they feel it is unfair to provide a discount to only a select a group of customers versus all customers.
A question was raised as to how many times a year Charter Communication can increase their rates. Carlson explained that expanded cable service is unregulated and rates could be increased at any time. He explained that rates are driven by programming costs, which tend to increase approximately 11% per year on the average. Because they are in a competitive environment, however, Charter attempts to avoid continual rate increases as they are not pleasing to the customer.
A concern was raised about Charter Communications being able to finance prizes awarded to customers despite rate increases. Carlson advised that the prizes are a marketing function in order to obtain more customers and remain competitive in the industry. He also advised that some of the prizes awarded by Charter are donated by other organizations.
City Manager Simonsen advised that she received a phone call from Jack Neale, 523 Green Avenue, who requested that she relay his message that he believes Charter increases their rates too often and that feels customers are being unfairly taken advantage of.
Carlson advised that Charter will be negotiating to bring in certain Twin Cities programming. He advised that they are not allowed to import the signals of local television markets, however. If Charter brings in any signals that are against the law they will incur significant penalties in excess of half a million dollars per year in addition to having the programming blacked out by the FCC.
Councilor Severtson clarified that the Albert Lea City Council has no control over Charter Communications’ rates.
Mr. John Reid, 808 Ulstad Avenue, inquired about whether Charter Communications has filed their Effective Communication Ruling with the FCC to which Carlson responded that Charter filed it for basic cable in April of 2006. Reid also mentioned that Mankato, Waseca, Hutchinson, and New Richland all have more than one (1) cable provider in their cities. Reid stated that he is bothered by the fact that certain channels continue to get blacked out periodically. He also mentioned that the FCC says there is nothing prohibiting us from receiving cable broadcasting from the metro area. Carlson responded by stating that Charter Communications believes importing out of network stations would put local stations out of business. Charter believes that these local stations help give the community a voice.
Councilor Severtson inquired as to whether any other outside cable company has shown interest in coming to Albert Lea. City Manager Simonsen advised that she had made contacts and left messages with other companies in the past but has not received any responses.
(3e) REQUEST FOR DISCUSSION OF FORFEITURE – RICHARD SEELYE – REMOVED FROM AGENDA
Mr. Richard Seelye, 914 Jefferson Avenue, requested to be placed on the agenda to discuss the forfeiture of personal property with the City Council.
Seelye failed to appear before the Council. The item was removed from the agenda.
4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
(4a) RESOLUTION 06-282 ADOPTED – AUTHORIZING A PURCHASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF ALBERT LEA AND BUTLER VIDEO
City Manager Simonsen explained that Mr. Ed Butler, owner of Butler Video, 405 East Main Street, has agreed to the purchase price of $135,000 for the property. Mr. Butler is requesting the ability to salvage equipment and attached fixtures, including the air conditioning unit and landscaping block from the building on the premises.
Resolution 06-282 was introduced by Councilor Severtson, seconded by Councilor Brooks. On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Summers declared the resolution passed.
(See Secretary's Original Resolution 06-282 included with these minutes.)
5. NEW BUSINESS
(5a) ORDINANCE 109, 3D INTRODUCED – REZONING PROPERTY FROM PD PLANNED DEVELOPMENT TO IDD INTERSTATE DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT CHADWICK MARKETPLACE
City Manager Simonsen explained that on November 9, 2006 the Planning Commission held a public hearing to consider a request for a change in zoning classification for the property located in the Chadwick Marketplace Addition. She explained that the property is located east of Blake Avenue and south of East Main Street, directly in front of what is currently The Home Depot store. They are requesting a zoning change from PD (Planned Development) to IDD (Interstate Development District). A public hearing will be scheduled for Tuesday, December 26th at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers for a second reading and a public hearing of this ordinance.
Ordinance 109, 3d was introduced by Councilor Erdman, seconded by Councilor Marin. Ordinance 109,3d will lay over for a second reading and public hearing in accordance with Charter requirements. On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Summers declared the motion passed.
