December 11, 2006
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.
ROLL CALL
Present were Mayor Aaron Summers, Councilors Vern Rasmussen, Randy Erdman, George Marin, Jeff Fjelstad, John Severtson and Al Brooks. Also present were City Manager Victoria Simonsen, City Attorney Steve Schwab, City Engineer Steve Jahnke, Council Secretary Shirley Slater-Schulte and representatives from the Albert Lea Tribune, KAAL TV and KATE Radio.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
CONSENT AGENDA
(a) APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 27, 2006, AND THE MINUTES FROM THE TRUTH-IN-TAXATION INITIAL HEARING OF DECEMBER 4TH, 2006.
(b) RESOLUTION 06-292 ADOPTED – APPROVING CLAIMS: Resolution 06-292 represents the financial claims of the City.
(See Secretary's Original Resolution
06-292 included with these minutes.)
(c) APPROVAL OF LICENSES AND PERMITS:
RESOLUTION 06-309 – ADOPTED – APPROVING ST. THEODORE’S UNLIMITED GAMBLING APPLICATION FOR A RAFFLE AT THE NATIONAL GUARD ARMORY ON MARCH 31, 2007.
TAXICAB
Lisa Kluver & James Koester, d/b/a Albert Lea Taxi, 1325 SE Broadway, Albert Lea, MN
(d) CALL A PUBLIC HEARING FOR ALLOCATION OF POLICE & FIRE PENSION INTEREST EARNINGS FOR DECEMBER 26, 2006 AT 7:00 P.M.
(e) CALL A PUBLIC HEARING FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLANS ON DECEMBER 26, 2006 AT 7:00 P.M.
(f) RESOLUTION 06-293 – ACKNOWLEDGING MUNICIPAL BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENT – DRESS/SHERBURNE
This annexation is for the joint Resolution No. 06-225; George Dress/Glen Sherburne Property of approximately 80 acres.
(See Secretary's Original Resolution
06-293 included with these minutes.)
(g) RESOLUTION 06-294 – ACKNOWLEDGING MUNICIPAL BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENT – VIRCHOW PROPERTY
This annexation is for the joint Resolution No. 06-224; Virchow property of 3.24 acres.
(See Secretary's Original Resolution
06-294 included with these minutes.)
(h) RESOLUTION 06-295 – ACKNOWLEDGING MUNICIPAL BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENT – ALBERT LEA PORT AUTHORITY
This annexation is for the joint Resolution No. 06-145; Albert Lea Port Authority of 33.43 acres.
(See Secretary's Original Resolution
06-295 included with these minutes.)
(i) RESOLUTION 06-296 – ACKNOWLEDGING MUNICIPAL BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENT – EAGLE’S REST
This annexation is for the joint Resolution No. 06-144; Eagles Rest Development of 46.9 acres.
(See Secretary's Original Resolution
06-296 included with these minutes.)
(j) RESOLUTION 06-297 – ACKNOWLEDGING MUNICIPAL BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENT – O’MARRO PROPERTY
This annexation is for the joint Resolution No. 06-143; O’Marro property of 47.44 acres.
(See Secretary's Original Resolution
06-297 included with these minutes.)
Councilor Brooks fillin "" \d ""movedfillin "" \d "" that the consent agenda items be adopted as presented, seconded by Councilor Marin. On roll call vote, the following councilors voted in favor of said motion: Councilors Rasmussen, Erdman, Marin, Fjelstad, Severtson, Brooks and Mayor Summers. Mayor Summers declared the resolutions passed and the consent agenda items adopted.
PETITIONS AND REQUESTS:
REQUEST BY CUB SCOUTS FOR USE OF EDGEWATER PARK
City Manager, Victoria Simonsen explained that the City had received a request from the Twin Valley Council of Cub Scouts to use Edgewater Park on June 21st, 22nd and 23rd for day camp and “Fun with Son”. The scouts would be conducting activities from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. using the cabin, shelter, dock and surrounding grounds on the 21st and 22nd. They expect around 120 cub scouts to participate. They are also anticipating around 30 campers in the lower area near the ball fields for the evening of June 22nd. Staff has reviewed the request and can support the use of facilities mentioned above. The cub scouts have used the Edgewater facilities in the past with no problems noted.
MOTION: To authorize the request by the Cub Scouts for the use of Edgewater Park on June 21, 22 and 23, 2007.
