Albert Lea, MN

March 8, 2004

Pastor Matt Hundley of the Vineyard Church offered a prayer.

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 Jean Eaton.

Present were Councilors Warren Amundson, Randy Erdman, George Marin, Jeff Fjelstad, Mary Kron, Al Brooks, and Mayor Jean Eaton. Also present were City Manager Paul T. Sparks, City Attorney Steven R. Schwab, Public Works Director Steve Jahnke, Acting Council Secretary Allison Folie and representatives from KATE Radio and the Albert Lea Tribune.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE

Country Treat Shoppe, 5210 Northbridge Avenue, Albert Lea

DANCE

Marvin Gulbrandson, 306 East Hawthorne Street, Albert Lea, for a wedding dance at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds on May 8, 2004 from 8 p.m. to 12 midnight. 

(c)  RESOLUTION 04-53 ADOPTED – LAWFUL GAMBLING APPLICATION: Resolution 04-53 approves the Minnesota Lawful Gambling Application for Exempt Permit for the Albert Lea Business and Professional Women’s Club to conduct raffle operations on May 6, 2004 at Dillan’s Banquet Hall, 2301 East Main Street.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 04-53 included with these minutes.)

(d)  RESOLUTION 04-54 ADOPTED – APPROVING REGISTERED LAND SURVEY LOT SPLIT: Resolution 04-54 approves a registered land survey lot split for Registered Land Survey No. 8 in North Industrial Park to allow for the sale of a building.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 04-54 included with these minutes.)

(e)  RESOLUTION 04-55 ADOPTED – CALLING A PUBLIC HEARING FOR JOBZ APPROVAL FOR LARSON MANUFACTURING COMPANY: Resolution 04-55 calls a public hearing for JOBZ approval for Larson Manufacturing Company.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 04-55 included with these minutes.)

(f)  RESOLUTION 04-56 ADOPTED – CALLING A PUBLIC HEARING FOR JOBZ APPROVAL FOR TRAILS TRUCK SERVICE CENTER, INC.: Resolution 04-56 calls a public hearing for JOBZ approval for Trails Truck Service Center, Inc.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 04-56 included with these minutes.)

(g)  RESOLUTION 04-57 ADOPTED – CALLING A PUBLIC HEARING FOR JOBZ APPROVAL FOR M.F. TECHNOLOGIES AND ALAMCO WOOD LEASING: Resolution 04-57 calls a public hearing for JOBZ approval for M.F. Technologies and ALAMCO Wood Leasing.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 04-57 included with these minutes.)

(h)  RESOLUTION 04-58 ADOPTED – CLAIMS: Resolution 04-58 presents the financial claims of the City.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 04-58 included with these minutes.)

Roger Bok, 1012 Cato Drive, approached the Council and requested that item 9b regarding a resolution approving an agreement to allow MPCA work access to North Edgewater Park be removed from the Consent Agenda and placed on the regular Agenda. Mayor Eaton then declared the item removed from the Consent Agenda and placed under the City Manager’s Items in its normal sequence.

Councilor Marin moved, Councilor Brooks seconded, that the Consent Agenda items be adopted. On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Eaton declared the motion carried and the consent agenda items adopted.

City Manager Sparks explained that the Art Center has requested that the City add to the amount that was originally in its basic budget. The organization is requesting an additional $2,500. City Manager Sparks stated that this donation would come from the monies that the Council has set aside for special requests.

Rachelle Fliehman, 911 Bridge Avenue, stated that she is the secretary and the fundraising chairman of the Albert Lea Art Board. Ms. Fliehman stated that there is a hole in the roof of the Albert Lea Art Center building which will allow leakage into the building when the spring thaw and rains come. She stated that they received an estimate in the amount of $6,000 for the necessary roof repair. She stated that the organization had to replace its furnace and air conditioning system last year which has caused their profit and loss statement to show a loss. She also stated that the organization has solicited funds from numerous businesses and service clubs but has only received $800 in donations. Ms. Fliehman stated that the organization has less than four (4) months of operating costs left and that their membership is down to only approximately 58 members.

Mayor Eaton asked what would happen if they did not receive the funds from the City. Ms. Fliehman stated that if the organization could not generate the full $6,000 they would just have the emergency leak repaired for a cost of $1,600. She added that the rest of the roof would have to be repaired within two (2) years anyway.

