Albert Lea, MN July 8, 2002
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, George Marin, Mary Kron and Mayor Bob
Haukoos. Absent were Councilors David McPherson, Ron Sorenson and Al Brooks.
Also present were City Manager Paul T. Sparks, City Attorney Steven Schwab,
Public Works Director David R. Olson, Council Secretary Sandi Behrens and a
representative from KATE Radio.
The City Council recited the Pledge of Allegiance and Councilor Marin recited
the Serenity Prayer.
CONSENT AGENDA
(a) APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE COUNCIL MEETING OF JUNE 24, 2002.
(b) LICENSES APPROVED:
ANNUAL LICENSE
FIREWORKS
Mary Jo Dorman, 445 Lakeview Boulevard
TREE TRIMMER
Christopher Johnson d/b/a South Central Tree Service, 2171 State Hwy. 22,
Kiester
TEMPORARY LICENSE
FOOD/BEVERAGE
Dana Guildner, P.O. Box 159, Hollandale, for July 3 and 4
Albert Lea Jaycee's, Box 325, Albert Lea, for the Freeborn County
Fairgrounds July 30 through August 4
Zion Lutheran Ladies Society, 924 Bridge Avenue for the Freeborn County
Fairgrounds July 30 through August 1
Zion Lutheran Church, 924 Bridge Avenue for the Freeborn County
Fairgrounds August 2 through August 4
Patti Yaw, 62138 220th St., Alden, for the parade route on July 3
Barb Butler, 106 Lee Place, for the gazebo on Broadway for the parade route on
July 3
Gramma's Kitchen, 104 S. Broadway for the Jazz Festival on July 6
PUBLIC DANCE
Frank Madrigal, 2329 Larson Avenue, for the Arena July 6
OFF-PREMISES LIQUOR
Jacob Zamora d/b/a Casa Zamora, 2006 E. Main, for the Arena July 6
(c) RESOLUTION 02-141 ADOPTED - APPROVE ACT CONTRACT: Resolution 02-141
approves the 2002-2003 contract with Albert Lea Community Theatre for lease of
the Civic Theatre.
(See Secretary's Original Resolution 02-141 included with these minutes.)
(d) RESOLUTION 02-142 ADOPTED - AUTHORIZING EASEMENT CONFINEMENT: Resolution
02-142 authorizes the confinement of an easement for property at 1432 Edina
Avenue.
(See Secretary's Original Resolution 02-142 included with these minutes.)
(e) CALLS A PUBLIC HEARING FOR INTOXICATING LIQUOR LICENSE RENEWALS FOR JULY
22, 2002.
(h) RESOLUTION 02-143 ADOPTED - CLAIMS: Resolution 02-143 presents the
financial claims of the City.
(See Secretary's Original
Resolution 02-143 included with these minutes.)
Councilor Amundson moved, Councilor Kron 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.
INTOXICATING LIQUOR LICENSES ISSUED TO TIENDA MEXICO - PUBLIC HEARING
Mayor Haukoos opened a public hearing for the issuance of an on-sale
intoxicating liquor license and a Sunday on-sale intoxicating liquor license for
Tienda Mexico, 2201 East Main Street. The necessary notice for this hearing was
published on June 28, 2002. There was no public discussion.
After Council discussion, Councilor Kron moved, Councilor Amundson seconded,
that the issuance of a Sunday on-sale and on-sale intoxicating liquor license to
Tienda Mexico, 2201 East Main Street, be approved. On roll call vote, all
Councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Haukoos declared the motion
carried, the licenses approved and the public hearing closed.
RESOLUTION 02-144 ADOPTED - AUTHORIZING CURB CUT WIDENING AT 227 RIDGE ROAD
City Manager Sparks reported that Brian Demmer, 227 Ridge Road, has requested
permission to widen his curb cut an additional 10 feet to the north of the
existing driveway to permit easier access to a planned garage addition and that
the intersection has a fairly low volume of traffic making this authorization a
limited risk.
After Council discussion, Councilor Amundson moved, Councilor Marin seconded,
that Resolution 02-144, authorizing the requested curb cut widening at 227 Ridge
Road, 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 02-144 included with these minutes.)
