[0:00] Call to order the regular meeting of  the Albert Lea City Council for Monday,   November 24th, 2025. Clerk, please call the role.  Councilor Christensen, here. Councilor Baker,   [0:12] here. Councilor Howland, here. Councilor Olson,  here. Councilor Van Beek, here. Councilor Anderson   [0:18] here. Mayor Murray here. Would you please  rise and join me in the pledge of allegiance?   [0:24] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the  United States of America and to the republic   [0:30] for which it stands. One nation under God,  indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. [0:40] Welcome to everyone tonight.  Whether you're here or online,   we're glad to have you here. Uh, first order  of business tonight is ceremonial items,   [0:47] and I'd call on Chief Hanson. We have an oath  of office uh for police officer Andrew Thorson.   [0:55] Welcome. Thank you. Uh Mr. Mayor and members of  the council, thank you for letting us come and   [1:00] uh present our newest staff member, our newest  staff member to complete FTO. Um tonight,   [1:06] I'm proud to introduce Officer Andrew Thorson. He  is sworn in with the city of Albert Lea. Andrew   [1:11] started with our department in July and is has  already shown that he is a solid fit for our   team. He graduated St. Mary's University and  brings experience from the Blue Earth Police   [1:20] Department. He lives in Albert Lea with his  wife and children. He's committed and dedicated   to serving our community and the community in  which his family lives. We're glad to have him   [1:29] on board and I look forward to the continued work  that he is going to do for us. So, step on up. [1:43] All right. Raise your right hand. I state your  name. I, Andrew Thorson, do solemnly swear do   [1:49] solemnly swear to support the Constitution of the  United States to support the Constitution of the   United States and of the State of Minnesota and  the state of Minnesota and that I will faithfully   [1:59] and impartially and I will faithfully and  impartially discharge the duties of police officer   [2:04] discharge the duties of the police officer for the  city of Albert Lea Police Department for the city   of Albert Lea Police Department in accordance with  the laws of Minnesota in accordance with the laws   [2:13] of Minnesota and of the charter of the city of  Albert Lea and the charter of the city of Albert   Lea in the county of Freeborn and the county of  Freeborn in the state of Minnesota in the state   [2:22] of Minnesota to the best of my ability to the best  of my ability. So help me God. So help me God. [2:31] Would you like to step up? [2:48] ed. [3:08] Hey, daddy. [3:19] Welcome. Welcome. Thank you. Thank you. Welcome. [3:28] Congratulations. Glad you're here. [3:40] All right. Uh public forum item four. [3:56] Oh, look at that. He's pretty excited. Yeah.  All right. Um James, I'm going to have you speak   [4:05] during a public uh hearing on uh the issue you're  here for tonight. Okay. So, I won't do it right   [4:11] now. Um, so we have no one else on the uh public  forum. Uh, so we'll move along to item five,   [4:17] consent and approval of agenda. A is the  approval of the minutes of the November 10th,   2025 regular council meeting. B is the approval of  minutes of the November 10th, 2025 work session.   [4:27] Item C is license and permits and item D is  a resolution authorizing downtown wayfinding   signage in the city right of way. Council move to  approve the consent and approval of the agenda,   [4:38] your honor. Motion by councilor Baker. Is there  a second? Oh, second, your honor. Second by   councilor Anderson. Any further discussion, your  honor? Councilor Howland. Um, a question about the   [4:46] wayfinding proposal. So, uh, I went through uh the  wayfinding project proposal and for sure there's   [4:54] an error on the uh, sign design. One of the words  is misspelled. So, I just want to make sure that   [5:03] that that's in the record. The word restrooms  is misspelled. It's spelled reset rooms. Well,   [5:11] so we when we go forward with the signs, make sure  that it's spelled right. Um and then also on the   [5:19] map that it's on there for the proposed locations.  I don't think the the dots are correct. Um, based   [5:26] on the photos, yeah, the the dots have it at the  corner of East William and Broadway, but it should   [5:34] be at Clark and Broadway and then down at Fountain  Lake Park rather than at Marion Ross and Broadway.   [5:41] So, all right. Thank you, city manager. Any  comment on that or um Well, certainly the spelling   [5:51] error we'll make sure that we we correct. I mean,  maybe they could be seen as a reset room, but I   [5:56] think our intent is is to label them restrooms.  Uh, but really for the the council action, it's   [6:02] the ones that are going to be specifically in the  right of way require council action. And so that   would be as long as these locations are correct.  It would be uh Fountain Lake Park uh Clark and   [6:14] Broadway corners. Uh basically, there'd be two  corners there and then the new boat landing on   [6:20] Bridge Avenue. Those would be in the uh on public  property in the rightway and that's where we would   [6:26] need to make sure that we have uh the council's  approval in in that particular resolution. [6:35] All right. Hearing nothing further. All in favor  of the motion signify by saying I. I oppose. Nay.   [6:40] Motion carries. Item six is petitions, requests,  and communications. We have none tonight. Item   [6:45] seven is unfinished business. Uh we have none  of that tonight either. So, we'll move on along   to item eight, which is new business. Thank you,  honor. We have a uh I have a quick slideshow to   [6:56] uh to go through. Uh I um our city clerk is uh is  uh currently on um uh medical leave, so I have to   [7:08] do my best to uh uh channel Daphney and go through  this uh presentation here. So, Oh, better turn   [7:17] this on. That helps. Okay. So, uh we have a public  hearing and so we'll do a staff report and then   [7:23] after that we'll be able to have people uh able to  comment but we are not we do not have anything for   [7:29] council to take action on. Just simply receive you  know go through the public hearing open it close   [7:35] it take in the public input and then the decision  would be made at the time of the fee schedule   [7:40] adoption uh later this year. So our liquor  license uh fee adjustments um it has uh last   [7:49] adjusted on sale was over 21 years ago and the  last adjusted offsale uh license fees was in 2018. [7:59] Basically the importance of adjusting fee  it reflects economic regulatory changes. So,   as an example, in 2000 when it was set at or  2004 when it was set at 2,000, that would be   [8:11] the equivalent of uh uh $3,430 today. Um, also  with our adjustment of fees, uh we do something   [8:20] that other communities don't. We support a best  practices program and we do not have a charge for   [8:25] the training by our police department. And this  program does reduce the liquor liability insurance   [8:30] cost of uh of the uh providers uh who go through  the program currently. Uh in comparison to where   [8:40] we're at to I'm going to have to put my glasses  on because the font's a little small. Pardon me.   [8:46] Uh Albert Lea where for offsale we're currently  at 450 and if you look at it Hastings is at is a   [8:52] little is lower at 200. New Brighton is lower at  200. Stillwater's lower at 200. Hopkins is lower   [8:58] at 200. Uh, and Winona is lower at 366. And New  Ulm is lower at 300. However, when you look at   [9:06] our on sale, we're at 2,000 while Austin is at  uh 225, excuse me, 2,250. Uh, Farbault is just   [9:17] under 3,900. Hasting is 4,200. New Brighton  ranges between 5,000 and 9,000. Stillwater is   [9:26] at 3,200. Hopkins is at 7,500. Winona is at 3555  and New Ulm is at 3,000. Uh while we're proposing   [9:38] 2,800. Now on wine/strong beer, wine license is  important because if you want to sell something   [9:45] stronger than 3.2, but you do not serve alcohol  and do not want to pay for an alcohol license. Uh   [9:51] you have to get your 3.2 license plus a wine  license. So, ours is set at 400, while other   [9:58] uh communities make up uh you know, charge quite  a bit other than I would say Hastings charge   [10:04] significantly more than us with Austin charging  1,125, Faribault charging $1,671, uh New Brighton,   [10:14] New Brighton's charging 650, Stillwater 478,  Hopkins uh $800, Winona $745. So when we look   [10:24] at the totality of what's what's being charged  here, we are well below uh the average and again   [10:31] from what I had shown what $2,000 was in 2004  when it was set to what it is now. Um it's uh   [10:40] many of the other communities are are far closer  to what that uh equal dollar amount is if they and   [10:47] we would be actually closer to that rate if we had  continued to increase the rates per uh inflation. [10:56] So our proposed the staff's proposed increase to  the fees is from $450 to $560 which is currently   [11:03] eight licenses which is currently eight licensed  business for off sale for on sale increase from   [11:09] 2,000 to 2800 which is currently 17 licenses  and businesses. Notice was sent directly to   [11:16] the license holders. Uh to date, staff had only  received uh uh one response uh and it was more out   [11:23] of curiosity uh nothing negative. They were just  wondering why the increase and and wanted to know   [11:28] a little bit the history behind it and that was  provided and they seemed satisfied with it. Uh so   [11:38] uh the next steps for the council uh on this  and in deciding what to do, excuse me, hold on.   [11:45] I I want to make sure also there was a couple  other points here and I I sadly did not make a   uh slide for it. Part of also what this goes  towards is this also goes towards paying for   [11:55] the added cost that goes to our public safety in  particular our police department. It costs them   [12:01] money and typically it is overtime. It is normally  almost purely overtime. Other than the planning,   [12:06] the actual compliance checks are almost always  100% overtime because to schedule them at such   [12:12] a time uh in which you would um be working with  the individuals going in to check for compliance,   [12:20] people under the age of 21, uh means that you  really probably can't pull in the amount of time   [12:26] it takes, you can't pull an officer off the street  in their normal schedule. So, typically we're   [12:31] always paying overtime whenever we do a compliance  check and costs have gone up. There's also just   [12:39] the standard paperwork that has to go that you  have to go through, making sure that uh we have   [12:44] uh their proper insurance, everything is is up to  date, talking to the state, you know, if there's   [12:50] any issues that come up. Uh, and I feel that we  actually do provide uh a lot more uh communication   [12:57] and care than many other communities uh do or  have or would when it comes to uh uh what we do   [13:03] provide for uh trying to make sure to help these  businesses get through the licensing process.   [13:09] So there are costs that are directly associated  with this and these are meant to reflect and incre   [13:16] you know your actual cost is what you should  be charging or at least a significant portion.   [13:21] Otherwise we're asking the taxpayers to pay for  um this business to um basically subsidize the   [13:30] the the license or or the fees of the permits.  