March 27, 2023 | City of Albert Lea

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY OF ALBERT LEA
Monday, March 27, 2023, 7:00 p.m.

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

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.

A. CEREMONIAL ITEMS – Public Safety Director Carlson introduced Police Officer Kody Needham. City Clerk Maras administered the Oath of Office to Needham.

PUBLIC FORUM – None

CONSENT AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA

A. Approve Minutes of The March 13, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
B. Approve Minutes of The March 13, 2023 Work Session
C. Licenses & Permits
D. Resolution Declaring Cinco de Mayo a Community Festival
E. Appointment of Sharon Gardner To the Senior Center Board
F. Resolution Approving Plans and Specifications and Ordering Advertisement of Bids for the 2023 State Aid Street Overlay Project (Job 2302)
G. Resolution Accepting Bid For 2023-2024 Biosolids Removal (Job 2306)
H. Acceptance of Donation of Scoreboards for Snyder Fields
I. Resolution Approving Change in Term of Assessment on PID 34.074.0360

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 23-051 through 23-055
Included with these minutes)

PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS – None

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – None

NEW BUSINESS

A. Public Hearing Regarding Broadway Ridge Renewal Grant Project For C&H Holdings,
LLC – 214 S. Washington Ave.

Rigg said Carter Nelson d/b/a C&H Holdings, LLC submitted a Broadway Ridge Urban Renewal Grant application for a 2nd phase reimbursement up to 50% of costs associated with foundation shoring and masonry repair or an amount of $24,461.28. On June 14, 2022, City Council approved Resolution 22-132 which reimbursed the applicant $25,538.72 and once reimbursed, the applicant will have met the maximum grant of $50,000 for any one building over a five-year period.

The Heritage Preservation Commission has reviewed the application for compliance with historic guidelines and the Building/Zoning Official has signed off on final inspection of work completed—both of which are requirements of the grant program.

After City Manager Rigg read the details of this item, Mayor Murray opened the public hearing. He called three times. No one spoke. Mayor Murray closed the public hearing.

A1. Resolution 23-056 Approving Broadway Ridge Renewal Grant Project For C&H Holdings, LLC – 214 S. Washington Ave.

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 23-056
Included with these minutes)

B. Resolution 23-057 Approving Purchase of Bleachers for Nystrom And Colstrup Arenas

Rigg explained the City received a quote via the Cooperative Purchasing Connection for replacement bleachers for both the Nystrom and Colstrup rinks at the City Arena. The $284,225 quote includes demolition of the existing bleachers, materials, and installation of the new bleachers. The Nystrom bleachers are in the 2023 CIP for $240,000 and the Colstrup bleachers are in the 2024 CIP for $200,000. The funding for both projects would be borrowing during the City’s annual bonding and the debt repaid with a tax levy over ten years. The quote is from Saafe LLC, a vendor that meets the purchasing requirements, including the public notice and competitive bid process, per Minnesota Statute 471.345 Subdivision 15. The resolution is for $300,000 total to cover additional work that may be needed, including electrical. In total this is a $140,000 reduction from the CIP.

Motion made by Councilor Howland 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 23-057
Included with these minutes)

C. Resolution 23-058 Amending Resolution 18-56 Approving Preliminary and Final Plat of Sky Pilot Park Unit 4 Condominium Requiring Rain Gardens and Landscaping

In 2018, Sky Pilot Park LLC (Ron Holton, Craig Hoium and Rick Mummert) platted Sky Pilot Park Unit 4 Condominium as a two-phase common interest (CIC) in order to develop commercial condominium units at the corner of Hi Tec Avenue and Pilot Street.

The staff report provided by WSB in 2018 states that there were concerns for grading and drainage and an updated site plan was submitted showing added rain gardens which addressed those concerns for Phase I of development. City Council approved Resolution 18-56 which states that the Preliminary and Final Plat should be approved with the condition that rain gardens and landscaping be established on site at the time of development of Phase II.

The applicants are in the beginning stages of building Phase II which was delayed due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. They have applied for a plat amendment to remove the rain garden and landscaping requirements due to increased cost of building materials and because added stormwater efforts were encouraged, not required.

An updated site plan showing the elimination of rain gardens for Phase II is attached.

The Planning Commission held a public hearing on March 7, 2023 in regard to the request and recommends approval of amending resolution 18-56 so that the condition of rain gardens and landscaping no longer be required/established at the time of development of Phase II.

Councilor Howland commented this is a good example of why the City should develop an incentive to developers to create better solutions for storm water management. Councilor Christensen echoed Howland’s comment.