Motion made by Councilor Rasmussen, seconded by Councilor Marin. On roll call vote, the following councilors voted in favor of said motion: Councilors Rasmussen, Erdman, Marin, Fjelstad, Severtson, Brooks and Mayor Summers. Mayor Summers declared the motion passed.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
a. PUBLIC HEARING AND RESOLUTION 06-298 – ADOPTING MISCELLANEOUS ASSESSMENTS ROLL 0056.
City Manager Victoria Simonsen explained that a public hearing was being held to receive input regarding the adoption of miscellaneous assessments Roll 0056. The assessments are obligations for unpaid utility bills, refuse removal, mowing and other miscellaneous assessments for which payment has not been received. The assessments shall be payable in a single installment and shall bear interest at a rate of 5¼% per annum from December 11th unless paid in full within 30 days from adoption of this resolution.
Mayor Summers opened the public hearing and called three times for public input. With none, he closed the public hearing.
Resolution 06-298 was introduced by Councilor Brooks, seconded by Councilor Severtson. On roll call vote, the following councilors voted in favor of said resolution: Rasmussen, Erdman, Marin, Fjelstad, Severtson, Brooks and Mayor Summers. Mayor Summers declared the motion passed.
(See Secretary's Original Resolution
06-298 included with these minutes.)
b. PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING ANNEXATION OF WEDGEWOOD COVE DEVELOPMENT
City Manager Victoria Simonsen explained that this public hearing was being held to receive input regarding a petition for annexation for approximately 92.6 acres of land located west of US Hwy 69 and north of West Ninth Street, located currently within the Albert Lea Township. The Township Board met on December 5, 2006 to consider the petition for Joint Orderly Annexation. The Albert Lea Township Board deferred action on the annexation until they are confident that the project will go forward as planned. The City Manager recommends hosting the public hearing and taking no action at this time until the final plat and development agreement have been approved.
Mayor Summers opened the public hearing and called three times for public input and closed the public hearing.
Councilor Fjelstad requested input from Mr. Hugh O’Bryne, one of the developers of this project. Mr. O’Bryne stated that the township was in favor of this annexation and would be signing the application in the near future.
MOTION: To support the orderly annexation with the township as proposed.
Motion was made by Councilor Rasmussen, seconded by Councilor Fjelstad. On roll call vote, the following councilors voted in favor of said motion: Rasmussen, Erdman, Marin, Fjelstad, Severtson, Brooks and Mayor Summer. Mayor Summers declared the motion passed.
NEW BUSINESS:
a. RESOLUTION 06-299 – AUTHORIZING DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT – MUSKIE DEVELOPMENT/MIDWEST, LLC
City Manager Victoria Simonsen explained that this resolution would authorize the City Manager and Mayor to enter into a development agreement with Mr. Tom Wobbrock, Muskie Development/Midwest, LLC for the completion of a subdivision development known as Parkview Hills. The developer agrees to pay for all site work (to construct the site grading, drainage, sanitary sewer, water main, fire hydrants, street grading, curb and gutter, storm sewer, catch basins, street lighting and street paving) associated with the project. The site work shall be completed on or before October 15, 2007 with the wear course of bituminous completed by July 1, 2008 There will payment in lieu of parkland in the amount of $1,852.00. A system development fee of $1,800.00 per unit will be paid at the time of the building permit. There will be no assessments for this project. In order to ensure completion of the site work by the developer, the developer agrees to deliver to the City, prior to the issuance of any building permit, a letter of credit in the amount of $150,000.00 which represents 150 % of the estimated cost of $100,000.00 for the developer’s site work. The letter of credit shall not be reduced to less than $25,000.00.
After discussion by the council the following resolution was offered.
Resolution 06-299 was introduced by Councilor Severtson, seconded by Councilor Erdman. On roll call vote, the following councilors voted in favor of said motion: Councilors Rasmussen, Erdman, Marin, Fjelstad, Severtson, Brooks and Mayor Summers. Mayor Summers declared the motion passed.
(See Secretary's Original Resolution
06-299 included with these minutes.)
b. RESOLUTION 06–300 – ESTABLISHING THE 2007 PROPERTY TAX LEVY
City Manager Victoria Simonsen explained that the Truth-in-Taxation law requires the City to hold a series of public hearings in order to present the proposed tax levy and City budget for the following year and to provide an opportunity for the public to comment and make recommendations. The City held a public hearing on Monday, December 4th, 2006 to present the proposed property tax levy and budget for 2007. No public comment was received at the meeting. The Truth-in-Taxation hearing was televised and replayed on the Government Access Channel. The Subsequent Hearing is held to adopt the City’s final property tax levy and final budget for the following year.
