Albert Lea, Minnesota 

January 23, 2006

Reverend Jeff Laeger-Hagemeister, St. John’s Lutheran Home, 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, Jeff Fjelstad, George Marin, 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, KATE Radio and KAAL-TV.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

(a) APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF JANUARY 9, 2006.

 

(b) RESOLUTION 06-14 ADOPTED – APPROVING MAPLE ISLAND PARK ASSOCIATION GAMBLING APPLICATION FOR PULL TABS AT GRUMPY’S, 137 EAST CLARK STREET.

(See Secretary's Original Resolution

06-14 included with these minutes.)

(c) RESOLUTION 06-15 ADOPTED – APPROVING ALBERT LEA NOON KIWANIS GAMBLING APPLICATION FOR A RAFFLE AT THE ELKS LODGE, 1811 SE BROADWAY, ON MAY 30, 2006.

(See Secretary's Original Resolution

06-15 included with these minutes.)

(d) RESOLUTION 06-16 ADOPTED – APPROVING EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN GOOD SAMARITAN SOCIETY GAMBLING APPLICATION FOR A RAFFLE AT THE ALBERT LEA GOOD SAMARITAN CENTER, 75507 240 STREET, ON MAY 23, 2006.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution

06-16 included with these minutes.)

 

(e) CALLING A PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE TRANSFER OF THE 3.2 BEER LICENSE AT JAKE’S PIZZA, 126 WEST CLARK STREET, FOR FEBRUARY 13, 2006.

 

(f) RESOLUTION 06-17 ADOPTED – CLAIMS: Resolution 06-17 presents the financial claims of the City.

(See Secretary's Original Resolution

06-17 included with these minutes.)

Councilor Brooks moved, Councilor Marin 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:

• The street light at Main and Broadway was replaced.

• The house at 409 Euclid, owned by Julie Steinhart, is vacant. The structure is sound but the interior and exterior is not in compliance with City ordinances. It appears the City will need to proceed with prosecution of the owner and will see to the removal of the rubbish. There are three vehicles parked in the back yard, two are licensed and one is not, and two additional vehicles are parked on the street. All are filled with items. The unlicensed car has been tagged.

• Someone has taken a permit out on the house at 115 East Fourth Street and is waiting for the electric meter to be installed.

• A request for balances in the water and sewer reserve funds was received. Because these are enterprise funds, the water fund reserves can only be used for water fund expenditures and the sewer fund reserves can only be used for sewer fund expenditures. The water reserve fund has a balance of $350,000, which is $130,000 short of the minimum, and the sewer reserve fund has a balance of $1.9 million, which is adequate.

• There have been no further discussions with the cable company regarding the senior citizens reduced rates.

• There are 104 cities in Minnesota collecting a gambling fee.

PUBLIC ITEMS

Paul Sparks, Executive Director, Albert Lea Economic Development Agency, reported that state statutes require the Port Authority provide an annual report to the City. The report was provided earlier. This is the second year that Greater Jobs and the Port Authority have operated under the ALEDA umbrella organizations and it has been a very active year. He reported on land and building purchases, sales and leases. The net gain for the agency in 2005 was $1,473,000. Sparks reported the agency has only two small parcels available and will be looking to develop a new industrial park and a new spec building.

John Reid, 808 Ulstad, asked where the City is concerning discussions with Charter Communications. City Manager Simonsen responded that the City has submitted a request to the cable company for a senior citizens discount and the company responded that no other company is doing this. The company suggested the City bring up the issue at the next franchise negotiation.

John Cook, 615 St. Peter Avenue, reported that there are five sexual offenders living in Albert Lea who were convicted in Iowa, two of them on Garfield Avenue less than a half mile from Hawthorne School and one living near Halverson School. He noted that Minnesota Statutes permit local law enforcement to notify the public when these individuals live in the neighborhood. Cook has an 11 year old daughter who walks past the Garfield house daily and he asked why he has never been notified.

Police Chief Winkels responded to Mr. Cook’s question noting that Minnesota laws differ from Iowa laws in that Iowa classifies all sexual offenders together and Minnesota has three levels. Level 3 convictions require the neighborhoods be notified, level 2 permits notification and level 1 prevents notification. He also stated that State Statutes prevent the Police Department from discussing Iowa convictions publicly.

