Albert Lea, MN  

April 11, 2005

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 Vern Rasmussen, Randy Erdman, George Marin, Jeff Fjelstad, John Severtson, Al Brooks and Mayor Jean Eaton. Also present were City Manager Victoria Simonsen, City Attorney Steve Schwab, Public Works Director Steve Jahnke, Council Secretary Sandi Behrens and representatives from the Albert Lea Tribune and KATE Radio.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

(a) APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 28, 2005.

 

(b) RESOLUTION 05-71 ADOPTED – CLAIMS: Resolution 05-71 presents the financial claims of the City.

(See Secretary's Original Resolution

05-71 included with these minutes.)

Councilor Severtson 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 Simonsen addressed questions and concerns expressed at the previous meeting as follows:

- Regarding a comment from Keith Register that Roger Bok should be paid for his time and expenses, this was not budgeted this year. If the Council chooses, they may direct that this be done.

- A request was made to obtain an appraisal for the Blazing Star Landing. Robinson Appraisals has been retained to do this appraisal. Mr. Robinson said that he would get the appraisal done before the end of April.

- A request was made to determine an approximate cost to divert the channel and put in a lock and dam. It appears that to carry out that project it would cost in the range of $26 to $50 million dollars.

 

City Manager Simonsen reported that this is a public hearing to consider the request for a JOBZ business subsidy for Pierz Marine Inc. The necessary notice for this hearing was published on April 1, 2005.

Paul Sparks, Executive Director of the Albert Lea Business Development Center, reported that the Port Authority of the City of Albert Lea recommends approval of the JOBZ tax exemptions for the Pierz Marine, Inc. project.

Ed Tschida, Advance Resources for Development, appeared to explain the request. He noted that this is the seventh request for a project in the City. He noted that the company operates boat dealerships in Minnesota and surrounding states. Pierz Marine is proposing to expand the operation to add an assembly component. This would be post production assembly serving the surrounding market. The company currently has 10 employees and the City Business Subsidy Plan requires they double their employment. They are looking at employing 25 people which would adequately meet the requirement. The business will be locating a 30,000 square foot building on approximately 13.5 acres along Sykes Street and the company will have a $1.5 million investment. The company meets all of the tests required for the JOBZ subsidy. The company will receive approximately $400,000 in tax exemptions and the City will realize a return investment in excess of $8 million. The business is locating in an existing zone. The resolution authorizes the City Manager to execute an agreement to be filed with the County and State.

Dean Slater, 527 Pleasant Avenue, representing Pierz Marine, responded to a question about post production. He explained that the company will get boats, motors, trailers, etc. and will put the components together. The company will provide boats for 13 stores.

David Shoff, 803 East Richway Drive, told the Council that he manages two hotels in Albert Lea and that he holds a degree in accounting and a master’s degree in finance. He said that under the original intent of the program, this company would not meet the test. The company is receiving 11 years of tax benefits for 15 jobs. The original intent was to bring businesses into the community with 50+ jobs. He noted that in recent cases, the companies receiving the JOBZ exemptions had threatened to leave the city if we didn’t give them the benefits. He warned that the City will be held hostage in the future.

Lanier Pratt, 807 North Shore Avenue, asked if there is a certain limit on the number of jobs that can be created. Mayor Eaton responded that there is no quota.

In response to a Council question, Mr. Tschida explained that it would be nice if the JOBZ program would be used for larger businesses; however, there haven’t been a huge number of businesses that have moved out of the metro area. He said that Albert Lea is aggressive in marketing. He noted that he has received many inquiries about Albert Lea and that many of these aren’t made public until the business chooses to move to the City. In an attempt to get benefit for the public subsidy that goes into a project, he looks at the investment that the business is willing to make, construction, capital, and payroll created. The State doesn’t compel the City to have any quota. Mr. Tschida noted that the City’s requirements are more stringent than those of the State. If we begin to run out of property for projects, we may become stingier with these projects. He doesn’t see that happening in the near future. For the City’s $400,000 investment, the return investment will be in excess of $8 million.

Mayor Eaton asked how much land remains in the zones. Mr. Tschida replied that he believes we have committed less than 100 acres.

