Albert
Lea, MN
June 11, 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, the Albert Lea Tribune and KAAL-TV.
CONSENT
AGENDA
(a)
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE COUNCIL MEETING OF MAY 29,
2001.
(b)
LICENSES AND BONDS APPROVED:
Andy’s Road House Bar & Grill, 2301 East
Main Street, at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds on June 16, 2001
(c)
RESOLUTION 01-126 ADOPTED – DECLARING SATISFACTION OF ASSESSMENTS FOR LOTS
IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAT #4: Resolution
01-126 declares a satisfaction of assessments on Community Development Plat #4
to clear title for sale of the property.
(See Secretary's Original Resolution
01-126
included
with these minutes.)
(e)
RESOLUTION
01-127
ADOPTED - CLAIMS: Resolution 01-127
presents
the financial claims of the City.
(See Secretary's Original Resolution
01-127
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
01-127 ADOPTED – ACCEPTING PARKING RESTRICTION ON WEST MAIN STREET - PUBLIC
HEARING
Mayor Haukoos opened a public hearing to accept public input regarding
the restriction of parking on West Main Street between St. Mary Avenue and
Euclid Avenue. The necessary notice
for this hearing was published on June 1, 2001.
City
Manager Sparks reported that as a part of the West Main Street improvement
project, the Minnesota Department of Transportation requires that parking be
removed from both sides of the street and that the City conduct a public hearing
to accept public input regarding the parking restriction.
There
was no public comment. After
Council discussion, Councilor McPherson moved, Councilor Kron seconded, that
Resolution 01-127, accepting the parking restriction on 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
01-127
included with these minutes.)
RESOLUTION 01-128 ADOPTED – ORDERING IMPROVEMENT AND PREPARATION OF
PLANS FOR JOB 0108 – PUBLIC HEARING
Mayor Haukoos opened a public
hearing for Job 0108, the improvement of Township 105 by sewer, water and road
construction with costs assessed to benefiting properties at an estimated cost
of $1,403,475. The necessary notice
for this hearing was published on June 1, 2001.
There was no public comment. After
Council discussion, Councilor Sorenson moved, Councilor Marin seconded, that
Resolution 01-128, ordering improvement and preparation of plans for Job 0108,
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
01-128
included with these minutes.)
TEMPORARY ON-SALE INTOXICATING LIQUOR LICENSE FOR
FREEBORN COUNTY FAIR APPROVED – PUBLIC HEARING
Mayor Haukoos opened a public hearing for the issuance of a temporary
on-sale intoxicating liquor license for the Freeborn County Agricultural Society
at the Freeborn County Fair Beer Garden between August 2 and 5, 2001.
The necessary notice for this hearing was published on June 1, 2001.
There was no public comment.
Councilor Amundson moved, Councilor McPherson seconded, that the
application for a temporary on-sale intoxicating liquor license for the Freeborn
County Agricultural Society at the Freeborn County Fair, be approved.
On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Haukoos declared the motion carried, the application
approved and the public hearing closed.
RESOLUTION 01-129 ADOPTED – AUTHORIZING USE OF BEACH TENNIS COURTS FOR
SKATE PARK
Mayor Haukoos opened a public hearing to authorize use of the City Beach
tennis courts for skate park use. The
necessary notice for this hearing was published on June 1, 2001.
Paul Evenson, 1205 Foothills
Circle, thanked the City Council for its assistance to the skate park
association. He told the Council
that he has 154 signed waivers and that 343 people have visited the park.
He feels that the skate park is off to a successful start.
He feels that the beach location is a good spot for a permanent skate
park home. He has paid close attention to noise created in the
Channelview area from the skate park and feels that it is not excessive.
With the boats, jet skis, sand volleyball players and other recreational
activities in the area, he feels the skate park will fit in.
Councilor Sorenson questioned the hours for skate park use and whether
the association would be able to move earlier than the planned August 1 date.
Mr. Evenson told the Council that they intended to use the facility
between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. during the summer months.
This fits in well with the neighborhood and scheduling supervision.
The association also feels that they could move as soon as the pad is
completed. The skate board
association would like a 100-ft. by 110-ft. pad.
Dan Sharpsteen, 607 East 6th Street, told the Council that he
appreciates the skate park.
Brady Schultz, 1718 Frank Hall Drive, enjoys having the park available.
It provides something for him to do in the summer.
Stan Sevaldson, 333 Second Street, told the Council that he has enjoyed
working with the youth on this project.
After Council discussion, Councilor
Kron moved, Councilor Marin seconded, that Resolution 01-129, authorizing use of
the City Beach tennis courts for skate park use, 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
01-129
included with these minutes.)
City Manager Sparks told the Council that this district was
called to hearing on May 14 and was missed on the Council’s agenda.
