Albert
Lea, MN
August 27, 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 and the Albert Lea Tribune.
CONSENT
AGENDA
(a)
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 13, 2001.
(b)
LICENSES AND BONDS APPROVED:
ANNUAL LICENSE
LODGING/BOARDING
Janet A. McDermott d/b/a The Victoria Rose
Inn, 609 W. Fountain St.
TEMPORARY LICENSE
FOOD/BEVERAGE
Cynthia Anderson, 706 Pillsbury, for the
Freeborn County Fairgrounds on August 11and 12
OFF-PREMISES LIQUOR
Steve Anderson d/b/a Andy’s Roadhouse, 2301
E. Main, for the Armory on August 18
(c)
RESOLUTION 01-195 ADOPTED – APPROVING LAWFUL GAMBLING APPLICATION:
Resolution 01-195 approves an Application for Premises Permit Renewal
for the Knights of Columbus Council 1590 at 1002 S. Broadway.
(See Secretary's Original Resolution
01-195
included with these minutes.)
(d)
RESOLUTION 01-196 ADOPTED – APPROVING LAWFUL GAMBLING APPLICATION:
Resolution 01-196 approves an Application for a Premises Permit
Renewal for the Knights of Columbus Council 1590 at the Aragon Bar, 130 W.
College.
(See
Secretary's Original Resolution
01-196
included with these minutes.)
(e)
RESOLUTION
01-197
ADOPTED - CLAIMS: Resolution 01-197
presents the financial claims of the City.
(See Secretary's Original Resolution
01-197
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
01-198 ADOPTED – ADOPTING MISCELLANEOUS ASSESSMENTS ROLLS 30-32 – PUBLIC
HEARING
Mayor
Haukoos opened a public hearing for Miscellaneous Assessments Rolls 30-32.
The necessary notice for this hearing was published on August 9, 2001.
There was no public
discussion. Councilor Sorenson
moved, Councilor Kron seconded, that Resolution 01-198, adopting Miscellaneous
Assessments Rolls 30-32, 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
01-198
included with these minutes.)
RESOLUTION
01-199 ADOPTED – ADOPTING PARKING MAINTENANCE DISTRICT ASSESSMENTS – PUBLIC
HEARING
Mayor
Haukoos opened a public hearing for Parking Maintenance District assessments
from August 1, 2000, to July 31, 2001. The
necessary notice for this hearing was published on August 16, 2001.
There was no public discussion.
Councilor McPherson moved, Councilor Marin seconded, that Resolution
01-199, adopting Parking Maintenance District assessments, 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
01-199
included with these minutes.)
RESOLUTION 01-200 ADOPTED –
ORDERING JOB 0108 – PUBLIC HEARING
Mayor Haukoos opened a public hearing for Job 0108, road construction,
sanitary sewer, watermain and storm sewer on Blake Avenue south of CSAH 46,
Southeast Marshall and the intersection of CSAH 46 and Blake Avenue.
The necessary notice for this hearing was published on August 16, 2001.
City Manager Sparks explained that
the City had received letters from Charles Boerneman and from Hugh O’Byrne
stating that the assessment exceeds the value of the property and objecting to
the assessment. He told the Council
that the properties consist of poor quality soils requiring expensive
improvements prior to use and
suggested that these assessment
be deferred until such time as the
property is developed and using City water and sewer. At that time, the property will be assessed at the current
costs for installation.
Hugh O’Byrne, Route 2, Albert
Lea, objected to deferred assessments and questioned whether the assessments
would carry accrued interest payable at the time of sale. City Manager Sparks explained that these assessments would be
held in abeyance and that the assessments would not begin with the final hearing
on those properties but would begin when the properties connect to City
utilities.
After Council discussion, Councilor
Kron moved, Councilor Brooks seconded, that Resolution 01-200, ordering Job 0108
and deferring the assessments on Lots 1-5, Block 3, Buschbom 3rd
Addition until such time as they are developed, 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
01-200
included with these minutes.)
RESOLUTION 01-201 ADOPTED –
ORDERING JOB 0111 – PUBLIC HEARING
Mayor Haukoos opened a public hearing on Job 0111, sanitary sewer
extension on Southeast Marshall. The
necessary notice for this hearing was published on August 16, 2001.
City Manager Sparks explained that
the two objections received from Charles Boerneman and Hugh O’Byrne also carry
over to this project.
After Council discussion, Councilor
Kron moved, Councilor Sorenson seconded, that Resolution 01-201, ordering Job
0111 with deferral for the properties owned by Boerneman and O’Byrne
identified as Lots 1-5, Block 3, Buschbom 3rd Addition, 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
01-201
included with these minutes.)
