Albert Lea, MN                                                                                                    April 9, 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, Mary Kron, Al Brooks and Mayor Bob Haukoos.  Absent was Councilor Ron Sorenson.  Also present were City Manager Paul Sparks, Public Works Director David Olson, City Attorney Steven Schwab, Acting Council Secretary William L. Schmitt and representatives from KATE Radio and the Albert Lea Tribune.

CONSENT AGENDA

(a)            APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 26, 2001.

(b)            LICENSES AND BONDS APPROVED:

ANNUAL LICENSE

 

CIGARETTE

 

Richard Hawkins d/b/a D&R/Star, Inc., 2207 7th St. NW, Rochester

Heidi Johnson d/b/a Gos-Sip, 155 S. Broadway

Kirit Joshi d/b/a Guest House Inn, 2306 E. Main Street

 

FOOD/BEVERAGE

 

Heidi Johnson d/b/a Gos-Sip, 155 S. Broadway

Kirit Joshi d/b/a Guest House Inn, 2306 E. Main Street

 

HOTEL/MOTEL

 

Kirit Joshi d/b/a Guest House Inn, 2306 E. Main Street

 

SWIMMING POOL

 

Kirit Joshi d/b/a Guest House Inn, 2306 E. Main Street

 

CABARET

 

Kirit Joshi d/b/a Guest House Inn, 2306 E. Main Street

MECHANICAL AMUSE. DEVICE - OPERATOR

 

Kirit Joshi d/b/a Guest House Inn, 2306 E. Main Street

 

TEMPORARY LICENSE

 

PUBLIC DANCE

 

Albert Lea Campus Foundation for the Armory on April 21

 

FOOD/BEVERAGE

 

Albert Lea Campus Foundation for the Armory on April 21

 

 

(c)  RESOLUTION 01-76 ADOPTED - APPROVING LAWFUL GAMBLING APPLICATION:  Resolution 01-76 approves a Minnesota Lawful Gambling Application for Exempt Permit for the Albert Lea Business and Professional Women to conduct a raffle at the Days Inn of Albert Lea, 2306 E. Main Street, on May 3, 2001.

 

                                                            (See Secretary's Original Resolution

                                                            01-76 included with these minutes.)

                       

(d)  RESOLUTION 01-77 ADOPTED - CLAIMS:  Resolution 01-77 presents the financial claims of the City.

 

                                                            (See Secretary's Original Resolution

                                                            01-77 included with these minutes.)


Councilor Brooks moved, Councilor Amundson 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 -78 ADOPTED – APPROVING STREET CLOSING – PUBLIC HEARING

 

Mayor Bob Haukoos opened a public hearing on the closing of Second Avenue at its intersection with West Main Street.  The necessary notice for this hearing was published on March 30, 2001.

 

Councilor McPherson stated that he had received telephone calls which were generally in favor of closing this intersection.  However, a few individuals questioned whether the alley between First Avenue and Second Avenue would be closed.  City Engineer Olson stated that the alley would be closed.  Councilor McPherson also asked whether additional storm sewers would be installed to handle some of the water that comes off of that roadway.  City Engineer Olson informed the Council that MN DOT has a hydraulic section that has been analyzing the storm runoff and that they have designed their system to take the watershed in that area.  The City has little to say about how much of the capacity we may have in it.  The storm sewer on First Avenue should adequately handle the inflow from a normal storm.

 

Councilor McPherson moved, Councilor Brooks seconded, that Resolution 01-78, approving the closing of Second Avenue at its intersection with West Main Street, 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

01-78 included with these minutes.)

 

AUTHORIZING TRANSFER OF A.E.L. CORP. LIQUOR LICENSES – PUBLIC HEARING

 

Mayor Haukoos opened a public hearing for the transfer of the On-Sale and Sunday On-Sale liquor licenses from AEL Corporation d/b/a Days Inn of Albert Lea to Dutts LLC d/b/a Guest House Inn at 2306 East Main Street.  The necessary notice for this hearing was published on March 30, 2001.

 

There was no public discussion.  Councilor Kron moved, Councilor Marin seconded, that the transfer of the Days Inn liquor licenses from AEL Corporation to Dutts LLC 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.

