Pastor Jay Dahlvang, Salem Lutheran Church, offered a prayer.
The Monday, February 25, 2008 meeting of the Albert Lea City Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m. in the City Center Council Chambers by Mayor Randall Erdman.
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Present were Mayor Randall Erdman, Councilors Vern Rasmussen, Larry Baker, George Marin, Reid Olson, John Severtson and Al Brooks. Also present were City Manager Victoria Simonsen, City Attorney Steve Schwab, City Engineer Steven Jahnke, Council Secretary Shirley Slater-Schulte and representatives from the Albert Lea Tribune.
a. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
2. CONSENT AGENDA
*a. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF FEBRUARY 11, 2008.
*b. RESOLUTION 08-38 – APPROVING CLAIMS: Resolution 08-38 represents the financial claims of the City.
(See Secretary's Original Resolution 08-38 included with these minutes.)
*c. LICENSES AND PERMITS:
ANNUAL LICENSE(S)Tattoo Establishment
Adam Reuter, d/b/a Sinister Ink Tattoos, 204 W. Clark St., Albert Lea, MN
*d. RESOLUTION 08-39 – APPROVING LEASE FOR LAWFUL GAMBLING – HAROLD’S BAR, 1318 E. MAIN STREET, ALBERT LEA, MN.
(See Secretary's Original Resolution 08-39 included with these minutes.)
*e. RESOLUTION 08-40 – APPROVING LAWFUL GAMBLING PREMISES PERMIT APPLICATION – HAROLD’S BAR, 1318 E. MAIN STREET, ALBERT LEA, MN.
(See Secretary's Original Resolution 08-40 included with these minutes.)
*f. RESOLUTION 08-41 – ACCEPTING ADMISSION AND PROPOSED ORDER – CHEERS LIQUOR.
(See Secretary's Original Resolution 08-41 included with these minutes.)
MOTION: Move to adopt the consent agenda as presented.
Councilor Brooks moved that the consent agenda items be adopted as presented, and seconded by Councilor Marin. On roll call vote, the following councilors voted in favor of said motion: Councilors: Rasmussen, Baker, Marin, Olson, Severtson, Brooks and Mayor Erdman. Mayor Erdman declared the motion passed.
3. PETITIONS-REQUESTS-COMMUNICATIONS
a. REQUEST TO PRESENT CONVENTION AND VISITOR’S BUREAU UPDATE – SUSIE PETERSEN, CVB DIRECTOR
City Manager Simonsen explained that Susie Petersen, Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Director, would give an annual report update to the Council. Ms. Petersen stated that the lodging tax had increase from 2006 to 2007. The CVB has been actively supporting all of the wonderful things in Albert Lea. They have scheduled several tours of our area and thanked the City Council for all of their support throughout the year. Mayor Erdman thanked Susie Petersen for the good job.
b. REQUEST FOR REDUCED LANDFILL FEES – AZ-1 – JIM TROE
Mr. Jim Troe, partner in AZ-1, presented a request for the consideration of free demolition landfill fees for the remodeling of the former Bible Book Store. The building is being renovated by a group of investors who plan to reuse the building as a mixed use business/residential occupancy. All three floors of this building will be remodeled with a proposed coffee shop on the main floor. Approximately, 10-15 roll-off dumpsters will be filled with demolition material.
MOTION: Move to approve the demolition fees at the government rate of $4.00 per cubic yard for the landfill charges.
Councilor Rasmussen moved this motion, seconded by Councilor Marin. On roll call vote the following councilors voted in favor of said motion: Councilors Rasmussen, Baker, Marin, Olson, Severtson, Brooks and Mayor Erdman. Mayor Erdman declared the motion passed.
c. REQUEST FOR 15-MINUTE PARKING – HAWTHORNE SCHOOL
City Manager Simonsen stated that the Albert Lea Police Department has been working with officials from Hawthorne School regarding the drop off and pickup of children before and after school. The problem area is located on Sheridan Street directly north of Pillsbury Avenue. Cars are currently parking in the no parking area where buses are scheduled to drop off students. The School District and Police Department are requesting the installation of 15-minute parking signs along the north side of Sheridan Street west of Pillsbury Avenue to encourage vehicles to park in this location when buses are loading and unloading. The Street Department and School District agree with the recommendation. This request would authorize staff to install 15-minute parking signs at this location.
