Albert Lea, MN

June 12, 2006

Pastor John Bromland, United Methodist Church, offered a prayer.

The regular meeting of the Albert Lea City Council was called to order at 7:00 P.M. in the City Center Council Chambers by Mayor Aaron Summers.

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

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Mayor Summers presented a Certificate of Appreciation to retiring Charter Commission member Marjorie Thompson.

Mayor Summers acknowledged the presence of Shirley Slater-Schulte who has been hired as the new City Clerk.

(a) APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF MAY 22, 2006.

 

(b) ANNUAL LICENSES APPROVED:

CIGARETTE

Stop & Go, 701 South Broadway Avenue

FIREWORKS

Ka-Boomer’s ½ Price Fireworks located at ShopKo

 

TATTOO ARTIST

Mystical Ink, Katie S. Johnson, 115 East Clark Street

Mystical Ink, Tobey L. Masso, 115 East Clark Street

TATTOO ESTABLISHMENT

Mystical Ink, 115 East Clark Street

 

(c) TEMPORARY LICENSES APPROVED:

OFF-PREMISES LIQUOR SALES

Aragon Bar, 130 West College Street, for a grandstand concert to be held at the

     Freeborn County Fairgrounds on June 30, 2006

(d) RESOLUTION 06-134 ADOPTED – APPROVING LAWFUL GAMBLING APPLICATION: Resolution 06-134 approves the renewal of the lawful gambling application for the Elks Lodge #813, 1811 Southeast Broadway.

 

(See Secretary's Original Resolution

06-134 included with these minutes.)

 

(e) RESOLUTION 06-135 ADOPTED – CALLING A HEARING FOR JOB 0610: Resolution 06-135 calls for a public hearing to consider concrete paving of an alley between Raymond Avenue and Alice Avenue for June 26, 2006 at 7 p.m.

 

(See Secretary's Original Resolution

06-135 included with these minutes.)

 

(f) RESOLUTION 06-136 ADOPTED – SETTING A DATE TO DISCUSS TRANSFER OF LOCAL BOARD OF APPEAL AND EQUALIZATION DUTIES TO FREEBORN COUNTY: Resolution 06-136 sets June 26, 2006 as the date to consider the transfer of the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization duties to Freeborn County.

 

(See Secretary's Original Resolution

06-136 included with these minutes.)

 

(g) RESOLUTION 06-137 ADOPTED – CLAIMS: Resolution 06-137 presents the financial claims of the City.

(See Secretary's Original Resolution

06-137 included with these minutes.)

Councilor Brooks moved, Councilor Severtson seconded, that the consent agenda items be adopted. On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Summers declared the motion carried and the consent agenda items adopted.

City Manager Simonsen addressed questions and concerns expressed at the previous meeting as follows:

• Waste receptacles have been placed near the channel.

• Inspection has spoken to the resident at 326 Glenn Road regarding the condition of his property. He has moved the items from the driveway into the garage.

• A complaint was received about a property on South Ermina with vehicles parked on it. Inspection has visited that property and found that all vehicles are licensed. The individual is leasing the lot from the property owner. The lessee has been told to remove appliances from the property. Inspection will continue to monitor the site.

• A request for staff to contact the resident at 1413 Frank Hall Drive was received. The water problem was caused by the property behind that one. The two residents have elected to resolve the issue between them.

Roger Bok, 1012 Cato Drive, asked why semi trailers are parked on Hershey Street without tractors. The trailers are from Algona and have sunk into the road. Bok complained that the pedestrian crossing at Columbus is in disrepair and that the driveway at the Village Cooperative has been cut back but is still in the right of way. The Zogg building has sunken. He suggested moving the speed zone sign on Hammer past the housing development. Bok asked if the sign at the Village Cooperative was permitted, stated that the Select Foods signs are still in the right of way and asked if the fence is in the right of way. He stated that the City hasn’t conducted a public hearing for the closing of Water Street or the Sunset Street extension and suggested trenching out the area at the end of Prospect Avenue to eliminate the standing water.

City Engineer Jahnke stated that Sorensen Bros. has been hired to perform repairs to the Columbus pedestrian crossing and agreed that the speed zone sign should be moved up.

Rick Reynolds, 1207 Virginia Place, asked if the playground equipment in the park will be replaced. Councilor Brooks stated that this issue was discussed at the Park and Recreation meeting and the equipment will be replaced. Mr. Reynolds also asked for appropriate signage in the area.

