Albert Lea, MN
February 12, 2001
The regular meeting of the Albert Lea City Council
was called to order at 7:30 P.M. in the City Center Council Chambers by Mayor
Bob Haukoos.
ROLL CALL
Present were Councilors 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, City Attorney Steven Schwab, Council Secretary Sandi Behrens and representatives from KATE Radio, the Albert Lea Tribune and KAAL-TV.
CONSENT AGENDA
(a)
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE COUNCIL MEETING OF JANUARY 22, 2001.
(b)
LICENSES AND BONDS APPROVED:
TEMPORARY LICENSE
Alma Guerrero, 2400 Clayton
Avenue, for the Knights of Columbus on March 10
Arturo Navarrete, 509 W.
College St., for the Armory February 10
Jeff Fjelstad dba Aragon for
the Armory February 10
(c) RESOLUTION
01-32 ADOPTED – APPROVING LAWFUL GAMBLING APPLI-CATION:
Resolution 01-32 approves a Minnesota Lawful Gambling Application for
Exempt Permit for the Freeborn County Fantails to conduct a raffle at the
Freeborn County Fairgrounds on August 5, 2001.
(See Secretary's Original
Resolution
01-32
included with these minutes.)
(d)
RESOLUTION 01-33 ADOPTED –
APPROVING LAWFUL GAMBLING APPLICATION: Resolution
01-33 approves a Minnesota Lawful Gambling Application for Exempt Permit for the
Freeborn County Fantails to conduct a raffle at Hart Brothers Weaponry, Highway
69 South, on December 1, 2001.
(See Secretary's Original
Resolution
01-33
included with these minutes.)
(e)
RESOLUTION 01-34 ADOPTED –
APPROVING LAWFUL GAMBLING APPLICATION: Resolution
01-34 approves a Minnesota Lawful Gambling Application for Exempt Permit for the
Freeborn County Fantails to conduct a raffle at the Union Center, 404 E. Main
Street, on March 17, 2001.
(See Secretary's Original
Resolution
01-34
included with these minutes.)
(f)
RESOLUTION 01-35 ADOPTED –
INDICATING CITY INTENT TO PARTICIPATE: Resolution
01-35 declares the City Council’s intent to adopt a resolution committing the
City to participate in the costs of the T.H. 65 curb, gutter, drainage, park
lane and sidewalk construction in accordance with the latest procedures for
cooperative construction projects with municipalities.
(See Secretary's Original
Resolution
01-35
included with these minutes.)
(g)
RESOLUTION 01-36 ADOPTED –
ACCEPTING QUOTE FOR FILTER MEDIA SUPPLY:
Resolution 01-36 accepts the quotation of Northern Gravel Company of
Muscatine, Iowa, in the amount of $13,699.26 for supplying and delivering West
Water Treatment Plant filter media.
(See Secretary's Original
Resolution
01-36
included with these minutes.)
(h)
RESOLUTION 01-37 ADOPTED –
ACCEPTING QUOTE FOR MAIN LIFT STATION PUMP AND MOTOR INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE:
Resolution 01-37 accepts the quotation of Electric Pump, Minneapolis,
in the amount of $25,748 for inspection and maintenance of two large pumps and
motors at the main lift station.
(See Secretary's Original
Resolution
01-37
included with these minutes.)
(i)
RESOLUTION 01-38 ADOPTED –
APPROVING RENDEZVOUS CONTRACT: Resolution
01-38 approves the contract with the Big Island Rendezvous and Festival for
permission to use Bancroft Bay Park for its 2001 event.
(See Secretary's Original
Resolution
01-38
included with these minutes.)
(j)
RESOLUTION 01-39 ADOPTED –
AUTHORIZING PURCHASE ORDER TO ALLIANT ENERGY:
Resolution 01-39 approves the
issuance of a purchase order to
Alliant Energy in the amount of $11,300 for conversion of overhead
electric lines to underground lines along an 1100 foot section of Hammer Road.
(See Secretary's Original
Resolution
01-39
included with these minutes.)
(k) RESOLUTION
01-40
ADOPTED - CLAIMS: Resolution 01-40
presents the financial claims
of the City.
(See
Secretary's Original Resolution
01-40
included with these minutes.)
Councilor Brooks
moved, Councilor Marin
seconded, that the consent
agenda items be adopted. On roll
call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion.
Mayor Haukoos declared the motion carried and the consent agenda items
adopted.
RESOLUTION 01-41 ADOPTED – ORDERING JOB 0101 – PUBLIC HEARING
Mayor Haukoos opened a public hearing to consider the improvement of certain streets in the northeast quadrant of the City by bituminous overlay (Job 0101). The necessary notice for this hearing was published on January 21, 2001.