MOTION: Move to approve this request.Councilor Baker moved this motion, seconded by Councilor Marin. On roll call vote the following councilors voted in favor of said motion: Councilors Rasmussen, Baker, Marin, Olson, Severtson, Brooks and Mayor Erdman. Mayor Erdman declared the motion passed.
d. REQUEST FOR EXTENSION – MOOSE FAMILY CENTER
City Manager Simonsen explained that on October 26, 2007 the City of Albert Lea entered into an agreement with the Moose Family Center for the purchase of property located at 328 Main Court. As part of the agreement, the Moose Center agreed to vacate the premises no later than March 31, 2008. Recently, the Moose was able to enter into a lease agreement with Skyline Plaza but extensive remodeling must occur prior to their occupancy. Therefore, the Moose Center is requesting an extension of the date to vacate their current premises from March 31st to May 31st, 2008. City staff has reviewed the request and can support the extension.
MOTION: Move to approve this request.
Councilor Severtson moved this motion, seconded by Councilor Marin. On roll call vote the following councilors voted in favor of said motion: Councilors Rasmussen, Baker, Marin, Olson, Severtson, Brooks and Mayor Erdman. Mayor Erdman declared the motion passed.
e. UPDATE ON PROJECT PRIDE – TED HERMAN
Mr. Ted Herman gave an update on Project Pride. He stated that Project Pride is to help promote tiger and community pride. The banners will be displayed up and down Hammer Road from Bridge Avenue to Y.H. Hanson. The cost of the banners and brackets is $175.50 each and they are raising money for a total of 19 banners. He stated that there is no cost to the school district or taxpayer, this is all donated dollars.
Councilor John Severtson and his wife presented a check in the amount of $100.00 towards this project “In Memory of Ryan Truesdell”.
Mayor Erdman thanked Mr. Herman for this information.
f. REQUEST BY LIBRARY – “FOOD FOR FINES”
City Manager Simonsen explained that the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Salvation Army food drive through March 11, 2008. The City of Albert Lea will be hosting an internal campaign for employees and the public who would like to participate. As part of the food drive, library staff would like to hold a “Food for Fines” campaign. For the time period of March 3rd through March 14th, the library would accept non-perishable food and items for donation to the food drive in exchange for $2.00 each item worth of library fines. The campaign does not include the fees for lost or damaged books, but would be applied toward overdue book fines. Staff feels this is an opportunity for library fines to be paid while still giving back to the community.
MOTION: Move to approve this request.
Councilor Rasmussen moved this motion, seconded by Councilor Marin. On roll call vote the following councilors voted in favor of said motion: Councilors Rasmussen, Baker, Marin, Olson, Severtson, Brooks and Mayor Erdman. Mayor Erdman declared the motion passed.
4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS (NO ITEMS)
5. NEW BUSINESS
a. PUBLIC HEARING AND RESOLUTION 08-42 – APPROVING MISCELLANEOUS ASSESSMENTS, ROLL 0066
City Manager Simonsen explained that this public hearing is being held to receive input regarding Miscellaneous Assessments Roll 0066. The assessments include unpaid utility bills; refuse removal, mowing services, snow removal services and other miscellaneous assessments for which payment has not been received. The resolution states that assessments shall be payable in a single installment and shall bear interest at the rate of 6% per annum unless paid within 30 days from adoption of the resolution.
Mayor Erdman opened the public hearing.
Mr. Harold Kamrath, 326 Glenn Rd., had questions regarding the total amount of these assessments. He has complaints about his water bill, replaced his water heater, etc.
Councilor Al Brooks inquired if staff had received any calls from the public. No complaints were received, only inquires into the balance of assessment.
Mayor Erdman called three times and then closed the public hearing.