George Gillespie, 327 Lloyd Place, stated that Brian Setzer was in Albert Lea last week and he will be coming back for Eddie Cochran Days in June. He asked the City to extend a formal invitation to him.

Roger Bok, 1012 Cato Drive, asked why the brush at the west end of Edgewater Park has not been cleaned up and asked for the water and sewer fund balances again. Ms. Simonsen provided those figures. Bok suggested the City build a lift station near Habben’s property to encourage more development in that area. Ms. Simonsen responded that the City and County met this afternoon to discuss annexation of the Stables area. He asked why the City has placed hydrants in County right-of-way and Ms. Simonsen noted that the City has a waterline along that road. Bok asked who paid for the lights on Hammer Road and City Engineer Jahnke replied that the City did. Bok then asked why the City paid for lights on Hammer Road and has not placed them on East Main. Ms. Simonsen told Mr. Bok that the City is planning some lighting on East Main this year.

Chad Hayson, 930 Lincoln, stated that if the Council intends to adopt the rules of procedure that includes a clause limiting a person to bringing up an item three times a year that they are reminded that the County Board was sued for violating a right to free speech by placing conditions on what, when and how long they are allowed to speak. This is called prior restraint on free speech and it is unconstitutional. Mr. Hayson then attempted to address the rule created by the City Manager relating to not airing his taping of the County Board meeting on the Government channel. Mayor Summers reminded him that that item is coming up on tonight’s agenda and it will not be discussed beforehand.

Mike Murtaugh, 313 Willamor Road, asked for clarification on the item appealing the City Manager’s decision not to air the County video. He questioned whether the public would be able to address the issue. Mayor Summers responded that he would have an opportunity to address that issue at that time.

Roger Bok, 1012 Cato Drive, stated that the public can address an item during the public items portion of the meeting or during the time the item is being considered by the City Council.

Harold Kamrath, 326 Glenn Road, questioned why the City is purchasing properties for substantial amounts to be torn down. Mayor Summers stated that this has been discussed several times in the past. Ms. Simonsen explained that the properties were purchased with state funds and the appraisals were made based on pre-flood values as required by the State. Mr. Kamrath then asked what the City intends to do with the properties. Ms. Simonsen responded that the properties will become public areas with no structures. A retention pond will be put on that site. The area will continue to flood as the street is the same level as Albert Lea Lake. Mr. Kamrath then questioned when programs, such as the recent Minnesota Design Team meeting, would be aired on the government channel. He suggested some sort of schedule be made available to the public. Ms. Simonsen suggested Mr. Kamrath contact the Public Information Coordinator.

Ms. Simonsen explained that this is a public hearing to receive input regarding the approval of a wine and 3.2 beer licenses for Café Satika located at 152 Bridge Avenue. The application is being submitted by Mr. Nghia Pham, owner of the business.

Mayor Summers opened the public hearing. The necessary notice for this hearing was published on January 12, 2006.

There was no public discussion. Councilor Brooks moved, Councilor Severtson seconded, that the applications of Nghia Pham for wine and 3.2 beer licenses be approved. On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Summers declared the motion carried, the licenses approved and the public hearing closed.

Ms. Simonsen reported that this is a public hearing to receive public input to consider imposing up to a 10% lawful gambling contribution to the City. The City may require an organization to contribute up to 10% per year of net profits derived from lawful gambling conducted at the premises within the city’s jurisdiction. The funds may only be spent by the City for lawful purposes, including police, fire and other emergency or public related services, equipment and training. The fund may not be used for the payment of pension obligations or general city functions. She noted that this hearing is to accept input only and that no decisions would be made on this issue tonight.

Mayor Summers opened the public hearing. The necessary notice for this hearing was published on January 12, 2006.

Ron Sorenson, 1112 Foothills Circle, representing the Eagles, appeared before the Council. He read a list of all the organizations to which the club has made donations. He urged the Council not impose this contribution.

