June 13, 2022 | City of Albert Lea

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY OF ALBERT LEA
Monday, June 13, 2022, 7:00 p.m.

PRESENT: Mayor Vern Rasmussen, Jr., Councilors Rich Murray, Larry Baker, Jason Howland, Reid Olson, Robert Rasmussen, Al Brooks. Also present were Public Works Director Steven Jahnke, Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Laskowske, City Attorney Kelly Martinez, Public Safety Director JD Carlson, and City Clerk Daphney Maras.

ABSENT: City Manager Ian Rigg

CEREMONIAL ITEMS
A. Oath of Office – Brandi Krenz (Firefighter)
Laskowske introduced Krenz declaring she is the first female Firefighter in history at the City of Albert Lea. Clerk Maras administered the Oath of Office.

B. Proclamation – Juneteenth Independence Day
Mayor Rasmussen introduced a proclamation declaring June 19th as Juneteenth Independence Day.

PUBLIC FORUM
Clerk Maras read aloud a letter received from Ann Austin related to the upcoming entertainment at the Wind Down Wednesday event.

Mayor Rasmussen read through each item on the consent and approval agenda

CONSENT AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA
A. Approve Minutes Of The May 23, 2022 Regular Council Meeting
B. Approve Minutes Of The May 23, 2022 Work Session
C. License & Permits
D. Resolution Acknowledging State Approval of Annexation – AL Township – Tom Norby
E. Resolution Not Waiving Monetary Limits on Tort Liability
F. Resolution Accepting Donations As Presented To the City of Albert Lea

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

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 22-128 through 22-130
Included with these minutes)

PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS – None

In the absence of City Manager Rigg, Mayor Rasmussen read each item on the agenda followed by City Clerk Maras reading the What’s Behind that provided background of each item. In addition, staff members were available to answer council’s questions.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Ordinance 22-073 Ordinance Amending Zoning & Land Use Map Property Annexed from AL Twp. – Norby (2nd Reading)

The first reading of this ordinance was held at the meeting of April 11, 2022. This ordinance is an approval to amend the official zoning and land use map for the City of Albert Lea. Included is parcel 08-040-0250.

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: Murray, Baker, Howland, Olson, Rasmussen, Brooks, and Mayor Rasmussen. Mayor Rasmussen declared the motion passed.

(See Secretary’s Original Ordinance 22-073
Included with these minutes)

NEW BUSINESS
A. Public Hearing Related To The City’s Proposed Tax Abatement for Repairs of the City Arena

Rebecca Kurtz of Ehlers presented via zoom. She explained the 2022A bond issue includes approximately $450,000 for maintenance and repairs at the City Arena. State Statute allows the City the option to pledge tax revenue from an existing parcel to pay debt service for these types of projects. This process requires a public hearing. After the public hearing, the Council can approve the tax abatement or take no action and deny the tax abatement. Denying the tax abatement would require the City to identify a new funding source for the City Arena portion of the 2022A bond issue.

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

A.1 Resolution 22-131 Approving Tax Abatement for Repairs to the City Arena

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

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 22-131
Included with these minutes)

B. Public Hearing Related to the City’s Proposed Broadway Ridge Grant Project For Carter Nelson aka C&H Holdings

Carter Nelson d/b/a C&H Holdings, LLC submitted a Broadway Ridge Urban Renewal Grant application for reimbursement up to 50% of costs associated with building stabilization, tuck-pointing, fabrication and installation of a new fire escape and garage door. The Heritage Preservation Commission has reviewed the application for compliance with historic guidelines and the building/zoning administrator has signed off on final inspection of work completed—both of which are requirements of the grant program. Staff recommends approval of the attached Broadway Ridge Grant Agreement in the amount of $25,583.72 which is 50% of the total project costs.
Mayor Rasmussen opened the public hearing. He called three times. No one spoke. Mayor closed the public hearing.
B.1 Resolution 22-132 Authorizing An Agreement With Carter Nelson dba C&H Holdings, LLC – Broadway Ridge Grant Project

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

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 22-132
Included with these minutes)

C. Ordinance 22-075 Amending Chapter 8, Article II – Sec. 8.038 – Sanitation (1st Reading)

A requirement of the City of Albert Lea Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit, the pets waste ordinance has to be revisited and specific requirements included. One of these requirements was that pet waste be picked up immediately when on public property. Another change is language on how to properly dispose of waste. The language has been updated to reflect this.