The necessary notice for this hearing was published on June 1, 2001.
Ed Tschida, the City’s TIF consultant, appeared before the City Council
to discuss the proposed district. He
explained this district would assist Mrs. Gerry’s Kitchen in a planned
expansion. He told the Council that it may be in the best interests of the City
to continue this hearing to the next Council meeting to permit additional time
to see what the State Legislature does with the property taxes.
Numerous changes are being considered which could significantly affect
tax increment financing.
City Manager Sparks recommended that the Council continue this hearing at
the next Council meeting. No
action was taken at this hearing.
KATE/KCPI GRANTED PERMISSION TO CONDUCT FUND RAISER
City Manager Sparks explained that KATE/KCPI Radio has requested
permission to conduct a fund raiser for the Blazing Star Trail on Friday, July
13. They intend to sell hotdogs and
pop at the corner of Front Street and Frank Avenue and will hold special events
for bikers.
Councilor Sorenson moved, Councilor Marin seconded, that permission to
conduct the fund raiser be granted. On
roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion.
Mayor Haukoos declared the motion carried and permission granted.
RESOLUTION 01-130 ADOPTED – AUTHORIZING CONTINUED ASSESSMENT ABEYANCE
City Manager Sparks told the Council that the City granted an assessment
abeyance to Alan Upin for property which consists of wetlands, a nature preserve
and open space in Resolution 96-200. The
property is being sold to I-35 Development and the purchasers have requested
that the assessment abeyance be continued.
After Council discussion, Councilor Sorenson moved, Council McPherson
seconded, that Resolution 01-130, authorizing a continuance of the assessment
abeyance originally granted to Alan Upin for a 26.01 acre parcel in Section
3-T102N-R21W, 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
01-130
included with these minutes.)
RESOLUTION 01-131 ADOPTED – ACCEPTING QUOTE FOR JOB 0117
City Manager Sparks informed the Council that the City had accepted
quotations on June 1 for Airport Crack Sealing (Job 0117) and that he is
recommending award to the low bidder, Bargen, Inc. of Mountain Lake.
After Council discussion, Councilor
Brooks moved, Councilor Amundson seconded, that Resolution 01-131, accepting the
quote of Bargen, Inc., Mountain Lake, in the amount of $20,437.50 for Airport
Crack Sealing (Job 0117), 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
01-131
included with these minutes.)
RESOLUTION 01-132 ADOPTED –
APPROVING YOUTH FIRST SPORTS AGREEMENT
City Manager Sparks explained that the City has received a proposed
agreement for the 2001-2002 Youth First Sports activities between the City, the
School District and Community Education.
After Council discussion, Councilor Sorenson moved, Councilor Marin
seconded, that Resolution 01-132, approving the Youth First Sports Agreement, 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
01-132
included with these minutes.)
RESOLUTION 01-133 ADOPTED – ACCEPTING BID FOR 2001
BITUMINOUS CONTRACT NO. 5
After Council discussion, Councilor
Kron moved, Councilor Marin seconded, that Resolution 01-133, accepting the bid
of Crane Creek Construction, Owatonna, in the amount of $171,880.85 for 2001
Bituminous Contract No. 5 (Job 9813, the West Main service drive improvement),
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
01-133
included with these minutes.)
RESOLUTION 01-134 ADOPTED – AUTHORIZING REPAIRS TO NEW
DENMARK PARK FOUNTAIN
City
Manager Sparks told the Council that this resolution authorizes necessary
repairs to the fountain in New Denmark park at an estimated cost of $4450.
The Danish Brotherhood has indicated its willingness to provide money for
the project. They are requesting
that the City proceed with the repairs and that they will do some fundraising
and reimburse the City for its costs.
After Council discussion, Councilor
Sorenson moved, Councilor Kron seconded, that Resolution 01-134, authorizing
repairs to the New Denmark Park fountain with funds provided by the
Contingencies Account, 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
01-134
included with these minutes.)
RESOLUTION 01-135 ADOPTED - CALLING A PUBLIC HEARING FOR
ALLOCATION OF INTEREST EARNINGS
City
Manager Sparks explained that during 2001, the City has earned $411,063.84 on
the Police and Fire pension funds and expects to earn an additional $381,012.50
during the remainder of the year. He
suggested that the Council hold a public hearing for the allocation of these
funds and that they be used to reimburse the City for Police and Fire
expenditures incurred during 2001. The
resulting money freed up in the general fund from the reimbursement would be
used to pay the balance of the cost of constructing a water tower and to provide
$100,000 toward new emergency sirens and rehabilitation of existing sirens.
He is proposing to hold a
public hearing on July 9, 2001.