Ken Petersen, 808 Lake Chapeau Drive, spoke on behalf of the Elks Club and provided a list of charitable donations made by the club. He commented that if the City takes these funds, they will be forced to restrict programs provided to the community. He noted that all money is given locally and that the City would be duplicating what the clubs are already doing. He stated that other communities are collecting this contribution because the gambling proceeds were leaving town and that is not so in Albert Lea.

Mayor Summers asked if someone would be willing to come forward and speak on behalf of those opposed to this contribution.

Ron Sorenson stated that each club intended to have a presentation.

Mike Jensen, 1703 Plainview Lane, noted that the article in the Tribune reported that in Freeborn County $1.2 million was collected in gross earnings and $2.2 million in net earnings. City Manager Simonsen reported that the gross earnings are $12 million. Mr. Jensen commented that Ms. Simonsen is reported to have said the money could be used for anything including discretionary funds. Ms. Simonsen stated that that is incorrect, that these monies are restricted. The column also states that eight percent of pull-tab money goes for expenses, and realistically 82 percent is prize money, 13 percent is allowable expense and five percent is net.

Richard Boelke, 2009 Bridge Avenue, gambling manager of the Moose Club, stated that he doesn’t believe the Council realizes that the people affected by this contribution are senior citizens, poor and youth. He is opposed to this contribution.

Keith Porter Jr., 608 East Fifth Street, president of the Union Center Board, appeared in opposition to this contribution.

Dean Means, 1725 Oakwood Terrace, stated that he is affiliated with the VFW and the American Legion. He noted that these proceeds are given to VA hospitals and nursing homes, military funerals, local law enforcement, youth activities and scholarships. He is opposed to the contribution.

Jack Adams, 1322 West Fountain, representing the local deer hunters chapter, stated that the group does fund raising through banquets and raffles to provide habitat for wildlife. He is opposed to this contribution.

Kyle Olson, 202 West Richway Drive, representing the American Legion, stated that their gambling proceeds are down 30 to 40 percent over the past six months and if the City approves this contribution, the Legion will have to close its doors.

Mayor Summers closed the public hearing.

Councilor Brooks commended all the clubs and organizations for their contributions to the community and moved to discontinue the effort to move forward on this issue. Councilor Severtson seconded the motion and commented that this was something the City Council needed to look at and that if he thought it would hurt anyone he would be against it. After additional Council discussion and on roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of the motion. Mayor Summers declared the motion carried and the effort discontinued.

City Manager Simonsen reported that this public hearing is being held to hear an appeal from Dennis Hall for property located at 414 E. Main Street. The building is located in the F2 Flood Fringe District. DNR Waters Floodplain Management Program staff have determined that the office building is in violation of the regulatory flood protection elevation. The City needs to develop a mitigation program acceptable to the property owner, the City, DNR Water and FEMA.

The Board of Appeals functions in accordance with Minnesota Statute and shall make findings that an undo hardship exists in the use of property before a variance may be granted. The City’s Division of Inspection believes that exceptional circumstances exist as the building was in compliance with the City’s floodplain regulations although it did not meet FEMA’s. Therefore, staff recommends approval of the variance to work with the owners to gain compliance with one of the many options provided by FEMA’s technical bulletin 11-01.

Mayor Summers opened the public hearing. The necessary notice for this hearing was published on January 13, 2006.

No one appeared to be heard and Mayor Summers closed the public hearing.

Councilor Fjelstad moved, Councilor Marin seconded, that Resolution 06-18, granting a variance to 414 East Main Street, be approved. On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Summers declared the motion carried and resolution adopted.

(See Secretary's Original Resolution

06-18 included with these minutes.)

Ms. Simonsen noted that Three Rivers Community Action, Inc. is a non-profit organization based in Zumbrota but working throughout Southern Minnesota on affordable housing development projects. They are currently negotiating with the owner of Channelview Apartments for the purchase of this property. Three Rivers is seeking financing for both the purchase and the substantial rehabilitation of this project from State resources. Total project costs are estimated at nearly $8,000,000 to significantly rehabilitate the 110-unit project.

