REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY OF ALBERT LEA
Monday, January 9, 2023, 7:00 p.m.

PRESENT: Mayor Rich Murray, Councilors Rachel Christensen, Larry Baker, Jason Howland, Sherri Rasmussen, Robert Rasmussen, and Brian Anderson. Also present were, City Manager Ian Rigg, Public Works Director Steven Jahnke, City Attorney Joel Holstad of National Lakes Law, LLP, Sergeant-at-Arms- Detective Julie Kohl, and City Clerk Daphney Maras.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Mayor Murray asked all in attendance to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL – Mayor Murray called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.

CEREMONIAL ITEMS
A. City Clerk Maras administered the Oath of Office to Mayor Rich Murray, Councilors Rachel Christensen, Larry Baker, Sherri Rasmussen, and Brian Anderson
B. Mayor Murray read aloud the Proclamation Declaring STARS National Mentoring Month. Program Coordinator MaryJo Volkman described the program and encouraged community members to consider mentoring a child.

PUBLIC FORUM – No one spoke

Next, Mayor Murray read through the consent and approval of agenda.

CONSENT AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA
A. Approve Minutes of The December 12, 2022 Regular Council Meeting
B. Approve Minutes of The December 12, 2022 Work Session
C. License & Permits
D. Resolution Establishing 2023 Appointments and Designations
E. Resolution Designating Depositories of City Funds and Signatories for Withdrawal of Funds and Authorizing Credit Card Use, Electronic or Wire Transfers, Investment of Municipal Funds and Collateral Securing Deposits For 2023
F. Resolution Establishing Rules and Procedures for The City Council of Albert Lea
G. Resolution Naming Official Newspaper For 2023
H. Resolution Entering into A State of Minnesota Agency Agreement for Federal Participation in Construction
I. Resolution Accepting Feasibility Report and Calling A Public Hearing At 7:00 PM, February 13, 2023 For The 5th Street (St. Joseph Avenue to Frank Hall Drive (And Frank Hall Drive (3rd Street To 5th Street) Reconstruction Project (Job 2301)
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 23-001 through 23-006
Included with these minutes)

PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Ordinance 22-086 Amending Chapter 2 – Administration/Article IV – Legal Department (2nd Reading)

City Manager Rigg said this ordinance amendment is to change Legal Services from a department to a contracted service. This change is crafted to avoid having to rewrite about 8-9 other sections of the code.

Motion made by Councilor Howland, 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.

NEW BUSINESS
A. Public Hearing Regarding Broadway Ridge Renewal Grant (BRG) Funding For 113 S. Newton – Complete Investments, LLC

Rigg explained a public hearing and resolution are required regarding Complete Investments of Albert Lea submission of a Broadway Ridge Renewal Grant for reimbursement up to 50% of costs associated with a roof replacement. The total improvement cost is $86,500 which will provide the applicant with a matching grant of $43,250 per policy. All improvements have been completed and reviewed by the City’s Zoning and Building Official for compliance with application requirements.

Mayor Murray opened the public hearing. He called three times. No one spoke. Mayor Murray closed the public hearing.

A1. Resolution 23-007 Authorizing Broadway Ridge Renewal Grant Funding For 113 S. Newton – Complete Investments, LLC

Motion made by Councilor Baker to approve the BRG for 113 S. Newton Ave., 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 23-007
Included with these minutes)

B. Public Hearing Regarding Property Disposal of City owned property.

Rigg explained in 2022 the Council discussed the option to divide certain unbuildable City lots and adjoin them to neighboring properties to improve those properties at no charge. Now that all boundary work is complete, a public hearing and this resolution are required to officially allow disposal of the properties.

Mayor Murray opened the public hearing regarding both items B1 and B2. He called three times. No one spoke.

