January 24, 2022 | City of Albert Lea

REGULAR MEETING
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY OF ALBERT LEA
January 24, 2022 7:00 P.M.

PRESENT: Mayor Vern Rasmussen Jr., Councilors Rich Murray, Larry Baker, Jason Howland, Reid Olson, Robert Rasmussen. Also present were City Manager Ian Rigg, Public Works Director Steven Jahnke, and City Clerk Daphney Maras.

ABSENT: Councilor Al Brooks

City Attorney Kelly Martinez attended via Zoom

I. REVIEW COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA OF JANUARY 24, 2022

CEREMONIAL ITEMS – None

PUBLIC FORUM – Bruce Manwarren said trees are growing in the railroad tracks by Cedar Valley.

Mayor Rasmussen read through each item on the Consent and Approval Agenda.

CONSENT AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA
A. Approve Minutes of The January 10, 2022 Regular Council Meeting
B. Approve Minutes of The January 10, 2022 Work Session
C. License & Permits
D. Resolution Approving Donation of Memorial Bench in New Denmark Park – In Memory of Art and Helen Rudolph
E. Resolution Approving Purchase of Larue D50 Loader Mounted Snow Blower (Replacing Unit #774)
F. Resolution Approving Purchase of 2022 Jet Vactor Combination Machine
G. Resolution Accepting Feasibility Report and Calling a Public Hearing for February 28, 2022 For the Pillsbury Avenue & Freeborn Avenue Reconstruction Project (Job 2201)

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

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 22-013 through 22-016
Included with these minutes)

PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
A. Presentation and Motion Supporting Adoption of the One Watershed One Plan (Job 1908) – Courtney Phillips, Program/Project Manager.

Courtney Phillips from the Shell Rock River Watershed delivered an update on the progress that has been made in developing the One Watershed, One Plan (1W1P). She requests council provide a motion in support of the draft Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan submitted to the Board of Water and Soil Resources by the Policy Committee of the Shell Rock – Winnebago One Watershed One Plan Planning Partnership.

The goal of the 1W1P is to combine/consolidate multiple water plans into one master plan for the Watershed. Currently there are three separate Watershed plans – SRRWD, Freeborn County and Freeborn Soil and Water; all have plans by political boundaries. 1W1P will transform these boundaries into one master watershed plan for the Shell Rock River Watershed District. The plan has been in development since 2018.

Motion made by Councilor Baker to support the Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan (Job 1908), seconded by Councilor Rasmussen. On roll call vote, the following councilors voted in favor of said motion: Murray, Baker, Howland, Olson, Rasmussen, and Mayor Rasmussen. Mayor Rasmussen declared the motion passed.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Ordinance 22-068 Amending Zoning and Land Use Map From R-3 Multi-Family Residence To R-O Multi-Family Residence Office District Located At 209 9th Avenue North (2nd reading)

The final reading of this ordinance would re-zone 209 9th Avenue North from R-3 Multi-Family Residence District to R-O Multi-Family Residence Office District to assist in the maintenance and development of desirable residential neighborhoods characterized by high-density development.

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

(See Secretary’s Original Ordinance 22-068
Included with these minutes)

NEW BUSINESS
A. Resolution 22-017 Correcting January 12, 2022 Meeting Notice Deficiency

Rigg explained on January 12, 2022, City staff held a meeting to discuss the results of the community survey and to talk about the physical and social environmental goals for the City of Albert Lea over the next ten (10) to twenty (20) years. Interested members of the public were provided notice of the meeting via email. City Council became aware of the meeting and therefore attended and participated. Because a quorum of council was present, notice of the meeting pursuant to Minn. Stat. 13D.04, subd. 2, was required. A quorum was unanticipated by staff and therefore notice was not provided. The power point presentation of the meeting is available to the public for review regarding the substance of the meeting and to provide the public with an opportunity to give input and discuss the needs and purpose of the comprehensive plan and serves to correct the unintentional notice and technical deficiencies.

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

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 22-017
Included with these minutes)

B. Resolution 22-018 Repealing Adopted Resolution 21-191 Of Albert Lea Township and The City of Albert Lea Designating an Unincorporated Area as In Need of Orderly Annexation and Conferring Jurisdiction Over Said Area to The Municipal Boundary
Adjustments Office of The Office of Administrative Hearings Pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 414.0325

Rigg said on November 8, 2021, City Council approved Resolution 21-191 between the City of Albert Lea and Township of Albert Lea, which designated orderly annexation of certain properties within the Township. Due to a deficiency as to the accuracy of the legal descriptions regarding the orderly annexation, Resolution 21-191 must be repealed.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 22-018
Included with these minutes)

C. Resolution 22-019 of Albert Lea Township and The City of Albert Lea Designating an Unincorporated Area as In Need of Orderly Annexation and Conferring Jurisdiction Over Said Area to The Municipal Boundary Adjustments Office of The Office of Administrative Hearings Pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 414.0325

The attached resolution would allow staff to submit to the Minnesota Boundary Office our orderly annexation leaving State approval and formality of a resolution summarizing the completion of the annexation left. If this resolution passes and the assessment matter is not voluntarily resolved, staff will go through a formal assessment process at the prescribed rate in this resolution of 3.01% interest and 10-year payment schedule beginning in 2023.