It was determined that the building is owned by the Albert Lea Art Center and that the damage is not covered by insurance. Ms. Fliehman stated that the building was re-roofed in 1992 and it was determined that the repairs that are needed now are due to a poor job done by the roofing company. She further stated that they cannot go back to the roofer because the warranty only gave the organization two (2) years to make any claims.

Councilor Erdman asked whether the organization has tried to increase its membership. Joan Slen, 206 Lee Place, stated that the organization has been involved in a telephone campaign with which they are signing up new members every day so the membership will be increasing. She also stated that they have solicited numerous local businesses and banks.

Ms. Fliehman stated that the company they are considering hiring for the project is Kiker Bros., Inc. and the Art Center feels they are a very competent company. She stated that they had a total of three estimates to choose from and Kiker Bros. had the most desirable.

Councilor Kron moved, Councilor Erdman seconded, that Resolution 04-59, authorizing a donation to the Albert Lea Art Center for roof repairs, be approved. On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion with the exception of Councilors Amundson, Fjelstad, and Brooks who voted nay. Mayor Eaton declared the motion carried and the resolution adopted.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 04-59 included with these minutes.)

City Manager Sparks explained that the Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce has made a request to borrow $50,000 from the Revolving Loan Fund for the purpose of purchasing the former City Hall building on Broadway to be used as their offices.

Marge Hamersly, 81598 – 120^th Street, Glenville, Minnesota, Executive Director of the Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce, appeared before the Council. Ms. Hamersly stated that the organization has reached a verbal agreement with the current owner of the building on Broadway and are in the process of signing a Purchase Agreement for said building. She stated that the organization wishes to be more visible in the community and wishes to preserve the historical nature of the building. She stated that the Chamber also anticipates the loan will be fairly short-term as they will begin a capital campaign immediately.

City Manager Sparks stated that the funds would be loaned at a rate of three percent (3%). He added that the money would come from the State of Minnesota and the federal government. He added that the City of Albert Lea’s Revolving Loan Fund is already committed to other organizations with the exception of $55,000. The maximum amount the City would be able to loan them would be $50,000 because there would be no job creation stemming from this project. City Manager Sparks stated that the loan is replenished only when the loan recipients repay their debts.

Councilor Amundson inquired about the status of the environmental issue at the building in question. Ms. Hamersly stated that there have been a great many repairs done on the building in questions addressing said environmental issues. She also stated that the Purchase Agreement would be contingent on an assessment made by the Institute of Environmental Assessment.

Councilor Fjelstad asked why the organization would want to go into a different location if there is a future possibility of incorporating into the City offices which he felt would be a Chamber utopia. Ms. Hamersly stated that one of the factors involved in the decision is the fact that they may be able to move into the building on Broadway in a matter of months versus the possibility of years in waiting for the opportunity to incorporate with the City.

Tim Thompson, 1501 Seath Drive, the current Chamber Board President, stated that they want to be a cornerstone in the downtown revitalization. He also stated that the building is set up how they would need it and they would not have to make a lot of modifications to it. Another reason he gave for the decision to purchase the building reiterated the need for visibility and a good location.

Randy Kerr, 1712 Plainview Lane, stated that the current Chamber office is not handicapped accessible which is very hard for physically impaired individuals thus distressing membership. He also stated that they have considered approximately 15 different locations and struggled with trying to find a place that was more visible. He added that the organization is in the process of organizing an extensive fundraising effort that would enable to Chamber to repay the loan as well as make improvements to the building. Mr. Kerr stated that the Chamber believes it would be able to obtain financing but that the City offers the most favorable terms with its deferred payments and low interest rate. Mr. Kerr also stated he believes the organization would be able to repay the loan in approximately two (2) years.

City Manager Sparks explained that because the money to be loaned is federal money the City cannot loan it to any lobbyist based group, such as the Chamber. Ms. Hamersly then explained that the Chamber will be filing articles of incorporation for a non-profit corporation named Albert Lea Area Improvement Company, Inc. that will exist for the purpose of receiving loans and donations for the purpose of purchasing the building.

After Council discussion, Councilor Erdman moved, Councilor Marin seconded, that Resolution 04-60, authorizing a loan to Albert Lea Area Improvement Company, Inc. to purchase the former City Hall building, be approved. On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Eaton declared the motion carried and the resolution adopted.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 04-60 included with these minutes.)

Mayor Eaton opened a public hearing to consider the construction improvements of Richway Drive. The necessary notice for this hearing was published on February 22, 2004.

