Albert Lea, MN                                                                                         December 20, 2001

 

The regular meeting of the Albert Lea City Council was called to order at 5:30 P.M. in the City Center Council Chambers by Mayor Bob Haukoos.

ROLL CALL

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

CONSENT AGENDA

(a)                APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMBER 10, 2001.

(b)               RESOLUTION 01-284 ADOPTED – APPROVE LAWFUL GAMBLING APPLICATION:  Resolution 01-284 approves the Minnesota Lawful Gambling Application for Exempt Permit for the Freeborn/Mower Habitat for Humanity for a raffle at the Family Y, 2021 West Main Street, on February 25, 2002.

 

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution

 01-284 included with these minutes.)

 

(c)               RESOLUTION 01-285 ADOPTED    APPROVE LAWFUL GAMBLING

                             APPLICATION:  Resolution 01-285 approves a Minnesota Lawful Gambling               Application for Exempt Permit for St. Theodore’s Church for a raffle at 323 East Clark Street on                February 9, 2002.

 

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution

01-285 included with these minutes.)

 

      (d)   RESOLUTION 01-286 ADOPTED – AUTHORIZING APPLICATION FOR FUNDING:

             Resolution 01-286 authorizes an application for funding from the Minnesota

             Housing Finance Agency 2002 Minnesota City Participation Program.

 

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution

01-286 included with these minutes.)

 

(e)    RESOLUTION 01-287 ADOPTED – CALLING A HEARING FOR DEMOLITION OF 722 SOUTH WASHINGTON:  Resolution 01-287 call a public hearing to consider an Order for Demolition for the structure at 722 South Washington Avenue for January 14, 2002.

 

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution

01-287 included with these minutes.)

 

(f)      CALLING A HEARING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF AN ON-SALE INTOXICATING LIQUOR LICENSE FOR CRESCENDO, 118 SOUTH BROADWAY, FOR JANUARY 14, 2002.

(g)    CALLING A HEARING FOR THE TRANSFER OF THE OFFICE II ON-SALE INTOXICATING AND SUNDAY ON-SALE INTOXICATING LIQUOR LICENSES AT 1118 SOUTH BROADWAY FOR JANUARY 14, 2002.

 

(h)    RESOLUTION 01-288 ADOPTED - CLAIMS:  Resolution 01-288 presents the financial claims of the City.

 

                                                    (See Secretary's Original Resolution

                                                     01-288 included with these minutes.)

 

Councilor Marin moved, Councilor Kron 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.

 

GUEST HOUSE INN LIQUOR LICENSE TRANSFERS – PUBLIC HEARING

 

City Manager Sparks explained that this is a public hearing to transfer the Guest House Inn on-sale and Sunday on-sale intoxicating liquor licenses from Dutts LLC to AEL Corporation.  The necessary notice for this hearing was published on December 13, 2001.  No one appeared to be heard.

 

After Council discussion, Councilor Kron moved, Councilor Brooks seconded, that the transfer of the Guest House Inn on-sale and Sunday on-sale intoxicating liquor licenses from Dutts LLC to AEL Corporation, be approved.  On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion.  Mayor Haukoos declared the motion carried and the licenses transferred.

 

LIMITED PARKING STALLS AUTHORIZED ON CLARK STREET

 

Greg Jensen, President, Hometown Broadcasting, Inc., appeared before the City Council to request that the first three parking stalls east of the Broadway and Clark intersection on the north side of Clark Street be designated 15-minute stalls.  He informed the Council that he owns both 109 and 111 East Clark, which are adjacent to the requested 15-minute stalls.  He explained that he is one of the owners of Power 96 (KQPR FM) and that the studios for that station has been relocated into 109 East Clark and the stalls would be available for the convenience of the radio customers.  He also noted that he has renters in the building at 111 East Clark who would benefit from the limited stalls.

 

Council discussion centered around the fact that granting three 15-minute stalls in one location would set a precedent and others would be coming in to request similar designations.  It was also noted that there is currently a 15-minute stall on Broadway in front of Alliant, which could be used by the radio customers.

 

After additional discussion, Councilor Kron moved, Councilor Marin seconded, that two 15-minute parking stalls be authorized.  On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion with the exception of Councilor Sorenson who voted nay.  Mayor Haukoos declared the motion carried and the two stalls authorized.