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

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 22-019
Included with these minutes)

D. Ordinance 22-069 Repealing Adopted Ordinance 21-065 Of the City of Albert Lea, Minnesota Amending Zoning and Land Use Map for Property Annexed in From Albert Lea Township (1st Reading)

The attached ordinance would repeal Ordinance 21-065 to correct the deficiency as to the accuracy of the legal descriptions regarding the orderly annexation.

(See Secretary’s Original Ordinance 22-069
Included with these minutes)

E. Ordinance 22-070 of the City of Albert Lea, Minnesota Amending Zoning and Land Use Map for Property Annexed in From Albert Lea Township

The Albert Lea City Council and Albert Lea Township Board entered into agreement for orderly annexation of four separate parcels in Albert Lea Township. This ordinance is an approval to amend the official zoning and land use map for the City of Albert Lea. Now included are parcels 1-3 (residential properties near Wedgewood cove) which will be zoned R-1 Single Family Residence District and parcel 4 (Trails) which will be zoned B-2 Community Business District.

Motion made by Councilor Baker, seconded by Councilor Olson. On roll call vote, the following councilors voted in favor of said motion: Murray, Baker, Howland, Olson, Rasmussen, and Mayor Rasmussen. Mayor Rasmussen declared the motion passed.
(See Secretary’s Original Ordinance 22-070
Included with these minutes)

MAYOR AND COUNCIL REPORTS
First Ward, Councilor Murray reported:
• Ward Items – Received feedback from community members regarding the proposed changes to the City logo.
• Committee Update – The Greater Jobs annual meeting will take place Wednesday at 11:30 AM via Zoom.

Second Ward, Councilor Baker reported:
• Ward Items – Received comments regarding changing the City logo
• Committee – Attended the 1W1P committee meeting and Comprehensive Plan meeting last week.

Third Ward, Councilor Howland reported:
• Ward Item – Received comments from community members regarding the City logo. Thanked the Albert Lea Tribune for posting the survey on social media regarding the logo.
• Committee – Attended the Comprehensive Plan meeting last week. Park & Rec Board meeting has been rescheduled to February 7.

Fourth Ward, Councilor Olson reported:
• Ward Items – Community members reached out to him with comments regarding the City logo.
• Committee Update – Attended an HRA meeting

Fifth Ward, Councilor Rasmussen reported:
• Ward Items – None
• Committee Update – Attended the Airport Board meeting

Sixth Ward, Councilor Brooks reported: Absent
• Ward Items –
• Committee Update –

MAYOR’S REPORT
• Mayor Rasmussen requests a motion for approval of Library Board appointments:
o Rebecca Tennis Hanson – 2nd term
o Andrew Gustafson
o Benjamin Seavey – appointed to fill a 1-yr. term left by Katie Yotter

• Announced the Big Freeze event is Saturday, February 12th and the schedule of events is as follows:
o Medallion Hunt and Scavenger Hunt beginning on Monday, February 7th
o Open Skate Mon-Friday 5PM-8PM at Hayek, Lakeview & Hawthorne Park and Sat & Sunday 1 PM-8PM a Hayek, Lakeview & Academy Park
o Pancake Breakfast Sat. 7AM-11AM @ Moose Lodge
o Krispy Kreme & Cocoa/Coffee Drive Thru Sat. 10 AM-1PM @ First Presbyterian Church
o Pond Hockey Tournament Sat 10 AM-3 PM @ Lakeview Park
o Snowshoeing & Snow Chi Sat 1 PM-3 PM @ Brookside Boathouse (COST is a Non-Perishable food donation)
o Albert Lea Anglers Sat. 1:30 PM-3 PM @ City Beach ($5 per hole and Minnows provided)
o Elsa Visit – 3 PM @ Whimsy Toys & Party located in the Albert Lea historical district on S. Broadway

Mayor Rasmussen thanked all the Local Sponsors of the Big Freeze Event: Leach Law, Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce, Whimsy Toys & Party, Double ‘O’ Tractor Club, First Presbyterian Church Youth Group, TMJ Elite Fitness, Albert Lea Community Ed, Home Federal Savings Bank, and Albert Lea Parks & Recreation

CITY MANAGER REPORT
• In discussion with staff in preparation of the bonding information to present to legislature for funding the WWTP improvements
• Staff reviews are in process
• Draft is in progress for RFP’s for disposal of some properties
• Reviewing Purchasing and Economic Development policies
• Will be attending the Chamber of Commerce meeting on Wednesday
• Reminded council members to let him know if they have any major items to be included for discussion at the March 5th council retreat.

APPROVAL OF CLAIMS

A. Resolution 22-020 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.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 22-020
Included with these minutes)

ADJOURNMENT – 7:31 P.M.

Motion made by Councilor Murray, seconded by Councilor Howland. 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 14, 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