Paul Sparks reported that we have used about 75 acres with 325 acres remaining. He noted that he was recently contacted by the economic development director for Bemidji asking about Albert Lea’s policy. He related that Albert Lea’s requirements are stronger than most cities. Bemidji has adopted a policy and currently requires the addition of six employees. He reported that Albert Lea has been successful because we have been fairly aggressive. He stated that he expects the program to grow stale in coming years. Mr. Sparks commented that we should aggressively continue to pursue companies in this program before the Legislature radically changes or eliminates it. He noted that Crystal Pierz had purchased property along I-35 near Clear Lake for the business but that they are expanding here because they are receiving the tax incentives.

Roger Bok, 1012 Cato Drive, commented that American was built on free enterprise and asked whether the company is moving across town to get the tax benefit.

Dean Slater told the Council that they didn’t want to move from their current location but that the property owner substantially raised the rent and when they asked about purchasing the building, the cost was quoted at $1.5 million. He stated that they don’t want to move out of Albert Lea.

Quincy Borland, 123 Noir Lane, asked what the average salary would be, how much of the 325 acres the project will take, how many projects have been approved and how Mr. Tschida arrived at the $400,000 and $8 million figures. Mr. Tschida replied that the project will take 13.5 acres and the average pay is between $32,000 and $33,000 including wages and benefits. The City has approved seven projects. He noted that he worked with the financial officer for the company and based on information provided he was able to derive the amount of the investment by the community and to the community through a computer program.

Mr. Borland then asked if the new jobs would require a degree. Mr. Slater responded that they will be required to take some training and that the company will pay for the employees to attend training.

Councilor Brooks noted that the economic development team is continually looking for businesses to move into the community and that if the City can use this program to help a local business expand, we will benefit from it.

David Shoff noted that you can always make the numbers fit. If you provide the program to local companies you are giving them 11 years of tax relief to prevent them from leaving town. He noted that soon every chief financial officer will be coming to the economic development people to request their share of the program.

Mayor Eaton reminded those present that if the company doesn’t comply with the requirements that they must repay the money received under the program.

Paul Sparks noted that if they don’t meet their goals or if it is found that there is fraud involved, the claw back provision requires that the money be paid back. He also noted that rules are in place which make it difficult to threaten leaving the City; the ratio test is included for that reason.

Patrick Corrigan, 814 Frank Hall Drive, told the Council that his father was very active in economic development following World Ward II and that they were always looking for small companies to come into the City and expand.

Councilor Marin noted that when he travels to conferences, he has found that Minnesota is known as a leader in formulating provisions such as the claw back provision. He also noted that many times the public isn’t always aware of what the Council knows.

After additional discussion, Councilor Brooks moved, Councilor Marin seconded, that Resolution 05-72, approving JOBZ tax exemptions for Pierz Marine, 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

05-72 included with these minutes.)

Mayor Eaton read the rules for addressing the City Council.

Roger Bok, 1012 Cato Drive, noted that he didn’t hear an answer as to why the rock was hauled in at the Farmland site. City Manager Simonsen told Mr. Bok that as long as we own the land, we will use it. She noted that this is a central location for the Street Department. Mr. Bok asked why we are storing these materials at the City Garage. It was his understanding that this property was supposed to be cleaned up. City Engineer Jahnke noted that the City owns property on Sparks Avenue and if we sell the Farmland site, the Engineering Department would be coming to the City Council requesting items required for the new property; such as fencing. When questioned further about the placement of rock and chips on this property, Ms. Simonsen noted that when developers look at the site, they look at these piles as free fill to spread over the site.

Mr. Bok then commented that more scrap iron was taken out of the City Garage on Thursday. He noted that he has attempted to talk with Human Resources Director Mike Zelenak and he was not available. Ms. Simonsen suggested Mr. Bok make an appointment with him. She told Mr. Bok that she is satisfied that mechanisms have been put in place to prevent abuse.

Nancy Jenson, 519 Albert Lea Street, asked if this was an appropriate time to comment on the annexation. Mayor Eaton asked Mrs. Jenson to speak to this issue when the item comes up on the agenda.