Manuel Cantu, 113 McArthur Drive, asked if the fire pamphlet has been completed and complained that his questions are not being addressed. City Manager Simonsen stated that the Fire Chief has produced several pamphlets and documents relating to fires which should be sufficient to address his questions and concerns. These items were given to Councilor Marin Councilor Marin stated that he had received a packet of materials the afternoon before he left for vacation and that he hadn’t had an opportunity to review them. Mayor Summers asked Councilor Marin to get together with Cantu to share the materials.

Bob Fjelbroten, 21458 775^th Avenue, reported that a garbage truck had turned around in his driveway and smashed the end of the culvert. A city employee was graveling the road and told Fjelbroten that he would send someone out to take care of this. It has not been done yet. Ms. Simonsen asked Mr. Fjelbroten if he had reported the problem to Waste Management. He replied that he had and has not received a response. He stated that the culvert is full of dirt and the apron is bent.

The City has received a request from Tom & Angie Nelson, 2320 Sorenson Road, to waive the interest for 2005 and 2006 assessments for the extension of sewer and water services to their property line. In October of 2004 the total assessment cost for the project was $15,949.49 to be paid over a 10-year period at 6% interest. In August of 2005 the Nelson’s requested and were granted that the repayment terms be extended to 15 years with 6% interest. The Nelson’s are requesting that the interest, totaling $1,355.72, for the past two years be waived.

Councilor Severtson moved, Councilor Fjelstad seconded, that the interest for 2005 and 2006 assessments for the property at 2320 Sorenson Road be waived. Councilor Severtson explained that the Nelson’s didn’t even know that their property was in Albert Lea. The property has been receiving City water since 1996 following annexation. The Nelson’s were experiencing problems with their sanitary sewer and asked to be hooked up to City lines. Because of the confusion, the Nelson’s are requesting the interest be waived. City Engineer Jahnke stated that the cost of the project was $15,000 because it required that the line be extended 125 feet on the opposite side of the road and bored under the road to the Nelson’s property.

Tom Nelson, 2320 Sorensen Road, said that the whole process has been confusing and questioned why he is required to pay for the extension on the opposite side of the road and the boring. His cost is nearly $20,000 and his house payment has increased $400.

Council discussion with the Nelson’s included the fact that they had requested the assessment repayment be extended from ten years to 15 years, questioned whether the Nelson’s were aware that interest was being accumulated and whether a neighbor could hook into the line and pay a portion of the cost.

Angie Nelson, 2320 Sorensen Road, stated that they had sewage on their yard and just wanted to get the problem resolved. They hadn’t actually figured out the cost.

City Manager Simonsen stated that the Nelson’s had signed an agreement to pay the assessment at an interest rate of six percent.

Additional Council discussion included an understanding of the Nelson’s frustration and the fact that agreeing to waive the interest would be setting precedence for others with assessment agreements.

After Council discussion and on roll call vote, Councilors Fjelstad, Severtson and Brooks voted in favor of the motion. Councilors Rasmussen, Erdman, Marin and Mayor Summers voted nay. Mayor Summers declared the motion defeated.

Representatives of the Christ Episcopal Church have requested the City Council authorize barricading Washington Street north of Fountain Street early on the morning of July 4^th to allow pedestrian traffic only to the area to the side and behind Christ Episcopal Church. The church is holding a fundraiser during the fireworks display that day in the parking lot behind the church.

After Council discussion, Councilor Erdman moved, Councilor Marin seconded, that the request be approved and that the church contact the homes on that block regarding entry to their properties. On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Summers declared the motion carried.

Ms. Massiah, 1208 Garfield Avenue, is requesting installation of a handicapped parking sign outside her residence. Staff has reviewed the location and situation and cannot support the request due to the lack of congestion in the area as well as the amount of traffic carried on the street.

Councilor Fjelstad moved to approve the request stating that parking on Garfield Avenue and Fairlane Terrace is filled with cars of Thorne-Crest employees. He noted that the resident is handicapped and can’t load her cart on the trailer in her driveway. Councilor Severtson seconded the motion.

Council discussion included the fact that the resident has a driveway, the space will not be designated for use only by the resident and the fact that the space would be doubly long to accommodate the vehicle and the trailer.

Glen McDaniel, 701 Garfield, reminded the Council that parking is only available on the east side of the street.

On roll call vote, Councilors Marin, Fjelstad and Severtson voted in favor of the motion. Councilors Rasmussen, Erdman, Brooks and Mayor Summers voted nay. Mayor Summers declared the motion defeated.

