Boards and Commissions

If interested in serving on a board or commission, please fill out the applicable application below and submit it to the City Manager’s Office, 221 East Clark St., Albert Lea, MN.

Airport Advisory Board

Meets 3rd Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. as needed – 7 members

The duty and responsibility of the airport advisory board is to recommend, counsel and advise the administrative officers and the council in matters relating to the operation and management of the municipal airport.

  • Michael Bowman, 16095 14th Ave SE, Ellendale
  • Mark Light, 1613 Canary Dr. • 507-402-0794
  • Craig Ludtke, 309 Lee Circle • 507-377-1242
  • Gerry Molkenthin, 1507 Highview Trail • 507-473-2080
  • Jerry Morstad, 1316 Fountain St. • 507-402-3954
  • Chuck Sandager, 2137 Kenneth Dr. • 507-402-7494
  • Darren Schone, 71767 154th St. • 507-383-9366
  • Robert Rasmussen (ex-officio) 603 St. Peter Ave. • 507-402-6528
  • Steve Jahnke (ex-officio) 221 E. Clark St. • 507-377-4325
  • Jill Steinhauer (ex-officio) 221 E. Clark St. • 507-377-4325
  • Jim Hanson (ex-officio) RR 1 Clarks Grove • 507-826-3451 Home/507-373-0608 Work

Board of Zoning Appeals

Meets when called – 4 year term – 7 members

The board of appeals shall have the following authority and duties:
(1) Hear, decide and recommend to the council, in accordance with provisions of this division and chapter 74 pertaining to zoning, interpretation of chapter 74 and the zoning map;
(2) Administrative review of the decisions of the inspection division including, but not limited to, all matters relating to building construction;
(3) Hear and recommend the granting or denial of variances to the council.

  • Colby Cunningham, 1204 Cedar Avenue • 563-568-7981
  • Aaron Farris, 1314 Columbus Avenue • 507-402-3257
  • Steve Guenthner, 1609 Portland Avenue • 507-373-2688
  • Matt Greibrok, 1349 Eastgate Road • 507-383-0950
  • Craig Hoium, 1208 Cedar Avenue • 507-377-0450
  • Kristopher Moen, 1025 Plainview Lane • 507-318-9100
  • 1 Opening
  • Sherri Rasmussen (ex-officio) 622 Minnesota Avenue • 507-473-5561
  • Megan Boeck, City Planner (ex-officio) • 507-377-4330

Read about the Board of Appeals: Exceptions to the rules: Board hears appeals from builders, homeowners

Charter Commission

The commission is responsible for reviewing and revising the City Charter to make sure it meets all applicable state and federal laws, and meets the needs of Albert Lea residents. Members are appointed by the Chief Judge of the Third Judicial District. Meets annually – 7 members.

  • Jane Kepple Johnson, 109 The Fairway • 507-383-5329
  • Phillip Johnson, 118 Ridge Rd. • 507-402-2006
  • Ryon McCamish, 310 Elizabeth Ave • 507-402-0256
  • Linda Mestnik, 1509 Seath Drive • 952-297-5881
  • Marti Jones Sichko, 214 Lee Place • 651-341-5114
  • Chris Utz, 1504 Circle Drive • 507-402-5113
  • Jay Waltman, 621 Grace St. • 507-383-1383
  • City Manager (ex-officio) 507-377-4300
  • City Clerk (ex-officio), 507-377-4300

Heritage Preservation Commission

Members will be notified of meeting date – 7 members

The Heritage Preservation Commission was formed in 2004 with the following objectives:
1. Identify the significant structures and details required to preserve the quality of the district.
2. Provide guidance to local property owners on the historical significance of their individual properties.
3. Establish sensitive workable local design guidelines for restoration, renovation, or rehabilitation of properties with the district.

The Heritage Preservation Commission was also designated as the Certified Local Government by the National Park Service in 2005.

The commission reviews proposals for changes to downtown properties and determines if the changes are appropriate to the guidelines. If so, the commission will issue a “Certificate of Appropriateness” prior to the city issuing a building permit.

  • Linda Bryan, 621 W. Park Ave. • 507-373-0464
  • Darin Johnson, 737 W. Front St. • 507-402-4557
  • Stephanie Kibler, 1031 Bridge Ave. • 507-373-8003
  • Brad Kirchner, 417 Vine Avenue • 507-320-8787
  • Nic Lang, 218 S. Washington Ave. • 612-237-5818
  • Tarrah Hall Sather, 410 1st Venue SE, Glenville • 651-402-7873
  • Tom Staker, 1402 Circle Dr. • 507-373-8898
  • Larry Baker (ex-officio) 1315 Lakeview Blvd • 507-377-1397
  • Megan Boeck, City Planner (ex-officio) • 507-377-4330

Housing and Redevelopment Authority

Meets 4th Tuesday of the month, 7 p.m.

The mission of the Albert Lea Housing and Redevelopment Authority is to provide safe and decent affordable housing to the communities and citizens it serves. To that end it is the pledge of the agency to provide these services based upon the individual merits of the families and individuals and without consideration of their race, creed, color, religion, national origin, disability or familial status. To fulfill this mission, the HRA will embrace high standards of ethics, management and accountability and will forge new partnerships and working relationships with other community organizations and local governments.