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

(See Secretary’s Original Ordinance 22-075
Included with these minutes)

D. Ordinance 22-076 Amending Chapter 44, Article III – Sec. 44.095 – Limitations on Wastewater Discharges (1st Reading)

The local limits on wastewater discharge must meet or exceed the federal limits. The federal limits were updated and the Cadmium limit was lowered. The federal limits have lowered the maximum discharge for any 1 day must not exceed 0.11 mg/l which is lower than the local limit of 0.15 mg/l. With this proposed update the city code will once again comply with the federal standards.

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

(See Secretary’s Original Ordinance 22-076
Included with these minutes)

E. Resolution 22-133 Approving Plans and Specifications and Ordering of Bids for the Snyder Field 2022 Drainage Improvement Project (Job 2210)

Plans and specifications have been prepared for the Snyder Field 2022 Drainage Improvements. The proposed project involves drainage tiling and other drainage improvements at Snyder Field.

The proposed project includes constructing a new stormwater pond near the intersection of Hershey Street and Bridge Avenue at an estimated cost of $115,000. If the Council chooses, the pond construction could be separated out and completed in 2023. The total estimated cost for the project including pond construction is $475,000.

There are currently no projects in the 2022 CIP for Snyder Ballfields. There is a project in 2023 for a total of $975,000 with funding of $650,000 from fund 401 and $325,000 from private funds. Staff is recommending $475,0000 of the 2023 project be moved to 2022 and funding the 2022 portion with fund 401. The balance of the 2023 project will be updated during the 2023 budget and CIP discussion. The plans and specifications have been completed and have been presented to the Council for approval and authorization of bidding. Staff recommends approving the plans and specifications, and authorization of bidding the project.

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

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 22-133
Included with these minutes)

F. Resolution 22-134 Approving Preliminary And Final Plat Of Schroader Addition

Scott Schroader was recently annexed into city limits in order to connection to city sewer and to facilitate the construction of a new single-family residence. The next step in development is to approve the preliminary and final plat as prepared by Jones, Haugh and Smith. The plat meets all of the requirements of Chapter 38 (Subdivisions) and includes proper dedication of a 50 ft right-of-way (Schroader Avenue) that will connect Bimelich Lane to Neale Street. The Planning Commission held a public hearing on May 24, 2022 and recommends approval.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 22-134
Included with these minutes)

G. Resolution 22-135 Approving Contribution To South Central Investigation Unit (SCDIU) To Purchase A Bearcat Armored Tactical Vehicle

Public Safety Director JD Carlson explained for several years, the Chief Law Enforcement Officers representing our Violent Crimes Enforcement Team (South Central Drug Investigation Unit) have attempted to identify a means to best support the safety of their membership; Special Weapons & Tactics Team members and associated community citizens. This was recently made a heightened priority due to officer involved shootings both in Waseca and Albert Lea. It’s not only a matter of if, but when same or similar incidents are anticipated to occur elsewhere within our VCET. The BearCat is the standard in the industry for Law Enforcement Armored Response and Rescue vehicles, including our Police and Government. The deployment of a BearCat is a best practice, enhancing officer safety and that of our communities.

Mayor Rasmussen spoke of his support of this purchase.

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

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 22-135
Included with these minutes)

MAYOR AND COUNCIL REPORTS:
First Ward, Councilor Murray reported:
• Ward Items – None
• Committee Update – He and Phillip Johnson had a conference call with the owners of the new apartment complex going up on Front St. The purpose of this meeting was to inquire if there were any issues. Also met with the owners of Taco King to work on resolving the issues related to the window repairs. Murray spoke of the importance of open communication with business owners throughout the community.

In the Mayor’s absence, he provided the Eddie Cochran street dedication by Frank Hall Park. Spoke of the Eddie Cochran festival over the weekend.

He and Phillip Johnson visited with downtown businesses, Whimsy and 112 on Broadway.
Attended the ALEDA Board meeting last Wednesday following up on projects in the works.

