REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY OF ALBERT LEA
Monday, January 23, 2023, 7:00 p.m.

PRESENT: Mayor Rich Murray, Councilors Rachel Christensen, Larry Baker, Jason Howland, Sherri Rasmussen. 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.

ABSENT: Councilors Robert Rasmussen and Brian Anderson

REVIEW COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA OF January 23, 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 – Bruce Manwarren suggested a bird house be constructed on the telephone poles by the new holding ponds.

CONSENT AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA
A. Approve Minutes of The January 9, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
B. Approve Minutes of The January 9, 2023 Work Session
C. License & Permits
D. Resolution Authorizing Pay Equity Plan Submission
E. Resolution Approving East Main Street Sidewalk Snow Maintenance Performed by City of Albert Lea
F. Resolution Authorizing FY 2027 Valley Avenue (Sheridan Street to Hawthorne Street) Grant Application
MOTION: Move to approve the consent agenda as presented.
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, and Mayor Murray. Mayor Murray declared the motion passed.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 23-017 through 23-019
Included with these minutes)

PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
A. Scott Kallberg representing the American Legion Riders spoke about their project related to bringing the “Freedom Rock” to Freeborn County. He described the fundraiser they are planning of up to $25,000. This would be used to paint the rock. Kallberg asked if the City would consider sponsoring this project in honoring veterans. He mentioned Freeborn County is the first Purple Heart County designated through the Purple Heart Foundation.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – None

NEW BUSINESS
A. Resolution 23-020 Authorizing Main Corridor Renewal Grant Funding For 512 S Broadway Ave

T&D REAL ESTATE, LLC submitted application for the Main Corridor Renewal Grant for reimbursement up to 50% of costs associated with a full roof replacement equaling an amount of $19,000. All improvements have been completed and reviewed by the City’s Zoning and Building Official for compliance with application requirements. Staff recommends approval of the attached resolution which approves funding for up to 50% of the total project costs or $9,500.00.

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, and Mayor Murray. Mayor Murray declared the motion passed.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 23-020
Included with these minutes)

MAYOR AND COUNCIL REPORTS:
First Ward, Councilor Christensen reported:
• Ward Items – Said she has enjoyed her first two weeks in office. She attended the 75th Anniversary at the Freeborn County Historical Society and encourages the community to visit the FCHS. Also attended the MLK Jr. event and reports it was well attended.
• Committee Update – None

Second Ward, Councilor Baker reported:
• Ward Items – Deferred his ward items to staff
• Committee Update – Spoke of the HRA Director position

Third Ward, Councilor Howland reported:
• Ward Items – None
• Committee Update – Did not attend the last Park & Rec. meeting as he was out of town.

Fourth Ward, Councilor S. Rasmussen reported:
• Ward Items – Has been busy with various ward items. Updated her constituents on the bidding process as well the I90/Bridge St. interchange..
• Committee Update – Visited the Senior Center facility and was impressed with its operations. She is looking forward to attending the Coalition of Greater MN Cities Action Day.

Fifth Ward, Councilor R. Rasmussen reported: ABSENT

Sixth Ward, Councilor Anderson reported: ABSENT

MAYOR REPORT
• Attended:
o the IMS Grand Re-opening as well as the Historical Society anniversary.
o ALEDA meeting as well as the HRA Board meeting.
o A tour of the 300-block last week where they explored ideas of what to do with that block going forward
o Martin Luther King event
o Working with City Manager Rigg on a number of items

Mayor Murray announced upcoming events throughout the City.

  • Outdoor Skating Rinks & Warming Houses are open all week. Monday through Friday from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at Hayek, Lakeview and Hawthorne parks. On Saturday and Sunday, they are open from 1:00pm to 8:00pm at Hayek, Lakeview and Academy parks.
  • Based on requests from the public, the City of Albert Lea is offering ice skates for use, free of charge, at the warming house at Lakeview Park. They are available on a first come – first serve basis, with limited sizes available. If this goes well at Lakeview Park, then the City will consider expanding it to the other warming house.
  • Tuesday, January 24th from 7:00pm-8:30pm – Last day for auditions for Almost, Maine, a romantic comedy. Auditions will be held at the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center.
  • Saturday, January 28th at 7:00pm Open House at the Western Star Masonic Lodge #26 – 147 N. Broadway, top floor above the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center. Presentation introducing Kevin and Donna Chapman, who operate Chapman House Foundation. Kevin was recently featured in the Albert Lea Tribune on purchasing his first home to rehab here in Albert Lea. Kevin will detail his past successes in other communities developing housing for veterans.
  • Saturday, February 4th, from 11am to 2pm – Freeborn County Historical Museum and Library will be open to the public. Exhibits showcasing the community’s history. $5.00 admission for non-members, free for members.
  • The Annual Big Freeze Event – All proceeds go to cover any costs for the event and then to local charities. All donated non-perishable food items go to the local food pantry, proceeds from the Pancake breakfast benefits the Salvation Army, proceeds from the Chili Cook-off will go to the Albert Lea Inclusive
  • Playground and Miracle Field.
    Starting Monday, February 6th – It’s the Medallion Hunt sponsored by Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce. Put your detective caps on, clues will be given out daily, Monday through Friday, or until the Medallion is found!
  • Saturday, February 11th Multiple events happening – Including a Pancake Breakfast, Krispy Kreme Drive Through, Elsa Visit, Pond Hockey Tournament, Ice Fishing Tournament, Chili Cookoff & Bake Sale, Carpenter Coffee, Live Music at 112 On Broadway – Check out the CVB website or Facebook page for the event details. This is a great event with many partnerships to make it happen. CVB, Historic Downtown Main Street Program, Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce, City of Albert Lea, Double “O” Tractor Club, Moose Lodge, First Presbyterian Church of Albert Lea Youth Group, TMJ Elite Fitness, Whimzy, Home Federal Savings Bank, Albert Lea Anglers, Carpenter Coffee, and 112 on Broadway.
  • Mayor Murray requests the community continue to give a warm welcome to families visiting Albert Lea for hockey tournaments and events. The City Arena held the Squirts tournament this past weekend, Jan 20-22, with 16 teams. Another 16 teams will compete in the Mites tourney Feb. 11-12 and the City Arena will host the Minnesota Hockey A Bantam and A Peewee District 9 tournament on February 17–21.

CITY MANAGER REPORT
• Mentioned the discussion of potentially bringing the HRA Board under the City’s authority.
• The wage report will continue to be reviewed
• Economic Development policies are being reviewed as benefits change throughout the State and Country
• Employee evaluations will be taking place
• Historical Society has requested to obtain some old City articles that are currently in storage
• He will be attending the CGMC Legislative day
• The request from the School District to add an SRO will be reviewed and funding sources discussed
• 132 S. Broadway continues to be cleaned up in preparation to sell
• He reiterated what Mayor Murray once said “we don’t have seven ambassadors in the community, we have 18,000.”

APPROVAL OF CLAIMS

A. Resolution 23-021 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 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, and Mayor Murray. Mayor Murray declared the motion passed.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 23-021
Included with these minutes)

ADJOURNMENT: 7:31P.M.

Motion made by Councilor Howland, seconded by Councilor Christensen. 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 13, 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