(See Secretary's Original Ordinance 109, 3d included with these minutes.)
(5b) RESOLUTION 06-283 ADOPTED – ACCEPTING BIDS FOR LIBRARY REMODELING
City Manager Simonsen explained that sealed bids were advertised and accepted for the library remodeling project involving the expansion of the existing library on the second floor of the City Center as well as accessibility upgrades throughout the building. She further explained that eight (8) bids were received for the construction portion of the project ranging from $528,921 to $669,000. Two (2) bids were received for asbestos abatement. She advised that Zenk, Read, Trygstad & Associates, Inc. reviewed the bids and recommended that the bid for general construction be awarded to Larson Contracting for a base bid amount of $528,921. ZRT advises that the asbestos abatement be awarded to Asbestrol, Inc. for a base bid amount of $91,714. The consultant is also recommending a $125,000 contingency to be approved due to the age of water service lines and the potential of concealed asbestos that might be discovered. With the contingency, the total bid for the project would be $745,635. She noted that $400,000 of the project was specifically for library improvement and matching grant funds. The remaining amount of the costs include the installation of a sprinkler system throughout the building and asbestos removal. The other expenses are associated with the renovation of the first floor of the City Center.
Resolution 06-283 was introduced by Councilor Brooks, seconded by Councilor Rasmussen. On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Summers declared the resolution passed.
(See Secretary's Original Resolution 06-283 included with these minutes.)
(5c) RESOLUTION 06-284 ADOPTED – APPROVING THE PRELIMINARY AND FINAL PLAT OF PARKVIEW HILLS SUBDIVISION
City Manager Simonsen explained that this resolution would approve the preliminary and final plat of Parkview Hills Subdivision, which is located at the intersection of S.E. Marshall, David, and Eberhardt. She further explained that the Planning Commission has reviewed the preliminary and final plat in accordance with Chapter 54 of the City Code and has recommended approval with the conditions outlined within the resolution.
Resolution 06-284 was introduced by Councilor Erdman, seconded by Councilor Severtson. On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Summers declared the resolution passed.
(See Secretary's Original Resolution 06-284 included with these minutes.)
(5d) RESOLUTION 06-285 ADOPTED – APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR GREEN LEA GOLF COURSE
City Manager Simonsen advised that Green Lea Golf Course submitted an application to permit a commercial golf course in a residential (R1) District and allow for the construction of a 40 foot by 96 foot storage building on the site. The Planning Commission held a public hearing on November 9, 2006 and approved the application to allow a conditional use permit with the conditions that are stipulated within the resolution.
Resolution 06-285 was introduced by Councilor Rasmussen, seconded by Councilor Brooks. On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Summers declared the resolution passed.
(See Secretary's Original Resolution 06-285 included with these minutes.)
(5e) RESOLUTION 06-286 ADOPTED – SETTING DETAILS FOR VACATION OF ALLEY BETWEEN SHELLROCK AND KATHARINE STREET
City Manager Simonsen stated that the City received a petition for vacation of public ways on November 16, 2006 from Gray Canyon Companies, Inc. out of Elko, Minnesota. As owner of the property adjacent to the alley running between Katherine Street and Shell Rock Street, they are petitioning for vacation of the alley for the construction of a Walgreen’s store. A public hearing will be held on Tuesday, December 26th at 7:00 p.m. to hear input on this request.
Resolution 06-286 was introduced by Councilor Severtson, seconded by Councilor Erdman. On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Summers declared the resolution passed.
(See Secretary's Original Resolution 06-286 included with these minutes.)
(5f) RESOLUTION 06-287 ADOPTED – AUTHORIZING PARTIAL RELEASE OF EASEMENT CHANNELVIEW URBAN RENEWAL AREA
City Manager Simonsen explained that the City has received a request for a partial release of easement from Three Rivers Community Action, Inc. for a sewer easement on the north side of the Channelview Apartments. The sewer easement was recorded in 1929 and is not currently in use. She explained that the Engineering Department does not anticipate a need for this easement in the future. A public hearing would be held on Tuesday, December 26th, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. to hear public input regarding this release.