Quincy Borland, 123 Noir Lane, asked about the items salvaged from the auditorium by the City. Ms. Simonsen replied that lighting and switchboards were installed at the theatre and that the Tiger sign will be put up at the arena. Mr. Borland then asked why the Mayor reads the rules for addressing the Council noting that people may say anything they want to the Council. He asked if this reading is a result of the charges against her. Mayor Eaton replied that this is an open forum and that people are permitted to address any issue but they must comply with the Council’s rules. Councilor Severtson told Mr. Borland that at the Council retreat last month the Mayor was directed to be more aggressive with individuals who don’t comply with the rules. City Attorney Schwab said that the Public Items portion of the agenda is provided as a public forum. The Council can’t discriminate based on the content of the comment or the person making the comment. The Council can, however, set rules such as a time limit, the place for comment and the rules of conduct.

David Shoff, 803 East Richway Drive, commented that regarding the sludge removal issue that there is some concern expressed that the numbers and the information don’t match up. Ms. Simonsen suggested that Mr. Shoff meet with her and Mr. Zelenak for an explanation of this issue. He also offered a point of reference – the Mayor is supposed to run investigations and the City Council has the power to issue subpoenas. Mr. Shoff asked how much money is involved in this issue. Ms. Simonsen told Mr. Shoff that she has provided these figures to the City Council and that she could provide more information if the Council so requests. Mayor Eaton suggested Mr. Shoff meet with Ms. Simonsen and Mr. Zelenak regarding both issues.

Lanier Pratt, 807 North Shore Avenue, thanked the City Council for continuing support of the committee’s efforts. The committee is requesting the City continue watering flowers downtown. He has heard many positive comments. The committee will continue the curb appeal awards this year. Two fundraisers are scheduled. One will be a May Day Kids Day on May 1 at Wal-Mart and the other will be a Belgian waffle breakfast on May 15. Mr. Pratt also asked that the Fire Department assist the committee by putting up the decorative flags after Memorial Day.

After Council discussion, Councilor Rasmussen moved, Councilor Marin seconded, that Resolution 05-73, authorizing assistance to the Albert Lea Beautification Committee as requested. 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

05-73 included with these minutes.)

Randy Kehr, 1712 Plainview Lane, requested that the City Council adopt the eleven Design Team Principles to guide Albert Lea’s future decision making processes. The Committee is also requesting the Council adopt a community motto "Albert Lea – The Land Between the Lakes". He noted that the Land Between The Lakes Action Team feels that these principles are important to the community and asked that the City Council consider these principles as part of any discussion. He reminded the City Council that these principles came from the Albert Lea community.

Mayor Eaton mentioned that the motto is currently being used by KATE Radio and the Sesquicentennial Committee.

After additional discussion, Councilor Erdman moved, Councilor Severtson seconded, that Resolution 04-74, adopting the Minnesota Design Team Principles and the Community Motto, 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

05-74 included with these minutes.)

Mayor Eaton presented Certificates of Appreciation to Vern Baer and Virginia Gaasedelen-Olson for ten years of service on the Albert Lea Charter Commission.

City Manager Simonsen explained that the City received a request from local developers to pursue annexation of two parcels of land abutting Hammer Road. Upon review of the area, the Staff is recommending that the City Council pursue annexation of all township property currently located south of Hammer Road, east of Bridge Avenue and west of Sorensen Road. Staff has met with the township supervisors to discuss orderly annexation of this area and is requesting the Council call a public hearing for April 25 to discuss this proposed annexation. She noted that the City will allow the continued use of agricultural land for the properties currently in the township, as appropriate.

Councilor Severtson asked if the City can annex more than 60 acres at a time. Ms. Simonsen told Councilor Severtson that the rule is not a factor with orderly annexation.

Councilor Fjelstad moved, Councilor Erdman seconded, that a public hearing be called for April 25 to discuss the proposed annexation outlined by the City Manager.

Nancy Jenson, 519 Albert Lea Street, stated that she and her husband own a century farm in the annexation area and that the farm has been in the family for 140 years. They would prefer not to be annexed and feel that they would gain no benefit from annexation. She also feels that increasing the law enforcement geographic base would increase the burden for the department. She also noted that if the property is annexed and any assessment is included that the assessment be held for future assessment and not deferred.

Councilor Severtson asked Mrs. Jenson if they own property abutting on Stevens Road. Mrs. Jenson told the Council that the farm is bounded on the west by the railroad tracks and on the east by property recently sold to Real Estate Equities. She commented that when the City put in sewer and water it damaged tile which has caused flooding for properties in the area.

Roger Bok, 1012 Cato Drive, suggested the City replace the broken tile.

