Albert Lea, MN                                                                                                                     August 28, 2000

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 Pro Tempore Ronald Sorenson.

ROLL CALL

CONSENT AGENDA

(a) APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 14, 2000.

(b) LICENSES AND BONDS APPROVED:

Duane Gehring d/b/a Gehring Plumbing and Heating, 308 3^rd St. SE, Waseca

Jacob Zamora d/b/a Casa Zamora, 2006 E. Main, for the Arena September 9

Michael Ruff, 101 Glenwood Ave., Mankato, for the Armory August 26

Daybreakers Kiwanis of Albert Lea for Trails on August 11-12

(c) RESOLUTION 00-155 ADOPTED – APPROVING LAWFUL GAMBLING APPLICATION: Resolution 00-155 approves a Minnesota Lawful Gambling Application for Exemption from Lawful Gambling License to permit the Southern Gateway Chapter/Minnesota Deer Hunter’s Association to conduct a raffle at the American Legion Post 56 at 139 N. Broadway on September 15, 2001.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution

00- 155 included with these minutes.)

(d) RESOLUTION 00-156 ADOPTED – APPROVING LAWFUL GAMBLING APPLICATION: Resolution 00-156 approves a Minnesota Lawful Gambling Application for Exemption Permit to permit the Freeborn County Pheasant and Habitat to conduct a raffle at the Union Center, 404 E. Main, on October 7, 2000.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution

00- 156 included with these minutes.)

(See Secretary's Original Resolution

00-157 included with these minutes.)

Councilor Mathison moved, Councilor Brooks seconded, that the consent agenda items be adopted. On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Pro Tempore Sorenson declared the motion carried and the consent agenda items adopted.

Mayor Pro Tem Sorenson opened a public hearing for the adoption of Parking Maintenance District assessments from August 1, 1999, through July 31, 2000. The necessary notice for this hearing was published on August 18, 2000.

There was no public discussion. Councilor McPherson moved, Councilor Mathison seconded, that Resolution 00-158, adopting Parking Maintenance District assessments, be approved. On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Pro Tem Sorenson declared the motion carried, the resolution adopted and the public hearing closed.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution

00- 158 included with these minutes.)

Mayor Pro Tem Sorenson opened a public hearing for the adoption of Miscellaneous Assessments Roll 26. The necessary notice for this hearing was published on August 1, 2000.

There was no public discussion. Councilor Mathison moved, Councilor Brooks seconded, that Resolution 00-159, adopting Miscellaneous Assessments Roll 26, be approved. On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Pro Tem Sorenson declared the motion carried, the resolution adopted and the public hearing closed.

Mayor Pro Tem Sorenson opened a public hearing for the adoption of assessments for Job 9903, Curb and Bituminous Surfacing on Sunset Street from Lake Chapeau Drive to Trollwood Drive. The necessary notice for this hearing was published on August 18, 2000.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution

00- 160 included with these minutes.)

SKATE PARK ASSOCIATION

The City Council received a request from the Albert Lea Skate Park Association for an opportunity to address the City Council regarding the possible locations for a Skate Park and to inform the Council on the progress of the Association. Councilor McPherson stated that he had been contacted by Stan Sevaldson and that he would not be at the meeting.

There was no action taken on this item.

Mayor Pro Tem Sorenson stated that the League of Minnesota Cities has requested Council adoption of a resolution in support of Building Quality Communities, a new initiative of the League. He noted the purpose of the program is to better inform legislators, the media and citizens about City government and the manner in which local taxation supports the quality of life in our communities.

After Council discussion, Councilor McPherson moved, Councilor Brooks seconded, that Resolution 00-161, authorizing participation in Building Quality Communities, be approved. On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Pro Tem Sorenson declared the motion carried and the resolution adopted.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution

00- 161 included with these minutes.)

YEAR 2001 BUDGET PRESENTED AND PUBLIC HEARING CALLED

Mayor Pro Tempore Sorenson explained that this is the formal presentation of the City Manager’s recommended 2001 Budget. He noted that the General Fund budget is $270,660 greater than the previous year, an increase of 2.4 percent. The total budget including utility funds is $465,750 higher or a three-percent increase from the previous year. He noted that it is necessary for the Council to call a public hearing on the budget for September 11 to permit public input concerning the recommended appropriations and spending levels as well as the recommended revenues.

After Council discussion, Councilor Mathison moved, Councilor Amundson seconded, that a public hearing on the year 2001 Budget be called for September 11, 2000. On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Pro Tem Sorenson declared the motion carried and the budget hearing called.

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN PRESENTED

Mayor Pro Tempore Sorenson explained that this is a draft of the Capital Improvement Plan, a five-year capital budget that should be reviewed at the same time as the 2001 Budget.

He noted that it lays out capital projects over the next five years and identifies possible sources of funding. He explained that this document is only a guide and that adjustments could and should be made as required.

PUBLIC HEARING CALLED FOR LIQUOR DEPOT LICENSE TRANSFER

Mayor Pro Tem Sorenson explained that the City had received an application for transfer of the Liquor Depot off-sale intoxicating liquor license from G & M White Enterprises, Inc. to D & M Evans Enterprises, LLC. Councilor Mathison moved, Councilor McPherson seconded that a public hearing for the transfer of the Liquor Depot off-sale intoxicating liquor license be called for September 11, 2000. On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Pro Tem Sorenson declared the motion carried and the public hearing called.

UNLISTED ITEMS

WARD ITEMS

First Ward, Councilor Amundson:

a) Noted that he has received calls regarding four-way stop signs at intersections around the City are not marked as all-way stop signs.

b) Stated that he had received a call for a stop sign at Lakewood and Hawthorne following the recent fatality at that intersection.

c) Stated that he has received requests for stop signs along Greenwood Drive. He requested staff review of these requests.

Second Ward, Councilor McPherson:

a) Noted the brightness of the new light fixtures along Lakeview Boulevard. He has received some telephone calls indicating that the lights are glaring into windows and blinding the view of the lake for adjacent residents.

Assistant City Manager Schmitt stated that the new lights are very bright at installation and that the brightness will diminish over a period of time. He suggested waiting to see the reaction after a few months.

Councilor McPherson noted that he had received a phone call complimenting the installation.

b) Indicated that he had received a call from an individual regarding the lack of respect for pedestrians in crosswalks. He noted that it is a violation of State law to fail to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks throughout the City and State.

c) Commented on the littering around the City noting that it has a messy appearance at times and requested more enforcement.

Sixth Ward, Councilor Brooks:

a) Stated that he has received phone calls regarding near accidents with deer on South Shore Drive and suggested a deer crossing sign in that vicinity.

PUBLIC ITEMS

Don Levison, Rt. 2, Albert Lea, representing the Danish Brotherhood No. 75 presented the City Council with a Certificate of Thanks for renaming Lincoln Park as New Denmark Park and informed the Council that the Brotherhood will be paying for the sign change in that park.

Pat Bangert, rural Albert Lea, stated that she is a skateboard "Mom" and encourages Council support for a skate park.

Councilor McPherson stated that Stan Sevaldson had talked with Mr. Sparks and had received some suggestions for a possible skate park location and as a result Mr. Sevaldson did not see a need to appear before the City Council at tonight’s meeting.

ADJOURNMENT – 7:53 P.M.

Councilor Amundson moved, Councilor Mathison 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 11, 2000. On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Pro Tempore Sorenson declared the motion carried and the meeting adjourned.

Filed and attested August 29, 2000.

________________________                                             _____________________________

Secretary of the Council                                                         Pro Tempore Mayor