REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY OF ALBERT LEA
Monday, February 13, 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, City Attorneys Joel and Bryce Holstad of Lake National Law LLP, Sergeant-at-Arms-Public Safety Director JD Carlson, and City Clerk Daphney Maras.

REVIEW COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA OF FEBRUARY 13, 2023
City Manager Rigg reviewed the council meeting agenda providing background on each item. Council and staff exchanged dialogue regarding agenda items.

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 – None

PUBLIC FORUM – None

City Manager Rigg read through each item on the consent agenda.

CONSENT AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA

A. Approve Minutes of The January 23, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
B. Approve Minutes of The January 23, 2023 Work Session
C. License & Permits
D. Resolution Accepting Feasibility Report and Calling A Public Hearing 2023 State Aid Overlay Project – Job 2302
E. Resolution Accepting Feasibility Report for The Blazing Star Trail, Eddie Cochran Street, and Cedar Avenue Resurfacing Project – Job 2303
F. Resolution Authorizing City of Albert Lea and Albert Lea Township to Enter into Agreement for Fire Protection Services
G. Resolution Authorizing City of Albert Lea and Pickerel Lake Township to Enter into Agreement for Fire Protection Services
H. Resolution Approving Joint Powers Agreement Between the City of Albert Lea and Watershed District – Street Cleaning Equipment
I. Resolution Approving Minnesota Clean Water Partnership Project Loan Agreement for Street Cleaning Equipment
J. Resolution Approving Replacement of Rosco Street Patching Machine (Unit #758)
K. Resolution Approving Donation of Memorial Bench for Randy And Ellen Kehr
MOTION: Move to approve the consent agenda as presented.
Motion made by Councilor Baker, seconded by Councilor R. 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 23-022 through 23-029
Included with these minutes)

PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS – None

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

A. Discussion Regarding Additional School Resource Officer (SRO) – Public Safety Director JD Carlson

Rigg reported that at the last work session some council members were unable to attend and the meeting was not broadcast to the public. This session was a brief overview of what was discussed and provide some answers to the questions about financing the position. Public Safety Director JD Carlson provided an overview of the duties and responsibilities of the SRO and answered questions from council. Council concurred the addition is a good preventative measure and an advantage to law enforcement and the community. Mayor Murray spoke of his support of the added position for the safety and assurance for the students attending the schools. The City will move forward with securing an additional SRO with the School District.

NEW BUSINESS

A. Public Hearing Regarding Improvement for the 5th Street and Frank Hall Drive Reconstruction Project (Job 2301)

After City Manager Rigg read the details of this project, Mayor Murray opened the public hearing. He called three times. No one spoke. Mayor Murray closed the public hearing.

A1. Resolution 23-030 Ordering Improvement and Preparation of Plans for the 5th Street and Frank Hall Drive Reconstruction Project (Job 2301)

Rigg said the proposed project calls for the complete reconstruction of portions of 5th Street and Frank Hall Drive (approximately 1,837 total feet). Proposed work will include complete removal and replacement of the pavement, curb & gutter, sidewalk, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, and watermain. The existing concrete and bituminous pavements will be removed and replaced with a bituminous surface. The streets are:

• 5th Street – St. Joseph Avenue to Frank Hall Drive
• Frank Hall Drive – 3rd Street to 5th Street

New sidewalk is proposed on Frank Hall Drive along Academy Park and to fill the gap between 4th Street and 5th Street.
Assessments will be levied to the benefiting properties based upon constructing the street back to its existing width configuration with the City minimum standard of 4 inches of bituminous over 8 inches of aggregate base. The proposed preliminary assessment rate is $143.65 per front foot. Per the Assessment Policy, the assessments for sidewalk replacement is based on 25% of the replacement costs. The proposed assessment rate for the sidewalk is $3.25 per square foot. There are 33 properties proposed to be assessed as part of this project. A preliminary assessment roll is attached to this report. Following the assessment policy, the assessments will be over 15 years. The interest rate will be based on bonding in 2023.
The estimated project cost is $1,641,485.28 and would be paid for with assessments, sanitary sewer funds, water funds, and City funds. The neighborhood meeting was held January 31, 2023 to discuss the project with the affected residents.

Motion made by Councilor Baker to approve, seconded by Councilor Christensen. 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 23-030
Included with these minutes)

B. Public Hearing Regarding Disposal of Property

After City Manager Rigg read the details of this item, Mayor Murray opened the public hearing. He called three times. No one spoke. Mayor Murray closed the public hearing.