Frank O’Brien, 1010 Columbus, appeared before the
City Council with regard to the bituminous overlay on Columbus between Hawthorne
and Sheridan. He noted that several
families on that street are on a fixed income, that the street was seal-coated
five years ago, that it appears there is nothing wrong with the street and the
work doesn’t need to be done. He
suggested that the Council take under consideration the financial condition of
the residents.
Councilor Sorenson noted that the City currently
has a mechanism for deferment of assessments for low-income residents.
After
council discussion, Councilor Sorenson moved, Councilor Brooks seconded, that
Resolution 01-41, ordering the improvement and preparation of plans for Job
0101, bituminous overlay of certain streets in the northeast quadrant of the
City, be approved. On roll call
vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion.
Mayor Haukoos declared the motion carried, the resolution adopted and the
public hearing closed.
(See Secretary’s Original Resolution
01-41 included with these minutes.)
RESOLUTION 01-42 ADOPTED – RESTRICTING PARKING ON HARRIET LANE – PUBLIC HEARING
Mayor Haukoos opened a public hearing for restricted parking on Harriet Lane. The necessary notice for this hearing was published on January 26, 2001.
Mike
Murtaugh, 511 Harriet Lane, appeared in support of seasonal no parking on the
north side of Harriet Lane. He
noted that the south side of
Harriet Lane has been posted for no parking for several years and that
seasonal no parking on the north side would permit the snow plows to properly
clear Harriet Lane.
Council
discussion centered around the fact that this no parking would require the
installation of signs, whether or not the posting could be done on a trial basis
and the dates for posting.
After
council discussion, Councilor McPherson moved, Councilor Marin seconded, that
Resolution 01-42, posting Harriet Lane for no parking on the north side of the
street between December 1 and March 31 of each year and the no parking year
round on the south side of the street shall remain as is.
On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion.
Mayor Haukoos declared the motion carried, the resolution adopted and the
public hearing closed.
(See Secretary’s Original Resolution
01-42 included with these minutes.)
WORKSHOP
MEETING WITH SKATE PARK ASSOCIATION
Tony
Samudio, 922 Autumn, appeared before the Council to inform them that the Skate
Park Association has elected a Board of Directors and has raised $40,000 through
fund raising activities. They are
asking the City Council meet with them in a workshop session to permit them to
make some final decisions prior to ordering ramps and other equipment.
He wants both groups to be up to date.
City
Manager Sparks stated that he would arrange for a workshop meeting and notify
the Council and the Association.
RESOLUTION 01-43 ADOPTED – SUPPORTING GRANT APPLICATION
Marilyn Koprowski, Waseca, appeared on behalf of the Freeborn County Family Services Collaborative requesting Council approval of an amendment to the Joint Power Agreement permitting the Collaborative to act as a Children’s Mental Health Collaborative. She noted that the organization would receive $120,000 for this grant over a two-year period.
Councilor
McPherson moved, Councilor Marin seconded, that Resolution 01-43, in support of
the grant application process of the Freeborn County Family Services
Collaborative to act as a Children’s Mental Health Collaborative and agreeing
to a Joint Powers Agreement amendment for the expansion of services, 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
01-43 included with these minutes.)
HUMANE
SOCIETY WALK-A-THON APPROVED
Mayor Haukoos announced that the City had received
a request from the Humane Society of Freeborn County
to permit its annual
walk-a-thon on September 22, 2001,
between 10 A.M. and 4 P.M. He
noted that the walk would commence at Frank Hall Park walking to the Blazing
Star Trail and back to the park.
Councilor Kron moved, Councilor Brooks seconded, that the request of the Humane Society of Freeborn County for its annual walk-a-thon on September 22, 2001, be approved. On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Haukoos declared the motion carried and the walk authorized.
RESOLUTION 01-44 ADOPTED – AUTHORIZING SALE OF REAL ESTATE
City Manager Sparks explained that the City had received a request to purchase Lot 4, Oakwood Park West for $8,000. He noted that the City demolished the building following a fire and receipt of a Quit Claim Deed from the owners. He also stated that the $8,000 will cover the costs involved in the street assessment project scheduled for summer in addition to the demolition costs.
After
council discussion, Councilor McPherson moved, Councilor Kron seconded, that
Resolution 01-44, authorizing the sale of Lot 4, Oakwood Park West to George S.
and Jane N. Saunders for a purchase price of $8,000 which includes all
outstanding unpaid assessments against the property, be approved.
On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion.
Mayor Haukoos declared the motion carried and the resolution adopted.
(See Secretary’s Original Resolution
01-44 included with these minutes.)
RESOLUTION 01-45 ADOPTED – AMENDING RESOLUTION 01-22
City Manager Sparks stated that the City had recently removed parking restrictions around the old High School and ordered no parking on both sides of William Street between Euclid and Adams. He noted that a resident from that area is requesting reconsideration due to the fact that she does not have off-street parking.
