August 22, 2022

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY OF ALBERT LEA
Monday, August 22, 2022, 7:00 p.m.

PRESENT: Mayor Vern Rasmussen Jr., Larry Baker, Reid Olson, and Robert Rasmussen. Also present were City Attorney Kelly Martinez, Building/Zoning Administrator Wayne Sorensen, Sergeant-at-Arms, Public Safety Director JD Carlson, and City Clerk Daphney Maras.

ABSENT: Councilors Rich Murray and Jason Howland

CEREMONIAL ITEMS – None

PUBLIC FORUM – None

PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

I. COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA OF AUGUST 22, 2022

Mayor Rasmussen read through the council agenda. He provided details of each item and initiated dialogue.

A. Approve Minutes of The August 08, 2022 Regular Council Meeting
B. Approve Minutes of The August 08, 2022 Work Session
C. Approve Minutes of The August 11, 2022 Canvassing Board Meeting – Primary Election
D. License & Permits
E. Resolution Declaring Mexican Independence Day Celebration as A Community Festival
F. Resolution Authorizing the City of Albert Lea to Execute MnDOT Grant Agreement for The Airport Runway 17/35 Crack Sealing Project (Job 2205)
G. Resolution Authorizing the City of Albert Lea to Execute MnDOT Grant Agreement for Airport Runway 5/23 Crack Sealing Project (Job 2205)

Motion made by Councilor Baker to approve the consent agenda as read, seconded by Councilor Rasmussen. On roll call vote, the following councilors voted in favor of said motion: Baker, Olson, Rasmussen, Brooks, and Mayor Rasmussen. Mayor Rasmussen declared the motion passed.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 22-177 through 22-179
Included with these minutes)

PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS – None

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – None

NEW BUSINESS

A. Resolution 22-180 Repealing and Replacing Previously Adopted Resolution 22-134
Rigg said on June 13, 2022 Council approved Resolution 22-134 approving the preliminary and final plat of Schroader Addition. This plat was prepared by Jones, Haugh and Smith dated May 2022. The office of the Freeborn County Recorder cited grammatical errors as inconsistent with State Statute. Jones, Haugh and Smith has since corrected the errors. This new resolution will reflect the date of the updated final plat for recording purposes.

Motion made by Councilor Baker to approve, seconded by Councilor Olson. On roll call vote, the following councilors voted in favor of said motion: Baker, Olson, Rasmussen, Brooks, and Mayor Rasmussen. Mayor Rasmussen declared the motion passed.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 22-180
Included with these minutes)

B. Resolution 22-181 In Support of Urging Governor Walz To Declare A Special Session

Mayor Rasmussen explained the Minnesota Legislature failed to pass a bonding bill in the 2022 legislative session. The Albert Lea Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) is a critical piece of infrastructure for ensuring the vitality and growth of the City of Albert Lea. Without significant funding assistance the cost associated with the improvements will have a significant negative economic impact on the businesses that rely on the WWTF and the community as a whole. In addition, the LGA appropriation has not kept up with city needs and inflation, making it more difficult for cities to provide the public safety, core infrastructure, libraries, and other services without imposing significant property tax increases or service cuts. This resolution is in support of urging Governor Walz to declare a special session and to its lawmakers to work in a bipartisan way to pass a bonding bill and a tax bill that includes an LGA increase.

Motion made by Councilor Baker to approve, seconded by Councilor Rasmussen. On roll call vote, the following councilors voted in favor of said motion: Baker, Olson, Rasmussen, Brooks, and Mayor Rasmussen. Mayor Rasmussen declared the motion passed.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 22-181
Included with these minutes)

C. Resolution 22-182 Rejecting Bid Award for Demolition of 324 and 332 S. Broadway Ave.

The City was successful in soliciting one bid of an amount in excess of the planned expenditure. The consulting Engineer hired by the City, the City Building Official, the City Engineer, and City Administration agree that the amount bid is in excess of what the City is willing to accept. Recommendation is to reject the bid of $710,824.00 received on August 12, 2022 from Twin Town demolition.

Mayor Rasmussen reiterated what he said during the work session earlier tonight the necessity for homeowners to take responsibility of their property to avoid it landing in the hands of taxpayers to mitigate.

Motion made by Councilor Brooks to approve, seconded by Councilor Rasmussen. On roll call vote, the following councilors voted in favor of said motion: Baker, Olson, Rasmussen, Brooks, and Mayor Rasmussen. Mayor Rasmussen declared the motion passed.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 22-182
Included with these minutes)

D. Resolution 22-183 Accepting Bid and Awarding Contract for Roofing and Structural Corrections at 310 Broadway Ave. S.

Accepting the low bid from American Homes LLC for restructuring the first floor, second floor, and roof structures, and reroofing entirely the City owned building at 310 Broadway Ave S. This item has been in the CIP budget plan for 120,000. This project does not have a specific funding source. The City Manager is recommending the use of fund 260 ARPA – COVID 19 funds – the current cash balance in this fund is $964,743.60 and there are no other projects designated for payment from this fund. A near failure on the roof has commenced to cause some needed repairs on the first and second floors of the structure. The City and the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) have discussed that this building would be rehabilitated at some point as mitigation of the loss of 324 and 332 Broadway Ave S. buildings. Additionally, removal of a mere 22’ wide building from between two existing buildings is knowingly problematic.

