Albert
Lea, MN
March 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 Warren Amundson, David McPherson, George Marin, Ron Sorenson, Mary
Kron, Al Brooks and Mayor Bob Haukoos. 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 and the Albert Lea Tribune.
CONSENT
AGENDA
(a)
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE COUNCIL MEETING OF
FEBRUARY 26, 2001.
(b)
RESOLUTION 01-58 ADOPTED – APPROVING A LAWFUL GAMBLING APPLICATION:
Resolution 01-58 approves an Application for Authorization to Conduct
Excluded Bingo at the Freeborn County Fair July 31 through August 5, 2001, for
the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 447.
(See
Secretary’s Original Resolution
01-58 included with these minutes.)
(c)
CALLS A PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE TRANSFER OF THE MIDTOWN LIQUOR LICENSE
FROM VALU-RITE LIQUORS OF ALBERT LEA, INC. TO DONNA WERNER FOR MARCH 26, 2001.
(d)
RESOLUTION
01-59
ADOPTED - CLAIMS: Resolution 01-59
presents the
financial claims of the City.
(See Secretary's Original Resolution
01-59
included with these minutes.)
Councilor Amundson
moved,
Councilor Brooks
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 01-60 ADOPTED – APPROVING RESTRICTED PARKING ON GRACE AND VINEHURST – PUBLIC HEARING
Mayor
Haukoos announced at the last Council meeting Councilor McPherson requested a
public hearing on parking restrictions for Grace Street and Vinehurst Avenue and
a one-way designation for Vinehurst. The
necessary notice for this hearing was published on March 2, 2001.
Larry
Holcomb, 521 Grace, appeared in opposition to a one-way street on Vinehurst and
had no preference for parking restrictions on Grace and Vinehurst.
Kathy
Quinn, 604 Fountain, informed the Council that hospital employees are parking
their cars on Vinehurst all day and that is creating a bottleneck.
She noted that a one-way street won’t make any difference and that she
has nowhere for her visitors to park.
Lloyd
Leupold, 604 ½ Fountain, appeared in opposition to a parking ban.
He suggested two hour parking from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. and noted opposition
to a one-way street.
Harold
Nelson, 511 Grace, suggested restricting parking on Grace and Vinehurst from 9-5
each day and questioned whether the hospital provided enough parking for its
employees. City Manager Sparks
responded that the hospital was in place prior to the parking requirements and
therefore were grandfathered in.
Bernard
Higgins, 506 Grace, suggested limiting hours for no parking 5 A.M. to 5 P.M.
Neda
Johnson, 522 Grace, told the Council that she has a business in her home and the
majority of her business occurs in the evenings. She indicated that no parking would put her out
of business and that she has
one stall for off-street parking with
both her husband and herself owning cars. She
is opposed to no parking on that street. She
indicated that she would not oppose a restriction during the day.
Lloyd
Leupold, 604 ½ Fountain, noted that there is no yellow curb adjacent to curb
cuts and suggested painting these areas.
Deborah
Kaufman, 311 Vinehurst, informed the Council that she could not exit her
driveway due to hospital employees parking across the street from her house.
She is in favor of no parking.
Councilor
McPherson stated that as a result of the public hearing and phone calls that he
has received that the one-way designation would not work.
Councilor McPherson moved to restrict parking on both Vinehurst and Grace
between 8 A.M. and 4 P.M. on weekdays with no restrictions on weekends.
Councilor Marin seconded the motion.
Council
discussion centered around the possibility of problems for the Fountain Street
area and the fact that there is no parking on the south side of Grace and the
west side of Vinehurst already in place and clarified that the 8-4 parking
restriction be on the north side of Grace and the east side of Vinehurst.
Robert
Fisher, 509 Grace, questioned the hours selected and suggested perhaps 9 A.M. to
5 P.M.
City
Manager Sparks stated that the City crews could paint the curbs and do signing
without Council action.
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
01-60
included with these minutes.)
Mayor Haukoos opened a public hearing for the consideration of the Frank
Avenue Reconstruction (Job 9705). The
necessary notice for this hearing was published on February 18, 2001.
Greg
Thomas, 1007 Frank Avenue, questioned whether dumpsters would be available for
residents’ use. City Engineer
Olson stated that the City could not provide dumpsters and that the residents
should contact their haulers.