 

AUTHORIZING WINE AND BEER LICENSES TO CRESCENDO DYNAMIC DOWNTOWN DINING LLC – PUBLIC HEARING

 

Mayor Haukoos opened a public hearing for the issuance of a Wine license and 3.2 beer license for Robert E. Tewes, Jr. d/b/a Crescendo Dynamic Downtown Dining LLC, 118 South Broadway.  The necessary notice for this hearing was published on March 30, 2001.

 

There was no public discussion.  Councilor Kron moved, Councilor McPherson seconded, that the issuance of a wine and 3.2 beer license to Robert E. Tewes, Jr. d/b/a Crescendo Dynamic Downtown Dining LLC 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.

 

RESOLUTION 01-79 ADOPTED –  RELATING TO CVB EXCESS FUND

 

Don Malinsky, 1311 Fairlane Terrace, Convention and Visitors Bureau President, appeared before the City Council to request that the Council release the $29,577 in excess lodging tax held by the City.   Mr. Malinsky pointed out that the funds are needed for the day-to-day operations and that they had to borrow $4500 last week to meet payroll.  He suggested that a member of the Council become a CVB board member to increase communications between the two groups.

 

Council discussion centered around the fact that the CVB is operating at a deficit in spite of the fact that the City provides funds to them on a monthly basis, that the payments are current and that the CVB needs to provide timely reports to the City Council as required in the agreement.

 

Jim Pilgrim, Executive Director of the CVB, told the Council that the reason for the deficit is that the City withheld the last two payments in 2000 and that they did not have any roll-over funds for 2001.

 

The Council questioned how much of the excess funds were required to bring the CVB’s budget back into balance and requested an accounting of where the funds have been spent.  City Manager Sparks told Mr. Pilgrim that the Council is seeking a list of what the CVB intends to buy with the funds and a cost breakdown.   He noted that at the current rate of spending the CVB will exhaust the excess money as well as the monthly payments by the end of the year.

 

Additional discussion occurred relating to the City’s contract with the CVB and the State Statute requirements for funds collected.  City Manager Sparks reported that the CVB would be receiving a monthly payment after this meeting in the amount of $8900.

 

David Nelson, 301 Willamor Road, former president of the CVB, told the Council that the contract grants them 12 months of funds and that the City withheld two months of payments over the past two years, thereby violating the terms of the contract.  City Manager Sparks responded that the funds provided to the CVB were all of those budgeted for the years in question and that the funds withheld were excess receipts over and above the budget. 

 

After additional discussion, Councilor Marin moved that the City release one-half of the excess funds as soon as the monthly reports submitted were up-to-date.  The motion died for lack of a second.

 

Councilor Brooks moved, Councilor Kron seconded, that Resolution 01-79, calling for submission of monthly statements through March and a meeting between the City and the CVB to identify additional funds necessary for the operation of the bureau, be approved.  On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion with the exception of Councilor McPherson and Mayor  Haukoos  who  voted  nay.     Mayor  Haukoos  declared the  motion carried and the resolution adopted.

 

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution

01-79 included with these minutes.)

 

ORDINANCE 48, 3d INTRODUCED – ANNEXATION OF TWO PARCELS IN SECTION 10-T102N-R21W

 

Councilor Kron introduced Ordinance 48, 3d which approves the annexation of two parcels consisting of .87 acres petitioned by the property owners at 2012 Southeast Marshall and 2014 Southeast Marshall.  The property owners are intending to connect to the City sewer and water system.  These parcels are directly adjacent to the City’s limits.  Ordinance 48, 3d will lay over for a second reading and public hearing pursuant to Charter requirements.

 

(See Secretary’s Original Ordinance

48, 3d included with these minutes.)

 

RESOLUTION 01-80 ADOPTED – PROVIDING FOR A SKATE PARK

 

Mayor Haukoos announced that this is for Council discussion of a skate park location in the City.

 

Ann Entorf, 1205 South Shore Drive, appeared before the City Council in favor of maintaining the 12 tennis courts in the City for use by the tennis association.

 

Paul Evenson, 1205 Foothills Circle, told the Council that the Skate Park Association currently has approximately 90 youth involved and that they are interested in a permanent location for a skate park.  Of the three sites mentioned, the association is interested in locating in the Channelview area because it utilizes a City complex that is family-oriented.  He asked that the Skate Park Association be permitted to use the north three courts for a skate park following the conclusion of the boys tennis season in mid-May.

 

Dr. Steven Thorn, 1580 Indian Hills Trail, stated that tennis is a sport for all ages and requested that the Council keep all six courts in Channelview for use by tennis enthusiasts.