The Albert Lea Lakes Restoration Committee is again planning to have an Albert Lea Lakes party on Saturday, August 26, 2006. The committee is requesting that the City waive the rental fee for the City Arena for the event. In return, the committee would provide a 2006 sponsor plate that will announce the City as a silver donor to lake restoration efforts. The committee will also be asking the City Council to approve a gambling permit for a coin raffle. However, this request will be brought to Council after an application from the state has been accepted.

Councilor Rasmussen moved, Councilor Marin seconded, that the request of the Lakes Restoration Committee to waive the Arena rental fee be approved. On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Summers declared the motion carried and the fee waived.

Freeborn County has requested permission to dispose of construction debris from the demolition of a house at 245 West Clark Street into the City’s landfill at the non-profit public users rate of $4.00/cu.yd. City staff recommended approval of this request.

Councilor Severtson moved, Councilor Marin seconded, that the request to use the demolition landfill at the non-profit public users rate be approved. On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Summers declared the motion carried and the resolution adopted.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution

06-138 included with these minutes.)

The Board of Directors of the Albert Lea Port Authority is requesting the non-profit demolition rate for the disposal of 1,205 cubic yards of debris from a new building site on Y. H. Hanson Avenue. City staff is recommending waiving the disposal fee in its entirety for this project.

After Council discussion, Councilor Fjelstad moved, Councilor Rasmussen seconded, that the demolition landfill fee for the disposal of debris be waived for the Albert Lea Port Authority. On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Summers declared the motion carried and the resolution adopted.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution

06-139 included with these minutes.)

Mr. Gary Goette, 26004 725^th Avenue, Albert Lea, is requesting a zoning classification change for a piece of property located at 1430 Highway 69 South. The property has been used for business purposes for many years and was zoned business under the County zoning plan prior to annexation in October of 2003. When the property was annexed into the city limits, no zoning designation was established in the ordinance. The owner is requesting the City Council change the zoning to be consistent with its use without going through the Planning Commission in order to sell and close on the property as soon as possible this month. The County has the property designated as B-2 on their records and is assessing the property accordingly. City staff has reviewed the information and can support the change in zoning as requested.

Councilor Marin introduced Ordinance 107, 3d, rezoning the property at 1430 Highway 69 South from R-1 to B-2. Ordinance 107, 3d will lay over for a second reading and public hearing in accordance with Charter requirements.

(See Secretary’s Original Ordinance

107, 3d included with these minutes.)

Since the bid opening on June 7 for the construction costs associated with the road near Love’s Travel Stops were received, it is requested that the development agreement be changed to reflect the true construction costs associated with this project. This resolution authorizes an amendment to the development agreement to include those costs as well as a couple of additions the company has requested in regard to legal provisions.

Councilor Severtson moved, Councilor Rasmussen seconded, that the Love’s Development Agreement amendment be accepted. On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Summers declared the motion carried and the resolution adopted.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution

06-140 included with these minutes.)

At its June 7, 2006 meeting, the Board of Appeals considered a request from Butch Nolin for property owned at 414 E. Main Street for a 10-foot variance to the minimum lot width requirement in a B-2 District to permit the splitting of the lot to provide clear title to both businesses located at this address. The businesses involved with this variance are the Albert Lea Car Wash and Minnesota State Mortgage which are located on one lot. Both parties would like to split the lot so a clear title could be given to both businesses, but the replatting requires a 10-foot variance to the required 60 foot lot width at the 25 foot building setback line. Staff agrees with the recommendation of the Board of Appeals since the separation is not detrimental to either business. Further, the existing lot is unusually shaped and a separation of the two businesses will reduce future title issues.

Councilor Fjelstad moved, Councilor Brooks seconded, that the variance for 414 East Main recommended by the Board of Zoning Appeals be approved. On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Summers declared the motion carried and the resolution adopted.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution

06-141 included with these minutes.)

The City has received a petition to initiate the orderly annexation of the Loretta D. Hartman farm located on County Road 46 on the east boundary of Albert Lea. The property contains approximately 80 acres which is currently located in Albert Lea Township and abuts the City’s limits to the east of Government Acres. The Albert Lea Township supervisors approved the resolution at their June 6 meeting. The property will be zoned Interstate Development District (IDD).

Councilor Severtson moved, Councilor Brooks seconded, that the orderly annexation of the Hartman property be approved. On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Summers declared the motion carried and the resolution adopted.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution

06-142 included with these minutes.)