At Baker’s request, City Manager Rigg detailed the anticipated repairs to this building

Motion made by Councilor Baker to approve, seconded by Councilor Olson. On roll call vote, the following councilors voted in favor of said motion: Baker, Olson, Rasmussen, Brooks, and Mayor Rasmussen. Mayor Rasmussen declared the motion passed.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 22-183
Included with these minutes)

E. Resolution 22-184 Approving Purchase of Two Police Squad Vehicles

Rigg said this resolution is in keeping with our Purchase Policy and trying to accommodate for current difficulties in finding replacement equipment and vehicles. The Police department will hold back one intended 2023 purchase and further maintain the vehicle to help reduce costs until such time prices honor State bid amounts and availability improves.

Motion made by Councilor Brooks to approve, seconded by Councilor Olson. On roll call vote, the following councilors voted in favor of said motion: Baker, Olson, Rasmussen, Brooks, and Mayor Rasmussen. Mayor Rasmussen declared the motion passed.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 22-184
Included with these minutes)

MAYOR AND COUNCIL REPORTS:
First Ward, Councilor Murray reported: ABSENT

  • Ward Items –
  • Committee Update –

Second Ward, Councilor Baker reported:

  • Ward Items – None
  • Committee Update – Attended the recent HRA meeting. Will be attending the upcoming budget meeting as well as the Comp Plan meeting.

Third Ward, Councilor Howland reported: ABSENT

  • Ward Items –
  • Committee Update –

Fourth Ward, Councilor Olson reported:

  • Ward Items – None
  • Committee Update – Attended an HRA meeting last week. Reported the new Director will not be available to start until December or January. Meanwhile an interim director will fill in. Olson commented appreciation to the previous Director who continues to help out remotely.

Fifth Ward, Councilor Rasmussen reported:

  • Ward Items – Working on a couple of ward items.
  • Committee Update – Attended a Library Board Meeting. Noted the increase in physical material checkouts since eliminating the youth fines and late fees. Digital circulation reveals a small increase. Library Director continues to work on updating library policies. Mentioned the board is in need of a board member.

Sixth Ward, Councilor Brooks reported:

  • Ward Items – Working on a ward item on Academy Ave.
  • Committee Update – None

MAYOR’S REPORT:

  • Farmers Market every Wednesday through Oct. 29th from 3:30pm to 5:30pm and every Saturday through Oct. 29th from 9am to 12pm in the North Broadway Parking lot.
  • Thursday, August 25th from 4pm to 8pm – It’s the 11th Annual – Cruise the Cove at Wedgewood Cove Golf Course – Hosted by: Wedgewood Cove, The Old Car Company of Southern Minnesota and Dave Syverson Auto Center. For more details, there’s a link on the Community Calendar on the City of Albert Lea website.
  • Also, on Thursday, it’s the last Food on Fountain from 11am to 8pm and the last Thursdays on Fountain Summer Concert Series at Fountain Lake Park from 5:30p to 7pm at the Fountain Lake Gazebo. The Band Flashback will be performing. Come out during the day for great lunch options and come back for supper and music in the park.
  • Friday, August 26th from 11am to 5pm there will be an American Red Cross Blood Drive, hosted by Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce. For an appointment, please visit redcrossblood.org and enter: ALCC to schedule an appointment.
  • Friday, September 2nd starting at 5pm – 112 On Broadway is celebrating their 10yr Anniversary with live music from Chris Brooks and The Silver City Boys. There will be a Street Dance, with Broadway being closed from Clark street to the middle of the block. Band will be playing from 7:30pm to 11:30 pm.
  • Saturday, September 3rd it’s Daisy Fest from 10am to 4pm at Central Park, West Clark and St Mary street Downtown Albert Lea – 40 Vendors and More – Live Music and Food. The band WAYWARD will perform during this event. No admission fee, so come on out and enjoy the day.
  • 1pm on Saturday, September 3rd – It’s the 2022 Patriot Tour with the American Legion Riders. The Nation of Patriots Flag will arrive in Albert Lea at the North Broadway Parking Lot, coming from Eden Prairie, MN. They estimate that there will be 100 riders attending this event. It’s One Flag, traveling to 50 States in 115 Days. This supports the Families of Wounded Veterans. On Sunday September 4th the Flag will depart from the Albert Lea American Legion for Mason City, IA VFW on the next leg of its journey.
  • Outside of the Farmers Market, the next Event will be on Saturday, August 10th, starting at 11am – It’s the Taste of Albert Lea, going from 11am to 7pm at Albert Lea’s Central Park – There will be Food Trucks – Beverages and Live Music. Come out and enjoy the Tastes of Albert Lea.

CITY MANAGER REPORT

  • Invited the public to attend the Comprehensive Plan meeting scheduled tomorrow at 5:00 p.m. to be held at the Fire Station.
  • Received three proposals for the purchase of the 1039 S. Broadway building.
  • An RFP is advertised for the sale of 318 E. 8th Street.
  • The 2023 budget is in process.
  • The new water tower is getting closer to completion. The Main Street will be opening up next week.
  • Commented on the positive collaboration with ALEDA, the City and County and a number of private businesses working towards bringing new businesses to Albert Lea.

APPROVAL OF CLAIMS

A. Resolution 22-185 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 Brooks to approve payment of claims as presented. Seconded by Councilor Baker. On roll call vote, the following councilors voted in favor of said motion: Baker, Olson, Rasmussen, Brooks, and Mayor Rasmussen. Mayor Rasmussen declared the motion passed.
(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 22-185
Included with these minutes)

ADJOURNMENT: 7:21 P.M.

Motion made by Councilor Olson, seconded by Councilor Baker. 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, September 12, 2022. On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion.

Mayor Rasmussen declared the motion passed and the meeting adjourned.

___/s/_________________________
Mayor Vern Rasmussen, Jr.

__/s/__________________________
Daphney Maras
Secretary of the Council