 

Stan Sevaldson, 333 Second Street, informed the Council that the Skate Park Association has complied with every request that the Council has asked.  He told the Council that the north three courts are receiving little or no use and skaters would put these courts to immediate use.  The association has until April 20 to order the ramps and other equipment.  He requested favorable consideration for using the north three tennis courts at Channelview as a skate park.

 

Patrick Corrigan, 814 Frank Hall Drive, told the Council that he seldom sees anyone playing tennis on those courts.

 

Edward Fosse, 233 Green Lea Lane, questioned how many courts are available and who owns them.  City Manager Sparks told Mr. Fosse that the school district owns six courts and the City owns 15 courts.

Kathy Sabinish, 1508 Frank Hall Drive, encouraged the Council to keep the courts for use by the tennis youth.  She suggested that Morin Park may be a more centrally located spot for the skaters.

 

Orrie Jirele, 1109 Wood Park Lane, is a tennis player and former coach.  He told the Council that the courts aren’t in very good shape and that could be the reason that they aren’t used more often.  He stated that using the three courts for a skate park would virtually eliminate use of the remaining three courts due to the noise.   He feels that the youth need a place to skateboard but that the Channelview courts are not the answer.

 

Dewey Birkhofer, 208 Lee Place, appeared in support of leaving the tennis courts for tennis players.  He mentioned that all of the courts need maintenance and suggested funding to improve the courts at Channelview or provide new courts at the new high school.

 

Amanda Blenka, 111 Fourth Avenue South, plays tennis and told the Council that Albert Lea’s courts are nowhere as nice as many other cities.

 

Stan Sevaldson, 333 Second Street, told the Council that he had not requested that the skate enthusiasts appear at tonight’s meeting.

 

Charles Marlin, Hollandale, explained that his family comes to Albert Lea to play tennis and then they spend money for other activities while here.

 

Ross Williams, 207 Bancroft Drive, the School District’s athletic director, said that because the courts are not lighted and with three courts given to the skaters that it would be necessary to take youth out of school to get their matches in before dark.   As an educator, he feels education is a priority.

 

Councilor Brooks questioned Mr. Williams regarding the fact that the School District cut the planned construction of the tennis courts at the new high school site.  Mr. Williams responded that this was done before he assumed the athletic director position.

 

Tom Dyrdal, 306 Giles Place, told the Council that when the Channelview courts were constructed, a group of people from the School District and City decided that 12 courts were really needed, six in one location and six in the other.  The three added at each location were a cooperative effort between the City and the School District.

 

David Kalis, 2406 West Main, is the boy’s head tennis coach and the girls assistant coach.  He plays on those courts, coaches and teaches a summer tennis camp.  He commented that the Family Y is interested in building a skate park within two years and questioned why the Council wanted to provide one in light of that fact.

 

Tony Samudio, 923 Autumn, president of the Skate Board Association, told the Council that he got involved because he wanted to help.  He doesn’t like the media inference that the Skate Board Association and the Tennis Association were pitted against each other.  He doesn’t want to see anyone displaced but wants to find a permanent location for the skate park.  He indicated his hope that the Y plan would be an expansion of the program.

 

Eric Trygstad, 1102 Skylark Lane, told the Council that the Channelview courts were the only court with lights and they were not always in working order.


Council discussion centered around the need to provide sufficient locations for both groups.

 

Councilor Amundson moved to leave the tennis courts at Channelview for tennis and use Morin Park for skateboarders with fencing and possibly lighting.  Councilor Kron seconded the motion.

 

Council discussion included the Skate Park Association’s objection to the distance from the restrooms if available, the fact that no lights are available, a question of whether the surface is suitable, why the beach is no longer under consideration, the possibility of building a skateboard park in the Frank Hall Park area and the most cost effective approach to this situation. 

 

After Council discussion, and on roll call vote, Councilors Amundson and Kron voted in favor of the motion with Councilors McPherson, Marin, Brooks and Mayor Haukoos voting nay.  Mayor Haukoos declared the vote defeated.

 

Councilor McPherson moved that the north three tennis courts at Channelview  be made available to the Skate Park Association, that very little expense is involved and with little or no use of these courts would only be losing one court. Councilor Brooks questioned whether Councilor McPherson intended this to be permanent.  Councilor McPherson stated that was his intent however he would be willing to consider an amendment.