Resolution 06-287 was introduced by Councilor Severtson, seconded by Councilor Brooks. On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Summers declared the resolution passed.
(See Secretary's Original Resolution 06-287 included with these minutes.)
(5g) RESOLUTION 06-288 ADOPTED – TO RECEIVE STORM SEWER EASEMENT FROM ALBERT LEA SEED HOUSE
City Manager Simonsen explained that there is currently a 30 inch storm line which runs across the Albert Lea Seed House property. Said storm line was installed in 1959 and apparently no easement has been established for the line. She explained that city staff is requesting an easement agreement with a 30 foot wide utility easement to be prepared for this property. The property owners are not requesting compensation for the easement. She stated that this resolution would authorize the receipt of the storm sewer easement from the Albert Lea Seed House.
Resolution 06-288 was introduced by Councilor Brooks, seconded by Councilor Severtson. On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Summers declared the resolution passed.
(See Secretary's Original Resolution 06-288 included with these minutes.)
(5h) RESOLUTION 06-289 ADOPTED – AUTHORIZING AGREEMENT TO HIRE LOBBYIST
City Manager Simonsen stated that during the past legislative session, the City of Albert Lea and the Shell Rock River Watershed District collaboratively hired Ms. Judith Erickson, Conservation Strategies, Inc., for legislative services. She explained that this resolution would authorize $5,000 of City funds and out-of-pocket expenses not-to-exceed $500 to retain Ms. Erickson’s services again for the 2007 legislative session. She advised that the Watershed District and the City are working to identify strategies, initiatives and communication approaches to best utilize Ms. Erickson’s services. City Manager Simonsen noted that a meeting with Senator Sparks and Representative Brown would be scheduled for mid December.
Councilor Fjelstad expressed his support for hiring Ms. Erickson.
Resolution 06-289 was introduced by Councilor Erdman, seconded by Councilor Rasmussen. On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Summers declared the resolution passed.
(See Secretary's Original Resolution 06-289 included with these minutes.)
(5i) RESOLUTION 06-290 ADOPTED – AUTHORIZING WAGE RE-OPENER WITH TEAMSTERS LOCAL 320
City Manager Simonsen advised that on March 13, 2006 a resolution was passed in which the City reached agreement with the Teamsters Local 320 Law Enforcement Union for a three (3) year contract with the wage portion to be re-opened in 2007 and 2008. She explained that officials recently met to re-open discussion regarding wages for 2007. At that meeting, it was agreed that the wage increase for 2007 would remain at 2% with the understanding that the City will complete a classification and compensation study in 2007 and, based upon the results of the study, the wages would be re-opened later in the year. Tentative agreement was also reached that the shift differential for the law enforcement contract will remain at $.75 per hour for 2007. She advised that the wage portion for 2008 will still need to be negotiated.
Resolution 06-290 was introduced by Councilor Marin, seconded by Councilor Brooks. On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Summers declared the resolution passed.
(See Secretary's Original Resolution
06-290 included with these minutes.)
(5j) RESOLUTION 06-291 ADOPTED – PETITION FOR ANNEXATION – WEDGEWOOD COVE DEVELOPMENT
City Manager Simonsen explained that the City received a petition for annexation for approximately 92.68 acres of land located west of U.S. Hwy 69 and north of west Ninth Street, located in the Albert Lea Township. She stated that Mr. John Schulte, Jones, Haugh & Smith, Inc. has prepared a description for annexation of the properties for the developers, Hugh O’Byrne and Clayton Peterson. She explained that City staff is supportive of the annexation request. However, the remaining nine (9) acres that is dispersed amongst this tract of land should also be pursued for annexation as it will now be surrounded by city limits. Further, a tract of land to the southwest of the proposed annexation area will also be necessary to annex in order to move forward with the proposed platting of the Wedgewood Cove Subdivision. This resolution would authorize a joint orderly annexation of the properties that have petitioned to annex into the city limits of Albert Lea, as indicated in the legal description. This would also call a public hearing on December 11, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. to hear input regarding the proposed annexation. City Manager Simonsen advised that the Township Board will be meeting on December 5, 2006 to also sign the joint orderly annexation resolution if the Supervisors choose to do so.