Duane
Lind, 1028 Frank Avenue, requested extra security for parking of vehicles during
the project. City Manager Sparks
stated that the City could request extra patrolling of that area.
Lorny
Ness, 806 Frank Avenue, questioned what the extra cost for widening the street
would be. City Engineer Olson
stated that the widening is three percent of the total cost of the project.
Mr. Ness also commented on the fact that the widening will increase
speeds, traffic and that the street currently has a problem with kids playing in
it. City Engineer Olson
responded that the street was designed according to engineering standards and that at the cost of
the project he is recommending that the widening occur.
Mr. Ness questioned whether something would be done with the problems he
addressed and whether speed limit signs would be posted on the street.
City Manager Sparks stated that there would be no speed limit signs
posted and that residents know that the speed limit is 30 mph in the City unless
otherwise posted. He suggested
extra enforcement initially and possibly placement of “children at play”
signs. Mr. Ness indicated his
desire to see the project completed.
Councilor
Brooks noted that this improvement is long overdue, that the residents may see
some inconvenience during the construction period and that the Council could
deal with issues as they occur. Councilor
Brooks then moved to approve the project. Councilor
Amundson seconded the motion.
Councilor
Marin stated that he heard a definition for government as being in place to do
for the people that which people cannot due for themselves noting that he is the
pastor at a church located at College and Euclid and that he resided at that
location for six years. He called
the police on several occasions requesting additional patrols and enforcement of
violations he had observed. He
encouraged the residents on Frank to do likewise if they observe violators in
the neighborhood.
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
01-61
included with these minutes.)
Mayor
Haukoos opened a public hearing on the reconditioning of Maplehill Drive from
Plainview Lane to West Front Street. The
necessary notice for this public hearing was published on January 26, 2001.
There
was no public discussion.
Councilor Marin moved, Councilor
Sorenson seconded, that Resolution 01-62, ordering Job 0102, the reconditioning
of Maplehill Drive as recommended by the City Engineer, 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
01-62
included with these minutes.)
REQUEST
TO HOLD YOUTH EVENTS APPROVED
City
Manager Sparks explained that Jackie Abrego has requested an opportunity to hold
special events for young people during the summer months.
She is planning to use several City facilities and is coordinating her
efforts with the Park and Recreation Department.
He noted that the Park and Rec Department is very interested in seeing
the project proceed.
Jackie
Abrego, 1122 E. Richway Drive, appeared before the City Council to explain her
plan. She intends to
create functions and events for teens
during the summer
months, create work for her sons and donate the proceeds after expenses
to assist with funding of community youth organizations such as football camps.
She told the Council that parents of the young people involved would be
expected to supervise the events.
City
Manager Sparks noted that the Park and Rec Department will work with the Abregos
and that the Abregos would be sponsors for the activities.
After Council discussion, Councilor Kron moved, Councilor Marin seconded,
that the request to hold special teen events during the summer months, be
approved. On roll call vote, all
Councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor
Haukoos declared the motion carried and the request granted.
ALBERT
LEA SKATE CLUB REQUEST FOR WORKSHOP
City
Manager Sparks noted that the Albert Lea Skate Club is asking for an opportunity
to meet with the City Council in a workshop meeting to discuss the Skate Park
and its future. He explained that
this would be a good step in order to coordinate efforts.
He suggested that the Skate Club be invited to participate in a
discussion at the Council’s April 2nd workshop scheduled for 5:30
that evening and noted that he would contact the Skate Club to assign a time for
their discussion. There was no
action taken.
REQUEST
FOR ANNEXATION
City
Manager Sparks explained that the City has a request for annexation of property
located south of County Road 46, West of Interstate 35, east of the township
road and north of Southeast Marshall. The
annexation has been petition for and is for the purpose of providing a site for
a major retailer. He noted that
this would be a large box retail operation with the total land to be developed
at 55 acres.
After Council discussion, Councilor
Marin moved, Councilor Kron seconded, that the City Manager be authorized to
proceed with negotiations with Albert Lea Township for this annexation.
On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion.
Mayor Haukoos declared the motion carried and the action authorized.