Nancy Jenson thanked Mr. Bok for his comment.

On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Eaton declared the motion carried and the public hearing called.

City Manager Simonsen reported that the City has approximately $1.5 million in deferred assessments. This includes assessments that have been deferred for reasons of hardship, agricultural use or until the property develops. It also includes properties "held for future" assessment. These assessments include improvements that benefit both the City and the township residents but cannot be assessed to township residents until they are annexed or connected to the service. Assessments that are "held for the future" cannot be treated the same as deferred assessments. The procedure staff will follow for the items "held for future" assessment is as follows:

• Interest begins to accrue at the time the property is annexed into the City. At the time the improvement is made, the property owner will receive a notice of the improvement and the possibility of future assessment to the property.

• Once the property is annexed or the owner connects to the service, they will receive a notice of the assessment and the City will conduct a public hearing and follow the same procedures we do for all assessments.

Ms. Simonsen noted that City Councilors Severtson and Brooks have requested a review of assessments charged for Frank Avenue and James Avenue street improvements in 2001. The total cost of the project was approximately $1.1 million. The former manager assessed $300,000 of the project to property owners and the City paid the remaining $800,000. When the project was completed, the total project cost came in slightly less than projected. The former City Manager chose to reduce the City’s portion of the project costs. Final assessment hearings were held and the public did not dispute the assessments.

Councilor Brooks asked how he is to explain the staff’s perception to his constituents. At the neighborhood meetings, the residents were told that if the costs were lower than anticipated their assessments would be reduced. He feels this is an ethical issue.

Councilor Severtson noted that he received five calls from residents that are unhappy with the new street and intend to move. He moved to give back the $56,000 to the 61 homeowners involved in the Frank Avenue project. Councilor Brooks seconded the motion.

Councilor Erdman commented that the final assessment hearings were held and the Council passed the assessments. That Council made a decision that they felt was appropriate at that time. He asked what would happen if other areas previously assessed for improvements decided to request a similar rebate. He noted that Frank Avenue residents paid 27 to 29 percent of the project and the remaining City residents paid the remainder. The street was very old and needed major improvements. Delaying the improvements would only increase the cost of the project. There was opposition to this project from the start. He requested staff prepare an assessment policy for Council approval and suggested that the policy be followed in every way.

Councilor Severtson asked if any state money was involved in the project. City Engineer Jahnke responded that no state funds were involved. Councilor Severtson then asked where the City would get the $56,000 to repay these residents. Ms. Simonsen explained that the money would have to be paid from the General Fund. She also explained that the City Council has the authority to authorize the repayment but noted that properties have changed ownership and some of the assessments were paid in full. She also reported that the County Assessor has no procedure in place for this purpose. She suggested the Council consider whether the amount of the assessment exceeded the benefit to the property.

Councilor Marin suggested the Council do what ever it can to make this wrong a right. He felt that an integrity issue is at stake and that this repayment would go a long way to show their constituents that they care and they do have integrity. Ms. Simonsen said that no mistakes were made; the only issue is that the project costs came in lower than expected.

Finance Director Krcil explained that the previous city manager indicated that the project would not proceed unless the residents agreed to pay $300,000 of the cost and that he intended to apply the difference to the City portion of the project.

Councilor Brooks noted that he had attended the neighborhood meetings for this project and may have indicated that the project may come in lower than anticipated. He also noted that the residents were permitted to comment on the final assessments at the public hearing but didn’t have access to the Council background. They had no reason to object to the final assessment.

Mayor Eaton suggested that other assessed property owners could come forward with the same request.

Councilor Brooks feels that the property owners benefited from the project and that he is satisfied with the $300,000 assessment but questions why the City received the benefit and not the residents.

Councilor Rasmussen stated that this was standard practice at that time and for the current Council to go back and attempt to interpret the correct action would not be appropriate. He feels that this should be a lesson to the Council to have policies in place and follow them. This Council shouldn’t go back to what occurred in 1997 and try to interpret appropriate action.

Councilor Severtson feels that the residents were cheated and he has done his job in bringing this issue up to the Council.

Greg Moen, 1617 Canary Drive, asked if the Council decides to refund the money who will they refund it to. Some buyers paid the assessments, some sellers paid the assessments and others split the assessments 50/50.

