REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY OF ALBERT LEA
Monday, September 25, 2023, 7:00 p.m.

PRESENT: Mayor Rich Murray, Councilors Rachel Christensen, Larry Baker, Jason Howland, Sherri Rasmussen, Robert Rasmussen. Also present were Public Works Director Steven Jahnke, City Attorney Joel Holstad of Lake National Law LLP, and City Clerk Daphney Maras.

ABSENT: Councilor Brian Anderson, City Manager Ian Rigg

ADDITIONAL STAFF PRESENT: Sergeant-at-Arms-Public Safety Director JD Carlson, Finance Director Kristi Brutlag, Human Resource Director Mike Zelenak, Community Engagement & Enrichment Director Cathy Malakowsky, Library Director Annice Sevett

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

A. Mayor Murray read aloud the Proclamation Infants Remembered in Silence (IRIS) recognizing October 15th as National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.

B. Mayor Murray read aloud the Proclamation Declaring October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Andrea Mauer, Lt. Jeff Strom and Lisa Williamson provided information regarding the Crime Victims Crisis Center and the history of Domestic Violence Awareness. They spoke of the upcoming event “Paint the Town Purple” including offering signs, and purple lights to residents and businesses at no charge on Friday, September 29th. They encourage residents and businesses to participate and join the Albert Lea Fire Station, as it lights up in purple lights, and display the signs and turn on the purple lights during the week of October 19th to bring awareness to domestic violence.

PUBLIC FORUM – Carroll and Mavis Hanson relayed their concerns of a nuisance property in their neighborhood.

CONSENT AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA

A. Approve Minutes of the September 11, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
B. Approve Minutes of the September 11, 2023 Work Session
C. Licenses & Permits
D. Resolution Accepting Toward Zero Deaths (TZD) Enforcement Grant Award – MN Department of Public Safety
E. Resolution Authorizing a 2024 Capital Budget Request to the State of Minnesota for the Blazing Star Landing Redevelopment Project
F. Resolution Acknowledging and Approving ReLeaf Community Forestry Grant

Motion made by Councilor Baker, seconded by Councilor Christensen. On roll call vote the following councilors voted in favor of said motion: Christensen, Baker, S. Rasmussen, R. Rasmussen, and Mayor Murray. Mayor Murray declared the motion passed.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 23-167 through 23-169
Included with these minutes)

PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS – None

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – None

NEW BUSINESS

A. 2024 PRELIMINARY TAX LEVY
1. Resolution 23-170 Adopting 2024 Preliminary Budget and Property Tax Levy

Finance Director Brutlag led council through the 2024 preliminary budget and property tax levy as well as the Albert Lea Housing Redevelopment Authority preliminary property tax levy for fiscal year 2024. Although there were no changes to the budget since the review at the last council meeting, this would give council another opportunity to ask questions.

She delivered a PowerPoint presentation displaying slides that contained information about the 2024 budget and Preliminary Tax Levy. December 11 is the scheduled date for council to approve the final budgets, 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Plan, Final Tax Levy and adopt the 2024 Fee Schedule including changes to the water and sewer fees.

Motion made by Councilor Baker to adopt the 2024 Preliminary Budget and Property tax Levy as presented, seconded by Councilor R. Rasmussen. On roll call vote the following councilors voted in favor of said motion: Christensen, Baker, S. Rasmussen, R. Rasmussen, and Mayor Murray. Mayor Murray declared the motion passed.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 23-170
Included with these minutes)

2. Resolution 23-171 Approving HRA Preliminary Property Tax Levy for Fiscal Year 2024

Motion made by Councilor Baker to adopt the HRA Preliminary Property Tax Levy for Fiscal Year 2024 as presented, seconded by Councilor Christensen. On roll call vote the following councilors voted in favor of said motion: Christensen, Baker, S. Rasmussen, R. Rasmussen, and Mayor Murray. Mayor Murray declared the motion passed.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 23-171
Included with these minutes)

B. Resolution 23-172 Permitting an Agreement for Loan with Big Dream Organics, LLC

The City has a State Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund. The fund is used, among other things, to create and retain good jobs, leverage private investment and increase the local tax base.
The City seeks to enter into an Agreement with Big Dream Organics LLC, contingent upon the project meeting criteria for funding as follows:
1. The Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund traditional loan for $30,000 for a term of five (5) years at five point two three (5.23%) percent interest per annum; and

2. The Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund forgivable loan for $10,000 to create and retain one (1) job until September 30, 2028. If the one (1) job is created and retained through September 30, 2028, this loan is forgiven. Failure to create and retain the one (1) job through September 30, 2028 will require the loan to be paid in full.