This resolution between the Albert Lea Township and the City of Albert Lea designates 47.44 acres of land at the southwest intersection of Interstate 35 and East Main Street is hereby presented to City Council for approval. A petition from Ms. Mary O’Marro and John R. & Cynthia Peterson has been received for the orderly annexation of this property. The designated zoning for this property is Interstate Development District (IDD).

Councilor Severtson moved, Councilor Brooks seconded, that the orderly annexation of the O’Marro property be approved. On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Summers declared the motion carried and the resolution adopted.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution

06-143 included with these minutes.)

The City of Albert Lea has received a petition from Mr. Scott LaFavre for the annexation of the remaining 46.9 acre tract of property known as the back nine of the Albert Lea Country Club. The property is located within Albert Lea Township and a resolution by the supervisors was approved at their June 6, 2006 meeting for the orderly annexation of this property, zoned R-1.

Councilor Erdman moved, Councilor Severtson seconded, that the orderly annexation of the Albert Lea Country Club property be approved. On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Summers declared the motion carried and the resolution adopted.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution

06-144 included with these minutes.)

This resolution accepts the orderly annexation of 33.43 acres of land within the Albert Lea Township to be annexed into the City. The property is owned by the Albert Lea Port Authority and is adjacent to South Broadway Avenue. The property will be zoned I-2 and used as an industrial park.

After Council discussion, Councilor Fjelstad moved, Councilor Marin seconded, that the orderly annexation of the Albert Lea Port Authority property be approved. On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion with the exception of Councilor Brooks who voted nay. Mayor Summers declared the motion carried and the resolution adopted.

(See Secretary's Original Resolution

06-145 included with these minutes.)

Bids were accepted for Job 0608, the control replacement and back wash water valve replacement at the west water plant. Contract specifications were developed by the City’s electrical consultant, Bruce Palmer Engineering. Three bids were submitted for the project: Albert Lea Electric $92,257; Automatic Systems Company, St. Paul, $104,460; and Schammel Electric, Austin, MN, $132,000. The consultant estimated the project to be $105,000. City staff is recommending the low bid from Albert Lea Electric.

Bids were also accepted for Jobs 0602 and 0609, 2006 Bituminous Contract #2, involving the reconstruction of the downtown parking lot behind the Lea Center and the City Arena parking lot. Only one bid was submitted by Ulland Bros., Inc. of Albert Lea. City staff is recommending accepting their bid of $331,349.03. The engineer’s estimate was $310,836.

Bids were also accepted for Job 0604, construction of turn lanes on East Main Street. This project involves roadwork that will serve the entrance to the area near Love’s Travel Center. We received only one bid submitted by Ulland Bros., Inc. of Albert Lea. Engineers had estimated the job at $131,222.25. Ulland Bros. bid was $150,593.65. Staff recommends accepting the bid.

After Council discussion, Councilor Brooks moved, Councilor Severtson seconded, that the low bids for Jobs 0608, 0602, 0609 and 0604 be approved. On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Summers declared the motion carried and the resolution adopted.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution

06-146 included with these minutes.)

Bids were opened and reviewed this week on the restoration of the exterior masonry, windows and asbestos abatement at the Freeborn Bank building. Two bids were received on asbestos abatement. A bid from Environmental Plant Services, St. Paul, MN did not meet the bid bonding requirements and was disqualified. Twell Environmental, Brooklyn Park, MN submitted a bid for $111,567 for the base bid and alternate bid for asbestos abatement. The engineer’s estimate on this portion was $161,000. Daylight Window Company, Worth, Illinois, submitted a bid of $480,000 for complete aluminum windows and doors per specifications. The engineer’s estimate on this portion of the project was $243,950. Two bids were received for the complete restoration of the exterior of the building. Building Restoration, St. Paul, MN bid $468,289 and Advanced Masonry, St. Paul, MN bid $649,915. The engineer’s estimate for this portion of the project was $376,240. City staff is recommending accepting the low bids from Building Restoration, Daylight Window Company, and Twell Environmental for this phase of the project. Bids for the roof replacement are still pending.

Councilor Erdman moved, Councilor Fjelstad seconded, that the bids for Freeborn Bank Building Project Phase 1 be accepted.

Council discussion centered around the differences in the engineer’s estimates and the actual bids and the accusation that the specifications weren’t available to other potential bidders.

