October 24, 2022

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY OF ALBERT LEA
Monday, October 24, 2022, 7:00pm

PRESENT: Mayor Vern Rasmussen Jr., Councilors Rich Murray, Larry Baker, Jason Howland, Reid Olson, Robert Rasmussen, and Al Brooks. Also present were, Public Works Director Steven Jahnke, Sergeant-at-Arms – Public Safety Director JD Carlson, and Deputy City Clerk Karla Tukua.

ABSENT: City Clerk Daphney Maras

CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL: Mayor Rasmussen called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

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

CEREMONIAL ITEMS
A. Mayor Rasmussen read aloud the Proclamation for the Albert Lea Lakeview Lions Club’s 30th Anniversary.

PUBLIC FORUM: No one spoke.

Mayor Rasmussen read through each item on the Consent and Approval Agenda.

CONSENT AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA
A. Approve Minutes Of The October 10, 2022 Regular Council Meeting
B. Approve Minutes Of The October 10, 2022 Work Session
C. License and Permits
D. Resolution Amending 2022 Fee Schedule Adding Cannabinoid License Fee
E. Resolution Approving Lawful Gambling Permit – AL Wrestling Boosters
F. Resolution Calling Public Hearing on Proposed Assessments for Delinquent Water/Sewer Accounts and Miscellaneous Accounts Receivable
G. Resolution Deferring Special Assessment for Parcel Number 34-172-0070 (Accounts Receivable)
H. Resolution Deferring Special Assessment for Parcel Number 34-033-1540 (Accounts Receivable)
I. Resolution Deferring Special Assessment for Parcel Number 34-180-2140 (Job 2201-2022) Pillsbury & Freeborn Avenue
J. Resolution Deferring Special Assessment for Parcel Number 34-180-2130 (Job 2201-2202) Pillsbury & Freeborn Avenue
K. Resolution Approving Donation of Memorial Bench for Baruch Jessi Bolinski

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 22-224 through 22-231
Included with these minutes)

PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
A. Kris Swanson, Project Engineer from Bolton and Menk presented updates and changes to the WWTP plan. Kris presented Bolton and Menk’s findings on the WWTP through a slide show, noting the repairs needed. He stated the plan has been submitted to the State of Minnesota and to the Public Facilities Authority for funding purposes. Swanson indicated that they have brought the report and funding as far along as they can. With no bonding bill it means there is no funding from the regular sources, which he then listed. Kris reiterated the critical need of getting the bonding bill approved. Kris answered the councilors questions in regards to funding, letting them know that Albert Lea is #1 in part B, and 14th overall on the Project Priority List in the State. Howland requested worst case scenario, if no bonding bill is passed. What will the cost be to the citizens and businesses of Albert Lea? Swanson answered; this information is available through the Ehlers study. Jahnke stated he and the Finance Director could get the numbers before the next council meeting.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None

NEW BUSINESS
A. Public Hearing Regarding Reconstruction Tax Abatement – 1713 Oakwood Terrace

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

A1. Resolution 22-232 Authorizing Reconstruction Tax Abatement – 1713 Oakwood Terrace

Rigg announced a public hearing was held before granting a housing tax abatement for parcel #34-335-0300 in the City of Albert Lea, for the improvements to a single-family home. The abatement will assist in property improvement and increase tax base for the community. This abatement is for 6 years as it is reconstruction, not new construction.

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

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 22-232
Included with these minutes)

B. Ordinance 22-085 Amending Chapter 20 – Fire Prevention And Protection (1st Reading)

This is the first reading amending the ordinance to fire prevention and protection. There were zoning components that were placed into Chapter 20 that are no longer relevant. There was also language added to include the Freeborn County Law Enforcement Center in notifications when a burn permit is issued and the burning to commence.

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 22-085 Included with these minutes)

C. Resolution 22-233 Accepting Donations And Approving Purchase of Arena Sound System

Rigg explained staff received two quotes and the preferred system quote is $36,045 from Nelson Sound of Austin, MN. The City has received donations to cover the increased costs. Costs that are greater than 20% above the budgeted CIP amount. The City Manager recommends the Council passes a resolution accepting and approving.

Motion made by Councilor Howland to approve, seconded by Councilor Baker. On a 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 22-233 Included with these minutes)

D. Resolution 22-234 Approving DEED Grant For Phase II And III Of Blazing Star Clean Up (Job 2065)

Rigg mentioned in preparation for additional housing on the south end of the Blazing Star Landing the City is preparing a Deed Cleanup Investigation Grant Application to remediate an approximate 4.5-acre parcel of property directly east of the existing housing development south of the railroad track on the Blazing Star Landing. There are environmental issues with this site that need to be corrected before development of this site can occur. The plan is to develop two additional housing buildings on this site. Staff is recommending approval to submit a DEED cleanup and investigation grant application to offset costs associated with remediation and site preparation of approximately 4.5 acres of the Blazing Star Landing.

Rigg responded to Baker’s question about the timeline of the project. First step is the application needed to be in by November 1st, then he gave an estimated timeline depending if City is approved for the Grant. Rigg answered follow up question from Howland, in regards to size of DEED Grant which is less than before and why.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 22-234 Included with these minutes)

E. Resolution 22-235 Approving Purchase Of Fire Apparatus

Rigg stated, Albert Lea Fire Rescue is requesting the ability to sign into a contract for the purchase of a new Fire Engine Rescue Pumper. The cost will not exceed $865,000.00. The delivery and payment will be in 2025. By signing the contract, we lock in pre-Nov 1st 2022 pricing saving 6.8% in costs.