James Stripe appeared before the Council as a representative of the Albert Lea Country Club. Mr. Stripe expressed the club’s concern about the large amount of their assessment. He also suggested that the City leave the flat space located where the curb ends on the corner of Richway Drive and Lakeview Boulevard as is so they can have access to the golf course. He stated that the golf course utilizes this space to haul equipment onto the golf course without having to go through the entire golf course.

City Manager Sparks stated that the City cannot assess golf courses or cemeteries so the assessment will be deferred until the property is converted to some other use, such as housing. City Manager Sparks also added that a drive-cut may be incorporated into the plans so that the Albert Lea Golf Club could still have easy access to their property.

Councilor Amundson moved, Councilor Fjelstad seconded, that Resolution 04-61, ordering the improvement and preparation of plans for Job 0401, deferring any assessment levied against a golf course or a cemetery, be approved. On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Eaton declared the motion carried, the resolution adopted and the public hearing closed.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 04-61 included with these minutes.)

City Manager Sparks explained that individuals requested that the Council draft a resolution expressing the City’s plans to use any future sales tax revenue to improve the Shell Rock River Watershed.

After Council discussion, Councilor Erdman moved, Councilor Fjelstad seconded, that Resolution 04-62, evidencing intent to use the sales tax revenue to improve the shell rock river watershed, be approved. On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Eaton declared the motion carried and the resolution adopted.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 04-62 included with these minutes.)

Councilor Amundson moved, Councilor Kron seconded, that Resolution 04-63, approving a contract with Victoria Simonsen for the position of City Manager, be approved. On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Eaton declared the motion carried and the resolution adopted.

(See Secretary's Original Resolution 04-63 included with these minutes.)

City Manager Sparks explained that this resolution approves an extension of an existing contract the City has for hauling biosolids, drying them, and taking them to a landfill. He further stated that these biosolids are the sludge that normally would be put on farmland but cannot be placed there due to a high reading of molybdenum. He stated that action has been taken to correct any future problems but the City still has approximately 1.5 million gallons of sludge in storage to haul away.

After Council discussion, Councilor Brooks moved, Councilor Amundson seconded, that Resolution 04-64, approving an extension of biosolids hauling, be approved. On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Eaton declared the motion carried and the resolution adopted.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 04-64 included with these minutes.)

City Manager Sparks commented that this resolution approves an agreement with the MPCA that would grant them access to North Edgewater Park to carry out additional testing. He stated that they would be using a geoprobe for vinyl chloride sourcing, methane gas measuring, and they would also do testing to determine the amount of cover material that is on the site to see how much additional material would be required.

Roger Bok, 1012 Cato Drive, appeared before the Council to inquire about who would be paying for said testing. Public Works Director Steve Jahnke stated that the State of Minnesota would cover this portion of the project.

Councilor Amundson moved, Councilor Brooks seconded, that Resolution 04-65, approving the agreement to allow MPCA work access to North Edgewater Park, be approved. On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Eaton declared the motion carried and the resolution adopted.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 04-65 included with these minutes.)

City Manager Sparks noted that this resolution is actually a contract with the Rendezvous to hold their annual event. He further stated that the event would take place in Bancroft Park and the agreement is something the City agrees to annually. He added that the terms of the contract remain the same as the previous year.

Councilor Fjelstad moved, Councilor Kron seconded, that Resolution 04-66, approving the special event concession agreement for the Big Island Rendezvous Festival, be approved. On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Eaton declared the motion carried and the resolution adopted.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 04-66 included with these minutes.)

City Manager Sparks explained that this is a resolution authorizing the purchase of a tractor / loader. He further stated that the purchase price of $43,626.61 would come from the equipment fund but would be available for use by any of the City’s Departments.

Mayor Eaton asked what will be done with the old tractor / loader. City Manager Sparks stated that the old equipment will be sold surplus.

After Council discussion, Councilor Kron moved, Councilor Brooks seconded, that Resolution 04-67, authorizing the purchase of a tractor / loader, be approved. On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Eaton declared the motion carried and the resolution adopted.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 04-67 included with these minutes.)

City Manager Sparks informed the Council that this resolution authorizes the Park Department to apply for a Bureau of Outdoor Recreation grant in the amount of $110,000 for improvements to Pioneer Park. He further stated that the grant would be 50 percent outdoor recreation money and 50 percent City money. The project consists of playground equipment with landscape timbers, pathways, sidewalks, parking areas, bathrooms, and landscaping.