 

RESOLUTION 01-289 ADOPTED – GRANTING FUNDS TO SENIOR RESOURCES

City Manager Sparks explained that Senior Resources has requested funding in the amount of $3483.42 to be used toward the purchase of a new bus.  This amount was surplus in a previous year and taken back by the City under its bus contract with Senior Resources.  The State has now taken over the funding for the bus system which relieves the City of a $15,000 per year obligation which was budgeted for 2002 and is now excess funds in the City’s budget.

 

After Council discussion, Councilor McPherson moved, Councilor Marin seconded, that Resolution 01-289, granting $3483.42 to Senior Resources towards the purchase of a new bus, 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

01-289 included with these minutes.)

 

RESOLUTION 01-290 ADOPTED – GRANTING FUNDS TO FREEBORN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

 

City Manager Sparks informed the Council that the Freeborn County Historical Society has also requested an additional $3500 toward its operating budget from the excess funds in the City’s budget.  He explained that the Council has already committed to funds in the amount of $6500, which would make the payment to the Historical Society for 2002 at $10,000.

 

Bev Jackson, director of the Museum, explained that because of the expense of the alarm system, which was installed, the Museum is finding itself short of operating funds for its 2002 year. 

 

After Council discussion, Councilor Marin moved, Councilor Brooks seconded, that Resolution 01-290, granting $3500 to Freeborn County Historical Society for operating funds, 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

01-290 included with these minutes.)

 

ORDINANCE 50, 3d ENACTED – VACATING AN ALLEY IN BLOCK 2, ORIGINAL PLAT – PUBLIC HEARING

 

Mayor Haukoos opened a public hearing for the vacation of an alley in Block 2, Original Plat.  The necessary notice for this hearing was published on December 13, 2001.

 

There was no public discussion.  On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of Ordinance 50, 3d.  Mayor Haukoos declared the ordinance enacted and the public hearing closed..

 

(See Secretary’s Original Ordinance

50, 3d included with these minutes.)


 

ORDINANCE 51, 3d ENACTED – ACCEPTING MINNESOTA OFFICE OF STRATEGIC AND LONG RANGE PLANNING ANNEXATION ORDERS – PUBLIC HEARING

 

Mayor Haukoos opened a public hearing to accept the Minnesota Office of Strategic and Long Range Planning Annexations Orders for the Home Depot area and the Darwin Haroldson property.  The necessary notice for this hearing was published on December 13, 2001.

 

There was no public discussion.  On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of Ordinance 51, 3d.  Mayor Haukoos declared the ordinance enacted and the public hearing closed.

 

(See Secretary’s Original Ordinance

51, 3d included with these minutes.)

 

ORDINANCE 52, 3d INTRODUCED - REZONING PROPERTY IN BAY OAKS ESTATES

 

Councilor McPherson introduced Ordinance 52, 3d, rezoning property in Bay Oaks Estates for construction of a single family home from PD Planned Development to R-1 Single Family Residential, as recommended by the Albert Lea Advisory Planning Commission.  Ordinance 52, 3d will lay over for a second reading and public hearing pursuant to Charter requirements.

 

(See Secretary’s Original Ordinance

52, 3d included with these minutes.)

 

RESOLUTION 01-291 ADOPTED – APPROVING THE PLAT OF MORIN PEARL ADDITION

 

City Manager Sparks explained that the Planning Commission has reviewed the preliminary plat of Morin Pearl Addition and has recommended approval of the preliminary and final plat of Morin Pearl Addition to the City Council.

 

Councilor Kron moved, Councilor McPherson seconded, that Resolution 01-291, approving the plat of Morin Pearl Addition, 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

01-291 included with these minutes.)

 

MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS

 

Mayor Haukoos presented his recommendation for appointments to various Boards and Commissions. 

 

After Council discussion, Councilor Kron moved, Councilor Brooks seconded, that Councilor Sorenson remain on the Housing and Redevelopment Authority.  On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of the motion with the exception of Councilor Sorenson who abstained and Mayor Haukoos who voted nay.  Mayor Haukoos declared the motion carried and the appointment made.

 

After additional discussion, Councilor Brooks moved, Councilor Sorenson seconded, that the remaining appointments be tabled to the next Council meeting.  On roll call vote, Councilors Sorenson, Kron and Brooks voted in favor of said motion and Councilors McPherson and Marin and Mayor Haukoos voted nay.  The motion was defeated.

 

Following additional Council discussion, Councilor McPherson moved, Councilor Sorenson seconded, that the appointments be confirmed with the exception of the appointments to the Airport Advisory Board and the Board of Zoning Appeals with these appointments to be placed on the Council’s January 14, 2002 agenda for additional consideration.  On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion.  Mayor Haukoos declared the motion carried and the appointments confirmed with the exceptions of the appointments to the Airport Advisory Board and the Board of Zoning Appeals.