Tracy Rietveld, 502 W. William, stated that she has
nowhere to park and that she has a small child.
She is requesting some relief from the no parking on William.
Councilor McPherson stated that he had talked with
Ms. Rietveld and another resident and has come up with a possible solution to
Rietveld’s problem. He is
suggesting that no parking be continued on the north side of William from Euclid
west to the second sign which is 150 feet from the corner of Euclid and William.
The remaining 250 feet east of Adams would be reopened to permit parking.
He noted that this change would facilitate truck traffic in the area and
provide parking for residents.
Curtis Smith, a co-owner of Arrow Printing, stated
that he believes this solution will work well for everyone concerned.
After
council discussion, Councilor McPherson moved, Councilor Brooks seconded, that
no parking be permitted on William Street between Euclid Avenue and Adams Avenue
with the exception that parking shall be permitted on the north side of William
between Adams Avenue and east to a point 150 feet west of its intersection with
Euclid Avenue. 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
01-45 included with these minutes.)
RESOLUTION 01-46 ADOPTED – APPROVING TOWING CONTRACTS
City Manager Sparks explained that the Police Department had solicited proposals for non-consensual towing on behalf of the City of Albert Lea. Two proposals were received, one from Allen’s Tow and Travel and the other from A & A Express Towing. He noted that technically the A & A Express Towing proposal did not meet all of the specifications being short a large tow truck required to tow semis. He noted that the company has since obtained a truck for this purpose and has been getting its driver’s certified. He informed the Council that historically the City has had only one company in the non-consensual tow contract and that the Council is being asked to consider a rotational contract sharing the work between Tow & Travel and A & A Express Towing.
Evan Larson, representing Mike Coxworth, appeared
before the City Council with relation to the non-consensual towing contract.
He noted that the company did not have a truck for pulling out semis
prior to its submission of a proposal but fully intended to purchase a truck for
this use if awarded a contract. He
feels that the company has met the contract requirements and that the company
does want a contract for the services.
Councilor Kron questioned whether the proposal was
15 days late in arriving at the Police Department.
Mike Coxworth, 708 Minnesota Avenue, representing A
& A Express Towing, stated that he did not realize that the proposal was
late and that it was mailed to arrive on time.
City Manager Sparks questioned whether the company
met all qualifications and Mr. Coxworth stated that they did not.
He went on to note that the Police Department had sent a letter
indicating that the company would need to purchase a large truck for towing
semis.
Extensive discussion centered around the fact that
the company did not initially meet specs, that the drivers have since been
certified, the willingness to work on a rotating schedule with both contractors
involved, a discussion about the storage lot and the possibility of A &
A’s inability to provide service to the big rigs.
Duane Gregory, Savage, Minnesota, appeared before
the City Council on behalf of Tow & Travel.
He feels that Tow & Travel should be awarded the contract as it was
the only company that met the request for proposal at the time required.
He noted that the Tow & Travel employees are trained at a national
school and learn many aspects of the towing business.
He is not in favor of a rotating schedule.
Councilor McPherson questioned whether the contract
was a two-year contract.
City Manager Sparks stated that it is a two-year
contract and that the request for proposals permits the City to be under federal
law.
Additional discussion centered around whether A
& A driver’s have a commercial driver’s license and appropriate
insurance and the possibility of a workshop to discuss the contract.
Sharon Astrup Scott, 2161 Highland Avenue, appeared
as the majority owner of A & A Express Towing.
She noted that she had met with City officials and was told that there
would be a contract. She stated
that the larger truck was purchased the following day. She stated that the company would be ready to begin service
on March 1st and they currently have five trucks and five men.
Councilor Marin moved that the contract be set up
on a rotating schedule with Tow & Travel getting the first round.
Councilor McPherson seconded the motion noting that this would be a
weekly rotation with a contract beginning March 1 and the provision that all
aspects of the contract must be met prior to signing.
City Manager Sparks stated that the City could also include a clause to
permit canceling the contract if performance is lacking.
Mr. Gregory asked whether someone would be
inspecting A & A for compliance and requested notification of whether the
company passed or failed.
After
additional council discussion and on roll call vote, all councilors voted in
favor of Resolution 01-46 with the exception of Councilor Brooks who voted nay.
Mayor Haukoos declared the motion carried and the resolution adopted.
(See Secretary’s Original Resolution
01-46 included with these minutes.)
RESOLUTION 01-47 ADOPTED – REVISING GUIDELINES FOR LOW INCOME ASSESSMENT AND UTILITY BILLING POLICY
City Manager Sparks explained that the City had not revised the income guidelines for this policy since 1988 and suggested the City Council adopt new guidelines corresponding with those used by the Housing Authority and other federal programs. He is recommending that the income levels for low income assessment and utility billing policy be established at $15,500 maximum for a single person with an additional $1500 per additional dependent in the household with cash assets excluding the home not to exceed $15,000.
