REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY OF ALBERT LEA
Monday, May 23, 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 City Manager Ian Rigg, Public Works Director Steven Jahnke, Building/Zoning Administrator Wayne Sorensen, City Attorney Kelly Martinez, Detective Julie Kohl, and City Clerk Daphney Maras.
CEREMONIAL ITEMS – None
PUBLIC FORUM – Bruce ManWarren spoke of an uneven curb at the entry to the Trailside Apts.
CONSENT AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA
A. Approve Minutes Of The May 9, 2022 Regular Council Meeting
B. Approve Minutes Of The May 9, 2022 Work Session
C. License & Permits
D. Resolution Authorizing Agreement With City of Manchester For Enforcement Of Certain Ordinances
E. Resolution Accepting Donations As Presented To the City of Albert Lea
F. Resolution Declaring Official Intent To Reimburse Itself For The Costs Of Improvements With The Proceeds Of Tax-Exempt Bonds.
Mayor Rasmussen read through each item on the consent and approval agenda
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 22-117 through 22-119
Included with these minutes)
PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS –
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Resolution 22-120 Providing for the Sale of $4,980,000 General Obligation Bonds, Series 2022A
Rebecca Kurtz of Ehlers was present. She explained per the City Charter, the City of Albert Lea has the authority to issue General Obligation Improvement Bonds to provide assessable public improvement projects undertaken by the City. Staff recommends the sizing of the bond to be $4,980,000 to finance City improvement projects, including the E Main Street Resurfacing and Trail Improvements, TH-65 Resurfacing and Flood Mitigation, Pillsbury Ave & Freeborn Ave Reconstruction Project, 2022 Overlay Project, Washington Ave & Main Street Parking Lot Resurfacing, 209th Street & Happy Trails Lane and the Arena Roof and Flooring Projects. The proposed bond would have a term of 10 years and be sold competitively. A representative from Ehlers & Associates will be in attendance to review the bond sale.
Motion made by Councilor Baker to approve the sale of GOB Series 2022A, 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 22-120
Included with these minutes)
Prior to the next three items on the agenda, Building/Zoning Administrator Wayne Sorensen delivered a PowerPoint outlining each of the three hazardous structures. Photos, descriptions, and historical background were provided in each situation.
B. Public Hearing Regarding Order for Removal of Hazardous Structure – 924 Fountain Street
Rigg said on August 12, 2019, the residence at 924 Fountain Street was placarded as structurally unsafe. The property is unoccupied. Removal of the structure is recommended because of the unsafe conditions. The City has communicated with the owner about the hazard and to date the owner agrees the building should be removed and costs assessed. Notice of this hearing has been published and mailed.
Mayor Rasmussen opened the public hearing. He called three times. Bruce ManWarren asked if the home could be torn down a little at a time. Mayor Rasmussen responded it is not the staff recommendation at this time. Mayor Rasmussen closed the public hearing.
B1. Resolution 22-121 Approving Removal of Hazardous Structure – 924 Fountain Street
Motion made by Councilor Baker to approve removal of the structure as described at 924 Fountain St., 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 22-121
Included with these minutes)
C. Public Hearing Regarding Order for Removal of Hazardous Structure – 604 Giles Place
On October 18, 2020, a fire occurred at the residence at 604 Giles Place and was placarded as structurally unsafe and unfit. The property is unoccupied. Removal of the structure is recommended because of the unsafe conditions. The City has communicated with the owners about the hazards. Notice of this hearing has been published and mailed.
Mayor Rasmussen opened the public hearing. Christy Boss asked if the lawn would continue to be mowed by the City. Mayor Rasmussen deferred to City Manager Rigg. Rigg explained property maintenance continues to be the responsibility of the owner. In some cases, neighbors take it upon themselves to keep up on the mowing. He suggested should neighbors experience any nuisance issues, they are encouraged to report it using the non-emergency phone number.
Mayor Rasmussen called a second time. Kris Jepson said he is the current owner of this home. Although he attempted to sell it after a divorce the transfer never took place. He questions what his responsibility is. Rigg explained special assessments remain with the property owner.
Mayor Rasmussen called a third time. No one spoke. He closed the public hearing.
C1. Resolution 22-122 Approving Removal of Hazardous Structure – 604 Giles Place
Motion made by Councilor Baker to approve removal of the structure as described at 604 Giles Place, 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 22-122
Included with these minutes)
D. Public Hearing Regarding Order for Removal of Hazardous Structure – 819 Bridge Ave.
On or about May 2019, during an inspection in the neighborhood, it was noticed that the attached garage had structural issues. It was later determined that the roof on the back entryway was deficient. Both were determined to be structurally unsafe and unfit. The property is occupied. Abatement of the structures is recommended because of the unsafe conditions. The City has communicated with the owners about the hazards. Notice of this hearing has been published and mailed. Staff recommends the structure be abated.
D1. Resolution 22-123 Approving Removal of Hazardous Structure – 819 Bridge Ave.
Motion made by Councilor Olson to approve the structure at 604 Giles Place be abated, seconded by Councilor Murray. 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 22-123
Included with these minutes)
E. Resolution 22-124 To Waive Late Fees For Children’s Materials At The Library
During the Work Session prior to this council meeting, Director of the Library Annice Sevett explained in an effort to make the policies of the Albert Lea Public Library more equitable and to increase access to Library materials for children and teens, the Albert Lea Public Library, with support from the Library Advisory Board, is asking the Council to eliminate late fines on youth materials starting on June 1, 2022.