Jennifer Larson, Community Development Director for Three Rivers Community Action, explained that she is seeking approval of plans for the Channelview Project. Part of the application is based on community support. She also asks for support to allow them to apply for funding from the Minnesota Housing and Finance Agency and a waiver of the building permit fee as the City’s contribution. When asked about the company’s timeline for this project, Ms. Larson responded that they intend to submit the application next week and should know whether they have been approved by May. If they are not approved in the first round of funding, they will apply for the second round.

Councilor Rasmussen asked Jon Ford, the Executive Director of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority to comment on the need for this project. Mr. Ford stated that the study stressed preservation of low income housing. He noted that this is a high priority.

Additional discussion included the amount of inspection required for this project, the value of the permitting waiver and the fact that this is a vital property and provides a service needed in the community.

Harold Kamrath, 326 Glenn Road, asked whether the permit fee waiver would be contingent on anything.

After additional discussion, Councilor Severtson moved, Councilor Brooks seconded, that the resolution in support of a tax credit application for the acquisition and renovation of a multi-family housing project and waiver of the permit fee contingent on Three Rivers receiving the grant, 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

06-19 included with these minutes.)

City Manager Simonsen explained that Mr. Chad Hayson is requesting an appeal to the decision by the City Manager that there would be no airing of the County Commissioner’s meetings on the Government Access Channel unless a majority of the members of that government body agrees to the airing. Mr. Hayson is following the policy of the City and is exercising his right to appeal that decision. He feels the rule is too restrictive and it will do nothing to help better inform the public as to what goes on at government meetings. He further explains that as a taxpayer who has helped fund the equipment, we should be using it to its full potential.

Chad Hayson, 930 Lincoln, stated that he has taped County Board meetings and City Council meetings for some time and have driven these tapes to Austin for airing. Since the County Board has moved into its own facility, he has experienced problems getting good audio in that meeting room. He explained that he made a DVD of a County Board meeting and delivered it to the City for airing on the government channel and was informed that it would not be aired at the request of County Board. He appealed that decision to the City Manager and was informed that the City will not air another governmental body’s meetings without a majority vote to do so by the body. He asked that if the Council supports this rule that it be adopted by the Council as part of its policy.

Mike Murtaugh, 313 Willamor Road, stated that the Council is being asked to override the City Manager’s decision and asked whether the Council represents the City’s residents or the County Board. He has viewed the tapes of the County Board and they include gavel to gavel coverage and the quality is comparable to the City’s. He also stated that he has not seen any altered tapes and questioned why the County wouldn’t want to get costs before making that decision.

Ms. Simonsen stated that she wasn’t changing the policy but merely interpreting it. She noted that it is not cooperative to air a meeting against the wishes of that agency. She also noted that the Watershed Board meetings are being aired because the City Council required it.

After Council discussion, Councilor Fjelstad moved, Councilor Rasmussen seconded, that the decision of the City Manager not to air the County Board video be upheld. On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Summers declared the motion carried and the decision upheld.

Ms. Simonsen reported that this resolution adopts Council procedures for 2006. The City Charter provides that the City Council shall adopt its own Rules of Procedure. This longstanding resolution identifies how complaints, questions and input will be handled from the public, as well as Rules of Order for both Council members and the public during the meetings. City staff (upon consultation with the ACLU) is recommending amendments to the current council procedures. Sec. 3.1 would address the participation of the Mayor and allows the Mayor to move, second, and debate from the chair, subject to the same limitations imposed on all council members. Although this rule has been in place, it has not been included within this resolution. City staff is recommending the deletion of Sec. 6 Decorum, to be replaced with a new Sec. 6 Decorum/Maintenance of Order. The resolution outlines this section in detail with the intent being to insure that the affairs of the Council are conducted in an open, orderly and efficient manner, that persons desiring to address the Council are afforded the opportunity to speak and that those in attendance may observe and hear the proceedings without distraction. On Council request, Ms. Simonsen read Section 6 Decorum/Maintenance of Order in its entirety.

Councilor Rasmussen moved, Councilor Erdman seconded, that Resolution 06-20, adopting Council procedures for 2006, 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

06-20 included with these minutes.)