Tom Throlson, Total Glass & Lock, stated that he had sent an employee to the City to obtain a set of specifications and questioned whether they were available to the public. Ms. Simonsen stated that the City Planner had taken the specifications to a service club meeting at which he was speaking. The specs were returned to the City Center following the meeting. Throlson then stated that the advertisement for bids were only published in the Albert Lea Tribune and that he was unaware bids were being accepted until it was too late to prepare a bid. Ms. Simonsen explained that State Statutes require publication in the City’s official newspaper and argued that if Mr. Throlson were truly interest in bidding, he would have arranged to obtain the specifications or asked that Mr. Graham call him when he returned with them.

Council discussion with Mr. Throlson included the fact that the City is only required to advertise in the Tribune, that the consultant made plans available to anyone paying the $50 deposit and the $20 shipping charges, the plans were technically available at City Hall, the fact that there was ample notice that the project was moving forward, expressed concern with the high bid, the ability to complete the project on time if it were rebid and the fact that Mr. Throlson learned of the advertisement for bids from Scott Knutson who attended the Historic Preservation meeting and was aware of the bidding process at that time which provided ample time to prepare a bid.

After Council discussion and on roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion with the exception of Councilor Marin who voted nay. Mayor Summers declared the motion carried and the resolution adopted.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution

06-147 included with these minutes.)

Annually, the City must name an Agent of Record to represent the City on insurance matters. Since 1986, Strong Insurance Agency has acted as that agent. For the past ten years they have charged the City $12,000 annually as their commission. City staff is recommending continuing with Strong Insurance Agency for the period of July 2006 through June 2007 with this item being rebid in 2007.

Councilor Marin moved, Councilor Severtson seconded, that Strong Agency be named the City’s Agent of Record. On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Summers declared the motion carried and the resolution adopted.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution

06-148 included with these minutes.)

The City has received a proposed agreement for the 2006-2007 Youth First Sports activities coordinated between the City, School District and Community Education. The program provides athletic programming for seventh and eighth grade students. The provisions within the agreement remain the same as the past year with the exception of the financial contribution by each of the parties. Traditionally the City, School District and Community Education have all contributed an equal amount, not-to-exceed $15,000, toward this program. This year Community Education is requesting a contribution not-to-exceed $12,000. The School District and City will continue to contribute an amount not-to-exceed $15,000 for a one-year period. At a future date the contract will need to be renegotiated to equal contributions or programming changes will need to be considered.

Councilor Brooks moved, Councilor Rasmussen seconded, that the agreement for the 2006-2007 Youth First Program be approved. On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Summers declared the motion carried and the resolution adopted.

(See Secretary's Original Resolution

06-149 included with these minutes.)

The City of Albert Lea has been informed that two properties are included in the Auditor’s classification listing as being forfeited to the State of Minnesota for nonpayment of property taxes. The properties vacated as 1315 St. John Avenue and 1906 West Main Street have unpaid assessments against them which will be cancelled if not reinstated by council resolution. The City Council must decide whether to decline the offer to acquire the two properties and notify the auditor of its interest in reinstating the assessments in the principal amounts of $674.85 and $773.21 respectively.

Councilor Severtson moved, Councilor Brooks seconded, that the Council decline acquisition of the properties and request reinstatement of the assessments for both properties. On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Summers declared the motion carried and the resolution adopted.

(See Secretary's Original Resolution

06-150 included with these minutes.)

City Manager Simonsen explained that it is necessary for the City Council to annually authorize the City Manager to sign a non-waiver of the City’s monetary limits on tort liability in accordance with State Statutes. The law allows us to waive the limits but requires a higher limit liability coverage at a higher cost to the City for its insurance. The law also requires the City to declare our intent to maintain the statutory limits as declared by the resolution. It should be noted that the State is currently reviewing what those limits should be and looking at increasing tort liability limits for municipalities.

Councilor Brooks moved, Councilor Severtson seconded, that the City Manager be directed to sign a non-waiver of the City’s monetary limits on tort liability. On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Summers declared the motion carried and the resolution adopted.

(See Secretary's Original Resolution

06-151 included with these minutes.)

First Ward, Councilor Rasmussen:

1. Requested Staff arrange a joint meeting with the County Commissioners in July.

2. Noted that the ski club has given a sign authorized by the City Council to the Park Department for placement near the ramp at Edgewater Park and asked why the sign has not yet been posted.

3. Asked whether the City Engineer had arranged a meeting with the residents in the Hawthorne/Marie area. City Engineer Jahnke responded that he is preparing a report regarding the sewer problems and once the Councilor has reviewed the report they can discuss a meeting.