After
council discussion, Councilor Sorenson moved, Councilor Kron seconded, that
Resolution 01-47, revising the low-income assessment and utility billing policy
as 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
01-47 included with these minutes.)
RESOLUTION 01-48 ADOPTED – ACCEPTING QUOTE FOR DIGESTER GAS SYSTEM VALVE PROCUREMENT
City Manager Sparks stated that the City had receive quotes for the digester gas system valve procurement for the Wastewater Treatment Plant (Job 2005) and he is recommending the low bidder, Davco Inc., St. Paul, in the amount of $14,784. He is also suggesting the purchase of one six-inch check valve, three four-inch check valves and two three-inch check valves from Plant & Flange Equipment Company of Blaine, Minnesota, in the amount of $1,788. He explained that the second part of the bid is for digester gas system flame arrestors and that the low bidder was Mc2, Inc. of Omaha, NE in the amount of $31,896. He further explained that these are parts that are necessary to rebuild the gas management system on the digesters. With the reconstruction of the digester cover, the City also needs to rebuild the gas management system as well.
After
council discussion, Councilor Brooks moved, Councilor Marin seconded, that
Resolution 01-48, approving Wastewater Treatment Plant gas system bids as
described by the City Manager, be approved.
On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion.
Mayor Haukoos declared the motion carried and the resolution adopted.
(See Secretary’s Original Resolution
01-48 included with these minutes.)
RESOLUTION
01-49 ADOPTED – AUTHORIZING LIBRARY BUDGET INCREASE
City Manager Sparks explained that at the time the budget was being established there was discussion about the elimination of the bookmobile. The County had indicated that they wanted to eliminate the service and that they would reduce their allocation to the City by $12,000. The bookmobile service was discontinued but the County did not reduce the allocation and raised the amount to that which had been requested, $12,000 more than we had budgeted. The Librarian has been discussing the impact of discontinuing the bookmobile and has been attempting to find ways to alleviate the loss of service with a less costly program to provide reading materials to people unable to get into the City. As a result the Librarian has developed a proposal to increase services and materials that would be available for library patrons. The Librarian is requesting that the $16,035 used for bookmobile services be returned to the library budget to be used for staffing and to supplement the library’s materials budget.
After
council discussion, Councilor Kron moved, Councilor Marin seconded, that
Resolution 01-49, increasing the library budget by $16,035 with funds provided
by the General Fund Unappropriated Fund Balance, 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
01-49 included with these minutes.)
RESOLUTION
01-50 ADOPTED – ACCEPTING QUOTE FOR DEMOLITION OF FARMLAND WASTEWATER
TREATMENT PLANT STRUCTURES
City Manager Sparks explained that the City has received title to the property that currently houses the old packinghouse pre-treatment system. He noted that we have also received compensation in the amount of $6500 from Seaboard Farms and an addition $6,000 from Farmland Foods is also being considered. He noted that the City has received bids for the demolition project and is recommending award to the low bidder, Larson Contractor of Lake Mills in the amount of $29,910. He also noted that the City Clerk would be recording the deeds received with regard to this property. Councilor Sorenson requested the City install landscaping around the perimeter of the property.
After
council discussion, Councilor Kron moved, Councilor McPherson seconded, that
Resolution 01-50, accepting the quote for demolition of the Farmland Foods
wastewater treatment plant structures, 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
01-50 included with these minutes.)
RESOLUTION
01-51 ADOPTED – AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT WITH YAGGY COLBY ASSOCIATES
City Manager Sparks explained that this resolution approves an engineering contract with Yaggy Colby and Associates with a not to exceed fee of $26,000. The firm will provide professional services for the design phase and the assessment cost estimates on the downtown street improvement project (Job 9925).
After
council discussion, Councilor McPherson moved, Councilor Sorenson seconded, that
Resolution 01-51, authorizing a contract with Yaggy Colby Associates, 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
01-51 included with these minutes.)
UNLISTED ITEMS
WARD ITEMS
Fifth Ward, Councilor Kron:
a) Stated that individuals are parking in the no parking zone on the east side of Newton south of the Front Street intersection.
b) Noted that the no parking signs are still up along Front Street from Newton Avenue to the channel and requested that these be covered.
Sixth Ward, Councilor Brooks:
a) Noted that he has received calls regarding snowmobilers driving from the lake onto the yards in the Frank Hall Drive/Eighth Street area and that some of these snowmobiles are coming close to the houses.
Councilor
Brooks moved, Councilor Kron 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, February 26, 2001.
On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion.
Mayor Haukoos declared the motion carried and the meeting adjourned.
Filed
and attested February 13, 2001.
________________________
_____________________________
Secretary of the Council Mayor