Ms. Simonsen noted that the City has recently been notified by the State of Minnesota Corporate and Sales Tax Division that they have received our ordinance regarding the authorization of a local sales tax. The legal staff have reviewed the ordinance and suggested a few changes. This would be the first reading and calling of a public hearing to amend Ordinance 96, 3d Authorizing a Local Option Sales and Use Tax. The majority of the changes involve reference to state law that has recently changed with the last legislative session. None of the changes pertain to content of the ordinance except for the addition of one section regarding the charge of the sales and use tax to all utility bills for services provided after April 1, 2006.

Councilor Erdman introduced Ordinance 100, 3d, repealing Ordinance 96, 3d and enacting authorization for a local option sales and use tax. Ordinance 100, 3d will lay over for a second reading and public hearing pursuant to Charter requirements.

(See Secretary’s Original Ordinance

100, 3d included with these minutes.)

City Manager Simonsen explained that the Park & Recreation Department is requesting a resolution of support for the submission of a grant to the Minnesota DNR requesting funds for the renovation and enhancement of Pioneer Park. This project has been submitted for funding in both 2004 and 2005 but did not make the final list of projects that received funding.

This grant requires at least 50% of the total project cost to be matched by cash or the value of materials, labor and equipment used by the local sponsor. Total project costs include $25,000 for playground equipment and materials, $10,000 for pathways, sidewalks and parking areas, $70,000 for a pavilion with finished restrooms, and $5,000 for miscellaneous landscaping costs for a total estimated project cost of $110,000.

Recently the city was made aware that a total of 89 grant requests have been submitted for a total of over $11,000,000. The DNR is anticipating having between $500,000 and $800,000 to designate. This grant is an extremely popular and competitive process within the state.

Councilor Brooks moved, Councilor Rasmussen seconded, that Resolution 06-21 in support of the grant application submission 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

06-21 included with these minutes.)

Ms. Simonsen commented that this is the first reading of an ordinance governing alarm systems. The purpose of the ordinance is to encourage security alarm users and monitoring companies to maintain the operational reliability and proper use of alarm systems in order to reduce unnecessary police responses to false alarms. False alarms are not only a public nuisance, but also a threat to public safety by diverting limited police resources from legitimate requests for assistance and other law enforcement matters, as well as compromising public safety in the police response to an alarm. The ordinance outlines standards and violations for breaking the standards for audible alarms, automatic dialing systems and the duties of alarm users. It further identifies the security alarm verification process and unlawful activation of an alarm. The ordinance authorizes the City Council to set the penalty for false alarms which are in excess of two every six months.

Councilor Severtson introduced Ordinance 101, 3d, adopting a false alarm policy. Ordinance 101, 3d will lay over for a second reading and public hearing pursuant to Charter requirements.

(See Secretary’s Original Ordinance

101, 3d included with these minutes.)

City Manager Simonsen reported that this resolution would approve an increase in the lodging tax payment to the Convention & Visitor’s Bureau from $11,500 per month to $12,000 per month based on 2005 receipts. The City would make level payments for the 12-month period to the CVB for its 2006 support.

Councilor Marin moved, Councilor Rasmussen seconded, that Resolution 06-22, approving an increase in lodging tax payments to the CVB, 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

06-22 included with these minutes.)

Ms. Simonsen stated that this resolution authorizes the City Manager and Mayor to enter into a purchase agreement with the Union Center for acquisition of property located at 404 East Main Street. The appraisal conducted by Robinson Appraisal, Mankato, Minnesota resulted in an appraised value of $476,000 for the building and land, and an additional $41,000 for equipment that will not be moved since they have indicated they will not be continuing their food or bar business. The Union Center has a FEMA insurance settlement that they are required to use against the purchase price bringing the cash value of the purchase to $366,000. With the addition of the $41,000 for equipment, the total cash value of the acquisition is $407,000. The City will have the option of auctioning the equipment. The funds to acquire the land and equipment are provided through a flood mitigation project in cooperation with the Department of Natural Resources and Department of Employment & Economic Development.

Keith Porter, Jr., 608 East Fifth Street, president of the Union Center, stated that they have purchased another building and asked what the time frame would be on the agreement. Ms. Simonsen stated that the Mayor will sign the agreement tonight or tomorrow and that we have the funds in hand which will be paid at closing.