Resolution 08-42 was introduced by Councilor Severtson, seconded by Councilor Rasmussen. On roll call vote, the following councilors voted in favor of said resolution: Councilors Rasmussen, Baker, Marin, Olson, Severtson, Brooks and Mayor Erdman. Mayor Erdman declared the resolution passed.
(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 08-42 included with these minutes)
b. PUBLIC HEARING AND RESOLUTION 08-43 –ORDERING IMPROVEMENT AND PREPARATION OF PLANS – ALEDA INDUSTRIAL PARK PROJECT (JOB 0632)
City Manager Simonsen explained that this public hearing is being held to receive input from those persons desiring to be heard regarding the ALEDA Industrial Park project (Job 0632). At the February 11, 2008 meeting, the City Council adopted the feasibility report for the construction of storm water, watermain, sanitary sewer and concrete roadway associated with this project. Following the public hearing, a resolution ordering the improvement and preparation of plans would be necessary for the project to proceed.
Mayor Erdman opened the public hearing.
Mr. Joe Attig, 18542 750th Avenue, had questions regarding his proposed assessment in the amount of $194,000.00 plus interest of 6%. He stated that he was not in favor of this assessment and has not requested to be annexed into the city. He also had questions regarding the repair of the slope next to his property.
Mr. Roger Bok, 1012 Cato Drive, asked questions as to where these figures are coming from. This item has not been before the city council for discussion. City Engineer does not even have an engineer’s license. He read an item out of the August 14, 2006 council meeting regarding this project.
Mayor Erdman called three times and then closed this public hearing.
Resolution 08-43 was introduced by Councilor Marin, seconded by Councilor Rasmussen. On roll call vote, the following councilors voted in favor of said resolution: Councilors Rasmussen, Baker, Marin, Olson, Severtson, Brooks and Mayor Erdman. Mayor Erdman declared the resolution passed.
Staff was directed to prepare a letter to Mr. Attig clarifying the conditions of the assessment.
(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 08-43 included with these minutes)
c. RESOLUTION 08-44 – ACCEPTING BID AND AWARDING CONTRACT FOR THE WEST WATER TOWER IMPROVEMENTS (JOB 0702)
City Manager Simonsen explained that the City’s west water tower is in need of painting, cleaning and repair. The City advertised for bids on the water tower improvements and received five bids that complied with the advertisement. Bids were received from:
| Bidders | Alternate A | Alternate B |
| Odland Protective Coatings, Inc., Rockford, MN | $386,200 | $386,200 |
| LeadCon, Inc., Hudson, WI | No Bid | $395,000 |
| TMI Coatings, Inc., St. Paul, MN | $472,000 | $472,000 |
| Classic Protective Coatings, Inc., Menomonie, WI | $487,716 | $437,716 |
| Horizon Bros. Painting Corp, Howell, MI | $564,700 | $537,700 |
Odland Protective Coatings, Inc. of Rockford, MN submitted the lowest responsible bid in the amount of $386,200. City staff is recommending accepting the bid for the cleaning, repairing and painting of the 300,000 gallon elevated west water tower to Odland Protective Coatings, Inc. The Engineer’s cost estimate for this project was $405,500.00.
Resolution 08-44 was introduced by Councilor Main, seconded by Councilor Severtson. On roll call vote, the following councilors voted in favor of said resolution: Councilors Rasmussen, Baker, Marin, Olson, Severtson, Brooks and Mayor Erdman. Mayor Erdman declared the resolution passed.
(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 08-44 included with these minutes)
d. RESOLUTION 08-45 – ACCEPTING BID AND APPROVING PURCHASE OF A TRUCK-MOUNTED AERIAL DEVICE – PARK DEPARTMENT
City Manager Simonsen explained that the City’s Park Department has budgeted for the purchase of a truck-mounted aerial device to be used for tree trimming, banner and decoration mounting and other high-level operations. Advertisement for bids to purchase this equipment was received, opened and tabulated according to law. The following bids were compliant with the advertisement:
Dueco, Inc., Watertown, S.D. $73,277.00
ABM Equipment, Hopkins, MN $74,049.00
Altec Industries, Creedmore, N.C. $75,744.00This resolution would authorize the Park Department to proceed with the purchase of a truck‑mounted aerial device from Dueco, Inc., Watertown, S.D. in an amount not‑to‑exceed $73,277.00 plus taxes. The Parks Department will be ordering the truck from the state contract in the near future. The aerial device requires at least six months for delivery. Staff budgeted $130,000.00 for the 65-foot aerial basket, steel body, accessories and truck.