B1. Resolution 23-031 Declaring No Public Interest in Real Property – PID 34-614-0020

Rigg said the corner parcel on Jefferson and Madison was missed in the last round of property disposal. There is no utility need and the property is too small and odd shaped for development so the parcel will be divided and adjoined to the neighboring properties.

Motion made by Councilor S. Rasmussen 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 23-031
Included with these minutes)

MAYOR AND COUNCIL REPORTS:

First Ward, Councilor Christensen reported:

  • Ward Items – None
  • Committee Update – Attended the Planning Commission meeting on February 7th where they discussed the Comp Plan. Attended the Blue Zones meeting on February 15th and noted the highlights are on the City’s website.
  • Attended a Lunch & Learn presentation regarding the Emerald Ash Borer problem and how it will be treated. She participated in the Dementia Friendly Freeborn County Memory Café program and reports this another great resource for the community.

Second Ward, Councilor Baker reported:

  • Ward Items – Addressed a couple of ward items.
  • Committee Update – Attended the ALEDA Board meeting last week and deferred to the Mayor who also attended and will report.

Third Ward, Councilor Howland reported:

  • Ward Items – Received a call from a business owner regarding the increased fee on the On-Sale/Off-premise on-day liquor license. Howland described his experience with the City’s Home Serve program. He suggests further education/communication be offered to the local plumbing companies to remind a resident that calls with a sewer/water problem to refer them to Home Serve first.
  • Committee Update – Attended his first CVB meeting as the new ex-officio where they listened to the annual report.

Fourth Ward, Councilor S. Rasmussen reported:

  • Ward Items – She has had discussion with her constituents regarding the feral cat problem in the City. She also received a lot of input regarding the logo refresh.
  • Committee Update – Attended the Coalition of Greater MN Cities meeting along with Councilor Baker and City Manager Rigg. She appreciated the opportunity to attend and commended City Manager Rigg for his ability to organize and discuss the City’s issues at this meeting. She attended the Senior Center Board meeting and spoke of the many benefits it provides the entire community.

Fifth Ward, Councilor R. Rasmussen reported:

  • Ward Items – None
  • Committee Update – None

Sixth Ward, Councilor Anderson reported:

  • Ward Items – Received several phone calls regarding the logo refresh.
  • Committee Update – None

MAYOR REPORT – He attended:

  • ALEDA/JOBS meeting and reports they are working on several projects.
  • Daybreakers Kiwanis.
  • The Big Freeze event and commended the CVB staff on coordinating another successful event.
  • Soft opening of Big Lots
  • Pancake breakfast at the Moose Lodge
  • Pond Hockey at Lakeview Park
  • Chili Tasting at Edgewater Park
  • Congratulated the Albert Lea wrestling team as the Big 9 Champions
  • Congratulated Sarah Olson as the first female wrestler who participated in the Big 9
  • He announced all the upcoming events happening in the month of February and encouraged residents to attend and/or partake.

Next, Mayor Murray asked for a motion to appoint Therese Saindon to the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board.
Motion made by Councilor Baker to approve the appointment, 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.

Next Mayor Murray asked for a motion to appoint Mark Light to the Airport Advisory Board.

Motion made by Councilor Christensen to approve the appointment, 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.

CITY MANAGER REPORT

  • Urged the council to review the Comp Plan as it serves as a document to assist in making financial decisions going forward. He said it will be on a council agenda in March seeking council approval.
  • Will be meeting with the HRA Board tomorrow to discuss ways for the City and HRA to continue their partnership
  • Animal control issues continue to be reviewed
  • The SRO position will move forward to be implemented
  • Engineer reports were received on the Blazing Star which revealed various levels of contaminants and have provided the corrective procedures going forward to allow for development.
  • Reported on the long day of lobbying at the CGMC meeting. Thanked the council for allowing him to continue his education.

APPROVAL OF CLAIMS

A. Resolution 23-032 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, 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 23-032
Included with these minutes)

CLOSED SESSION – Subject to Minn. Stat. 13D.05, subd. 3(c)

At 8:07 p.m. Mayor Murray announced the regular council meeting will now go into closed session to discuss. He asked for a motion. Motion made by Councilor Baker, seconded by Councilor Christensen. On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Murray declared the motion passed.

At 8:59 p.m. Mayor Murray asked for a motion to move out of closed session. Motion made by Councilor Christensen, seconded by Councilor Howland. On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Murray declared the motion passed.

Mayor Murray announced direction was provided to staff in the closed session. He listed the property parcel numbers discussed.

ADJOURNMENT: 9:02 P.M.

Motion made by Councilor S. Rasmussen, 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, February 27, 2023. On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion.

Mayor Murray declared the motion passed and the meeting adjourned.

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Mayor Rich Murray

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Daphney Maras
Secretary of the Council