RESOLUTION 02-145 ADOPTED - AUTHORIZING BIKE RACK AT 105 NORTH BROADWAY
City Manager Sparks explained that A Taste of the Big Apple had requested
permission to place a bike rack on the sidewalk in front of their business and
that the City had suggested that they use a parking stall rather than blocking
the sidewalk. He commented that the bike rack would remain through the summer
months only and would not conflict with the walking public.
After Council discussion, Councilor Kron moved, Councilor Marinseconded, that
Resolution 02-145, authorizing the placement of a bike rack in a parking stall
to be determined by the City Engineer, 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 02-145 included with these minutes.)
2003 FESTIVAL OF BANDS EVENT AUTHORIZED
City Manager Sparks explained that the Festival of Bands organization is
requesting permission to conduct the 4th annual marching band festival on
Sunday, June 15, at 2 p.m. in downtown Albert Lea.
Richard Hench, 305 Lakeview Boulevard, Chairman of the Festival of Bands,
appeared before the Council to request approval of this event.
Councilor Amundson moved, Councilor Kron seconded, that the request to conduct
the 4th annual Festival of Bands, be approved. On roll call vote, all
Councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Haukoos declared the motion
carried and the request granted.
RESOLUTION 02-146 ADOPTED - AUTHORIZING LOAN TO ALBERT LEA SEED HOUSE
City Manager Sparks explained that the owners of the Albert Lea Seed House have
requested a loan from the City for the development of a seed processing and
sales center. He noted that the City could authorize a loan for the purchase of
equipment and is recommending a $50,000 loan from the Economic Development
Revolving Loan Fund at four percent interest over five years subject to the
normal financial reviews.
Don Sorensen, R. R. 2, Albert Lea, questioned why the City is providing the Seed
House with low interest money when the business is capable of borrowing funds
through normal channels. He suggested that this is not a good way to spend City
money.
After Council discussion, Councilor Marin moved, Councilor Amundson seconded,
that Resolution 02-146, authorizing a loan to Albert Lea Seed House as
recommended by the City Manager, 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 02-146 included with these minutes.)
RESOLUTION 02-147 ADOPTED - GRANTING A VARIANCE TO 600 EAST 14TH STREET
City Manager Sparks told the Council that Universal Cooperatives has requested a
variance for the tire warehouse. The City Council previously approved an
earlier resolution acknowledging a legal non-conforming use for the warehouse
but on legal advice, the company is requesting a variance for a legal conforming
use.
After Council discussion, Councilor Amundson moved, Councilor Kron seconded,
that Resolution 02-147, granting a variance to Universal Cooperatives facility
at 600 East 14th Street to permit a total lot coverage of 62.30 percent and a
2.6-foot variance of the required 75-foot required setback from a residential
district, 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 02-147 included with these minutes.)
RESOLUTION 02-148 ADOPTED - AUTHORIZING USE OF ARENA PARKING LOT
City Manager Sparks commented that the Minnesota Department of Public Safety has
requested a lease for a 50-foot by 175-foot section of the east end of the arena
parking lot for motorcycle testing for a two-year period. He noted that this
would cause no problem for the arena personnel and that the Park and Recreation
Department has no objection to this lease.
After Council discussion, Councilor Kron moved, Councilor Marin seconded, that
Resolution 02-148, authorizing a lease with the Minnesota Department of Public
Safety for use of the arena parking lot, 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 02-148 included with these minutes.)
RESOLUTION 02-149 ADOPTED - AUTHORIZING LEASE FOR WELCOME SIGN
City Manager Sparks explained that this resolution authorizes a lease that will
allow the City to install a welcome sign on Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services
property. He noted that the sign will be paid for through private funds raised
by First Impressions and that the sign would be located completely on FMCS
property.
Jean Eaton, 515 Park Avenue, appeared on behalf of First Impressions. She
commented that this would be the first of three signs to be placed and commended
the City staff for assistance in this project.
After Council discussion, Councilor Kron moved, Councilor Amundson seconded,
that Resolution 02-149, authorizing a lease with Freeborn-Mower Cooperative
Services for placement of a welcome sign on FMCS property, 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 02-149 included with these minutes.)