 

Councilor Marin moved to amend the motion to use the site as a temporary site after the spring tennis season and continue use in the off-season while discussing a site for a permanent facility.  Mayor Haukoos reminded the Council that an amendment could not be entertained when no second had been received.  Councilor McPherson’s motion died for lack of a second.

 

Councilor Marin moved to use the tennis courts as a skate park after the completion of the spring tennis season as a temporary location and vacating the area prior to the fall tennis season, consider putting the skate park in Frank Hall Park or let them choose between the Beach area, Morin Park or Frank Hall Park.

 

Councilor Brooks stated that there have been no studies to determine whether Frank Hall Park would be appropriate for a skate park.  He indicated he would be willing to second the motion if the skaters are permitted to choose between the Beach, Morin Park or Frank Hall Park.

 

After additional discussion, Mayor Haukoos called for a second to Councilor Marin’s motion.  With no second coming forward, Mayor Haukoos announced that the motion dies for lack of a second.

 

Councilor Amundson questioned whether the Skate Park Association would  accept the time frame described. 

 

Paul Evenson, 1205 Foothills Circle, stated that the association would be willing to use the courts on a temporary basis after the spring season concludes, noting that he loves the idea of building a facility in that area.  They would use the courts as is temporarily with the understanding that the City would provide a permanent site based on the studies and they would accept the time frame based on having another location to go to.


Councilor Amundson warned Mr. Evenson that they may not have a permanent spot but questioned whether they would accept the temporary time frame.  He told Mr. Evenson that the Council is not deciding where to build a permanent site but they are deciding where they would locate now.

 

Mr. Evenson told the Council that they want to get the kids skating now, they want a temporary site based on another location for permanent use.  He reiterated that the association doesn’t feel that Morin Park is adequate for their use. 

 

Councilor Amundson moved to permit the Skate Park Association use of the three north tennis courts at Channelview after the boys’ tennis is complete and requiring them to vacate that facility before the girls’ season begins in the fall.  The Council will study a permanent location during that time.  Councilor McPherson seconded the motion.

 

City Manager Sparks told the Council that the skate park would need to be off the courts in time to permit rehabilitation of that facility. 

 

Sue Blenka, 111 Fourth Avenue North, asked whether the City is willing to rehabilitate the courts so they are useable by the time the girls’ tennis begins.

 

Eric Trygstad, 1102 Skylark Lane, informed the Council that the boys’ varsity would be off the courts by May 24.

 

On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion with the exception of Councilor Kron who voted nay.  Mayor Haukoos declared the motion carried and the resolution approved.

 

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution

01-80 included with these minutes.)

 

PRESENTATION OF GOVERNMENT FINANCE OFFICERS CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT

 

Mayor Haukoos announced that the City of Albert Lea has once again received a Certificate of Achievement for financial reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association and called Finance Director John Bennett and Assistant Finance Director Rhonda Krcil forward to accept this certificate.

 

RESOLUTION 01-81 ADOPTED – GRANTING A VARIANCE TO 131 WEST COLLEGE STREET

 

Mark Sanderson, Route 1, Box 2826, requested Council approval of his request for a variance for his business located at 131 West College.  He told the Council that permission to sell used cars at this location enhances his business.

 

Council discussion centered around whether Mr. Sanderson intends to pave the entire lot and the number of for-sale cars to permit.


After Council discussion, Councilor Brooks moved, Councilor Amundson seconded, that Resolution 01-81, granting a variance to 131 West College to permit a maximum of five for-sale cars at that location, be approved.

 

Dave Wick, 501 Park Avenue, told the Council that Sanderson Auto is an asset to that area and that he owns the building at College and South Broadway housing six tenants.  He said that parking is an issue for the businesses in the area.    He suggested a plan to permit parking on the vacant lot at the corner of Pearl and Broadway.

 

George Gillespie, 327 Lloyd Place, owns a business at 402 South Broadway.  He also told the Council that Sanderson Auto is an asset.  He informed the Council that there is groundwater contamination coming from the lot at Broadway and Pearl.  He presented photos of a hydraulic unit that is still buried under the former garage site which is now seeping out to the manholes.  He would like to see the property condemned and purchased by the City for a parking lot. 

 

City Manager Sparks told the Council and Mr. Gillespie that this would need to be reported to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

 

After additional Council discussion regarding the limit on for-sale cars for the site 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

01-81 included with these minutes.)

 

 

RESOLUTION 01-82 ADOPTED – ACCEPTING BID FOR 2001 BITUMINOUS CONTRACT NO. 3

 

City Manager Sparks said that this resolution approves the bid of Freeborn Construction, Albert Lea, in the amount of $784,223.86 for 2001 Bituminous Contract No. 3, the reconstruction of Frank Avenue.  He told the Council that this bid is approximately 78 percent of the engineer’s estimate and this will help in lowering the overall cost of this project.

 

After Council discussion, Councilor Brooks moved, Councilor Marin seconded, that Resolution 01-82, accepting the bid of Freeborn Construction in the amount of $784,223.86 for 2001 Bituminous Contract No. 3, 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

01-82 included with these minutes.)

 

RESOLUTION 01-83 ADOPTED – APPROVING BIDS FOR TREE PLANTING

 

City Manager Sparks explained that the Minnesota Department of Transportation-Aeronautics Division required the City to remove or lower trees in the flight zone.  Many of these trees were on Green Lea Golf Course property.   Part  of  the  City’s arrangement with


 

Green Lea is that they would allow us to come into compliance with the height restrictions if we provided them with replacement trees which we now need to do.  The trees that will be planted will be slow growing or low growing varieties that will not cause a problem with the flight zone in the future.  The Department of Aeronautics will pay 60 percent of the cost of this project.  He recommends award to the low bidder, Performance Landscaping of Albert Lea in the amount of $16,258.50.

 

After Council discussion, Councilor Amundson moved, Councilor McPherson seconded, that Resolution 01-82, approving the bid of Performance Landscaping, Albert Lea, in the amount of $16,258.50 for tree planting, 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

01-83 included with these minutes.)

 

RESOLUTION 01-84 ADOPTED – ACCEPTING ALTERNATE 1 FOR TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENTS TO CLARK/FOUNTAIN/BRIDGE AREA

 

City Manager Sparks explained that this item was discussed at the Council’s workshop meeting and that St. Theodore’s is requesting an indication as to whether the City needs a portion of their property for the development of a traffic solution for that area.  The church is interested in proceeding with plans for parking lot improvements and need to know the Council’s plans.    Mr. Sparks told the Council that the City has several options available.

 

Council discussion centered around the fact that this would be a more elaborate, expensive multi-year project costing approximately $875,000 and would be coordinated with the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

 

Dave Mullenbach, 322 Lloyd Place, questioned whether this is the plan that takes a portion of private property.  City Manager Sparks explained that it is.

 

After Council discussion, Councilor Kron moved, Councilor Amundson seconded, that Alternate 2, relocating Fountain Street to the south crossing Bridge Avenue at 90° and connecting to the existing Clark Street in the vicinity of Hanson Tire and Godfather’s Pizza.  The proposed single intersection combines the two existing T-intersections on Bridge Avenue into one four-legged signalized intersection with an additional traffic signal at the Clark Street intersection with Main Street.  On roll call vote, Councilors Kron and Amundson voted in favor of the motion with Councilors McPherson, Marin, Brooks and Mayor Haukoos voting nay.  Mayor Haukoos declared the motion defeated.

 

Councilor McPherson moved, Councilor Marin seconded, that the Council pursue Alternate 1, the installation of channelization islands to prohibit left turns from Fountain Street to Bridge Avenue and forcing traffic to Main Street, be approved.  On roll call vote, Councilors McPherson, Marin, Brooks and Mayor Haukoos voted in favor of said motion with Councilors Kron and Amundson voting nay.  Mayor Haukoos declared the motion carried and the resolution adopted.

 

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution

01-84 included with these minutes.)


 

RESOLUTION 01-85 ADOPTED – AUTHORIZING PURCHASE OF FREEBORN BANK BUILDING AND APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS

 

City Manager Sparks told the Council that Henry Savelkoul has entered into a purchase agreement for the Freeborn Bank Building/Jacobson Apartment Building at 201 South Broadway which he is willing to transfer to the City at no cost.  All title problems have been resolved and the purchase price is $75,000.  He suggested the City acquire this property under the downtown tax increment district to be used as a redevelopment project. 

 

Councilor Kron moved, Councilor McPherson seconded, that Resolution 01-85, authorizing the purchase of Freeborn Bank Building/Jacobson Apartment Building at a purchase price of $75,000 with funds appropriated as an advance from the General Fund to the Tax Increment Finance District 5-9, 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

01-85 included with these minutes.)