Resolution 06-291 was introduced by Councilor Brooks, seconded by Councilor Rasmussen. On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Summers declared the resolution passed.
(See Secretary's Original Resolution
06-291 included with these minutes.)
6. MAYOR AND COUNCIL ITEMS
(6a) First Ward, Councilor Rasmussen:
(1) Welcomed the boy scouts and high school students attending the meeting.
Second Ward, Councilor Erdman:
(1) Requested that the vacant house located at 207 North 1st Avenue be considered for demolition. He advised that the house has been a problem for approximately ten (10) to 15 years and reported that there are presently holes in the roof. He also thanked Fire Chief Stieler for taking care of the refuse problem at said premises.
(2) Thanked City crews for doing a wonderful job on the Christmas lighting.
(3) Expressed his appreciation to Destination Albert Lea for putting on a great program downtown.
Third Ward, Councilor Marin:
(1) Echoed Councilor Erdman’s expression of appreciation for the downtown Christmas decorations and lights.
(2) Inquired about the progress of a proposed noise ordinance. City Attorney Schwab advised that a memo including four (4) examples of different noise ordinances had been sent out. City Attorney Schwab explained that he needs further direction with regards to what type of noise the Council would like to regulate. City Attorney Schwab advised that he would provide Councilor Marin with another copy of said memo.
(3) Requested an update on Sunset Street. City Manager Simonsen advised that there has been no contact within the last two (2) weeks.
Fourth Ward, Councilor Fjelstad:
(1) Inquired about a follow-up on the property in the alley near Bunnell’s Donut Hut & Bakery and the Albert Lea Veterinary Clinic. City Manager Simonsen stated that the issue was referred to city staff and that she should have an update later in the week.
Fifth Ward, Councilor Severtson:
(1) Advised that he referred a complaint regarding 110 Fenton to Fire Chief Stieler.
(2) Requested an update with regards to 309 Court Street. City Attorney Schwab advised that there was a developer interested in purchasing the property but was unable to come to terms with the mother of the deceased owner of the property. City Attorney Schwab recommended that an order to demolish be brought before the Council.
(3) Congratulated the veterans’ organizations on the establishment of the veterans’ monument located at the Freeborn County Courthouse.
Sixth Ward, Councilor Brooks:
(1) Advised that he did not have any items.
Mayor Summers:
(1) Thanked the boy scouts and high school students for attending the Council meeting.
(2) Expressed his agreement with Councilors Erdman and Marin on how beautiful the downtown area looks and thanked those involved in it.
(6b) COMMITTEE UPDATES
Park and Recreation Advisory Board, Councilor Brooks:
(1) Advised that discussion at the Park and Recreation meeting centered on restructuring the Park and Recreation Board from nine (9) members to seven (7) members. He explained that the change would involve having one (1) representative from each ward on the Board as well as one (1) representative at-large.
(2) Discussed the possibility of creating a campground at Frank Hall Park.
(3) Discussed moving the skate park to utilize the area for recreational activities and a concession stand. Councilor Severtson advised that he has already received calls from residents in the fifth ward stating they do not want the skate park back in their ward.
Housing and Redevelopment Board, Councilor Severtson:
(1) Advised that the HRA is considering the purchase of a residence in Glenville.
(2) Advised that councilors may refer Section 8 Housing complaints to HRA Director Jon Ford.
(3) Stated that he and Councilor Rasmussen are continuing to work issues surrounding the transfer station. He advised that he will be meeting with County Commissioner Mark Behrends in the near future to discuss the matter.
Board of Appeals & Port Authority, Councilor Fjelstad:
(1) Stated that there were no meetings held since the previous Council meeting.
Convention and Visitors Bureau, Councilor Marin:
(1) Requested that the City review its policy and procedures on the way it collects and deals with hotels that are delinquent in their lodging tax.