  • Michael Bartz (Tenant), 800 4th Avenue S. • 507-369-5451
  • Brad Edwin, 72458 239th St. • 507-402-1918
  • Linda Lares, 18458 750th Ave.
  • Tom Larson, 1422 Circle Drive • 507-373-2131
  • Reid Olson, 1110 Richway Drive • 507-373-2769
  • Brian J. Anderson (ex-officio), 1419 Academy • 507-383-2117
  • Larry Baker (ex-officio), 1315 Lakeview Blvd • 507-402-6313

    Library Advisory Board

    Meets Feb., May, Aug., & Nov., the 3rd Wednesday at 5 p.m. – 7 members

    It is the duty and responsibility of the library board to make investigations, counsel with and advise the administrative officers and council as to the operation and management of the library.

    • Joann Bracker, 1819 Michael Place • 507-377-0842
    • Jamaira Escobar, 56 School St. • 507-391-1791
    • Heidi Gaston, 11133 850th Avenue • 507-329-1164
    • Andrew Gustafson, 1626 Crystal Dr. • 507-320-2573
    • Rebecca Tennis Hanson (County Representative) 20702 707th Ave. • 507-391-2770
    • Cheryll Intihar, 1844 Bayview Dr. • 507-373-8624
    • Vicky Robson, 808 Lake Chapeau Drive • 507-391-1811
    • Robert Rasmussen (ex-officio) 603 St. Peter Ave. • 507-402-6528

    Parks and Recreation Advisory Board

    Meets the 3rd Monday of the month at 5:45 p.m. – 7 members

    Mission: To provide quality recreational opportunities and to plan, acquire, develop and maintain quality, attractive parks and facilities that enhance the quality of life in the community of Albert Lea.

    Vision: Our vision is to offer services that allow community members to experience physical, mental, and social benefits through their leisure time participation, providing opportunities for young people, adults, and senior citizens to live, grow, and develop into healthy, contributing members of our community.

    The Board acts as a sounding board for the Albert Lea City Council and Parks and Recreation Department Staff for the delivery of parks and recreation services in the community of Albert Lea.

    • Steve Ball, 312 5th St. • 507-402-1082
    • Jodi Hartman, 1433 Circle Dr. • 816-820-6328
    • Amy Leach, 103 Willamor Road • 507-391-4756
    • Therese Saindon, 1901 Bridge Ave. • 507-402-1197
    • Whitney Sauer, 913 James Ave. • 507-402-5956
    • Tony Segura, 1417 Spartan Ave. • 507-213-0453
    • Rich Yost, 313 Garden Rd. • 507-402-2165
    • Jason Howland (ex-officio) 507-438-1098

    Planning Commission

    Meets 1st Tuesday of the month at 5:30 p.m./3rd Tuesday alternate date – 7 members

    The Planning Commission is an official advisory body the City enabled by the City Charter and Minnesota Statutes. The Planning Commission is required to adopt and maintain a comprehensive plan and may recommend official ordinances such as the Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance, and Official Map. The Commission reviews new development proposals for subdivisions, conditional uses for certain specific land uses, and coordinates long range planning. Learn more about the Planning Commission in this story.

    • Wyeth Anderson, 1105 Foothills Circle • 507-377-8627
    • Leon Axtman, 1938 Wilby Road • 651-491-7432
    • Jared Dawson, 72056 255th St. • 507-373-2557
    • Matt Dorman, 317 Willamor Road • 612-227-7700
    • Lucas Schuster, 513 Harriet Lane • 507-210-4028
    • Steve Thompson, 507-377-7013
    • Matt Maras, 1721 Oakwood Terrace • 507-377-1616
    • Rachel Christensen (ex-officio) 1126 Shore Acres Dr. • 507-369-6649
    • Megan Boeck, City Planner (ex-officio) • 507-377-4330

    Albert Lea Port Authority

    Meets 1st Wednesday of the month at 7:30 a.m. – 7 members

    In 1987, the Albert Lea Port Authority was established by the Albert Lea City Council. It is funded by grant income, rental, and loan income. The Port Authority has the power to use TIF, purchase tax-forfeited property, ability to levy tax, and is eligible to receive grants.

    Mission: To provide and promote services and resources to retain, expand, create, and attract businesses and quality employment opportunities in Freeborn County.

    • Larry Baker
    • Patricia Dahl
    • Mark Heinemann
    • Nate Jansen
    • Rich Murray
    • Sarah Nelson
    • Bryan Skogheim
    • Phillip Johnson – Staff
    • Noelle Hagen – Staff
    • Shari Sprague, Chamber Representative
    • County Representative
    • Mike Lee, County Representative
    • Ian Rigg, City Representative

    Senior Center Board

    Meets 2nd Wednesday of the month at 3 p.m. – 7 members

    • Sharon Gardner, 418 Meredith Road • 507-373-4811
    • Doran W. Gray, 2330 Larson Avenue • 507-391-3883
    • Stephanie Harmon, 709 Pillsbury Ave. • 507-481-4264
    • Richard Mucha, 105 McArthur Dr. • 507-373-3301
    • Shirley Stundahl, 1110 Gene St. • 507-383-7023
    • Frank Trotter, 109 N. 7th Avenue • 507-373-3301
    • 1 opening
    • Sherri Rasmussen (ex-officio) 622 Minnesota Avenue • 507-473-5561