Albert Lea, MN                                                                             December 26, 2000

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 Marvin Wangen.

ROLL CALL

Present were Councilors Warren Amundson, David McPherson, Donald Mathison, Ron Sorenson, Mary Kron, Al Brooks and Mayor Marvin Wangen.  Also present were City Manager Paul Sparks, Public Works Director David Olson, Council Secretary Sandi Behrens and representatives from KATE Radio and the Albert Lea Tribune.

CONSENT AGENDA

(a)            APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMBER 11, 2000.

(b)            RESOLUTION 00-236 ADOPTED – CALLING A HEARING:  Resolution 00-236 calls a public hearing for the adoption of the assessment for the property at 1318 South Shore Drive for January 22, 2001.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution

 00-236 included with these minutes.)

(c)      RESOLUTION 00-237 ADOPTED – CALLING A HEARING FOR POLICE AND FIRE FUNDS:  Resolution 00-237 calls a public hearing for January 8, 2001, to consider the transfer of interest from the Police and Fire Residual Asset Accounts to the General Fund to repay the General Fund for police and fire expenditures in budget year 2000.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution

 00-237 included with these minutes.)

(d)       RESOLUTION 00-238 ADOPTED - CLAIMS:  Resolution 00-238 presents the financial claims of the City.

                (See Secretary's Original Resolution

             00-238 included with these minutes.)

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

RESOLUTION 00-239 ADOPTED – ADOPTING ASSESSMENTS FOR JOBS 2009, 2016 AND 2017 – PUBLIC HEARING

Mayor Wangen opened a public hearing for the adoption of assessments for Jobs 2009, 2016 and 2017.  The necessary notice for this hearing was published on December 1, 2000.

Larry Nordstrom, Alden, appeared before the City Council with reference to property he owns at 2005 Stevens Street which has an assessment under Job 2009.  He stated that his renters don’t use Stevens Street, that they use the Morningside Road directly adjacent to the property and doesn’t feel that the improvement benefits his property.   

Mayor Wangen stated that that is not a criteria for assessing streets and that the City generally assesses all properties abutting the improvement.  He noted that a better street does benefit the property. 

City Manager Sparks added that streets that are not maintained cause a definite decline in property values.

After council discussion, Councilor Kron moved, Councilor Mathison seconded, that Resolution 00-239, adopting assessments for Jobs 2009, 2016 and 2017, be approved.  On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion.  Mayor Wangen declared the motion carried, the public hearing closed and the resolution adopted.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution

00-239 included with these minutes.)

A TOUCH OF CLASS SUNDAY LIQUOR LICENSE APPROVED – PUBLIC HEARING

Mayor Wangen opened a public hearing for the issuance of a Sunday On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License to A Touch of Class at 137 E. Clark Street.  The necessary notice for this hearing was published on December 15, 2000.  No one appeared to be heard.

Councilor Sorenson moved, Councilor Kron seconded, that the application for a Sunday On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License from Linda Crom d/b/a A Touch of Class, at 137 E. Clark Street, be approved.  On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion.  Mayor Wangen declared the motion carried, the public hearing closed and the license granted.

CVB CONTRACT STATUS

Mayor Wangen stated that the CVB Board had requested permission to speak to the City Council regarding its contract with the City.  No one appeared to be heard and no action was taken.

FREEBORN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY PRESENTATION

Mayor Wangen stated that the Freeborn County Historical Society had requested an opportunity to speak to the City Council regarding the cost of the Society’s fire and burglar alarm system.  No one appeared to be heard and no action was taken on this item. 

RESOLUTION 00-240 ADOPTED – AUTHORIZING CONTRACT WITH CUSTOMIZED COMPUTER SERVICES

Mayor Wangen stated that the Police Department as a part of the Law Enforcement Center has requested an opportunity to purchase services from Customized Computer Services to update the computer software system at the LEC.  He noted that Customized Computer Services is a closely held company by Councilor McPherson which prompts a necessity for Council approval of the proposed purchase of contract services.