REQUEST FOR FUNDING ALBERT LEA ART
CENTER
City
Manager Sparks explained that the City had received a request for funds from the
CVB account for the Albert Lea Art Center for a web page.
He noted that that probably is not an appropriate use of those funds.
He suggested that the Art Center talk with the CVB about possible
sponsorship of this web site and noted that he would contact the Art Center and
the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. No
action was taken on this request.
City
Manager Sparks explained that this item was carried over from the last meeting
and that it is a request for City participation in the Freeborn County
Historical Society’s alarm system project.
He noted that the County Board had agreed to provide $10,000.00 in
support of the project and that the Society is seeking funds from the City.
Bev
Jackson, Director of the Freeborn County Museum, Library and Historical Village,
appeared before the City Council. Ms.
Jackson explained that a hookup is being donated for this system for the first
year, that Freeborn County has agreed to provide $10,000.00 in funding and that
the museum has applied for a grant for $7500.00 and that they are requesting an
allocation from the City.
Council discussion centered around
the possibility of fund raising efforts to acquire the funds necessary.
After Council discussion, Councilor Brooks moved, Councilor Amundson
seconded, that $2,000.00 be allocated for the Freeborn County Museum, Library
and Historical Village Project.
Councilor Marin noted that 53
percent of County taxes are paid by City residents and that the City has
therefore granted funding through that donation.
After Council discussion and 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
01-63
included with these minutes.)
City Manager Sparks stated that the Planning Commission had considered
and approved a request from the Albert Lea School District for an off-premise
informational sign for Albert Lea High School.
Mark Stotts, 1641 Massee, Director
of Finance and Operations for District 241, appeared before the City Council.
Mr. Stotts noted that the District intends to remove the current athletic
sign, remove Hammer School, agrees to operating hours between 7 A.M. and 10
P.M., agrees that messages should be school related and that the sign will not
be flashing. This would comply with
the conditions ordered by the Planning Commission.
He noted that the sign has been donated to the District.
After Council discussion, Councilor
McPherson moved, Councilor Sorenson seconded, that Resolution 01-64, approving
an off-premise informational sign for Independent School District 241, be
approved as recommended by the Albert Lea Advisory Planning Commission. 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
01-64
included with these minutes.)
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS NOTICE OF
RATE INCREASE
City Manager Sparks explained that
the City had received a letter from Charter Communications indicating plans for
a rate increase. He noted that the
Council is prohibited by federal law from controlling the rates of cable
companies and that the information the City has on the rate increase would
indicate that it falls within the local prohibited control amount and applies to
an area over which the City is prohibited from having any control over prices.
The notice will be accepted and placed on file.
City Manager Sparks explained that
this ordinance accepts the Minnesota Office of Strategic and Long Range Planning
Board’s Annexation Order for an area in Section 12 of Pickerel Lake Township
adjacent to the City Arena consisting of 15.62 acres.
Councilor Amundson introduced
Ordinance 46, 3d. Ordinance 46, 3d
will lay over for a second reading and public hearing pursuant to Charter
requirements.
(See
Secretary’s Original
Ordinance
46, 3d included with these minutes.)
ORDINANCE 47, 3d INTRODUCED –
ACCEPTING LONG RANGE PLANNING BOARD’S ANNEXATION ORDER IN SECTION 12 OF
PICKEREL LAKE TOWNSHIP
City Manager Sparks explained that
this ordinance accepts the Minnesota Office of Strategic and Long Range Planning
Board’s Annexation Order for an area in Section 12 of Pickerel Lake Township
adjacent to the City Arena consisting of 26.36 acres.
Councilor Amundson introduced
Ordinance 47, 3d. Ordinance 47, 3d
will lay over for a second reading and public hearing pursuant to Charter
requirements.
(See
Secretary’s Original
Ordinance
47, 3d included with these minutes.)
RESOLUTION 01-65 ADOPTED –
APPROVING ICE TIME CONTRACT
City Manager Sparks explained that this resolution approves a contract
for ice time with the Albert Lea Hockey Schools for rental of the City Arena for
an amount of $4800.00 scheduled for a time period in July which is yet to be
determined. He noted that this
would allow the organization to put on a hockey school.