After Council discussion, Councilor Amundson moved, Councilor Erdman seconded, that Resolution 04-68, authorizing the grant application for Pioneer Park grant improvements, be approved. On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Eaton declared the motion carried and the resolution adopted.

(See Secretary's Original Resolution 04-68 included with these minutes.)

City Manager Sparks explained that the City has received an offer for the purchase of 2.37 acres of land located at the corner of Main and Garfield. He further stated that the offer to purchase is from a development group that builds for Walgreen’s stores and that the purchase price offered is $775,000. The one contingency is on the land being deemed an environmentally clean site or the cost of clean up, which is estimated at approximately $150,000, would be deducted from the purchase price.

Mayor Eaton inquired about when Walgreen’s would own the property if the acquisition occurred. City Manager Sparks stated that they are working on getting the closing on the purchase within the next three (3) weeks. He further stated a reason for the rush is that as Farmland goes through bankruptcy and the company gets smaller, the file gets handed off to one person after the other and then that new person must be educated on the situation.

Councilor Amundson stated that he believes that parceling the property would decrease the value of the rest of the property. He further stated that although he believes Walgreen’s would be a good company to have located on that particular corner he proposed that the City counter the development company’s offer with $1 million. Councilor Kron stated that she believes $1 million is too high.

Councilor Fjelstad stated that he does not feel that Walgreen’s should be placed on the "front door" of the site because he believes there will be greater opportunities for the land in the future. He stated that he is totally against selling the property at all and that the City should wait until something better for the community presents itself.

Mayor Eaton asked if Walgreen’s would be interested in buying property that is down the hill farther so it wouldn’t take away from the visibility of the site. City Manager Sparks stated that Walgreen’s wishes to be on that specific corner because it is a high volume location.

Councilor Erdman stated that he believes the City should look at the big picture of how the sale would impact the site. He further stated that he believes that having a Walgreen’s located on the corner would take away from the visibility of the entire site. He feels that a Walgreen’s located directly on the corner would not look right when the City develops the rest of the site. He stated that he believes that it is premature to contemplate the sale to Walgreen’s at that location.

Mayor Eaton stated that she had spoken with developers who told her that once a city allows a Walgreen’s to develop, or another quality retail business, it would spark interest in other retail development, which in turn would spark interest in big retailers to consider the site.

Don Sorenson, 72823 – 220^th Street, appeared before the Council and stated that he thinks the City should wait on the issue of selling the property to see what develops. He stated that the lake and the channel will get cleaned up and things will improve. He believes that if the City subdivides the property and sells the best corner the City may have to turn around and buy it back for $5 million in the future. He feels that there are properties in distress about a half block away that would be just as suitable for Walgreen’s.

Marge Hamersly, 81598 – 120^th Street, Glenville, Minnesota, appeared before the Council with the preliminary results of the listening sessions prepared by Krause Consultants, Ltd. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She read various comments made by Albert Lea residents during the listening sessions. She stated that the residents view the Farmland site as a community strength and they believe that visibility of Albert Lea Lake is important. Ms. Hamersly stated that the residents’ comments suggested that the site be used for recreational purposes and that it be a destination point for fun activities. She stated that most residents see the site as a gateway to downtown and believe that it should be developed as a point of interest with unique architecture. She further stated that the residents feel the site should be used to make a statement about what Albert Lea is.

Emily Bartusek, 72129 Wineglass Road, stated she believes that Albert Lea does not need a Walgreen’s and that it would take away from the other businesses in town. She feels that if another drugstore went out of business the City would simply have another vacant building in town. She viewed her opinion that Albert Lea can do better than a drugstore.

Patrick Corrigan, 814 Frank Hall Drive, stated he is a lifetime resident of Albert Lea. He believes that businesses come and go and the Farmland property should not be sold at any price. He feels the City should wait for a greater opportunity.

Paul Overgaard, 1728 Bay Oaks Drive, expressed his opinion that incremental development such as the sale of only a piece of the Farmland site to Walgreen’s does not consider the future of Albert Lea.

Randy Kerr, 1712 Plainview Lane, stated that he believes the City of Albert Lea has a unique opportunity with the Farmland site. He further added that he thinks it would be a mistake that the City could not correct if it sold this property. He believes that the City should wait for the results of Albert Lea Listens to hear what the residents have to say.