This resolution would establish the property tax levy for the City of Albert Lea for 2007 at $3,900,000. This is a $345,000 increase from the prior year. The City Council and the public have been provided information regarding the levy increase and the items that contribute to it. The City’s overall tax capacity increased by approximately $1,000,000 in 2006. Therefore, the City was able to raise their levy, but keep their tax rate slightly below last year’s rate overall. The 2006 tax rate was 41.509%. The 2007 tax rate is 41.112%; a .397% decrease.
In 2007, twenty-nine percent of a homeowner’s tax dollars will go toward city services. The remaining dollars are spread between the County-40%, School District-29%, and the Watershed District 1%. More detailed information was provided to the City Council and the public as information in explanation of the City’s tax levy. That information is available as requested.
Resolution 06-300 was introduced by Councilor Erdman, seconded by Councilor Marin. On roll call vote, the following councilors voted in favor of said resolution: Erdman, Marin, Severtson, Fjelstad, Rasmussen, Brooks and Mayor Summers. Mayor Summers declared the resolution passed.
(See Secretary's Original Resolution
06-300 included with these minutes.)
c. RESOLUTION 06-301 – ACCEPTING THE ANNUAL BUDGET FOR 2007
City Manager Victoria Simonsen explained the proposed budget that had been presented and reviewed by the City Council at several different work sessions. The 2007 general fund budget shows a 7.9% increase from 2006. This is due to an 11½% increase in health insurance costs, a 2% wage increase for employees, state mandated PERA increases, additional library appropriations, Katharine Island stabilization and Bridge project, Comprehensive Plan update and the City’s share of the new high school tennis courts.
The general fund appropriation totals $14,373,023 with 38% of the budget being funded by local government aid and 27% funded through local property taxes. The remainder of revenue for the general fund will be collected through licenses and permits, charges for services and other miscellaneous income. The water fund is budgeted to expend $1,580,091 and the sewage disposal fund is budgeted to expend $3,878,503. Solid waste management, the parking district, Armory debt service and capital improvement debt service total $343,050 worth of expenditures in 2007. Details of each of these funds, the appropriation expense and means of financing, are available in detail within the resolution.
After discussion, the council authorized the following resolution.
Resolution 06-301 was introduced by Councilor Brooks, seconded by Councilor Rasmussen. On roll call vote, the following councilors voted in favor of said resolution: Erdman, Marin, Severtson, Fjelstad, Rasmussen, Brooks and Mayor Summers. Mayor Summers declared the resolution passed.
(See Secretary's Original Resolution
06-301 included with these minutes.)
d. RESOLUTION 06-302 - APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2007
City Manager Victoria Simonsen explained that this resolution would authorize the appropriation of funds as outlined in the resolution for the 2007 fiscal year. This action is required in order for the budget to be effective on January 1, 2007, and for the City to begin its monetary transactions for the new year.
After discussion by the City Council, the following resolution was adopted.
Resolution 06-302 was introduced by Councilor Severtson and seconded by Councilor Erdman. On roll call vote, the following councilors voted in favor of said resolution: Rasmussen, Erdman, Marin, Severtson, Fjelstad, Brooks and Mayor Summers. Mayor Summers declared the resolution passed.
(See Secretary's Original Resolution
06-302 included with these minutes.)
e. RESOLUTION 06-303 - AUTHORIZING DISTRIBUTION OF DISCRETIONARY FUNDS
City Manager Victoria Simonsen explained that the City of Albert Lea advertised for applications from qualified non-profit organizations for the distribution of discretionary funds identified in the City Council’s 2007 Budget. Discretionary funds were once again budgeted at $50,000 to be granted to local organizations who met the public purpose doctrine according to Minnesota Statute. The City received a total of 17 grant applications totaling $99,174.70 in requests. A committee made up of city staff have reviewed the grant applications and identified whether there is statutory authority to donate toward the organization. The committee made the recommendation to the City Council at a budget retreat held in November. The City Manager is recommending distribution of the $50,000 as recommended by the staff committee and identified on the attached spreadsheet.
After some discussion by the council, Councilor Brooks offered the following motion:
MOTION: Move to consider adopting Resolution 06-303 increasing the discretionary funds to $52,500.00 for the year of 2007 to be distributed per staff recommendation, plus and additional $2,500 to ARC.