 

RESOLUTION 01-292 ADOPTED – APPROVING BUDGET TRANSFERS

 

City Manager Sparks told the Council that he is recommending four budget adjustments as follows:

 

            $ 7,000 for the Tree Budget

             45,000 for the Arena Budget

               1,000 for the Lake Improvement Budget

               7,000 for the Convention and Visitors Bureau Budget

 

Mr. Sparks explained that the additional funding for the Tree budget resulted from additional trimming work, the Arena budget transfers are the result of flooding repairs and additional energy expenses encountered due to higher energy bills, the Lake Improvement budget was the result of repairs to the Fountain Lake Dam and the C.V.B. budget adjustment is the result of additional revenue that the City anticipates receiving before the end of the year.

 

After Council discussion, Councilor Sorenson moved, Councilor Kron seconded, that Resolution 01-292, approving the budget transfers recommended 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

01-292 included with these minutes.)

 

RESOLUTION 01-293 ADOPTED – INITIATING ANNEXATION IN SOUTHEAST MARSHALL AREA

 

City Manager Sparks informed the Council that this resolution initiates annexation of an area along Southeast Marshall.  He noted that by annexing the road the City will have municipal control over the street allowing us to use municipal standards for the installation of fire hydrants and lighting.  He also explained that part of this annexation would include an area being served by utilities on the north side of Southeast Marshall.

 

After Council discussion, Councilor Kron moved, Councilor Sorenson seconded, that Resolution 01-293, initiating annexation in Southeast Marshall area, 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

01-293 included with these minutes.)

 

RESOLUTION 01-294 ADOPTED – ACCEPTING BID FOR JOB 0130

 

City Manager Sparks explained that the City had opened bids for the East Primary Digester Cover and Equipment Replacement at the Wastewater Treatment Plant (Job 0130) and that he is recommending approval of the low bidder, Shank Constructors, Inc., Brooklyn Park, at a total cost of $416,300.

 

After Council discussion, Councilor Brooks moved, Councilor Marin seconded, that Resolution 01-294, accepting the bid of Shank Constructors, Inc. for the East Primary Digester Cover and Equipment Replacement at the Wastewater Treatment Plant (Job 0130) at a total cost of $416,300, 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

01-294 included with these minutes.)

 

RESOLUTION 01-295 ADOPTED – APPROVING AN ASSESSMENT AGREEMENT

 

City Manager Sparks informed the Council that this resolution approves an assessment agreement with David and Jon Syverson for their property along Township 105.  He noted that this agreement is consistent with other assessment agreements and basically provides that the assessments on the north half will begin immediately and on the south half within five years or when the property is developed, platted or sold.

 

After Council discussion, Councilor Kron moved, Councilor Sorenson seconded, that Resolution 01-295, approving an assessment agreement with D & J Real Estate Partnership, LLP for the “Agreement for Assessment of Costs for Public Improvements on and Adjacent to Blake Street/Consul Street and Sewer and Water Improvements Adjacent Thereto” as presented to the City Council, 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

01-295 included with these minutes.)

 

RESOLUTION 01-296 ADOPTED – ACCEPT BID FOR JOB 0131

 

City Manager Sparks stated that this resolution approves the low bid of $52,580 from BMT Electric for electrical upgrades at the northside water plant.

 

Councilor Kron moved, Councilor McPherson seconded, that Resolution 01-296, accepting the bid of BMT Electric, Albert Lea, in the amount of $52,580 for electrical upgrades at the northside water plant, 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

01-296 included with these minutes.)

 

RESOLUTION 01-297 ADOPTED – APPROVE FUND TRANSFER

 

City Manager Sparks explained that it is necessary to make a transfer of funds in the amount of $16,758 from the TIF 5 Bond Fund to the General Fund.

 

After Council discussion, Councilor Sorenson moved, Councilor Brooks seconded, that Resolution 01-297, approving the transfer of funds from the TIF 5 Bond Fund to the General Fund, 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

01-297 included with these minutes.)

 

UNLISTED ITEMS

 

WARD ITEMS

 

Third Ward, Councilor Marin:

 

(a)     Received a request from a resident adjacent to Garden Villa Park that the City survey to determine if a newly placed driveway is on City property.

 

(b)     Wished everyone a Merry Christmas!

 

ADJOURNMENT – 6:45 P.M.

 

Councilor McPherson 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, January 14, 2002.  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 December 21, 2001.

 

 

______________________________                        _____________________________

      Secretary of the Council                                                               Mayor