Albert Lea, MN

July 25, 2005

Pastor Matt Hundley, Vineyard 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 Pro Tempore Al Brooks.

Present were Councilors Vern Rasmussen, Randy Erdman, Jeff Fjelstad, George Marin, John Severtson and Mayor Pro Tempore Al Brooks. 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, KATE Radio, and KAAL-TV.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Mayor Pro Tempore Brooks requested an addition to the agenda as follows:

6.c Off-Premises Liquor License for the Aragon Bar, 130 West College, for the Freeborn County Fair August 2 through 7, 2005.

He also requested a deletion from the agenda of item 9-e Discussion Regarding Superior Corrugated Loan.

Councilor Marin moved, Councilor Severtson seconded, that the Mayor Pro Tem’s request for the addition and deletion be approved. On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Pro Tem Brooks declared the motion carried and the changes authorized.

(a) APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 11, 2005.

 

(b) LICENSES APPROVED:

(c) RESOLUTION 05-134 ADOPTED – APPROVING A LAWFUL GAMBLING APPLICATION: Resolution 05-134 approves a lawful gambling application for the Chamber of Commerce Lakes Committee to conduct a raffle at the Albert Lea City Arena, 701 Lake Chapeau Drive, on August 25, 2005.

(See Secretary's Original Resolution

05-134 included with these minutes.)

(d) RESOLUTION 05-135 ADOPTED – CALLING A HEARING: Resolution 05-135 calls a public hearing to consider the adoption of Miscellaneous Assessments Roll 51 for August 22, 2005.

(See Secretary's Original Resolution

05-135 included with these minutes.)

(e) RESOLUTION 05-136 ADOPTED – CLAIMS: Resolution 05-136 presents the financial claims of the City.

 

(See Secretary's Original Resolution

05-136 included with these minutes.)

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

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

• A request for striping of highways in Albert Lea was received. The City crews paint stripes on some highways in the City; however, the Minnesota Department of Transportation stripes Highway 13 and 65. Staff has talked with MN DOT personnel and learned that they are planning to paint striping in late summer or early fall.

• A report of a need for striping near the railroad tracks was heard. Staff has looked at this location and finds that the striping is faded but present. The County has been informed of the request.

• A question regarding the cost to repair the current mosquito spraying machine was heard. The staff believes that the machine can be repaired internally. Ms. Simonsen noted that a new machine will cost between $6000 and $7000.

• A question was raised whether bees are affected by the mosquito pesticide. The firm hired to spray for mosquitoes confirmed that if bees are caught in the spray mist they will die.

• A comment was made that the City Forester needs additional equipment and funding. City Staff feels that the tree trimming equipment is sufficient for maintaining small trees. The City will continue to hire an outside vendor to take care of the larger trees.

• Concerns were expressed about light pollution expected from the lighting to be installed on the new Hatch Bridge. The staff has found lights that will produce less glare and will reflect downward. These will be used in place of the others.

• A report was heard that a lift was in the right of way at dock space 33. This lift has been removed.

• A complaint about the bushes on East Main at Garfield was received. The owner was notified and the bushes have been trimmed.

• Tall grass at 205 Water and 210 North Ermina was reported. These properties were mowed immediately and will be scheduled for mowing again this week.

• The pothole on Elmira near St. John’s has been filled.

• The request to place the speed sign near Ascension Lutheran Church was in place the day after the last Council meeting.

• Ms. Simonsen was directed to speak with the Shellrock River Watershed Board and the Port Authority requesting participation in the cost of the Blazing Star Landing channel study. She has spoken to the Watershed Board and they voted to pay for 1/3 of the cost up to $5000. She has also contacted the Port Authority and the issue will be presented to the board at its next meeting.

Mayor Pro Tem Brooks stated the rules for addressing the City Council.

Roger Bok, 1012 Cato Drive, suggested that anything marked with an asterisk must be read with claims read individually. He asked who will be paying for the installation of the sump pump over the storm sewer on Crestview and how many feet are included. City Engineer Jahnke reported that over the past several winters the sump pump has consistently discharged into the street causing an ice build up. The Street Department and the homeowner agreed that the sump pump could be hooked into the storm sewer. He noted that the City would pay the cost and Mr. Bok warned that this was a mistake. Bok then raised the iron issue at the packing house. Mayor Pro Tem Brooks told Bok that the issue has been resolved. Bok then stated that he has asked Councilor Severtson for copies of the checks and has not yet received them. Councilor Severtson reminded Mr. Bok that he had informed him that those documents are available in the Library. Bok then asked about the chickens next door to him and asked how many cats are permitted per residence. He noted that the neighbor’s cats are running loose and are unlicensed. He asked what color the chicken coop is supposed to be and Ms. Simonsen replied that it should be whitewashed. Mayor Pro Tem Brooks informed Mr. Bok that his five minutes were up.

Mike Murtaugh, 313 Willamor Road, thanked the City Staff for following up on the lighting issue and asked to see the information. He asked if the City had any plans to treat the lake for algae. Ms. Simonsen explained that the copper sulphate treatment has not been budgeted. She noted that she has had several requests during the past week and that the lake is usually treated in the first week of August at a cost of $3000 to $5000. She explained that the DNR now has a rule that only one half of the lake may be treated at one time and that the results last only a couple of weeks. Murtaugh explained that the ski club has tournaments coming up and treating the lake will prevent them from practicing. He explained that the club practices Monday through Thursday and suggested treatment be applied on Wednesday. Mr. Murtaugh then commented that he watched the mayoral candidate question and answer session. He noted that Councilor Marin asked most candidates if they felt the Council acted appropriately in asking for the former mayor’s resignation. He told the Council that his opinion is that he believes they did the right thing. He also noted that he feels all four candidates are very well qualified for the position. He asked that the Council appoint one of those individuals.

Bob Fjelbroten, 21458 775^th Avenue, asked whether the City would be hauling in additional gravel on the secondary road with tonight’s rain. He noted that the main road gets very soft with rainfall and suggested that residents will be unable to exit the neighborhood. City Engineer Jahnke stated that they will not bring in more gravel for the secondary road, that they will concentrate on the main road and that they will do what they can to keep the road passable.

Mayor Pro Tem Brooks stated that this is a public hearing for the renewal of the various intoxicating liquor licenses issued by the City of Albert Lea. The necessary notice for this hearing was published on July 14, 2005. The licenses are as follows: