April 24, 2023 | City of Albert Lea

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY OF ALBERT LEA
Monday, April 24, 2023, 7:00 p.m.

PRESENT: Mayor Rich Murray, Councilors Rachel Christensen, Larry Baker, Jason Howland, Sherri Rasmussen, Robert Rasmussen, Brian Anderson. Also present were, City Manager Ian Rigg, Public Works Director Steven Jahnke, Building/Zoning Official Wayne Sorensen, City Attorney Joel Holstad of Lake National Law LLP, Sergeant-at-Arms-Public Safety Director JD Carlson, and City Clerk Daphney Maras.

CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL – Mayor Murray called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Clerk Maras administered roll call.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Mayor Murray asked all in attendance to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

CEREMONIAL ITEMS – Mayor Murray read each of the Proclamations aloud. Members of the REACT committee were present to accept the proclamation and extended their appreciation.

A. Proclamation Declaring “May Is REACT Month”
B. Proclamation Declaring May 4th As 2023 National Day of Prayer

PUBLIC FORUM – None

CONSENT AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA

A. Approve Minutes of The April 10, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
B. Approve Minutes of The April 10, 2023 Work Session
C. License & Permits
D. Resolution Accepting Bid for The Blazing Star Trail, Eddie Cochran Street, And Cedar Avenue Project – Job 2303

Motion made by Councilor Baker, seconded by Councilor S. Rasmussen. On roll call vote the following councilors voted in favor of said motion: Christensen, Baker, Howland, S. Rasmussen, R. Rasmussen, Anderson, and Mayor Murray. Mayor Murray declared the motion passed.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 23-071 Included with these minutes)

PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS – None

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – None

NEW BUSINESS

A. Public Hearing Regarding the Removal of Hazardous Structures – 822 Clark Street West

Building/Zoning Official Wayne Sorensen displayed photos of the hazardous structures and explained that on July 29th, 2019 the residence was placarded as a hazardous structure as defined in Minnesota State Building Code. Reasons for the placarding included foundation area caved in, missing and deteriorating block, and garage in danger of collapse. A permit was issued for block repair in July of 2020, with no work accomplished to this point. Permit is now expired.

July of 2022 the garage structure had a fire which further damaged the structure.
Staff determination is that the structure’s repairs are far in excess of 50% of the current value, and generally would be cost prohibitive to accomplish.
Sorensen’s recommendation is for demolition of both structures with cost to be assessed to the property.

Mayor Murray opened the public hearing. He called three times. No one spoke. He closed the public hearing.

A1. Resolution 22-072 Approving the Order for Removal of Hazardous Structures – 822 Clark Street West

Baker commented that he has received calls asking when these structures would be torn down.

Motion made by Councilor Baker to approve, seconded by Councilor Anderson. On roll call vote the following councilors voted in favor of said motion: Christensen, Baker, Howland, S. Rasmussen, R. Rasmussen, Anderson, and Mayor Murray. Mayor Murray declared the motion passed.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 23-072
Included with these minutes)

B. Resolution 22-073 Approving Professional Services Agreement with Braun Intertec For Response Action Plan Implementation, Plans and Specifications Preparation and Testing

Rigg explained the attached Resolution would approve a professional service agreement with Braun Intertec for the Environmental Remediation of the Blazing Star Landing, Phases II & III. The work will include a Response Action Plan Implementation, Environmental Cleanup Specifications, and Soil Observation & Testing Services.

In preparation for additional housing on approximately 4.5 acres of property directly east of the existing development on the south end of the Blazing Star Landing, the City (through Braun Intertec) conducted an environmental investigation, prepared and submitted and were awarded a Department of Employment and Economic Development (Deed) Cleanup Investigation Grant. This grant will pay approximately $456,345 of the $870,000 environmental clean-up project (including geopiers). This professional services agreement would prepare the plans and specifications, and provide the construction oversight needed to remediate the site.

The plans and specifications would be completed this spring, and the project would be advertised this summer with construction occurring late summer and early fall in order to have the site ready for construction in 2024. Staff is recommending approval of the professional services agreement with Braun Intertec. Once the professional services agreement is signed, the grant agreement will also be signed and returned to DEED.

Motion made by Councilor Christensen to approve, seconded by Councilor Baker. On roll call vote the following councilors voted in favor of said motion: Christensen, Baker, Howland, S. Rasmussen, R. Rasmussen, Anderson, and Mayor Murray. Mayor Murray declared the motion passed.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 23-073
Included with these minutes)

C. Resolution 22-074 Waiving HRA Building Permit Fees

Rigg said as a way to show support for the HRA’s 2021 grant application to fix 800 Fourth Avenue, the City offered to waive its fees for building inspection. It is estimated this should save the project approximately $11,000. Councilors Baker and Sherri Rasmussen spoke of their support for this item.

Motion made by Councilor Baker to approve, seconded by Councilor S. Rasmussen. On roll call vote the following councilors voted in favor of said motion: Christensen, Baker, Howland, S. Rasmussen, R. Rasmussen, Anderson, and Mayor Murray. Mayor Murray declared the motion passed.
(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 23-074
Included with these minutes)

D. Resolution 22-075 Accepting Donation, Installing EV Charging Station and Offering A Promotional Free Charge

Freeborn Mower Electric Cooperative is offering the City an EV charging station valued at $10,605. The City will have to pay the cost to install estimated to be less than $2,000. It is warrantied for 5 years with software support. The ability to charge the user is simple but staff requests we start off and see how well it may work as a promotional item for the Main Street program. If free for two hours it will cost the City approximately $2.50 each time depending on time of year and how many uses in a month. If we were to charge it would be through a mobile app and approximately $1.50 – $2.00 an hour.

Main Street does not feel the placement in the SE corner of the parking lot will impede their operation of events. In the few instances it may, the charging station will simply not be available, or an alternative location of event participants will be made. Staff recommends at the moment allowing for a free use for up to two hours as a promotion for getting people to the downtown. Limiting it to two hours should prevent or reduce chances of workers in the area using it for personal charging. Given the slower charge it should not compete with local businesses installing faster chargers for long distance commuters.
Within the next or following meeting, staff will present an amendment to the fee schedule to include service rates.

Councilor Christensen reiterated her comments as mentioned in the work session including not supporting this resolution. She believes this project may result in additional staff time and tax dollars. Councilor Sherri Rasmussen echoed Christensen’s comments. Howland said he thinks this would be a nice addition to the downtown, he likes the location, and believes EV charging stations are the future. He also supports adding a fee and not offering the promotional free charge. Baker concurred with Howland’s comments. Rigg responded to comments regarding the risk of vandalism. He said security measures have been put in place as there are now cameras installed with an excellent view of the North lot and the Marion Ross Theater and are streamed into the dispatch center. Councilor Anderson commented although he shares the concerns of Christensen and S. Rasmussen, he doesn’t believe the private sector is ready to manage this project. Adding, the EV charger is being donated and this is the time to get things moving for the future. Mayor Murray asked if the Main Street program could take on this donation. Rigg responded he doesn’t believe Main Street was offered the donation and is not aware of Main Street’s capability of managing this project. Murray also requested Rigg to ask FMEC if they would consider paying the installation fee of the EV charger. Rigg said he will reach out to FMEC with that request.

Motion made by Councilor Howland to approve the resolution with the amendment of removing the promotional free charge, seconded by Councilor R. Rasmussen. On roll call vote the following councilors voted in favor of said motion: Baker, Howland, R. Rasmussen, Anderson, and Mayor Murray. Councilors Christensen and S. Rasmussen voted Nay. Mayor Murray declared the motion passed.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 23-075 Included with these minutes)

MAYOR AND COUNCIL REPORTS:

First Ward, Councilor Christensen reported:

Ward Items – None
Committee Update – Attended a number of meetings. She spoke of one in particular was the Landlord’s meeting which she commented was inspirational and educational. She is working with a group to launch entrepreneurs. Gave a shout out to the Albert Lea Cantori on their 50th anniversary and concert. Also congratulated Eileen Nelson Ness for her 43 years of conducting the Cantori.

Second Ward, Councilor Baker reported:

Ward Items – He reported the City Manager is working on his ward item.
Committee Update – None

Third Ward, Councilor Howland reported:

Ward Items – None
Committee Update – Howland echoed Councilor Christensen’s comments congratulating the Albert Lea Cantori on their 50th anniversary. He reminded the community that May is Motorcycle Awareness Month and encourages keeping an eye out for riders.

Fourth Ward, Councilor S. Rasmussen reported:

Ward Items – Has received calls concerning the blight of people’s homes and reminded people not to park on their lawns or set furniture out on the curb.
Committee Update – Met with the Senior Center Board and reported on the updates to the building. Attended the All-Inclusive Bingo event and reported it was a great success. Encourages the community to financially support the Freeborn County Humane Society as well as the All-Inclusive Playground.

Fifth Ward, Councilor R. Rasmussen reported:

Ward Items – Working on one ward item.
Committee Update – None. He attended the All-Inclusive Bingo event.

Sixth Ward, Councilor Anderson reported:

Ward Items – Working on one item with the City Manager
Committee Update – None

MAYOR REPORT:

Attended the following meetings/events:

Albert Lea High School Strategic Planning Committee
Freeborn Mower Electric Cooperative annual meeting
Riverland Scholarship program at Wedgewood Cove
Landlord meeting hosted by Hoffman Realty
Senior Court/Senior Tower 50th Anniversary
Meeting update at Mayo Clinic with a group of Community members
Robotic Teams’ competition who are now participating in the “World Competition”
Lions Club meeting at Wedgewood

Announced upcoming events in Albert Lea.

CITY MANAGER REPORT

Announced the 2023 Hometown Pride Spring Cleanup Day at the Landfill on April 29 from 9AM–12PM. He encouraged council to volunteer at the Landfill that day
Attended an event with the American University of Women
Will be attending an ALEDA and Chamber meeting in the next two weeks
Reminded the public that staff is working on blight conditions and road repairs. He asked residents to call the nuisance phone number to report any blight conditions.
Have received comments from businesses regarding the proposed ordinance changes
Potential changes to the Human Rights Board
Mentioned legislature bills currently in the works including Elections, Marijuana legalization, LGA, HR/Pera, bonding bill affecting the WWTP

APPROVAL OF CLAIMS

A. Resolution 23-076 Approving Claims
(1). Presentation of Claims Over $25,000

The attached resolution directs the Mayor and City Treasurer to issue the payment of claims as presented in the Detail of Claims report. In addition, Maras displayed a list of claims over $25,000 for the public’s viewing, transparency and education.

Motion made by Councilor Howland to approve the claims, seconded by Councilor Baker. On roll call vote, the following councilors voted in favor of said motion: Christensen, Baker, Howland, S. Rasmussen, R. Rasmussen, Anderson, and Mayor Murray. Mayor Murray declared the motion passed.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 23-076 Included with these minutes)

ADJOURNMENT: 7:58 P.M.

Motion made by Councilor Howland, seconded by Councilor R. Rasmussen. That there being no further business, the Council meeting adjourn until the next regular meeting of the Albert Lea City Council at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, May 8, 2023. On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion.

Mayor Murray declared the motion passed and the meeting adjourned.

_/s/___________________________
Mayor Rich Murray

_/s/___________________________
Daphney Maras
Secretary of the Council