Lanier Pratt, 807 North Shore Avenue, stated that he just recently moved to Albert Lea from a city where there are retailers on every corner and said he prefers the atmosphere in Albert Lea. He expressed his opinion that Albert Lea has an amazing future ahead of it but he believes that it needs to look long term versus trying to make a quick buck.

Councilor Brooks stated that he does not believe Walgreen’s would be a distraction on the corner of Main and Garfield, however, he further stated that he feels the site gives the City of Albert Lea an opportunity to do something different.

Roger Bok, 1012 Cato Drive, asked who does the planning and zoning for the community as well as the strategic planning for the entire City. Mayor Eaton stated that these are the responsibilities of the City Planner. Mr. Bok asked why the community never hears of any Planning meetings and Mayor Eaton responded that the meetings are made public and are held in the Planning Department.

Diana Eiseminger, 1504 Seath Drive, appeared before the Council to state that she feels Walgreen’s has other opportunities to build in Albert Lea and that the City should hold onto the land at the Farmland site for something better.

Councilor Kron moved, Councilor Fjelstad seconded, that the City sell a portion of the Farmland site to Walgreen’s. On roll call vote, Councilor Kron voted in favor of said motion while the remaining Councilors and Mayor Eaton voted nay. Mayor Eaton declared the motion defeated and the sale denied.

City Manager Sparks noted that the Hatch Bridge project would constitute replacing Hatch Bridge and a portion of Lakeview Boulevard. The project will cost approximately $1.25 million and will be a significant piece of work because the bridge needs to be raised and the deteriorated pavement and retaining wall also needs to be replaced. He further stated approximately $880,000 of the total budget would be municipal state aid eligible. The City portion would be about $350,000 and there would be a small amount assessed to property owners in the area.

Councilor Erdman inquired about the elevation of the bridge. According to Public Works Director Steve Jahnke the bridge would need to be raised by two (2) feet. It was determined that the project design would be finished by spring and the work would be done late summer and fall of 2004.

Roger Bok, 1012 Cato Drive, asked the Council if they were considering putting another culvert in at said location. City Manager Sparks stated that it would be a square concrete structure. Mr. Bok also suggested having a wood railing for the bridge possibly made by ALAMCO. City Manager Sparks told him that since it is municipal state aid bridge the State of Minnesota Department of Transportation will dictate what the bridge will be made out of.

After Council discussion, Councilor Erdman moved, Councilor Amundson seconded, that Resolution 04-69, authorizing the Hatch Bridge project to proceed using municipal state aid funds, be approved. On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Eaton declared the motion carried and the resolution adopted.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 04-69 included with these minutes.)

City Manager Sparks explained that this project is for an extension of sewer and watermain along County 46 east of I-35. He explained that the project would include Government Acres and would go east to State Park Road. He stated that the water system would be looped in order to improve reliability, water supply, and water pressure. The estimated cost of the project is $1 million with the City share of that expenditure being approximately $400,000. The balance of the cost would be assessable to area property owners. City Manager Sparks stated that the project is necessary for any further development to occur east of I-35. He stated that a hearing will be set for April 12, 2004.

Councilor Kron moved, Councilor Brooks, that Resolution 04-70, authorizing Job 0113 to proceed to hearing, be approved. On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Eaton declared the motion carried and the resolution adopted.

(See Secretary's Original Resolution 04-70 included with these minutes.)

Mayor Eaton congratulated all of the local high school sports teams who have been doing an outstanding job.

Mayor Eaton congratulated the participants in the Science Fair held at the Northbridge Mall on Saturday of which she was honored to be a judge.

Mayor Eaton asked that the community help support Mary Pawlenty’s Family Care Initiative in which individuals volunteer to help the families of the 88 soldiers that are being deployed to Afghanistan. She stated that many of the families have young children and may need help with various responsibilities around the yard or house and could even use a babysitter. She stated that any individual can learn how to help by visiting the Governor Pawlenty’s website.

Mayor Eaton also mentioned the Letters from Home program which is a local project that provides letters to all of the servicemen from the school children in Albert Lea and Alden.

Second Ward, Councilor Erdman:

(1)  Stated that he continues to receive calls regarding the hospital parking zone and was wondering if there was any movement on the issue. City Attorney Schwab stated that the City of Rochester has permit parking around its hospitals but they do have some trouble enforcing it. City Attorney Schwab stated that he could put together an enabling Ordinance regarding the problem. City Manager Sparks stated that a study would have to be done to determine that there is an extraordinary parking impact in a particular neighborhood and when the study is complete the provisions of the Ordinance may be imposed.

