REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY OF ALBERT LEA
Monday, July 24, 2023, 7:00 p.m.

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

ADDITIONAL STAFF PRESENT: Finance Director Kristi Brutlag.

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
Clerk Maras administered the Oath of Office to new incoming police officer Keith Grzybowski.

PUBLIC FORUM – No one spoke.

CONSENT AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA

A. Approve Minutes of the July 10, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
B. Approve Minutes of the July 10, 2023 Work Session
C. License & Permits
D. Appointment of Matt Maras to the Planning Commission
E. Resolution Authorizing the City of Albert Lea to Submit a Point Source Implementation Grant Application to the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority (PFA) and to Authorize City Officials to Execute a Grant Agreement on Behalf of the City of Albert Lea for the Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) Improvement Project

Motion made by Councilor Baker to approve the consent agenda as read, seconded by Councilor Howland. 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 23-130
Included with these minutes)

PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS – None

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

A. Ordinance 23-099 Amending Chapter 50, Sec. 50.0199 Tabulation of District Requirements (2nd reading)

This is the second and final reading of this ordinance. Currently, the I-1 Limited Industrial District allows for a maximum building height of 40 feet. Staff is recommending an increase in the maximum building height from 40-feet to 60-feet. The Planning Commission held a public hearing on July 5, 2023 and recommends approval.

Motion made by Councilor Baker to approve the final reading of this ordinance, seconded by Councilor Howland. 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 Ordinance 23-099
Included with these minutes)

NEW BUSINESS

A. Resolution 23-131 Accepting Bid for the Bancroft Park & Aquatic Center Parking Lot Resurfacing Project – Job 2305

Rigg explained the Council was presented the apparent low bid results for award of contract for the Bancroft Park & Aquatic Center Parking Lot Resurfacing Project (Job No. 2305) at the June 26, 2023 Council Meeting Workshop. The item was pulled from the council meeting agenda. This project as presented involved:

Albert Lea Aquatic Center:
• Removing and replacing the bituminous surface and settled or heaved sections of curb & gutter.
• Construction of a new stormwater pond in open area between the parking lot and the basketball court to the east is also proposed with the project.
Bancroft Park:
• Removal and replacement of the bituminous surface on the entrance road to Bancroft Park.
• Removal and replacement of the bituminous surface on the upper section of the parking lot.

Engineering received one bid in the amount of $489,320.29 by Ulland Brothers, Inc. of Albert Lea, MN. After discussion, the Council requested this item be removed from the agenda and directed City staff to present a bid option that would eliminate construction of the stormwater pond at the Aquatic Center Lot. Removing all bid items associated with the pond construction reduces the contract amount to $393,371.29.
If the Council chooses this option, the full contract would be awarded, and a change order would be issued to remove the pond construction.

Staff has generated a resolution for each option. A comparison of the bid prices is attached.

Councilor Baker noted that although he does not support the storm water pond in the proposed area included in this projectt, this in no way reflects councils’ view on maintaining the stormwater policies currently in place. Councilor R. Rasmussen concurred with Baker and said he appreciated the information City Manager Rigg provided during the work session in relation to Storm Water ponds. Councilor Christensen also agreed with R. Rasmussen and said she, too, appreciated the information as presented during the work session as it will be helpful in future discussions.

Motion made by Councilor Anderson to approve this project excluding the construction of the stormwater pond. Seconded by Councilor R. Rasmussen. On roll call vote, the following councilors voted in favor of said motion: Christensen, Baker, S. Rasmussen, R. Rasmussen, Anderson, and Mayor Murray. Councilor Howland voted no. Mayor Murray declared the motion passed.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 23-131
Included with these minutes)

B. Resolution 23-132 Approving the Issuance of, and Providing the Form, Terms, Covenants and Directions for the Issuance of its Taxable Tax Increment Revenue Note, Series 2023B in an Aggregate Principal Amount Not to Exceed $474,000

Rigg described the City of Albert Lea and Albert Lea Apartments, LLC (Unique Opportunities) entered into a development agreement in 2021 that would provide $474,000 in Tax Increment Financing upon the completion of 48-unit multi-family apartment complex at 750 Front Street E.

This resolution acknowledges completion of the project and authorizes the issuance of a TIF note not to exceed $474,000 of which payments will start on August 1, 2024.
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 23-132
Included with these minutes)

C. Resolution 23-133 Approving Shared Cost Agreement with ALEDA for Added Employee Parking

City Manager Rigg noted this contract is actually with Albert Lea Port Authority (ALPA) rather than ALEDA. Same organization, slightly different structure.