Motion was seconded by Councilor Marin. On roll call vote, the following councilors voted in favor of said motion: Erdman, Marin, Severtson, Fjelstad, Brooks and Mayor Summers. Nays: Councilor Rasmussen. Mayor Summers declared the motion and resolution passed.
(See Secretary's Original Resolution
06-303 included with these minutes.)
f. RESOLUTION 06-304 – APPROVING NON-UNION SALARIES FOR 2007
City Manager Victoria Simonsen explained that this resolution would authorize the salaries and wages for classified and unclassified non-union employees of the City of Albert Lea as outlined within the resolution. The salaries would remain in effect until changed by action of the City Council. The City is conducting a compensation and classification study to determine the appropriate wages for each classification. If changes are recommended per the study, a revised resolution would be presented to the City Council later in the year.
After discussion by the City Council, the following resolution was adopted:
Resolution 06-304 was introduced by Councilor Erdman, seconded by Councilor Marin. On roll call vote, the following councilors voted in favor of said resolution: Erdman, Marin, Severtson, Fjelstad, Rasmussen, Brooks and Mayor Summers. Mayor Summers declared the resolution passed.
(See Secretary's Original Resolution
06-304 included with these minutes.)
g. RESOLUTION 06-305 – AUTHORIZING WORKER’S COMPENSATION COVERAGE FOR CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
City Manager Victoria Simonsen explained that the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust had recommended that the City Council pass a resolution to make elected officials “employees” for worker’s compensation coverage purposes. This resolution would declare elected officials to be covered by the City’s worker’s compensation policy for the year January 1st through December 31st, 2007.
After discussion by the City Council, the following resolution was adopted:
Resolution 06-305 was introduced by Councilor Severtson, seconded by Councilor Rasmussen. On roll call vote, the following councilors voted in favor of said resolution: Erdman, Marin, Severtson, Fjelstad, Rasmussen, Brooks and Mayor Summers. Mayor Summers declared the resolution passed.
(See Secretary's Original Resolution
06-305 included with these minutes.)
h. RESOLUTION 06-306 – AUTHORIZING ADVANCE FROM GENERAL FUND
TO TIF 5-13
City Manager Victoria Simonsen explained that this resolution would authorize the advance of $6,000 from the General Fund balance to TIF 5‑13 (Larson Manufacturing expansion). This advance would be repaid from future tax increment generated within the district.
After discussion by the City Council, the following resolution was adopted:
Resolution 06-306 was introduced by Councilor Fjelstad, seconded by Councilor Marin. On roll call vote, the following councilors voted in favor of said resolution: Erdman, Rasmussen, Brooks, Marin, Fjelstad, Severtson and Mayor Summers. Mayor Summers declared the resolution passed.
(See Secretary's Original Resolution
06-306 included with these minutes.)
i. RESOLUTION 06-307 – AUTHORIZING ORDER FOR REMOVAL - SPURR PROPERTY
City Manager Victoria Simonsen explained that on April 26, 2004 the City Council authorized an order for removal to the owner of the property at 309 Court Street due to hazardous building conditions. The action for Order for Removal was dismissed in District Court due to the owner’s attempts at renovation, which ceased upon the death of the property owner. The estate has not completed the necessary improvements to bring the structure into compliance. Therefore, the City Attorney has drafted an updated Order for Removal of the dilapidated structure. This resolution would order the owner to raze and remove the structure within 45 days of being served the order. Further details are included in the attached Order for Removal.
After discussion by the City Council, the following resolution was adopted:
Resolution 06-307 was introduced by Councilor Severtson, seconded by Councilor Marin. On roll call vote, the following councilors voted in favor of said resolution: Erdman, Rasmussen, Brooks, Marin, Fjelstad, Severtson and Mayor Summers. Mayor Summers declared the resolution passed.
(See Secretary's Original Resolution
06-307 included with these minutes.)
Mayor Summers stated that the agenda was amended by adding (5j) under New Business with the following item:
j. RESOLUTION 06-308 - FLOOD HAZARD MITIGATION GRANT AGREEMENT AMENDMENT
City Manager Victoria Simonsen explained that the City of Albert Lea has received an amendment to the Flood Hazard Mitigation Grant from the State of Minnesota, Department of Natural Resources, involving the East Main Street flood properties. The City had requested an additional $150,000.00 from the State to assist in the purchasing of the Moose Lodge and an additional residence at 313 East College Street. The current grant agreement is for $450,000.00. This amendment would increase the State’s share for this project to $600,000.00. This resolution would authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into this grant amendment agreement.