Resolution 08-45 was introduced by Councilor Olson, seconded by Councilor Severtson. On roll call vote, the following councilors voted in favor of said resolution: Councilors Rasmussen, Baker, Marin, Olson, Severtson, Brooks and Mayor Erdman. Mayor Erdman declared the resolution passed.
(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 08-45 included with these minutes)
e. RESOLUTION 08-46 – AUTHORIZING LETTER OF AGREEMENT WITH ARTSPACE PROJECTS, INC.
City Manager Simonsen explained that this resolution would authorize a letter of agreement with ArtSpace Projects, Inc. for consulting services for real estate arts development. ArtSpace would conduct a two-day visit to the community to determine the feasibility of an arts facility development in Albert Lea. As part of the visit, ArtSpace will meet with city leadership and economic development officials, as well as hosting a community forum to discuss the impact of a proposed mixed use project. ArtSpace will tour the community and specific downtown locations to be considered for living/working accommodations and make their recommendation to the Council.
Resolution 08-46 was introduced by Councilor Baker, seconded by Councilor Olson. On roll call vote, the following councilors voted in favor of said resolution: Councilors Rasmussen, Baker, Marin, Olson, Severtson, Brooks and Mayor Erdman. Mayor Erdman declared the resolution passed.
(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 08-46 included with these minutes)
f. RESOLUTION 08-47 – APPROVING PRELIMINARY PLAT – POINTE A.L. SUBDIVISION NO. 4
City Manager Simonsen explained that this resolution would authorize the preliminary plat of Pointe A.L. Subdivision No. 4 in accordance with Chapter 54 of the City Code. The preliminary plat was prepared by Jones, Haugh & Smith and is dated December 10, 2007. The Planning Commission reviewed the preliminary plat at their February 19, 2008 meeting and recommended approval of the plat subject to three conditions that are outlined in the resolution. The subdivision is located west of Interstate 35 and north of East Main Street, behind the existing Freeborn-Mower Cooperative.
Resolution 08-47 was introduced by Councilor Severtson, seconded by Councilor Olson. On roll call vote, the following councilors voted in favor of said resolution: Councilors Rasmussen, Baker, Marin, Olson, Severtson, Brooks and Mayor Erdman. Mayor Erdman declared the resolution passed.
(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 08-47 included with these minutes)
g. RESOLUTION 08-48 – AUTHORIZING LAND ACQUISTION – DRESS AIRPORT PROPERTY
City Manager Simonsen explained that as part of the Airport’s Master Plan, the City has identified land and easements near and around the proposed expanded runway that need to be acquired. Staff has been working with consultants Mead & Hunt and SRF to identify the necessary parcels to conduct property title work necessary to obtain land within the critical zone of the airport. In February 2006, the amount authorized for acquiring the Dress Investments, LLP parcel was $61,000. The acquisition was not able to be negotiated at this price and in September of 2006 the City Council authorized the City Attorney to proceed with condemnation.
Several discussions were held with the owner and another appraisal was completed by Robinson Appraisal. The appraisal took into consideration several of Mr. Dress’ concerns and resulted in a significantly different appraised value. In December of 2006 an offer was made in the amount of $163,000. In February 2007, Mr. Dress counter offered at $184,000 ($10,575 per acre). This is a 13% increase over the appraised value. The property is needed in order to proceed with the relocation of Plaza Street and the construction of the new runway. This resolution would authorize acquisition of the property at $184,000 with 95% of the acquisition to be federally funded and 5% local funding.
Resolution 08-48 was introduced by Councilor Severtson, seconded by Councilor Marin. On roll call vote, the following councilors voted in favor of said resolution: Councilors Rasmussen, Baker, Marin, Olson, Severtson, Brooks and Mayor Erdman. Mayor Erdman declared the resolution passed.