He explained the City was approached by ALPA to assist in the job growth at one of their facilities. The leasing company has grown from a few dozen employees and is expecting to reach over 100 employees in the following year. Currently staff are parking on a road that is heavily traveled by large semis with trailers. It is the interest of the City, ALPA and the tenant to pay for added parking and the costs are shared 33.3% each.

Councilor Howland asked if shared services have been done in the past with ALEDA or ALPA. Rigg said the City has participated in cost shares, rebates, and/or donations to either ALEDA or ALPA in economic development items noting an example of the land sale in bringing Vortex to Albert Lea. The City provided rebates using the increase of franchise fees from electric use offsetting infrastructure costs to assist in making the land available for the development.

Motion made by Councilor Christensen 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 23-133
Included with these minutes)

MAYOR AND COUNCIL REPORTS:

First Ward, Councilor Christensen reported:

  • Ward Items – None
  • Committee Update –
    • Blue Zones continues to be active and promote Youth recreation and healthy snacks throughout the summer thanks to the support from the Mayo Foundation grant and the National Vitality Center. In addition, a pop-up trailer owned by the City Park & Recreation has been used to promote play events and have been very popular.
    • The 9 Weeks of Summer Passport booklet is currently being translated from English into Spanish.
    • Encouraged residents to attend a couple of upcoming events: Bridge Community Church will hold a fundraiser for the Karen community at Memorial Park on August 7th. In addition, an event will take place at the Skate Park this Friday for youth 12-19 years old. This event is in remembrance of Emmanuel Angel “Manny” Chavez.
    • Every Friday at Grace Lutheran Church a kit is offered containing Naloxone for people who may need it for themselves or loved ones.
    • Budget meetings are coming up and looks forward to her first participation in these meetings at the City.

Second Ward, Councilor Baker reported:

  • Ward Items – Working on one ward item.
  • Committee Update – HRA accepted the contract for the hire of the new HRA Director. Attended a Trail meeting last week. Mentioned an email he received from Safety and Special Projects Coordinator Shari Jones for the Albert Lea School District. She and the Principal of Lakeview School are requesting a review of traffic safety in the Lakeview School area.

Third Ward, Councilor Howland reported:

  • Ward Items – None
  • Committee Update – None

Fourth Ward, Councilor S. Rasmussen reported:

  • Ward Items – Working on ward items with City Manager Rigg
  • Committee Update – Reported April Jepson is now the Executive Director of the YMCA and will no longer be available to assist with the Senior Center Board. Rasmussen mentioned the back entrance of the Senior Center could use some work to provide handicap accessibility.

Fifth Ward, Councilor R. Rasmussen reported:

  • Ward Items – Working on a ward item.
  • Committee Update – Attended an Airport Board meeting where the masterplan was reviewed and awaiting approval from the FFA. Albert Lea Electric has installed runway signage. Awaiting the new fuel system to be installed in August. Hangar improvements are awaiting state grants in September.

Sixth Ward, Councilor Anderson reported:

  • Ward Items – None
  • Committee Update – Mentioned the upcoming Relay for Life in Albert Lea and commended local businesses for their monetary contributions. He said volunteers are still needed.

MAYOR REPORT:

  • Shari Jones, Safety and Special Projects Coordinator for Albert Lea Schools will be leading a training session for the School District at Crossroads Church where they will be working on safety issues with Police & Fire.
  • Attended the Ice Cream fundraiser for the Relay for Life
  • Met the new Riverland Community College President
  • Encouraged residents to attend Thursdays on Fountain
  • Attended the APEX meeting
  • Did a Walking Tour with Main Street Albert Lea reviewing buildings within the community needing some upkeep
  • Reviewed the Comprehensive Plan with Finance Director Kristi Brutlag

Listed the upcoming events.

CITY MANAGER REPORT

  • Will direct staff to look into the ADA entry conditions at the Senior Center that Councilor S. Rasmussen mentioned in her report.
  • Budget review is in process
  • A final draft is almost complete of the Pay Equity and Market Analysis changes
  • Union negotiations are in progress
  • He and staff will be meeting with some property owners reviewing issues from blight to potential re-use of their properties
  • Staff has been reviewing options of installing solar at City locations as the City is now able to take advantage of tax credits for solar installations
  • Met with an applicant for the 132 S. Broadway challenge

APPROVAL OF CLAIMS

A. Resolution 23-134 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 the claims, seconded by Councilor Howland. 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 23-134
Included with these minutes)

Councilor Baker motioned for adjournment, Councilor Howland seconded. 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, August 14, 2023. On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion.

Mayor Murray declared the motion passed and the meeting adjourned.

ADJOURNMENT: 7:35 P.M.

_/s/___________________________
Mayor Rich Murray
_/s/___________________________
Daphney Maras
Secretary of the Council