Currently the engines are rotated out after 30 years. With 3 apparatus that gives 10 years front line, 10 years secondary out, and 10 years reserve. The useful life of a fire engine is 28 years. Maintaining 3 engines assists in maintaining our ISO rating of 3 which saves on home owners insurance premiums of approximately $450-500 annually.

Motion made by Councilor Olson 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 22-235 Included with these minutes)

F. Resolution 22-236 Authorizing City Officials To Execute A Memorandum Of Understanding Between The City Of Albert Lea & Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (Job 2108)

Rigg explained the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is working to identify Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) the MPCA has sent a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to the City of Albert Lea and asked that the MOU be Signed by November 15, 2022.

Motion made by Councilor Howland to approve, seconded by Councilor Brooks. On a 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 22-236 Included with these minutes)

MAYOR AND COUNCIL REPORTS:
First Ward, Councilor Murray reported:

Ward Items – None
Committee Update – Attended a budget planning meeting on October 11th.
Attended the ribbon cutting for Design Ready Controls.
He stated that Councilor Howland and himself showed up on Saturday, October 15th to help out for the Albert Lea City Cleanup Day. Had a good turnout of people.

Second Ward, Councilor Baker reported:

Ward Items –City staff is taking care of a couple of ward items for him.
Committee Update – Attended the budget meeting on October 11th.

Third Ward, Councilor Howland reported:

Ward Items – Heard from a few residents in the Lake Chapeau area on the condition of the gravel, in rough condition. Letting city staff know it’s pretty bad, if it hasn’t already been taken care of.
Committee Update – Attended the fall cleanup, volunteering his time. Spoke how people were appreciative that the city provides this service. Attended the Park and Recreation Board meeting last week. It was the first day of a two-session retreat; defining their roles on the Park and Recreation Advisory Board. Will continue this discussion at their next retreat day coming up in November.

Fourth Ward, Councilor Olson reported:

Ward Items – One item in dealing with a failing sewer, should be fixed today. Thanked staff on getting with the Insurance Company as quickly as they could. With this new program there were some bugs to work out.
Committee Update – None

Fifth Ward, Councilor Rasmussen reported:

Ward Items – 1 item he is currently working on.
Committee Update – Attended the Airport Board meeting, reviewed the CIP plan. Went line by line for the next 20 years of projects. They are working on a State Grant to replace the fuel master system at the airport. Also have a need for 2 board members.
Mayor Rasmussen reiterated the need for board members on the City’s different boards. Asking that anyone interested to get involved.

Sixth Ward, Councilor Brooks reported:

Ward Items – Working on two ward items.
Asked question of Public Works Director Jahnke; in regards to a resident’s concern at 1328 St. John Street. Jahnke responded on some findings in this area for some possible help.
Questioned process of the Public Hearing on delinquent water accounts, steps he needed to take in this with I & I charges. Rigg explained the process.
Committee Update – None

MAYOR’S REPORT:

Last week for the Farmers Market – Weds., 10/26 from 3:30-5:30pm and Saturday, 10/29 from 9am – noon. – North Broadway parking lot.
Thursday, October 27th – Halloween Spooktacular Downtown Event from 4pm-7pm. Trick-or-Treating @ Participating Downtown Stores – Free Photos at Albert Lea Main Street Program Office – 132 N. Broadway.
Friday, October 28th – Trickin & Treatin @ Freeborn County Historical Museum – Free Community Event – Trick or Treat in the Village – Creepy Doll Scavenger Hunt through the Museum.
Saturday, October 29th – Halloween Events –
- 12:00pm – 2:00pm – Trunk or Treat @ Albert Lea Family YMCA
- 1:00pm – 3:00pm – Truck or Treat @ Wuerflein Chevrolet Buick GMC
- 4:00pm – 6:00pm – Trunk or Treat @ Albert Lea Central Park
Thursday, November 3rd – Rock N’ Roll Tribute from Elvis to the Beatles @ Marion Ross Performing Arts Center, starting at 7:00pm.

CITY MANAGER REPORT:

Currently along with Staff working on getting properties back on the market.
Continuing the search for a new City Attorney, have received applications and communications of interest from firms.
Working on the budget, capital improvement plan, fund dedication, and fee schedule.
Staff is working on a Wellness program to present to Council.
Will be meeting with ALEDA and other individuals, discussing daycare issues.
Blazing Star North of Railroads, Braun Engineering doing soil vapor testing. ESA phase one has been submitted.
- Staff is looking at interesting and artistic ways to show community pride amongst our different departments. Stay tuned for more details.

APPROVAL OF CLAIMS

A. Resolution 22-237 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, Tukua 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 22-237 Included with these minutes)

II. CLOSED SESSION – SUBJECT TO MN STAT 13d.05, SUBD. 3(c)

Mayor Rasmussen announced the Regular Council Meeting will be closed to discuss Attorney Client privileged information. Closed the Regular Council Meeting at 8:00 p.m. City Manager Rigg announced all staff present and roll call was taken. Those present were Attorney Scott Lepak, Human Resources Director Mike Zelenak, City Manager Ian Rigg and all the elected officials. Baker moved to come out of Closed Session and Murray seconded. Mayor Rasmussen opened the meeting at 8:40 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT: 8:42 p.m.

Motion made by Councilor Murray, seconded by Councilor Rasmussen. 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 November 14, 2022. On a 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/_________________________
Karla Tukua
Secretary Pro Tem