B1. Resolution 23-008 Declaring No Public Interest in Real Property and Disposal – Various Undevelopable Lots Subdivided and Replatted To Other Lots

Motion made by Councilor Baker 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 23-008
Included with these minutes)

B2. Resolution 23-009 Declaring No Public Interest in Real Property – Various Buildings and Real Property to Be Sold

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, R. Rasmussen, Anderson, and Mayor Murray. Mayor Murray declared the motion passed.
(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 23-009
Included with these minutes)

C. Resolution 23-010 Disposing Surplus Property and Authorizing the Sale

Per City Code and State Statute the City has to formally approve selling excess property and make it available to the public. In most cases it is administratively easier to throw everything away however, staff would prefer to see reuse of certain items first if possible.

Motion made by Councilor Baker to approve, 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 23-010
Included with these minutes)

D. Resolution 23-011 Authorizing the Advertisement of RFPs For the Sale and Development of City Properties.

There are three City owned properties that are not finished in stabilization however, staff wishes to administratively take care of an early step in the property disposal process. This resolution meets City Code on property disposal and authorizes the City Manager to gather proposals for (re)development.

Motion made by Councilor Christensen 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 23-011
Included with these minutes)

E. Resolution 23-012 Of Support for Freeborn County Corridors of Commerce Grant Application for the I-90 And CSAH 20 Interchange Project

Freeborn County has been evaluating a new interchange on Interstate 90 at Freeborn CSAH 20. The proposed interchange would be located between two existing interchanges at CSAH 22 (Bridge Avenue) and TH 13. A Corridors of Commerce Grant Application is being submitted and this Resolution is in support of this application. This project will benefit Freeborn County, the City of Albert Lea, and the region in several ways including:

1. Decreased congestion at I-90 and Bridge Avenue. This interchange is very busy, has poor visibility, and is not signalized.
2. Increased access to I-90 for Agricultural traffic with down gradient ramps.
3. Increased access to I-90 for existing businesses located on Plaza Street.
4. Increased development potential of the surrounding land area at CSAH 20. City utility extensions from Albert Lea are feasible and the land area is open, gently rolling, and available for development.
5. Minimal impacts to existing system. The addition of this interchange is feasible and will not require changes to the existing alignments of I-90 and CSAH 20 nor will it require modification or replacement of the existing overpass bridge.

The community has evaluated this intersection in the past but limited funds were available for development. If successful in obtaining this grant, it would pay for a significant portion of the intersection. A concept sketch showing one vision of the project is included in the packet.

Motion made by Councilor Anderson 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 23-012
Included with these minutes)

F. Resolution 23-013 Approving Grant Agreement with The Minnesota Department of Transportation for Airport Fueling System Updates and New LED Airfield Guidance Signs (Job 2307)

Attached for Council review and approval is a resolution to execute the Minnesota Department of Transportation Grant Agreement for an Airport Improvement project. The current fueling system has aged and has frequent breakdowns, the monitoring system fails frequently as well. This upgrade will update the fueling system to a chip card reader and replace the fuel monitoring system. The grant will also cover the costs to replace the existing airfield guidance signs with new LED airfield guidance signage. The current signage is faded and bulb outages occur frequently. The total estimated cost of the project is $149,195.80. The grant is as 70/30 split with State funds not to exceed $104,437.06. The City portion is estimated at $44,758.74.

Motion made by Councilor S. Rasmussen to approve, 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 23-013
Included with these minutes)

G. Resolution 23-014 Approving Development Agreement For 604 Giles With Kevin Chapman

This resolution will officially approve the sale of the property at 604 Giles under the terms set in the development agreement. The agreement becomes binding and is meant to ensure that restoration of the property is done and it adds to the City’s housing stock by the end of the year.

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 23-014
Included with these minutes)

H. Resolution 23-015 Approving Lake National Law LLP For Services as General Counsel and Prosecutor for The City of Albert Lea

The City Manager has authority to sign contracts for services and did so in the immediate time frame before the change in code is officially enacted. Approval of this resolution meets the requirement of the assumed amendment to the ordinance.