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 23-058
Included with these minutes)

D. Resolution 23-059 Authorizing Interfund Loan for Advance of Certain Costs in Connection with A Proposed Tax Increment Financing District

Rigg stated this interfund loan is backed by funds from the economic development fund #230. This project requiring the interfund loan is for the soil testing, mapping, dividing and planning necessary to see any development on the Blazing Star site. The City has had this land for sale but have not been able to proceed because the investment needed to move forward had not occurred. Results show that significant costs may exist in order to develop the property. The City can create a Soil Tax Increment District to cover the added costs associated with development due to the soil conditions.

In order to create this TID the City may expend $200,000 completing the necessary work that has to be approved by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency first. This loan will allow the City to capture some of its initial investment if a district is created and increment is generated. Councilor Sherri Rasmussen noted her support in this investment.

MAYOR AND COUNCIL REPORTS:

First Ward, Councilor Christensen reported:
• Ward Items – Reported several streets where speeding has been reported as an issue. She encourages residents to note the dates and times should they witness speeding to be reported to local authorities.
• Committee Update – Attended the Health & Wellness Expo at the Senior Center and commented on the numerous resources available to City residents. Mentioned that Thursday, April 13 there will be a Blue Zones Lunch & Learn session in the council chambers. The history of the Blue Zones and future Blue Zone plans will be discussed.

Second Ward, Councilor Baker reported:
• Ward Items – None
• Committee Update – Attended an HRA meeting. He reported expenses and the budget were discussed and the budget approved. A company has been hired to secure an HRA Director. He said he encouraged the hiring firm to relay to applicants that the position will be required to work closely with the City Manager.

Third Ward, Councilor Howland reported:
• Ward Items – Staff are working on his ward items. He mentioned the Home Serve contact information is difficult to find on the City’s website.
• Committee Update – Attended the city council retreat last week. Attended the Park & Rec Board last week. He reported the board has been working on coming up with a review process for project proposals. They also reviewed the new project request application form that is available on the City’s website. In addition, the Park & Board will be recommending to the Charter Commission Board the maximum requirement of seven voting members be increased to nine, as well as recommending the addition of a non-voting student board member. The new score boards to be placed at Snyder Field were approved. He also announced there are several summer job opportunities available with the Park & Rec and can be found on the City’s website.

Fourth Ward, Councilor S. Rasmussen reported:
• Ward Items – Reminded residents there is no-parking allowed on residential yards. Thanked residents for reaching out to her after the last meeting.
• Committee Update – None

Fifth Ward, Councilor R. Rasmussen reported:
• Ward Items – Currently working on a ward item.
• Committee Update – Attended the Airport Board meeting and listed the several items discussed.

Sixth Ward, Councilor Anderson reported:
• Ward Items – Has addressed a couple of ward items.
• Committee Update – Attended the HRA meeting and met with the company in hiring the Executive Director. He concurred with Howland that the Home Serve contact information is difficult to locate on the City’s website.

MAYOR REPORT –

• He attended the Council Retreat last week and commented he would like more interaction from council members addressing future needs of the City. He encouraged councilors to come up with ideas and/or suggestions and present those to the City Manager or himself to be addressed at future work sessions.
• He and ALEDA Director, Phillip Johnson met with John Schipper owner of Schipper Power Wash and described the projects Mr. Schipper has in place.
• Announced the retirements of CSO Laurie Remakel and Detective Julie Kohl.
• He concluded with announcing the calendar of events in the City of Albert Lea.

CITY MANAGER REPORT

• At Mayor Murray’s request, Rigg detailed how the Capital Improvement Plan process works within the City. He said the CIP is a 5-year plan to balance the City’s budget, noting needs change and exceptions are made to help keep things balanced. This budget is on-going and continuously reviewed by council and staff.
• Met with a potential developer and reviewed their Performa and have reviewed additional draft proposals.
• Attended the ALEDA meeting.
• Thanked staff for their continued work on projects at his request.
• Thanked CSO Laurie Remakel and Detective Julie Kohl for their years of service upon their retirement.
• Staff is working with JHS to obtain a topographical map of the Blazing Star.
• Preparations are in process for planning summer events. He thanked the CVB and Chamber for thier continuous event planning.
• Staff continue to work with lobbyist and elected officials at the state regarding Federal and State appropriations to assist in funding City projects.

APPROVAL OF CLAIMS

A. Resolution 23- 060 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 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 23-060
Included with these minutes)

ADJOURNMENT: 7:44 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, April 10, 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