Motion made by Councilor Christensen 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, and Mayor Murray. Mayor Murray declared the motion passed.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 23-172
Included with these minutes)

C. Resolution 23-173 Approving Development Agreement for 110 2nd Avenue North

This resolution accepts the offer to rebuild this tax forfeiture property into veteran housing with the Chapman Foundation. The offer of $14,000 is less than the approximate $30,000 spent to stabilize the property fixing a collapsing basement wall, removing an old cistern next to the house and removing junk and hazardous material. The loss is less than demolition and retains housing in the community as well as an improved tax base.

Motion made by Councilor Baker to approve, 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, and Mayor Murray. Mayor Murray declared the motion passed.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 23-173
Included with these minutes)

D. Resolution 23-174 Approving Elimination of Late Fees on Adult Library Materials

The Library Advisory Board recommends the City Council eliminate late fines on adult library materials to make access to information and resources more equitable. Eliminating late fines would also bring the Albert Lea Public Library into line with similar-sized libraries in SELCO that are fine-free and would make interlibrary loans easier for local patrons. The Library hopes to increase circulation and the number of patrons, similar to the success of eliminating late fines on youth materials in 2022.

Patrons would still need to pay fees for lost or damaged items, and would lose check-out privileges if failing to return items. Right now, 1,277 of the library’s current patrons age 18 or older -12% of adult library card-holders – cannot check out materials because of late fines. The resolution includes waiving $26,000 in fines. Many of these patrons have likely moved out of the area, making collection nearly impossible. The Library continues to collect about $5,000 per year in late fees. While the resolution includes an effective date of Sept. 26, the Council may choose to start at a later date, if voting to eliminate the late fines.

Motion made by Councilor Baker to approve the elimination of late fees on adult library materials effective date of September 26, 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, and Mayor Murray. Mayor Murray declared the motion passed.

(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 23-174
Included with these minutes)

MAYOR AND COUNCIL REPORTS:

First Ward, Councilor Christensen report:

• Ward Items – No ward items.
o She spoke of the visit from Executive Director and Region Representative of the St. Paul MN Foundation. Initiatives were shared by the attending representatives from the City, County, Economic Development, Chamber of Commerce and School District.
o Mentioned she attended the recent Business After Hours hosted by area realtors.
• Committee Update – None

Second Ward, Councilor Baker report:

• Ward Items – Referred his ward items to Public Safety Director Carlson
• Committee Update – None

Third Ward, Councilor Howland report:

• Ward Items – None
• Committee Update – None

Fourth Ward, Councilor S. Rasmussen report:

• Ward Items –
• Committee Update – Attended a Senior Center meeting. Reminded residents the Senior Center is available for rental. Tuesday, Oct. 3 is “Tech Tuesday” at the Senior Center. She invited everyone to attend. In addition, Oct. 4 is “Coffee with a Cop” and Oct. 9th the “Memory Café” will be available for activities and support for caregivers.

Fifth Ward, Councilor R. Rasmussen report:

• Ward Items – None
• Committee Update – Attended the Airport Board meeting where they discussed the new fuel system to be installed, $100,000 grant to be received to use for repairs and upgrades to the hangars. An Aviation Consultant will soon be in place and the CIP was reviewed.

Sixth Ward, Councilor Anderson report: Absent

• Ward Items –
• Committee Update –

MAYOR REPORT:

Attended the following meetings and/or events:
o Suicide Walk
o Alzheimer Walk
o Mexican Independence Day event at Central Park
o Thanked Robert Hoffman and the local realtors for sponsoring the recent Chamber event.

Announced all the upcoming events.

CITY MANAGER REPORT – Absent

APPROVAL OF CLAIMS

A. Resolution 23-175 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 as presented, 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, and Mayor Murray. Mayor Murray declared the motion passed.
(See Secretary’s Original Resolution 23-175
Included with these minutes)

Councilor Howland motioned for adjournment, Councilor S. Rasmussen 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, October 9, 2023. On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion.

Mayor Murray declared the motion passed and the meeting adjourned.

ADJOURNMENT: 7:56 P.M.

___/s/_________________________
Mayor Rich Murray
__/s/__________________________
Daphney Maras
Secretary of the Council