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 23-015
Included with these minutes)

MAYOR AND COUNCIL REPORTS:

First Ward, Councilor Christensen reported:

  • Ward Items – None. She thanked the residents of the first ward for allowing her to serve them as councilmember.
  • Committee Update – Stated she will be serving on the Planning Commission, Blue Zones, and Human Rights Commission.

Second Ward, Councilor Baker reported:

  • Ward Items – Commended the Street Dept. for taking care of a snow removal item he called in.
  • Committee Update – None

Third Ward, Councilor Howland reported:

  • Ward Items – None
  • Committee Update – Attended the Park & Rec. Board meeting. Several people inquired about the deer nuisance at the community gardens.

Fourth Ward, Councilor S. Rasmussen reported:

  • Ward Items – Thanked Ward four residents for allowing her to serve them.
  • Committee Update – Stated she will be serving on the Senior Center Board and the Board of Appeals. She appreciated the tour Public Works Director Steve Jahnke took her on to show the projects in the works. She also toured Mercy One and appreciated the learning experience.

Fifth Ward, Councilor R. Rasmussen reported:

  • Ward Items – Working on a couple of Ward items.
  • Committee Update – None

Sixth Ward, Councilor Anderson reported:

  • Ward Items – Invited Ward six residents to contact him with any concerns they may have.
  • Committee Update – He will be serving on the HRA Board as well as the Watershed Board.

MAYOR’S REPORT: Mayor Murray announced upcoming events throughout the City.

  • Today, January 9th is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, (L.E.A.D.), is a day to show all members of Law Enforcement they are appreciated. Law Enforcement Officers of every rank and file have chosen a profession that puts their life on the line. Take a moment to show appreciation today.
  • January is Fire Fighter Cancer Awareness Month – Fire Fighter occupational cancer is the leading cause of line-of-duty death’s in the fire service. In partnership with the Firefighter Cancer Support Network, (FCSN), the IAFF has designated January as Fire Fighter Cancer Awareness Month to provide firefighters the necessary tools and guidance to develop life-saving protocols for cancer prevention and to support those with a cancer diagnosis within their departments.
  • Tuesday, January 10th, 4:30-6pm or 6-7:30pm – Adult Craft night at the Albert Lea Public Library. All supplies are provided, please register for one of the time-slots at – alplonline.org
  • 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.
  • Friday, January 13th, 11:00am – 2:00pm – Freeborn County Historical Museum will be celebrating their 75th Anniversary. Stop out to help them celebrate, have some cake and check out all that has happened in the last 75 years. – Open to the community.
  • Friday, January 20th from 5pm – 9pm – Freeborn Eagles Rugby Team & Wedgewood Cove Presents – Stand Up Comedian Adrian Washington – Tickets are available at Wedgewood Cove and dinner is included. Silent Auction from 5:00pm-8:00pm, dinner at 6:00pm and show starts at 7:00pm.
  • Monday and Tuesday, January 23rd and 24th – Albert Lea Community Theatre will be holding auditions for the play “Almost Maine”, at the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center, 147 N. Broadway. This is a romantic comedy with several roles available for men and women of various ages. Auditions start at 7:00pm both nights.

CITY MANAGER REPORT

  • Provided an update on the grant received for the Blazing Star cleanup. Testing has started on the north side of tracks in that area.
  • A grant was received for ground testing along the railroad tracks in the Amtech business area.
  • Staff has been working on disposal of City owned property.
  • Thanked Attorney Lee Bjorndal and Shelly King for assisting with prosecutorial services in the absence of a City Attorney.
  • Introduced Attorney Joel M. Holstad, of Lakes National Law, LLP who was present at this meeting. Mr. Holstad’s law firm was recently hired to provide ongoing services to the City.
  • Extended his appreciation to the City Street crew and First Responders for their diligent work during the recent snow storm.

APPROVAL OF CLAIMS

A. Resolution 23-016 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 Christensen. On roll call vote, the following councilors voted in favor of said motion: 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 23-016
Included with these minutes)

ADJOURNMENT: 7:51 P.M.

Motion made by Councilor Howland, seconded by Councilor Anderson. 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, January 23, 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