By eliminating late fines, the Library will be able to reduce the inequitable impact of fines for children and teens, optimize staff time, increase usage of the Library, and create more positive customer service interactions with the public. Currently, 34% of juvenile cardholders (625 youth) cannot check out materials because they have too many fines. Eliminating fines will free up these cards, allowing for more youth to access Library materials.
The Albert Lea Public Library provides access to information for all residents of Freeborn County. Eliminating late fines on youth materials will allow the Library to fulfill one of our strategic plan objectives by eliminating a barrier to access.
Motion made by Councilor Baker to approve waiving late fees for Children’s materials at the Library, 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 22-124
Included with these minutes)
F. Resolution 22-125 Opting To Increase The Benefit Level For Firefighters Who Are Vested In The Statewide Volunteer Firefighter Plan
This resolution would increase the benefit level for the volunteer firefighter plan to $3,500, $4,000 and $4,300 effective January 1, 2023, 2024 and 2025 respectively. The last time the benefit level was changed was 2018 to the current amount of $2,500. This increase will more closely align the benefit level to neighboring communities. The projected assets as of 12/31/2021 is $780,327 and the projected liabilities at the current pension level is $225,735. The liability will be recalculated when the new pension levels are approved – the excess amount will be returned to the City. Starting in 2023 the City will receive the State Fire Aid and the amount due to the Fire relief for any excess of liabilities over assets will be approved by the City Council.
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 Resolution 22-125
Included with these minutes)
G. Resolution 22-126 to Adopt and Implement the Shell Rock River Watershed & Winnebago River Watershed Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan.
This spring the Council authorized submitting the Shell Rock River and Winnebago River Watershed Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan to the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR). The plan was recently accepted and approved by BWSR. This resolution adopts the plan for the City and authorizes execution of the Memorandum of Agreement with the other entities involved.
Motion made by Councilor Baker 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 22-126
Included with these minutes)
MAYOR AND COUNCIL REPORTS:
First Ward, Councilor Murray reported:
• Ward Items – Is working on two ward items.
• Committee Update – Attended the HRA meeting. Also attended an ALEDA meeting regarding real estate ideas within Albert Lea.
Second Ward, Councilor Baker reported:
• Ward Items – None
• Committee Update – None
Third Ward, Councilor Howland reported;
• Ward Items – None
• Committee Update – Noted the Park & Recreation highlights which included: Thursdays On Fountain starts this Thursday, May 26th at 5:30. The Summer Fun Guide was mailed out to each household last week. Lifeguards are still needed. The Fountain Lake Park Dock has been repaired and put back in place. The Aquatic Center is scheduled to open on June 4th.
Fourth Ward, Councilor Olson reported:
• Ward Items – Working on a ward item with City Manager Rigg.
• Committee Update – Attended the HRA meeting. The annual audit has been completed. The Executive Director position hiring process is still in motion.
Fifth Ward, Councilor Rasmussen reported:
• Ward Items – Working on one ward item.
• Committee Update – Attended the Library Board meeting. They discussed the positive use of the checkout lockers for patrons who cannot attend the library during normal business hours. Art will be displayed by patrons the last week in May. A State Park Pass Program has been implemented through the Library. A new Public Service Librarian will start on June 3rd. This completes the library staff. A full slate of summer programs is scheduled.
Sixth Ward, Councilor Brooks reported:
• Ward Items – Had a conversation with a resident on Edina Ave regarding a sewer backup.
• Committee Update – None
MAYOR’S REPORT:
• Provided the Welcome intro at the First District’s State Convention held at the American Legion over the weekend.
• Has had the opportunity to speak at several different clubs recently.
• Mentioned Senator Dornink called him with information on someone interested in building market rate housing in Albert Lea.
Announced the upcoming summer events schedule:
• Each Weds. and Sat. through Oct. – The Farmers Market will be in the North Broadway Parking lot. On Wednesdays from, 3:30 – 5:30, and also on Saturdays from 9a-noon.
• Thursday, 5/26 – First Food on Fountain event to coincide with Thursday’s on Fountain. – There will be a variety of Food Trucks, so it’ll be a great place to come for lunch or supper. Hours are from 11am – 8pm.
• Fireworks fundraiser will be going on Thursday, 5/26 from 6am-4pm, on the Corner of Broadway Ave. and Main Street.
• 6/10-6/11 – Eddie Cochran Car Show and Music Festival on Broadway and Music will be at the Gazebo in Fountain Lake Park.
• 6/11 – Fountain Lake 5 starting at Brookside School at 8am. – 5K run/walk around Fountain Lake.
• 6/11 – Take a Kid Fishing event at Lower park at Edgewater park from 9a-Noon. There is no charge for this event and it is in conjunction with the State of MN, Take a Kid Fishing Weekend. There will be free fishing poles handed out to kids under 16yrs old.
• 6/11 – 3pm – 5pm Albert Lea Grizzlies Football Home Game @ Frank Hall Park.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
• Recently attended a meeting with a local resident interested in recreation on and around the lake.
• Continues to work with the HRA Director reviewing health benefits for staff
• Wrapping up the audit
• Noted some departments are fully staffed and some are still struggling to find candidates
• Met with a perspective business coming to the downtown area
APPROVAL OF CLAIMS
A. Resolution 22-127 Approving Claims
(1). Presentation of Claims Over $25,000
Rigg 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, Rigg 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 22-127
Included with these minutes)
ADJOURNMENT: 7:47 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 13, 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