Councilor Brooks moved, Councilor
Kron seconded, that Resolution 01-65, approving a contract with Albert Lea
Hockey Schools for an ice time rental contract, 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
01-65
included with these minutes.)
RESOLUTION 01-66 ADOPTED – APPROVING LEASE AGREEMENT AND PURCHASE AGREEMENT FOR POLICE VEHICLES
City Manager Sparks explained that this resolution approves the purchase
of two Ford Explorer XLT’s at $24,692.00 each to be used by the Police
Department as regular vehicles which would also be available in icy weather and
emergencies. He also told the
Council that he is recommending that the City change its method of acquiring
police cars for squad duty. He
recommended replacement of four squad cars on a lease basis from the State of
Minnesota. The State has a lease
program that is advantageous to local governments and could enable the City to
save approximately $30,000.00 over the next two years.
The lease arrangement includes all maintenance and fuel, which is
purchased on a State charge card basis and is approximately 25 percent cheaper
than our own internal cost.
After Council discussion, Councilor
Sorenson moved, Councilor Kron seconded, that Resolution 01-66, approving the
lease agreement for the four squad cars and the purchase of two Ford Explorer
XLT’s, 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
01-66
included with these minutes.)
RESOLUTION 01-67 ADOPTED – CALLING A PUBIC HEARING FOR THE ADOPTION AND ESTABLISHMENT OF DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT NO. 8 AND TAX INCREMENT FINANCING DISTRICT 8-1
City Manager Sparks explained that this begins the process for
establishing a tax increment district on the west side of the City adjacent to
Highway 13. The project is in the
area north of the funeral home, east of the railroad tracks, west of Highway 13
and south of County 74 and would make it possible to build a housing project at
a lower cost allowing the developer more flexibility with his rent structure.
Mr. Sparks noted that the developer would be required to provide 20
percent of its units to people of moderate income which under the statute is
defined as $25,000.00 per year or less. He
noted that this would be a ten-year pay as you go district.
After Council discussion, Councilor
Sorenson moved, Councilor McPherson seconded, that Resolution 01-67, initiating
the establishment of Tax Increment Finance District 8-1 and calling a public
hearing for April 23, 2001, 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
01-67
included with these minutes.)
RESOLUTION 01-68 ADOPTED – APPROVING QUOTE FOR TREE AND STUMP REMOVAL
City Manager Sparks explained that this resolution approves the low quote
from Peterson Tree Service in the amount of $5,639.17 for tree removal in
relation to the Frank Avenue Project.
After Council discussion, Councilor
Brooks moved, Councilor Kron seconded, that Resolution 01-68, approving the low
quote for tree and stump removal in relation to the Frank Avenue Project from
Peterson’s Tree Service, 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
01-68
included with these minutes.)
City Manager Sparks noted that the City had been informed that the
original applicant for the Hoeger Lane annexation no longer owns the property in
question and that under these circumstances it would be appropriate for the City
to find out if the new owner wishes to continue with the annexation process.
He recommended the Council withdraw the annexation request until such
time as a written confirmation is received.
After Council discussion, Councilor
Brooks moved, Councilor Marin seconded, that Resolution 01-69, 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
01-69
included with these minutes.)
UNLISTED ITEMS
WARD ITEMS
Second Ward, Councilor McPherson:
a)
Indicated his appreciation and respect for the residents on Grace,
Vinehurst and Harriet Lane with regard to the parking issues over the past few
weeks and also thanked City Engineer Olson and the City Council for their
patience in dealing with the parking issues of his Ward.
Fourth Ward, Councilor Sorenson:
a)
Thanked Minnesota Corrugated Box for sponsorship of the sign for School
District 241.
b)
Thanked Mark Behrends for attendance at the Council meeting and suggested
that perhaps the Council should attend County Board meetings and also exchange
agendas for communication purposes.
Mayor Haukoos also thanked
Minnesota Corrugated Box for providing the sign and congratulated Fire Chief
Rich Sydnes for his efforts in getting the City a Class III designation for
insurance purposes.
ADJOURNMENT – 8:48 P.M.
Councilor Amundson moved, Councilor
Brooks 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 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 March 13, 2001.
________________________
_____________________________
Secretary of the Council Mayor