Councilor Sorenson moved, Councilor Brooks seconded, that Resolution 00-240, authorizing a contract with Customized Computer Services, be approved.  On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion with the exception of Councilor McPherson who abstained.  Mayor Wangen declared the motion carried and the resolution adopted.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution

00-240 included with these minutes.)

RESOLUTION 00-241 ADOPTED – APPROVING POINTE A. L. PRELIMINARY PLAT

Mayor Wangen stated that the Albert Lea Advisory Planning Commission is recommending approval of the preliminary plat for Pointe A. L. noting that prior to the development and approval of a final plat the developer must provide street and utility designs, grading plans, storm water management plan, copies of all wetland management approvals and the developer must also enter into a development agreement with the City. 

After Council discussion, Councilor Sorenson moved, Councilor Kron seconded, that Resolution 00-241, approving the preliminary plat of Pointe A. L., be approved.  On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion.  Mayor Wangen declared the motion carried and the resolution adopted.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution

00-241 included with these minutes.)

RESOLUTION 00-242 ADOPTED – APPROVING LOCAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO TIF DISTRICTS

City Manager Sparks explained that this resolution approves local contributions to two tax increment finance districts, District 5-5 and District 5-6, from the Unappropriated Fund balance of the City’s General Fund.  He noted that the City is required to make a contribution from its general operating revenues to tax increment districts and that the City may take credits against those contributions based upon certain other activities including grants, loans, other City services that are contributed, etc.  He also noted that it is necessary for us to make these contributions because the City’s credits are not large enough to wipe out the required General Fund share.

 After Council discussion, Councilor Mathison moved, Councilor Amundson seconded, that Resolution 00-242, approving the local contributions to Tax Increment Finance Districts 5-5 and 5-6 from the General Fund Unappropriated Fund balance, be approved.  On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion.  Mayor Wangen declared the motion carried and the resolution adopted.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution

00-242 included with these minutes.)

RESOLUTION 00-243 ADOPTED – APPROVING BUDGET TRANSFERS

City Manager Sparks stated that there are four budgets needing adjustment from the City’s Contingency Fund.  The first adjustment is in the City Council budget in the amount of $5,000 for the purchase of chairs that were not anticipated when the budget was put together.  The second adjustment is in the Swimming Pool fund authorizing a $25,000 transfer for the reconstruction of the boilers.    The  third  adjustment  is in the Arena budget authorizing the transfer of $60,000 for unanticipated repair cost to the compressors, adjustment to staffing percentages, the installation of exhaust fans, replacing lights and additional personnel.  The fourth area is in the Parks Department in the amount of $35,000 for the replacement of roofs in and around Park properties.

After council discussion, Councilor Brooks moved, Councilor Sorenson seconded, that Resolution 00-243, approving the budget transfers as outlined by the City Manager, be approved.  On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion.  Mayor Wangen declared the motion carried and the resolution adopted.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution

00-243 included with these minutes.)

RESOLUTION 00-244 ADOPTED – APPROVING TIF TRANSFERS

City Manager Sparks explained that this resolution approves transfers from various tax increment finance districts to the appropriate payment source.  He noted that the reason for the transfers is that the City had received funds from Freeborn County for the fall tax payment and that the transfers are necessary to get the money to the appropriate fund. 

Councilor Kron moved, Councilor Mathison seconded, that Resolution 00-244, approving the various TIF transfers, be approved.  On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion.  Mayor Wangen declared the motion carried and the resolution adopted.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution

00-244 included with these minutes.)

RESOLUTION 00-245 ADOPTED – APPROVING MFT CONTRACT

City Manager Sparks explained that this resolution approves the contract with Minnesota Festival Theatre for the coming year.  He noted that this is the usual contract with the rent somewhat reduced due to the fact that only three productions will be performed during the coming season.

Councilor Kron moved, Councilor Amundson seconded, that Resolution 00-245, approving the contract with Minnesota Festival Theatre for 2001, be approved.  On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion.  Mayor Wangen declared the motion carried and the resolution adopted.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution

00-245 included with these minutes.)