RESOLUTION 02-150 ADOPTED - AUTHORIZING APPLICATION FOR DOWNTOWN RENOVATION
MULTI-YEAR GRANT FROM MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
City Manager Sparks reported that this resolution permits the City to apply for
multi-year Department of Trade and Economic Development grant funds, tax credits
for a housing project and identifying the downtown as an area in need of partial
redevelopment. This is a step that is necessary for the City to proceed with
its redevelopment plans for the Lea Center Building.
Richard Seelye, 914 Jefferson Avenue, asked whether the City intended to spend
the $1.2 million from the General Fund if the grant is not approved. The City
Manager explained that the money would not come from the General Fund but that
we would attempt to do some of the work with Tax Increment Funds.
After Council discussion, Councilor Kron moved, Councilor Marin seconded, that
Resolution 02-150, authorizing an application for a downtown renovation
multi-year grant from the Minnesota Department of Trade and Economic
Development, be approved. Mayor Haukoos declared the motion carried and the
resolution adopted.
(See Secretary's Original
Resolution 02-150 included with these minutes.)
PURCHASE OF LEA CENTER BUILDING LAID OVER TO NEXT MEETING
Mayor Haukoos requested that this item be laid over to the next Council meeting
to permit time to acquire additional information.
Council discussion centered around the need to have this purchase approved by
August 1 to allow the staff time to submit an application to the Minnesota
Housing and Finance Agency in time for the distribution of funds and a desire to
have a workshop meeting with the development company for the building, Metro
Plains, to obtain more information.
City Manager Sparks explained that the application must be submitted by August 1
to be included in possible funding for the coming year. He noted that there are
parking issues that need to be addressed and that paperwork would be done during
the coming months with actual construction occurring next year. He told the
Councilors that Metro Plains is currently preparing plans and would be able to
show its intent for the building to the Council in a PowerPoint presentation at
a workshop meeting. He assured the Council that the company is solid and would
perform as promised.
There was no action taken on this issue.
RESOLUTION 02-151 ADOPTED - AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT WITH MEAD & HUNT
City Manager Sparks explained that this resolution authorizes a contract with
Mead & Hunt for airport consulting services connected with an Environmental
Assessment for the Runway 16/34 relocation at a cost of $119,226.00 with an FAA
grant paying 90 percent of the cost.
Richard Seelye, 914 Jefferson Avenue, questioned whether this improvement would
go far enough. He asked whether the City had considered a regional airport.
City Manager Sparks told Mr. Seelye that the City had looked at a regional
airport but that this would be a very expensive proposition. He also told Mr.
Seelye that the runway would be expanded from 4500 feet to 5000 feet which would
allow more jet usage and a version of instrument approach.
After Council discussion, Councilor Kron moved, Councilor Amundson seconded,
that Resolution 02-151, authorizing a contract with Mead & Hunt, 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 02-151 included with these minutes.)
RESOLUTION 02-152 ADOPTED - APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH MN DOT
City Manager Sparks told the Council that this resolution approves an agreement
with the Minnesota Department of Transportation Office of Aeronautics for the
purpose of carrying out the Environmental Assessment for Runway 16/34 Relocation
and requesting an FAA Fiscal Year 2002 grant for the preparation of the
environmental assessment/environmental impact statement for the improvement
project.
Councilor Marin moved, Councilor Amundson seconded, that Resolution 02-152,
approving an agreement with the Minnesota Department of Transportation Office of
Aeronautics, 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 02-152 included with these minutes.)
UNLISTED ITEMS
PUBLIC ITEMS
Richard Seelye, 914 Jefferson, told the Council that there were two elderly
ladies living at 905 Madison who mow their lawn with a push mower. He suggested
that perhaps the City could assist elderly residents with these activities.
Mayor Haukoos explained that there is a growing elderly population in Albert Lea
and that if the City assists certain individuals with these items that we would
be setting a precedent and would eventually be mowing numerous properties
requiring a need to employ more people. He also noted that the Senior Resources
provides assistance to elderly individuals and that this would be a duplicate
service.
Mr. Seelye suggested that the City promote the Senior Resources programsand
consider alternatives for service to the elderly community.
ADJOURNMENT - 8:30 P.M.
Councilor Amundson 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, July 22, 2002. 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 July 8, 2002.
_______________________________
Secretary of the Council
Mayor