Planning Commission, Councilor Erdman:
(1) Stated that Mayor Summers, City Manager Simonsen, and himself met with Chairman Dick Polley, Paul Overgaard, and Tom Tubbs. He advised that a discussion was held regarding issues that occurred at the previous two (2) Planning Commission meetings. He believes the issues were resolved at the meeting.
Library Board, Councilor Rasmussen:
(1) Advised that the Library Board accomplished their goal of raising $200,000 in their fundraising efforts.
(2) Reported that discussion ensued with regards to staffing changes that will be taking place in the library.
(6c) CITY MANAGER’S REPORT AND RESPONSE TO PUBLIC ITEMS
(1) Advised that there were no ward items to be followed up on.
(2) Addressed the issue of moving the ‘Public Forum’ section on the Agenda from the beginning to the end of the meeting. City Manager Simonsen advised that the section will remain at the end of the Council meeting but indicated that a citizen may request to be placed on the Agenda with regards to any specific issue or concern they may have.
(3) Addressed the concern with regards to fencing at the Pelican Breeze site. City Manager Simonsen advised that she spoke with Park staff who indicated that there was some landscaping done. Staff also installed a block retaining wall near the landing, which subsequently moved the launch area approximately one (1) foot. City staff advised that the movement would not impede any ice houses from entering the lake this winter.
(4) Advised that Darv Habben’s home is not located in city limits and is therefore not an issue for the City of Albert Lea, other than water quality issues. She advised that Habben is on his own septic system and does not receive City water or sewer. She further advised that the issue needs to be addressed at the County level.
(5) Requested clarification regarding the clean-up of fire hydrants on the west side of town.
(6) Advised that the Law Enforcement Center supplied the traffic accident reports for the intersection of the City Center parking lot and Clark Street. With regards to accidents involving left turns out of the City Center parking lot, research indicates that there was one (1) accident in 2001 and two (2) in 2003 occurring at this intersection. She reiterated that although three (3) accidents have occurred at this intersection over the past six (6) years, the number is not a high enough to warrant a change in practice at said intersection. She advised that there does appear to be adequate sight lines although it appears somewhat more difficult when a large vehicle is parked in the first stall. Upon watching the traffic and taking pictures at said intersection, the Engineering Department is not recommending prohibiting left turns out of the parking lot at this time.
7. PUBLIC FORUM
Roger Bok, 1012 Cato Drive, advised that he believes City Manager Simonsen had incorrect information with regards to a well that has been capped. He mentioned the landfill at Edgewater and stated that he believes the money should have come from the insurance policy. He provided clarification with regards to the fire hydrants and stated that they have high weeds around them making it hard to see them and possibly causing a safety hazard for snowmobiles this winter. Bok advised that City Manager Simonsen should research the health problems of those living close to the foundry. He expressed his belief that the foundry should have been moved a long time ago. Bok also inquired about why the City is hiring more staff and why the hiring is not done by the City Manager. Bok advised that the removal of barricades previously located by the railroad tracks is posing a safety issue. Bok inquired about the measurement of a fence behind his residence and advised that when he measured it, it found it to extend two (2) feet onto his lot. He requested that the fence be removed from his property. He mentioned that his court date with regards to the trespassing charge has been continued for another month. He further discussed the length of the street.
Floyd Harves, 104 Tamra Lane, appeared before the Council as a representative of School District 241. He explained that other school districts are able to obtain internet access at no cost for their students while at school. Harves requested that the City look into an agreement with Charter Communications which would provide internet access to the public schools at no cost. He further explained that the schools are using the internet more often and therefore, internet costs are increasing. City Manager Simonsen advised that she would be willing to make the request prior to the expiration of the current contract with Charter Communications.
8. ADJOURNMENT – 8:11 P.M.
Councilor Brooks moved, Councilor Marin 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, December 11, 2006. On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Summers declared the motion carried and the meeting adjourned.
Filed and attested November 28, 2006.
/s/Allison Folie /s/ Aaron Summers
Acting Secretary of the Council Mayor