After
Council discussion, Councilor Sorenson moved, Councilor Kron seconded, that a
public hearing be called for July 9, 2001 to consider the allocation of interest
earnings from the Police and Fire pension funds.
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 called.
(See
Secretary’s Original Resolution
01-135
included with these minutes.)
RESOLUTION 01-136 ADOPTED –
AUTHORIZING A LOAN OFFER TO MICHAEL DEVELOPMENT
City
Manager Sparks informed the Council that as a part of the Tax Increment Finance
District approved by the City Council for Michael Development, the City is
required to make a contribution either in kind or cash.
Every TIF District requires city government participation in order to
avoid a local government aid penalty. He
suggested that the City Council make a subordinate loan to the project to reduce
the need for primary financing for an 11-year period in the amount of $250,000
at 0 percent interest which would result in a matching in kind contribution of
$57,000 covering the City obligation under state law.
Les
Tufte, 1118 East Richway Drive, asked why the City is providing a low interest
loan to an out-of-city firm. He
feels that the majority of payments are going to out-of-town or out-of-state
contractors instead of being spent locally.
Mr. Sparks stated that this is different money.
The state gives the City the money and we use it as they dictate.
After
Council discussion, Councilor Amundson moved, Councilor Marin seconded, that
Resolution 01-136, authorizing a loan offer with the terms as stated by the City
Manager to Michael Development for its apartment project from the Revolving
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
01-136
included with these minutes.)
RESOLUTION 01-137 ADOPTED –
AUTHORIZING PARTICIPATION IN JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY
City
Manager Sparks told the City of Austin has requested that Albert Lea and Austin
apply for State bonding funds to construct a bike trail between the eastern edge
of the Blazing Star Trail and Austin. They
are also suggesting that the cities join the Freeborn and Mower Counties to form
a joint powers authority. At this
time, the City of Austin is requesting a resolution of the City supporting the
funding application and agreeing to participate in a joint powers authority
subject to final approval of the joint powers agreement.
After
Council discussion, Councilor McPherson moved, Councilor Amundson seconded, that
Resolution 01-137, in support of a funding application and authorizing
participation in the joint powers authority, 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
01-137
included with these minutes.)
RESOLUTION 01-138 ADOPTED –
ACCEPTING DEDICATION OF 16TH STREET
City
Manager Sparks explained that the owners of property abutting 16th
Street have authorized the gift and dedication of certain property intended for
use as a public street. Somehow
this dedication was overlooked at the time the street was improved.
After
Council discussion, Councilor Sorenson moved, Councilor Brooks seconded, that
Resolution 01-138, accepting the dedication of 16th Street, be
approved. On roll call vote, all
Councilor voted in favor of said motion. Mayor
Haukoos declared the motion carried and the resolution adopted.
(See
Secretary’s Original Resolution
01-138
included with these minutes.)
UNLISTED ITEMS
WARD ITEMS
Second Ward, Councilor
McPherson:
a)
Moved to approve the request for the closure of North Washington from
Fountain Street north for a Shriners picnic following the 4th of July
parade on July 3. Councilor
Sorenson seconded the motion. On
roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of the motion.
Mayor Haukoos declared the motion carried and permission granted.
Fourth Ward, Councilor
Sorenson:
a)
Asked the status of the
manhole at Garfield Avenue and Fairlane Terrace.
The City Engineer informed Councilor Sorenson that it needs to be redone.
b)
Asked the status of the street light installation at Eastgate Park. The
City Engineer informed the Council that Alliant has it scheduled.
c)
Asked who is responsible for repairs to the intersection near Crossroads
Motors at the exit ramp and Sorensen Drive.
The City Engineer will look at it.
d)
The ramp in the alley behind the Eagles was damaged by the telephone
company during repairs to its equipment. The
City Engineer will contact them to repair the damage.
Sixth Ward, Councilor
Brooks:
a)
Requested a feasibility study for paving the roads in Dawn Acres and also
one for curb and gutter in Dawn Acres. The
City Engineer will prepare them this fall.
b)
Asked for an update on the Frank Avenue project.
The City Engineer stated
that the project is ahead of schedule and that few complaints have been
received.
PUBLIC ITEMS
Roger Bok, 1012 Cato
Drive, expressed numerous complaints including the need for road repair on 9th
Street, an electric fence behind his property, a request to blade his street,
lights needing replacement, dumping concrete and blacktop, sunken storm sewer on
Hawthorne, need for a ward map available to the public, sump pumps running into
the street in the overlay project area and a need for restriping.
Councilor Marin
commended Officer Dave Doppelhammer on his presentation to Councilor Marin’s
youth group.
ADJOURNMENT – 8:55 P.M.
Councilor Sorenson 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, June 25, 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 June 12, 2001.
________________________
_____________________________
Secretary of the Council
Mayor