After additional discussion and on roll call vote, Councilors Marin, Severtson and Brooks voted in favor of the motion with Councilors Rasmussen, Erdman, Fjelstad and Mayor Eaton voting nay. Mayor Eaton declared the motion failed.

City Manager Simonsen reported that City Code Section 66-95 states that no person will maintain, use or permit to be used a septic tank or cesspool on any property in the City, or within 500 feet of either a watermain or sanitary sewer system. The code further states that property that abuts the City can also be connected to the system if it poses a public health concern. The City currently has eight known properties that are connected to City services but are not annexed into the City. The staff recommendation is to pursue annexation of these properties and that future utility extensions include annexation or an annexation clause of abutting properties.

City Manager Simonsen explained that at the last City Council meeting, the City Council adopted a resolution to move forward with the construction of an additional airport runway. As follow-up to that decision, she is requesting permission to enter into an agreement with Mead and Hunt to prepare a Real Estate Acquisition Services Agreement to acquire the necessary easements and purchase additional property to move forward with the runway project. The fee for this service is $51,425.

When questioned on property to be acquired, City Engineer Jahnke replied that the City will need to acquire property to the north of the airport and the south of the airport. Negotiations with the property owners have not yet begun.

After Council discussion, Councilor Marin moved, Councilor Brooks seconded, that Resolution 05-75, approving an agreement with Mead and Hunt to acquire the easements and properties, 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

05-75 included with these minutes.)

City Manager Simonsen reported that City staff has been pursuing repairs and/or replacement of the Katherine Island bridge for several years. Katherine Island bridge was constructed in 1939 at a cost of approximately $1000. The bridge has had repairs made to it over the years but has recently shown much deterioration. Last summer, because of safety concerns, the staff posted a sign limiting the number of pedestrians on the bridge at any given time. As a result of the flood last fall, the bridge has sustained further deterioration. Staff is recommending replacement of the bridge with expenses covered by the undesignated reserve account. Staff has consulted with local contractors and manufacturers to replace the existing bridge with a free-span, six-foot-wide steel bridge. The estimated cost of replacing the bridge is $80,260. The Park and Recreation Advisory Board has reviewed the proposal, assisted in selecting a bridge design and are recommending replacement.

Council discussion included the fact that the Land Between The Lakes group may want to do some fund raising for the island and the bridge, a need to do repairs to the island and methods for funding at the state level.

Roger Bok, 1012 Cato Drive, told the Council that they needed to take sealed bids for this project. Ms. Simonsen responded that this resolution will permit the staff to move forward with the bidding process.

After additional discussion, Councilor Brooks moved, Councilor Erdman seconded, that Resolution 05-76, authorizing replacement of the Katherine Island bridge, 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

05-76 included with these minutes.)

City Manager Simonsen explained that the Utility Department is requesting approval for the replacement of City Unit #768, a 1997 Vactor. The department received a state contract quote of $196,949.39 with trade-in of the current vehicle. This unit was budgeted for replacement in the 2005 Utility Department budget.

When asked what a Vactor does, City Engineer Jahnke replied that it is one of the most useful vehicles in the City’s fleet. It is used to clean sewer lines, sucks out Wastewater Treatment Plant lines and has even been used to clean up dead fish.

After Council discussion, Councilor Brooks moved, Councilor Rasmussen seconded, that Resolution 05-77, authorizing replacement of the Vactor, 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

05-77 included with these minutes.)

(1) Congratulated Victoria Simonsen for one year of service.

(2) Congratulated Tom Dyrdal, the Teacher of the Year, and other finalists.

(3) Congratulated Riverland for its award in financial reporting and its award for the automotive program.

(4) Thanked Mayo Health System for donations from the Cap Emmons Auditorium.

(5) Thanked Councilors Erdman and Brooks and Paul Overgaard and Bob Haukoos for testifying at the Legislature on behalf of the City for the lake clean-up bill.

(6) Announced that the City will be hosting the Third Annual Hometown Pride Clean-up Day on May 21.

First Ward, Councilor Rasmussen:

(1) Asked Staff to look at Lakewood Avenue to consider limiting parking to one side of the street.

Second Ward, Councilor Erdman:

(1) Noted that the Street Department is doing a good job cleaning up the City and asked residents to do its part. He reminded residents that chances are what goes into the street will end up in the lake.