Second Ward, Councilor Baker reported:

Ward Items – Received a complaint from a resident regarding the severe potholes at the Snyder Field parking lot. Baker asked the holes be filled in prior to the upcoming baseball tournament. In addition, he asked staff to review the parking lot/alley behind the Eagles Club.
Committee Update – Attended the Board of Appeals meeting. Also attended a meeting with the owners of Taco King to resolve issues related to updating the windows at the downtown location.

Third Ward, Councilor Howland reported;

Ward Items – Received a complaint from a resident regarding some trees that were removed. With the assistance of City staff, the necessary cleanup was taken care of.
Committee Update – None

Fourth Ward, Councilor Olson reported:

Ward Items – Spoke of his appreciation of the first, ever, female Firefighter in Albert Lea as well as the updates at Snyder Field.
Committee Update – None

Fifth Ward, Councilor Rasmussen reported:

Ward Items – Working on one ward item.
Committee Update – None

Sixth Ward, Councilor Brooks reported:

Ward Items – Attending to a couple of nuisance complaints within his ward. Received calls related to WDW entertainment.
Committee Update – None

MAYOR’S REPORT:

Charter Commission Board Members are needed. If there is anyone interested, the application can be found on the City website, under Government and then Boards and Commission.
The City’s new utility line protection program will go into effect August 1st. This program covers the costs of repairs to residential water and sewer lines. Many people do not realize that they are responsible for these underground pipes until something goes wrong, like tree roots clogging a pipe or lines freezing and breaking in the winter. The fee is $5.50 a month for this program and will be included in the monthly utility bills. Residents are automatically enrolled unless the service is declined. The Finance Department has fielded hundreds of questions from people calling or stopping by City Hall. Of the 6,430 eligible homes, only 118 have declined the service so far. If you would like to decline, or just have questions, please call the City Finance Department at 507-377-4300 or visit the website at cityofalbertlea.org.
The downtown skyline is changing in a big way with construction progressing on the Central Water Tower. Crews have placed massive pieces of the pedestal and bowl into place, using a super-size crane. This tower is being built from more than 400 pieces of steel, some of them 1.75 inches thick. When completed, the tower will stand 179.5 feet tall – that’s about 18 stories – and hold 1 million gallons of water. If you would like to see photos and video of the pieces being put into place, check out the City’s Facebook page. It can be found by searching for City of Albert Lea – City Hall.
Willy Wonka opens at the Albert Lea Community Theatre, (ACT) First show is Thursday, 6/16, 7:30-8:30p running Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 7:30-8:30. Sunday, 6/19 – Matinee from 2pm-3:30. The Play continues on Weds., 6/22 through Sat. 6/25 show times at 7:30-7:30 with another Sunday Matinee on Sunday, 6/26 from 2p-3:30p.
Edgewater Park Bandshell – Movie in the Park – Sing 2 will be shown on Friday, 6/17 from about 8:30p to 10:30p – Take a seat on a bench or bring your lawn chairs or blankets. Relax and enjoy the show! Show will begin at dusk, usually around 8:30p. – Friday, July 22nd we will be showing the Movie Luca. Kid and Family Friendly Movies!
Wind Down Wednesday – 1st Event of the Season on Weds., 6/22 – Runs from 11am-8pm – Live music – Entertainment – Kids Activities – Food and Alcohol vendors.
Art in the Park – Saturday, 6/25, at Central Park from 10am – 7pm – Artisan Vendors – Kids Art Stations – Food Trucks & Bar – Live Entertainment
Boathouse open at Brookside Boat Landing – Check out kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, bikes and more! Preregistration is required, check out more information at the City of Albert Lea website and click the Community Calendar link.

APPROVAL OF CLAIMS
A. Resolution 22-136 Approving Claims
(1). Presentation of Claims Over $25,000

Maras explained that 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 payment of claims as presented. Seconded by Councilor Brooks. On roll call vote, the following councilors voted in favor of said motion: Murray, Baker, Howland, Olson, Rasmussen, Brooks, and Mayor Rasmussen. Mayor Rasmussen declared the motion passed.
(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 22-136
Included with these minutes)

ADJOURNMENT: 7:46 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, June 27, 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