After discussion by the City Council, the following resolution was adopted:
Resolution 06-308 was introduced by Councilor Erdman, seconded by Councilor Rasmussen. On roll call vote, the following councilors voted in favor of said resolution: Erdman, Rasmussen, Brooks, Marin, Fjelstad, Severtson and Mayor Summers. Mayor Summers declared the resolution passed.
(See Secretary's Original Resolution
06-308 included with these minutes.)
6. MAYOR AND COUNCIL ITEMS:
(a) WARD ITEMS:
First Ward, Councilor Rasmussen: Nothing
Second Ward, Councilor Erdman:
(1) Requested City Attorney, Steve Schwab, to outline the policy on parking of semi-tractor/trailers in residential area. Mr. Schwab explained that our new parking officer has been writing a lot of tickets. City code prevents the parking of semi-tractor/trailers in a residential district. It has been a policy of my office that if it is a first offense, and if they are willing to make other arrangements so the vehicle is not parked there again, I have dismissed the ticket. An individual wants the Council to consider changing that ordinance. I indicated that he would have to talk to his council person.
(2) Update on the Freeborn Bank Building – City Manager Simonsen explained that the progress on the exterior of the building is going very well; it is pretty much complete except for the windows. The windows were delivered and there was a problem with a flaw in the cast of the aluminum. Every window frame has markings on the front of it. We have decided not to accept the windows. They will be remade and delivered in January. Due to the extreme cold weather in January, we will be installing them in March or April 2007.
Third Ward, Councilor Marin:
(1) Requested an update on Sunset Drive. City Manager reported that the appraisal is not yet complete.
(2) Question as to whether we had any applications on the grant regarding sex offender education. City Manager reported one grant application was taken from that fund.
(3) Question to City Attorney regarding the car stereos noise ordinance. The City Attorney replied that several sample ordinances have been distributed to Council members and a sample will be drafted.
Fourth Ward, Councilor Fjelstad:
(1) Inquired about the time frame that residents have to pay their property taxes.
Fifth Ward, Councilor Severtson:
(1) Government Acres – Dead end signs need to be replaced.
(2) Questions regarding the parking of semi-trucks and trailers, which were answered by City Attorney Schwab.
Sixth Ward, Councilor Brooks:
(1) Northeast house on 8th & Frank – building permit was issued last year or before and it is still not complete. What is happening on this residence? Inspection Department will followup.
Mayor Summers:
(1) Wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
(2) Expressed that he was happy to see so many young people in the audience.
(6b) COMMITTEE UPDATES:
Human Rights Board, Councilor Rasmussen:
(1) Board is working on procedures and forms. Invited people interested in serving on the Human Rights Committee to apply.
Planning Commission, Councilor Erdman:
(1) The Planning Commission meets on Thursday of this next week. They are working on several items: Comprehensive Plan, Wedgewood Cove, Zoning Change on property in front of Home Depot, Conditional Use Permit for Parkview Hills Townhomes., and a public hearing on Chadwick Plat. Need people interested in serving on commission to apply.
Convention & Visitors Bureau, Councilor Marin: Nothing.
Board of Appeals & Port Authority, Councilor Fjelstad:
(1) Albert Lea Port Authority meeting took ten hours. They had a regular meeting, tour of all of the Port Authority properties, meeting with Mr. Jim Brimeyer regarding issues of communications between Council/County/Port Authority and decided that there were many of these items that need to be addressed. Discussed the hiring of the new Port Authority Director that will take place sometime in March effective July 1, 2007.
Housing & Redevelopment Board & Airport Board, Councilor Severtson:
(1) Airport Advisory Board met and we discussed who would be leaving the board. Mr. Russell Anderson is resigning from this board.
(2) Councilor Rasmussen and myself are still talking with the County regarding transfer station issues.
Park and Recreation Advisory Board, Councilor Brooks: Nothing.
(6c) CITY MANAGER’S RESPONSE TO PUBLIC ITEMS:
City Manager Simonsen addressed questions and concerns expressed at the previous meeting as follows:
(1) House located at 207 N. 1st Avenue – Inspector did go out to the site and did not find any holes in the roof. However, there were enough other issues that they did send a notice to the owner that they must bring it up to minimum housing codes or it will be slated for removal in six months.
(2) Concerns regarding the house near the alley by the Donut Hut. A dumpster was taken to this residence and most of the debris in the yard has been cleaned up.
(3) Concern about the house at 110 Fenton. We did notify them of the junk vehicle ordinance. The owner has removed the vehicle and now there has been further accumulation of debris, and they have been issued a citation.