RESOLUTION 01-202 ADOPTED –
ORDERLY ANNEXATION OF DARWIN HAROLDSON PROPERTY
City Manager Sparks explained that the City had received a request from
Darwin Haroldson, 2016 Southeast Marshall, for annexation of his home into the
City. The property requested for
annexation is a parcel 130 feet east of the westerly property line on Southeast
Marshall, 200 feet south, 130 feet west and 200 feet north from the center of
the street on Southeast Marshall. Mr.
Sparks explained that a resolution would be a formal request to the Albert Lea
Township for the orderly annexation of this property.
After Council discussion, Councilor
Kron moved, Councilor Brooks seconded, that Resolution 01-202, approving the
orderly annexation of the Darwin Haroldson property at 2016
Southeast Marshall, 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
01-202
included with these minutes.)
CVB BUDGET TO BE REVIEWED AT BUDGET WORKSHOPS
City Manager Sparks explained that
the City had received the Convention and Visitors Bureau proposed budget for
2002. He suggested that the budget
be received and included for discussions with the City’s budget review at
workshop sessions to be scheduled.
After Council discussion, Councilor
Sorenson moved, Councilor Marin seconded, that the Convention and Visitors
Bureau budget for 2002 be accepted for review at Council budget workshops.
On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion.
Mayor Haukoos declared the motion carried and the CVB budget accepted.
RESOLUTION 01-203 ADOPTED – FUND
TRANSFERS
City Manager Sparks explained that City staff has requested a Council
resolution advancing $15,000 from the General Fund to TIF District 5-9 Downtown
Project Fund to cover a check issued to Scott Knutson and an advance of $700,000
from the General Fund to the Revolving Fund to finance construction payments for
assessed projects until the $2.8 million bond proceeds are received in
September.
After Council discussion, Councilor Brooks moved, Councilor Amundson
seconded, that Resolution 01-203, authorizing the transfer of funds, 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
01-203
included with these minutes.)
RESOLUTION
01-204 ADOPTED – PROVIDING FOR
THE ISSUANCE
AND SALE OF
$2.8
MILLION G.O. PERMANENT IMPROVEMENT REVOLVING FUND BONDS, SERIES 2001A
This resolution authorizes the Permanent Improvement Revolving Fund Bond
sale in the amount of $2.8 million which is required to fund current and
upcoming projects.
Bob Thistle, Springsted, Inc., appeared before the Council to answer any
questions. He noted that Springsted
would be taking bids on September 24 and that the bids would be ready for the
Council’s consideration at its September 24 meeting.
After Council discussion, Councilor
Amundson moved, Councilor Brooks seconded, that Resolution 01-204, providing for
the issuance and sale of $2.8 General Obligation Permanent Improvement Revolving
Fund Series Bonds, Series 2001A, 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
01-204
included with these minutes.)
RESOLUTION 01-205 ADOPTED – AUTHORIZING PURCHASE OF PALMER PROPERTY
City Manager Sparks explained that this item dates back from the
Council’s May 29 meeting where the Council ordered an appraisal for a ten-acre
parcel of land northwest of the City Garage.
The City had received an offer to sell the property for $25,000 and the
staff feels that this property is valuable for future storm water retention.
The City has since obtained an appraisal for the property indicating a
market value of $78,500 making the offer a desirable one.
He is recommending Council authorization to proceed with the purchase of
the Ruth A. Palmer Trust property.
After Council discussion, Councilor
Amundson moved, Councilor Marin seconded, that Resolution 01-205, authorizing
the purchase of the Ruth A. Palmer Trust property at a purchase price of
$25,000, 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
01-205
included with these minutes.)
ALLIANT ENERGY STREET LIGHTING OFFER TAKEN UNDER CONSIDERATION
City Manager Sparks reported that Alliant Energy has proposed an
agreement between Alliant and the City to purchase and do maintenance on City
owned street lighting. He noted
that if the Council is interested the staff could request additional details for
this offer and bring a more specific agreement back for Council consideration.
Council discussion centered around whether the agreement would include
decorative poles only or all poles, a proposed rate for the agreement and a
desire for more information. No
action was taken on this agreement.
RESOLUTION 01-206 ADOPTED – APPROVING A CONTRACT AMENDMENT AND SECOND
CONTRACT WITH YAGGY COLBY
City Manager Sparks explained that the Council authorized a contract with
Yaggy Colby Associates of Rochester for design Phase I of the Downtown Street
Improvement Project (Job 9925) at a not to exceed fee of $26,000 in Resolution
01-51 and that the City Engineer is requesting an additional $5,472.35 to the
original contract for actual expenses for adding additional streets to the
original scope of the project. He
further explained that the Engineer is recommending the City enter into a
separate engineering service agreement with Yaggy Colby for final design, plan
preparation and project development of the remaining streets in the Downtown
area south of Main Street and identified as Phase II at a cost of $18,000.