(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 08-48 included with these minutes)
6. MAYOR AND COUNCIL ITEMS
a. Mayor/Ward and Committee Updates
First Ward, Councilor Rasmussen reported:
- No Committee items.
- Concerns about Marie & Hawthorne, water standing at catch basin, snow should be removed.
- Staff needs to develop plan for Council and safety of the community while in the Council Chambers.
Second Ward, Councilor Baker reported:
- Committee meeting updates.
- Attended a presentation with Youth for Christ, which was very informative.
- “Float the Boat” fundraiser was very successful.
Third Ward, Councilor Marin reported:
- Corner of Euclid & Court on the west side and corner of South Euclid & Mill needs to have snow removal.
- Committee Updates on CVB.
- American flags that are tattered & worn need to be removed and disposed of properly.
- Disrespectful behavior toward elected officials is unacceptable and should not mock the democratic process.
- Thank you to Mayor and fellow council members for their service.
Fourth Ward, Councilor Olson reported:
- Park & Recreation meeting updates.
- Attended the annual meeting for the museum, encouraged everyone to visit the museum.
Fifth Ward, Councilor Severtson reported:
- No Committee updates.
- Attended the Chili Cook-off at the Moose Club.
Sixth Ward, Councilor Brooks:
- No Committee Items.
- Attended the Youth for Christ Presentation.
- Sunset Drive update & meeting.
- Attended CGMC Legislative Day
Mayor Randall Erdman reported:
- Gave a brief update on Edgewater Bonding Bill.
- Thank you to Teresa Kauffmann for all of her hard work on preparing the letters and other documents needed for the legislature.
- Museum Annual Meeting - $25.00 for a membership; encouraged public to join.
b. City Manager’s Response to Public Items:
- No followup this meeting
7. PUBLIC FORUM:
Mr. Manuel Cantu Jr., 113 McArthur Drive, stated the following:
- Clarification on Mr. Diamond’s request for documents of the Tiger Hills Development.
- Clarification needed on the purchase of property from Mr. Dress.
- Clarification needed on the Freeborn Bank Building costs.
- Clarification needed on the cost for the Lift Station.
Mr. Mike Murtaugh, 313 Willamor Road, stated the following:
- Requested the revised payment schedule for Tiger Hills.
- Good cooperation with city staff when he requested copies of the Tiger Hills Development Agreements.
Mr. Roger Bok, 1012 Cato Drive, stated the following:
- Why is the city allowing ALEDA Director Dan Dorman and Ellen Kehr, All Continents Travel, to push snow into the road right-of-way when the city rules say that you cannot put snow in the right‑of‑way?
Mayor Erdman ruled Mr. Bok out of order and read an article about Mr. Bok’s disruptive behavior in 1994 when Mr. Marvin Wangen was Mayor.
Mr. Joe Attig, 18542 750th Avenue, stated the following;
- Questions regarding the proposed assessment and when would that be assessed, annexed or rezoned?
- Questions regarding the repair of the ditch slope, next to his property.
Mr. Dan Dorman, 19263 767th Avenue, stated the following:
- Agreement that is going to enter into with the city and the Port Authority actually has a provision regarding Mr. Attig’s property and the assessment.
- Value of this property as commercial (if he chooses to annex it) would be greatly enhanced by those utilities. This property should pay for the benefit of these utilities. The property will be valued much higher with the utilities.
Mr. Jim Pilgrim, 1029 St. John, stated the following:
- Thanked the city council for assistance with the Doc Evan’s Festival.
- Thanked Susie Petersen, Randy Kehr, Pat Rasmussen, and Park and Recreation Department especially Jay Hutchinson
8. ADJOURNMENT – 8:30 p.m.
Councilor Marin moved and Councilor Olson seconded that there being no further business, the council meeting be adjourned at 8:30 p.m., until the next regular meeting of the Albert Lea City Council at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10, 2008. On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Erdman declared the motion passed and the meeting adjourned.
Filed and attested February 26, 2008
/s/ Shirley Slater-Schulte /s/ Randall Erdman
Secretary of the Council Mayor Randall Erdman