(2) Thanked the Inspection Department for work in cleaning-up dilapidated properties.

(3) Thanked Representative Dorman for his hard work as Chair of the Capital Investments Committee and for passing the bonding bill.

(4) Thanked Bob Haukoos, Paul Overgaard and Al Brooks for their efforts on behalf of the City. He said we can do a better job of lobbying the legislature and if we don’t go after the money, someone else will. He urged everyone to lobby for H. F. 475, the lake clean-up bill.

Third Ward, Councilor Marin:

(1) Congratulated the Freeborn County Care Committee for its efforts in bringing over 3000 people to the Southwest School gymnasium to hear a message concerning character building.

(2) Asked that the speed monitor be placed on Highway 13. Lt. Jeff Strom told the Council that they are attempting to put the unit in various locations around the City. He noted that it was on Highway 13 a couple of weeks ago. He suggested contacting Jim Stark, Dwaine Winkels or him with suggested locations. Councilor Marin asked that the sign be placed on Highway 13 near the cemetery for one week and that a memo be sent to him with the dates of placement.

(3) Requested Council permission to host an open air concern in the North Broadway parking lot on August 21 as a Back to School event. He noted that they have had as many as 1800 people at previous events and that they have addressed the sound concerns.

Fourth Ward, Councilor Fjelstad:

(1) Requested the speed sign on Garfield near ThorneCrest for a week. He has received reports that cars are speeding coming on to Fairlane Terrace.

(2) Introduced an Ordinance to permit leaf burning at any time. Ordinance 92, 3d will lay over for a second reading and public hearing pursuant to Charter requirements. Councilor Brooks requested this ordinance lay over to the Council’s May 9 meeting.

(See Secretary’s Original Ordinance

92, 3d included with these minutes.)

Fifth Ward, Councilor Severtson:

(1) Has heard concerns from residents in the Government Acres area about no access to their properties during the construction. City Engineer Jahnke said that the staff hasn’t yet come up with a good answer to this problem. He noted that we may have to put people up in motels for a couple of weeks. He is concerned that emergency personnel will not be able to access the area during construction.

(2) Reported a sign on the Garfield/Front curve is falling down.

(3) Asked for an update on the Poole property. Ms. Simonsen stated that there is $27 million in the bonding bill for flood mitigation. Some of these funds have been earmarked and there will be a grant process available for the remaining funds. Staff will continue to work with Poole regarding rubbish on the outside of his building.

Sixth Ward, Councilor Brooks:

(1) Moved to allow the Parks and Recreation Director to ask the soccer association for a schedule before they are permitted to play at Memorial Park. Ms. Simonsen told Mr. Brooks that some soccer groups are organized and others are not. She noted that they are public areas and that we can’t restrict who may use them. Councilor Brooks stated that there are no restroom facilities and that people are urinating on the field. He also stated that teams are coming from other towns and are trashing the park. Ms. Simonsen said that if we want to encourage soccer, we need to establish fields. The City has met with Community Education and the Family Y about this issue. Councilor Fjelstad suggested turning two of the softball fields at Snyder Fields into soccer fields. Councilor Brooks withdrew his motion.

(2) Received a request for a loading zone in front of 111 East Clark Street.

(3) Thanked Rhonda and Steve Jahnke for their time spent on the Frank Avenue issue.

(4) Replied to Mr. Bok’s comments about the City Manager and her responsibilities. He stated the Council sets policy and the City Manager executes the day to day activities of the City. When the City Manager provides adequate answers to his questions, he has no reason to doubt that she has done her work.

(5) Thanked Councilor Erdman for his kind words and noted that Erdman doesn’t give himself enough credit for the efforts he puts forth at the Capitol.

Patrick Corrigan, 814 Frank Hall Drive, told the Council that they are sponsoring a Mental Health Initiative for Law Enforcement personnel at the Elks Club on May 18.

Councilor Marin asked why the Council can’t designate Memorial Park as an official soccer field and thereby create a policy that it being a soccer field can only be used by registered leagues with the City. City Manager Simonsen told Councilor Marin that she would look into this possibility.

Councilor Rasmussen moved, Councilor Marin 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, April 25, 2005. 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 April 12, 2005.

 /S/ Sandi Behrens                                                                          /S/ Jean Eaton                                                      

Secretary of the Council                                                                 Mayor 

Old City Council Minutes

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