After Council discussion, Councilor
Sorenson moved, Councilor McPherson seconded, that Resolution 01-206,
authorizing a contract amendment with Yaggy Colby for an additional amount of
$5,472.35 for additional streets to be included outside the scope of the
original contract and an
engineering services
agreement with
Yaggy Colby
for final design plan
preparation and project development of Phase II for Job 9925, the remaining
streets in the Downtown area south of Main at a cost of $18,000, 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
01-206
included with these minutes.)
RESOLUTION 01-207 ADOPTED – APPROVING SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH
SORENSEN BROS.
City Manager Sparks explained that certain storm drainage items were
inadvertently left out of the contract for Jobs 0108 and 0111 that are necessary
to the project. The cost of the
storm drainage items included in the supplemental agreement will not exceed the
contingency amounts and have been agreed to by the developer as a part of the
assessable costs.
After Council discussion, Councilor
Brooks moved, Councilor Amundson seconded, that Resolution 01-207, approving a
supplemental agreement for 2001 Sewer, Water and Street Contract No. 2 with
Sorensen Bros. in the amount of $85,848 for additional storm drainage items, 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
01-207
included with these minutes.)
2002 BITUMINOUS OVERLAY PROGRAM ACCEPTED
City Manager Sparks explained that the City Engineer is recommending that
the 2002 Overlay Project which includes the general area bounded by Main Street
on the south, Highway 13 on the west, Lakeview Boulevard on the north and West
Avenue on the east.
Council discussion centered around whether tiling in various areas would
be included in the project and whether the project would conflict with the West
Main Street Project. City Manager
Sparks stated that the City could prepare the assessments to include both with
tiling and without. City Engineer
Olson explained that the project would not conflict with the West Main Project
inasmuch as the detour route for the West Main Project would again be Front
Street. After additional Council
discussion, Councilor McPherson moved, Councilor Marin seconded, that the 2002
Bituminous Overlay Program suggested 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 project accepted.
RESOLUTION 01-208 ADOPTED – REJECTING BID FOR JOB 9925 AND CANCELLING
THE PUBLIC HEARING
City Manager Sparks stated that the City had accepted bids for the
Downtown Street Improvement Project, Job 9925, that afternoon and that only one
bid was received in the amount of $616,114.56 from Ulland Bros.
He noted that the Engineer’s estimate was $534,190.00 putting the final
cost at more than 15 percent over the Engineer’s estimate.
He
told the Council that the Engineer is recommending that the bid be rejected and
that the City staff combine Phase I and II of Job 9925 and rebid this project
next spring.
City Engineer Olson explained that most contractors are very busy at this
time of year and that it is even more difficult to find milling contractors with
only a 25 day window for completion. He noted that next year more contractors would probably bid
the project and they would be allowed more time for completion.
He noted that this is an unusual project in that they are attempting to
limit the inconvenience to the Downtown businesses with the application of
blacktop within 24-36 hours after milling is completed.
After Council discussion, Councilor
McPherson moved, Councilor Sorenson seconded, that Resolution 01-208, rejecting
the bid of Ulland Bros. for the Downtown Street Improvement Project (Job 9925)
and cancellation of the public hearing scheduled for September 11, 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
01-208
included with these minutes.)
YEAR 2002 BUDGET PRESENTED AND PUBLIC HEARING CALLED
City Manager Sparks explained that this is the formal presentation of the
City Manager’s recommended 2002 Budget. He
noted that it is necessary for the Council to call a public hearing on the
budget for September 10 to permit public input concerning the recommended
appropriations and spending levels as well as the recommended revenues.
He informed the Council that the City had received a letter from the
State indicating that the levy limit is $200,000 higher than what is included in
the budget but that he is suggesting that the levy limit indicated remain.
After Council discussion, Councilor Amundson moved, Councilor Brooks
seconded, that a public hearing on the year 2002 budget be called for September
10, 2001. On roll call vote, all
Councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor
Haukoos declared the motion carried and the budget hearing called.
UNLISTED ITEMS
WARD ITEMS
First Ward, Councilor Amundson:
a) Stated that one of his
constituents has requested a staff study for a stop sign at Troy and Grand as a
result of an injury accident at that location.
City Manager Sparks stated that he would report back to the Council.
Fourth Ward, Councilor Sorenson:
a)
Reported that the staff should take a look at the hedge in the southeast
quadrant of Garfield and Sheridan.
Mayor Haukoos thanked Commissioners Mullenbach and Behrends and the new
County Administrator Ron Gabrielson for sitting in at the meeting.
ADJOURNMENT – 8:20 P.M.
Councilor Amundson 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, September 10, 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 August 28, 2001.
________________________
_____________________________
Secretary of the Council
Mayor