4. Extended an invitation to the public to attend a public forum on employment discrimination on June 21 in the City Council Chambers from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. This forum is being put on by the Human Rights Commission and will include five presenters from the State.

Second Ward, Councilor Erdman:

1. Reported that the Legislature recently passed legislation relating to adult entertainment and requested that staff be directed to draft an ordinance to supersede this state law. City Attorney Schwab asked whether the Council wants to include hours only or the entire statute. Councilor Erdman stated hours only.      

Councilor Marin requested more information on this issue. Ms. Simonsen stated that staff had recently learned of the legislation which limits hours for adult entertainment. The law became effective May 27 and requires the entertainment end at 10 p.m. six days a week and not to be available on Sunday. She noted that a Home Rule City may pass a local ordinance to alter those hours.     

 

Councilor Rasmussen asked Lt. Bartusek if the Police Department had had any issues with the local establishment and whether the establishment was cooperative with the Police Department. Lt. Bartusek replied that they have had no issues and that the bar was cooperative.      

 

Councilor Erdman moved to direct staff to prepare an ordinance for Council consideration regarding the hours for adult entertainment. Councilor Brooks seconded the motion. On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion with the exception of Councilor Marin who voted nay and Councilor Fjelstad who abstained. Mayor Summers declared the motion carried.

 

2.  Reported a vacant house at 821 West Clark Street that is in rough shape and suggested staff get a little tougher with these property owners.

 

3.  Reported the shoreline on Edgewater Bay where Wedge Street, Cedar Avenue and Oakwood Drive come together there are some large holes where it has caved in and no rip rap has been put back in between Dock Space 350 and Dock Space 360.

 

4.  Requested City Engineer Jahnke explain when the 8^th Avenue lift station and storm sewer project would occur. Jahnke replied that Zenk Read Trygstad has been doing some modeling on the lift station. Staff met with them earlier this week and he expects recommendations within the next two weeks. As soon as he receives them they will be taken to Council to determine how to proceed at that point.

Third Ward, Councilor Marin:

1. Stated that he had just returned from a 10-day vacation to San Diego and Mexico and that he is so glad to be back in Albert Lea. He noted that he had had an opportunity to deal with the San Diego police force and that our guys are fantastic in comparison.

2. Requested an update on the Sunset Street extension. Ms. Simonsen stated that the owner did approve an appraisal of the property and continues to show interest in working with the City on right-of-way acquisition.

3. Requested an update on the noise ordinance. Ms. Simonsen said that there hasn’t been much activity on the noise ordinance. She stated that we may need to establish a timeline. City Attorney Schwab asked whether his intent was to include cars primarily or everything including decibel levels in neighborhoods. Councilor Marin responded his intent was to include everything.

4. He thought he had requested flood zone signs in areas prone to flooding. He wondered if anything has been done on this. He feels it would be a community service.

5. Requested staff look at some type of program to help people pay for needed repairs such as installation of a backflow preventer and assess the cost to the property owner over a period of time. Ms. Simonsen stated that we are already looking at that as part of the City Engineer’s long range plan. Jahnke is working on a project timeline.

6. Asked for a schedule on placement of the speed monitor. Lt. Bartusek explained that the monitor is set out randomly. It was on the Front Street extension today and was on East Main earlier. The Police Department is putting it out every day.

7. Asked the Park Department contact the resident at 932 South First Avenue. Apparently there are a couple of trees on City property which are causing some problems and a concern that if a larger limb comes down they won’t be able to get out of their garage.

Fifth Ward, Councilor Severtson:

1. Stated that the Fountain Lake Sportsmen’s Club did another excellent job on the "Take A Kid Fishing" event last Saturday.

2. Expressed sympathy to Councilor Fjelstad on the loss of his sister.

Sixth Ward, Councilor Brooks:

1. Requested that Mr. Jahnke look at a possible resolution for the ditch problem on Waldorf Road and suggested we contact the owner of the vacant lot on the corner to get the weeds and grass cut.

2. Requested an update on the Virginia Place project. City Engineer Jahnke reported that funding for this project was not approved for this year. The project will be up for budgeting in 2007.

Mayor Summers:

1. Thanked the Noon Kiwanis Club for their donation of $20,320 to pay for a portion of the playground equipment for Frank Hall Park.

Councilor Brooks 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, June 26, 2006. On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Summers declared the motion carried and the meeting adjourned.

Filed and attested June 13, 2006.