RESOLUTION 00-246 ADOPTED – APPROVING ARENA/KATE RADIO AGREEMENT

City Manager Sparks explained that this resolution approves an agreement between KATE Radio and the City for advertising time that the City receives from KATE in exchange for the rental of the City Arena for the Home Show. 

Councilor Brooks moved, Councilor McPherson seconded, that Resolution 00-246, approving the agreement between the City and KATE Radio, be approved.  On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion.  Mayor Wangen declared the motion carried and the resolution adopted.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution

00-246 included with these minutes.)

RESOLUTION 00-247 ADOPTED – ORDERING PREPARATION OF ROLL FOR JOB 2101

City Manager Sparks explained that this item is included on the agenda to provide a point of discussion for the City Council regarding the anticipated 2001 Street Overlay Program.  He noted that a report included with the agenda outlines the potential assessments and the City cost and philosophy behind the assessment amounts.  He explained that the City is concentrating again in the northeast area of the City primarily because of the engineering analysis of the streets in the area. 

After Council discussion, Councilor Sorenson moved, Councilor Amundson seconded, that the City staff prepare an individual parcel list for Job 0101 for Council consideration.  On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion.  Mayor Wangen declared the motion carried and the resolution adopted.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution

00-247 included with these minutes.)

RESOLUTION 00-248 ADOPTED – APPROVING A JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT AMENDMENT

City Manager Sparks explained that the State of Minnesota currently has a contract with the City to perform a transportation study in the area bounded by I-35, T.H.65, T.H.16 and C.S.A.H. 46.   He noted that the State has determined that additional time will be required to complete the project and is requesting that the Council amend the original contract by resolution for this purpose.  The State is recommending that the contract amendment authorize the extension of the end effective date to March 30, 2001. 

After Council discussion, Councilor Sorenson moved, Councilor Kron seconded, that Resolution 00-248, approving the Joint Power Agreement amendment with the Minnesota Department of Transportation, be approved.  On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion.  Mayor Wangen declared the motion carried and the resolution adopted.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution

00-248 included with these minutes.)

UNLISTED ITEMS

WARD ITEMS

Third Ward, Councilor Mathison:

a)  Noting that this is his last meeting of his ten year term with the City Council and wished to express his thanks to Kay Rasmussen, Sandi Behrens, Dave Olson, Paul Sparks, City staff, the Street Department snow removal crews and the people of Albert Lea.  He added that he had done his best for the residents of the Third Ward and the City of Albert Lea.

Mayor Wangen:

a)  Stated that this was his last meeting after having served nearly 25 years on the City Council with ten years as Mayor.  He commented on the City’s history over the 25 years and thanked the City Manager, the staff and the public for assistance throughout his tenure.  He also expressed a sincere thank you to Councilor Mathison for his services to the City.

PUBLIC ITEMS

Mike Murtaugh, 511 Harriet Lane, appeared before the City Council complaining that his street had not been plowed for eight days.  He requested Council review.

City Manager Sparks explained that the Street Department plows the main thoroughfares first and then proceeds through the lesser-traveled streets.  He noted that the cold temperatures were not permitting the chemicals (sand and salt) to work. 

SWEARING IN CEREMONIES

City Clerk Sandi Behrens gave the Oath of Office to First Ward Councilor Warren Amundson, Third Ward Councilor George G. Marin and Fifth Ward Councilor Mary C. Kron.  It was noted that Mayor Elect Bob Haukoos was sworn in on December 21 due to his absence from the City at this meeting.  These Councilors and Mayor were elected at the City’s municipal general election on November 7, 2000, and are effective January 1, 2001.

APPRECIATION PLAQUES PRESENTED

Councilor Ron Sorenson presented a plaque of appreciation to Third Ward Councilor Don Mathison for ten years service.  He also presented a plaque of appreciation to Mayor Marvin Wangen citing Marv’s integrity, honesty and exceptional service to the City of Albert Lea.

ADJOURNMENT – 8:16 P.M.

Councilor Amundson moved, Councilor Mathison 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 8, 2001.  On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion.  Mayor Wangen declared the motion carried and the meeting adjourned.

Filed and attested December 27, 2000.

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