Third Ward, Councilor Marin:

(1)  Stated that his thoughts and prayers are with the soldiers that are going to Afghanistan and the families that are left behind.

(2)  Wanted to clarify that no decisions have been made concerning the new library. He stated that there are no secret meetings or deals being made being closed doors.

Fourth Ward, Councilor Fjelstad:

(1)  Requested signage at the corner of Johnson Street and Bridge Avenue. He specifically requested:

• A ‘No Parking Here to Corner’ sign 40 feet south of the sidewalk on the north side of the street,

• A ‘Begin No Parking’ sign on the south side of Johnson directly east of the sidewalk, and

• An ‘End No Parking’ sign on the power pole approximately 45 feet south of the sidewalk.

Councilor Fjelstad moved, Councilor Erdman, that Resolution 04-71, authorizing no parking signs at the corner of Johnson Street and Bridge Avenue, be approved. On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Eaton declared the motion carried and the resolution adopted.

(See Secretary's Original Resolution 04-71 included with these minutes.)

Sixth Ward, Councilor Brooks:

(1) Asked Public Works Director Steve Jahnke if the City was still planning on doing curb and repair work on Eighth Street and Todd Street. City Manager Sparks stated that the City is short-handed in the Engineering Department and that the it currently has two (2) other significant projects underway. Therefore, City Manager Sparks stated that the City would not be able to handle another project at this time.

Roger Bok, 1012 Cato Drive, spoke in regards to Councilor Marin. Mr. Bok made a reference to Kobe Bryant and how Councilor Marin allegedly placed a chain across an alley on Wedgewood keeping a "white" man from getting to his garage. Mr. Bok wanted to know how a chain could be put across an alley. Councilor Marin stated that he did not put a chain up across an alley and that he did not know what Mr. Bok is talking about.

City Manager Sparks then stated that the alley was closed by the Park Department because it goes into the park. Mr. Bok then argued that it was a regular alley and that the City had no right to close it.

Mayor Eaton then stated that Mr. Bok needed to give his public comment respectfully.

Councilor Marin stated that he believes the chain is currently down and has been down for many months. He commented that he even received calls from residents to thank him for taking the chain down. Councilor Marin reiterated that he had nothing to do with putting the chain up and feels that the issue has been dealt with.

Mr. Bok stated that he knows it is an alley because back in 1963 when he worked for Ulland Brothers he parked his equipment in it. Mayor Eaton told Mr. Bok that they would be glad to have him speak but that he needed to watch his voice. Mr. Bok then told her that it was his turn to talk and that she should go get the rules out.

Mr. Bok stated he wanted to know why that man cannot use the alley to get to his garage. City Manager Sparks responded by stating that the man is driving through the park to get to his garage. Mayor Eaton told him that the City would investigate the issue and that someone will get back to him within the next three (3) days.

Mr. Bok then brought up the issue of snow being deposited on the State, County, and City right-of-ways on Main Street. He continued by stating that he previously mentioned this issue approximately two (2) Council meetings ago and nothing has been done to resolve the issue. He demanded to know why the issue hasn’t been taken care of. Councilor Amundson stated that the snow has melted thus causing the matter to take care of itself.

Mr. Bok also inquired about why the city workers are cleaning the right-of-way where the snow is coming out of a parking lot. Mayor Eaton declared that the issue was up to the Department Head and believes that he must have good reason for why the workers were doing that. She stated again that she would have an answer for him in three (3) days.

Mr. Bok then inquired about the snow being pushed from the storage sheds on St. Thomas and Eberhardt. He stated that they are taking the snow from that property and pushing it into the fence of the property across the street. Mayor Eaton told Mr. Bok that she would ask that Department Head about the issue.

Mr. Bok then mentioned that he had an issue with snow removal on Williams Street. He stated that he wishes the snow removal process would go back to the way it was done previously. Mayor Eaton told him all of his questions would be answered and someone would get back to him in three (3) days.

Mr. Bok then brought up the ministers and priests that come to the Council meetings. He stated that he was going to say a prayer for her that night so maybe they can get stuff right.

Councilor Marin moved, Councilor Amundson 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, March 22, 2004. On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Eaton declared the motion carried and the meeting adjourned.

Filed and attested March 8, 2004.

 /S/ Allison Folie                                                                 /S/ Jean Eaton                                                         

Acting Secretary of the Council                                        Mayor