(4) Concern regarding marking of railroads at dead end streets - We have removed the former type of barricade with a smaller sign. The City Engineer provided the Minnesota Traffic code which states that the correct marking to replace the barricade types is the diamond shaped panel which we are using.
(5) Comment made by Mr. Bok that the City Manager is to hire all staff - It is true that the City Manager has the final authorization for hiring. However, the City Manager does not sit in on all interviews. The City Manager conducts the Department Head level applicants; however, below that level, it is the supervisors and the Human Resource Director that conduct those interviews.
7. PUBLIC FORUM:
Mr. Manuel Cantu Jr., 113 McArthur Drive, stated:
· Wants to know why residents need to sign in for open forum. Mayor explained that it is very difficult to understand some people as they speak very fast. It is also difficult it make out signatures when they are written.
· Sunset – we were supposed to get a parking lot, north of the old Dairy Queen, across from the court house, whatever happened to that? City Manager explained that we have it under contract to lease the property, and as soon as we are finished with the street projects, we will be grading that. It will remain a gravel parking lot for the public.
· How many accidents have we had from 35 over to Blake? City Manager will get back him on this item.
· Parking lot in the library – what is the yellow line on the curb for? City Manager explained that the yellow line means no parking. That is why the book drop has been moved to the back of the building.
· Hiring of Department Heads, a while ago you wanted to combine the Police and Fire Chief as one, what happened to that? City Manager explained that at one time we did look at combining the two positions into a Public Safety Director. The recommendation came back not to do that after interviewing several other communities that had tried it.
Mr. Roger Bok, 1012 Cato Drive, stated:
· Stated that on the court case coming up, he wanted the attorney to know that he will be using some minutes, agendas from February, March and April, just in case if it comes up down there that you will know what I am going to use.
· Boat Landing – Victoria said that we moved it one foot, how far is it from here to that wall? We moved it further than that and you used up that much space and now you can’t take the boats or ice houses in or out. If your staff can say that they moved it one foot, I think you should go down there and look at it and find out what is the problem.
· I have read the City Charter many times on who does the hiring and it is your job. Your job is not to go to the radio though, that is the Mayor’s job. The Mayor is the professional talker. If you got your work done, it would help like heck.
· This rail out in the hallway, is that going to be updated?
· Paper says that I blast you all the time. Do I blast you all the time? I don’t know if I do or not. When you had the article, City files charges against its leading critic, what did you get the next day after this? I will tell everyone, you got a dozen roses, didn’t you? I’m not that mean to you, I respect you a lot, so be quiet about it. Everything around here has gotten to be, when we have bids, I want to know the low bids, all the bids and who the contractor is on all the bids. I don’t just want to see a number of low bids or a high bid, all the bids and who the contractor was. We have been through that stuff before and that is why I want to know why it is not coming out.
· Port Authority - You keep telling me something, right there is the rules for Port Authority. Port Authority is not separate of the City Council, so do not come up with any figures that states that it is because I could show you right here and I have been to all those meetings. I do not go out to those meetings and if you tell anyone to go out to those meetings at 7:30 is in violation of state law. You will hold a meeting when the majority of the people can attend it and that is when it is suppose to be. If we got back here to everyone doing what they are supposed to, it wouldn’t be a bad community but everyone wants to sit there and try and do what. Why can’t we just get all of this stuff taken care of when we come up here and there is a lot of other things but that is enough for tonight.
CITY MANAGER VICTORIA SIMONSEN RESPONSE:
(1) City Manger explained that she had gone out to the boat landing and may not be addressing the same area as Mr. Bok. She recommended that he visit the site with staff and show them what he is talking about.
(2) City Manager agreed that she is responsible to hire all employees, and she does that.
(3) Commented that the railing in the hallway will be changed during the library expansion.
(4) The City conducts an open public bid. All are invited to attend if you want all the details of all the bids. That information is provided to the City Council by the name of the company and cost. It is their decision to take action on that. You are welcome to come to pre-agenda meetings also.
(5) City Manager explained again that she does not write the articles nor decide what is printed in the paper.
8. ADJOURNMENT – 8:05 p.m.
Councilor Brooks moved, Councilor Marin seconded, that there being no further business, the council meeting be adjourned at 8:05 p.m., until the next regular meeting of the Albert Lea City Council on Tuesday, December 26, 2006. On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Summers declared the motion passed and the meeting adjourned.
Filed and attested December 12, 2006.
/s/ /s/
Secretary of the Council Mayor Aaron Summers