Councilor Severtson moved, Councilor Brooks seconded, that Resolution 06-23, approving a purchase agreement with the Union Center, 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

06-23 included with these minutes.)

City Manager Simonsen reported that bids were opened on January 18 for Aerial Photography and Topographical Services as planned in the budget. The project involves flying the City of Albert Lea and providing contour maps at two foot intervals, building outlines, street edges and high-resolution orthoimagery. Five bids were received for the project ranging from $56,650 to $248,058. Kucera International, Inc. submitted the low bid but their proposal was not signed. The City Attorney has determined this bid to be incomplete and was rejected. The next low bid was submitted by Mark Hurd of Maple Grove, MN at $61,385. They have performed work for the City of Albert Lea in the past. The engineer’s had estimated $110,000 for the project.

Councilor Rasmussen moved, Councilor Erdman seconded, that Resolution 06-24, accepting the bid of Mark Hurd for Job 0520, aerial photography and topographical services, 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

06-24 included with these minutes.)

Staff has reviewed the quotations for the annual chemical purchases and is recommending the low bidders as follows:

DPC Industries, Rosemount, MN – hydrofluosilicic acid & liquid chlorine;

Hawkins Chemicals, Minneapolis, MN – phosphate inhibitor;

Freeborn County Coop Oil, Albert Lea, MN – gasoline & diesel fuel;

Flint Hill Resources, Savage, MN – bituminous materials.

Councilor Severtson moved, Councilor Brooks seconded, that Resolution 06-25, accepting bids for season’s requirements of chemicals as outlined by City Manager Simonsen 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

06-25 included with these minutes.)

First Ward, Councilor Rasmussen:

(1) Attended the Land Between the Lakes meeting today and received a letter requesting the City Council direct the Planning Commission to hold a hearing for a zoning change for the Blazing Star Landing from I-2 to PD. He moved to approve this request. Councilor Erdman seconded the motion. On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Summers declared the motion carried and the request referred.

(2) Thanked the Sesquicentennial Committee for its work to-date.

Third Ward, Councilor Marin:

(1) Asked that the manager remind the public of ordinances requiring trash cans be moved from the curb. He noted that there is a residence on Wedgewood Drive that continually violates the ordinance.

(2) Moved to approve the addition of the following to Section C. of the Governmental Access Channel Policy:

 

"17. The City of Albert Lea will broadcast coverage of quasigovernmental entities based on their request and a majority vote of the entity to approve that coverage."

Councilor Fjelstad seconded the motion. On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Summers declared the motion carried and the addition approved.

Fifth Ward, Councilor Severtson:

(1) Reminded everyone of the Swap Meet at the American Legion on January 28 and the Soldier Appreciation Day at the National Guard Armory on February 4 as a part of the Sesquicentennial’s Military Month.

Mayor Summers:

(1) Requested confirmation of the following appointments:

 

Park and Recreation Board

Thelma Foss, 343 East Third Street, term expiring 12/31/2008

 

Advisory Planning Commission

Doug Friend, 107 The Fairway, term expiring 12/31/2008

Erika Sorenson, 1913 Keystone Drive, term expiring 9/1/06 (ex-officio, college student)

 

Housing and Redevelopment Authority

Richard Sickels, 800 4^th Avenue South, term expiring 7/31/2007 (housing tenant)

Councilor Marin moved, Councilor Erdman seconded, that the Mayor’s appointments outlined above, be approved. On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Summers declared the motion carried and the appointments confirmed.

 

(2) Requested the Council call a public hearing for consideration of a proposed assessment policy for the Council’s February 13 meeting.

Councilor Brooks moved, Councilor Rasmussen seconded, that a public hearing be called for the February 13, 2006 Council meeting to consider the adoption of a new assessment policy. On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Summers declared the motion carried and the public hearing called.

(3) Reminded everyone that this is Meth Education Week and encouraged all citizens to become better informed about this dangerous drug. He recommended everyone attend one of the many programs offered this week.

Councilor Marin 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, February 13, 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 January 24, 2005.

 /S/ Sandi Behrens                                                                  /S/ Aaron Summers                                                      

Secretary of the Council                                                        Mayor 

2005 and archived minutes

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