 

RESOLUTION 01-86 - ADOPTED – AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF STOCK IN MET LIFE

 

City Manager Sparks explained that the City had been informed that it owns 7189 shares of Met Life stock as the result of a conversion of an insurance policy from New England Mutual Benefit Life at the time that it was acquired by Met Life equal to our equity interest in New England.  He noted that it is unusual for cities to be in the equity holding business and that we would need to issue a special explanation in our financial report if we continue to hold the stock.  With stock market fluctuations, it is difficult to determine the value in our financial statement.  He recommended that the Council authorize the sale of the stock with proceeds deposited in the City’s insurance fund to provide stabilization for premiums in the future.

 

After Council discussion, Councilor Amundson moved, Councilor Brooks seconded, that Resolution 01-86, authorizing the Finance Director to proceed with the sale of 7189 share of Met Life stock at his discretion with proceeds of the sale to be deposited in the City’s insurance fund, 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

01-86 included with these minutes.)

 

CHARTER COMMISSION REAPPOINTMENTS

 

City Manager Sparks informed the Council that the Chief Judge of the Third Judicial District had reappointed Mark Anderson, Virginia Gaasedelen, Nancy Vanderwaerdt and Vernon Baer to a four-year term expiring with the annual meeting in May 2005.

 

Councilor Amundson moved, Councilor Kron seconded, that the Judicial Appointments to the Charter Commission be acknowledged.  On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion.  Mayor Haukoos declared the motion carried and the appointments acknowledged.


 

RESOLUTION 01-87 ADOPTED –ANNEXATION IN SECTION 11 OF ALBERT LEA TOWNSHIP

 

City Manager Sparks explained that the City Council had approved the annexation of property east of the City’s limits at its March 26, 2001 meeting and that the property owners have requested annexation of an additional 8.23 acres adjacent to the previously annexed property.

 

After Council discussion, Councilor Kron moved, Councilor Brooks seconded, that Resolution 01-87, for the annexation of additional land in Section 11 of Albert Lea Township, 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

01-87 included with these minutes.)

 

UNLISTED ITEMS

 

WARD ITEMS

 

First Ward, Councilor Amundson: 

 

a)     Noted that the sign in Shorewood Hills Park on Greenwood Avenue had broken off in the wind and requested City staff make necessary repairs.

 

Mayor Haukoos:      

 

(a)  Has made the following appointments:

             Park & Recreation Advisory Board – Councilor Sorenson

             Albert Lea Advisory Planning Commission – Councilor McPherson

             Airport Advisory Board – Councilor Brooks

             Library Advisory Board – Councilor Amundson

             Board of Zoning Appeals – Councilor Kron

             Human Rights Commission – Councilor Marin

             Housing and Redevelopment Authority – all Councilors

 

(b)     Was approached by representatives of McLeod indicating that they would be able to cut the cost of the City’s telephone service.  The Mayor appointed Councilor McPherson to work with the City Manager and Assistant City Manager to bring back the pros and Cons of this proposal and costs involved to the first meeting of the City Council in May.

 

(c)     Thanked Commissioner Mullenbach and Al Pelvitt for attendance at tonight’s meeting.

 

                                         

PUBLIC ITEMS

 

Roger Bok, 1012 Cato Drive:

 

(a) Questioned work at the Wastewater Treatment Plant – Sparks explained that they are repairing digester covers.  Bok then asked if they would also be repairing burners to burn methane gas rather than release into air.  Sparks reported that they would look at that.

 

(b) Asked when Hawthorne potholes would be repaired.  City Engineer Olson said that the City is doing little grading at this time with the frost coming out of the ground.

 

(c)  Noted that the gate at the snow dump site on South Broadway has been knocked down.

 

(d) Told the Council that of the three new buildings at the City Garage site, that one building has mud all over the side.

 

(e) Asked why the Park Superintendent is picking up his wife at the Courthouse in the City truck.

 

Dawn Hillman, 217 Second Avenue South, told the Council that Second Avenue floods constantly and that there is speeding in the area.  Councilor McPherson asked whether Ms. Hillman had called him.  She said she had.  He told her that he will look at the area.

 

ADJOURNMENT – 9:50 p.m.

 

Councilor McPherson 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, April 23, 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 April 10, 2001.

 

 

 

________________________                                     _____________________________

Acting Secretary of the Council                                          Mayor