And while $800 from 2,000 to 800 is, you know,   [13:38] in itself is quite steep, it's also steep because  it's 21 years. It hasn't been touched. And um this   [13:48] $800 increase, again, it it it seems like a lot,  but in such a business, one bad bartender with the   [13:56] habit of overpouring will cost more than $800  in one night, maybe even one hour. So I I want   [14:03] to put this in perspective in the totality of of  its impact to the community because we we do have   [14:09] the compliance checks. We have a a very uh time  consuming uh licensing process. We also have the   [14:18] impacts that these type of businesses have on the  community. Uh you are dealing with intoxicating   [14:24] substances and that does have an impact on  the community as well with public safety.   [14:29] So looking at what other communities are charging,  increasing at $800 after not increasing it in 21   [14:35] years is not it it feels steep. It looks steep,  but it is not steep in in the grand comparison   [14:42] of of everything. That's where staff has come in  at the 2,800 because we know it's still dollar   [14:49] fordoll less than what it was in 2004 when it was  set at 2,000. And we know that it is justifiable   [14:56] in the amount of expenses and what we have to do  at a staff level to justify the $2,800. And we   [15:01] also know the service that we're providing  out of that $2,800. So, that is why staff   is recommending the $2,800 is because of its um  looking at at its total impact, what we provided   [15:14] in the 21-year drought of of never increasing it.  Um has actually put us quite frankly behind a lot   [15:22] of other communities and where we should have  been for the taxpayers. All right, with that,   I'm gonna first of all, let's open the public  hearing. Well, I have one last slide. Okay,   [15:33] go ahead. So next steps would be to we conclude  the hearing tonight. There is no action tonight.   [15:38] This is just to have the hearing so that way  those who have the licenses that wish to speak   to the council can do so. They were notified um  if the council chooses to adjust the fee. The fees   [15:50] schedule along with other all other fees uh would  be adjusted in December but it will not come due   [15:56] again until August of 2026. If not, if the council  does not uh uh follow through with the increases,   [16:03] we'll have to make the adjustments, but then  we'll have to find approximately $15,000 more   in added levy or cuts as needed in order to make  up uh the difference cuz that has been uh that   [16:15] has been calculated. I believe it's 14,400 some  dollars. So, round it up as 15. So with that,   [16:24] um, any questions, comments, or I'm gonna first  open up the public hearing and then are there any   [16:30] questions from the council? I just have one. You  councilor Baker, you stated that the on sale was   [16:38] hasn't been changed for 21 years. I thought  that was the off sale. No, when you begin.   [16:44] Okay. I manager. Oh, sorry. Okay. No, it's the on  sale, the the actual onale service. um which has   [16:52] 17 licenses that has not been raised in 21 years.  Okay. Additional questions from the council. I had   [17:00] one unit. Councilor Howland. So there's uh there's  no proposal to raise the wine beer license. City   [17:09] at this time. No, there's only two that do it  and it's basically because of the state's 32 law.   [17:15] uh they have to use they have to get the wine  uh license in addition to the the 32 license in   [17:22] order to sell any beer that is above 3.2. And  it's it's two restaurants that do it to serve   [17:28] particular types of of beer to their to their  customers. But if we're increasing the other two,   [17:33] why are we not increasing that? We did increase  the wine uh a few years ago. Okay. Thanks. Sorry,   [17:39] I should have I should have put that in the slide  and I I I did not. Any additional questions? [17:47] Hearing none, then for the first  time, would somebody like to speak   to this resolution? James, go ahead.  Come on up, state your name. And [18:00] hello. Uh, mayor, council people, I'm not  a public speaker. I'm a bar owner. So,   [18:08] bear with me. When I got this uh letter  about the proposed uh raising of the fee,   [18:18] it was kind of bad timing. I had a freezer go  out. Ended up costing $2,500. Today I was working   [18:26] on writing down trying to keep things straight.  And I'll read this, but uh my machine went down.   [18:33] There went uh another 1750 bucks. So, this this  is real money and uh I'm not doubting the need   [18:46] for it or that it should have been raised  or whatever, but what I have is uh uh hi,   [18:51] my name is James Hagen. I'm proud co co-owner of  Bleachers Sports Bar and Grill here in Albert Lea.   [18:58] I appreciate the opportunity to speak with you  tonight on behalf of my business, my staff,   and many small business owners who are in the  lifeblood of our city. I'm here to express my   [19:10] strong opposition to the proposal of 40% increase  in the liquor license fee, raising it from 2,00 to   [19:18] 2,800. As a small business owner, I'm deeply  invested in the success of the community and   [19:25] the financial health of our city. This year  alone, our establishment has paid $21,97345 [19:34] in liquor tax and 31,829 in food tax. These  are not just numbers on a page. They represent   [19:43] real contributions that directly support city  services, infrastructure, community initiatives.   [19:52] The taxes we pay help Elbertly be a better place  to live and work and visit. In addition to our   [20:01] financial contributions, our bar and grill  employs 25 staff members. There are local   [20:07] residents who rely on their jobs to to support  their families. They too pay taxes and contribute   [20:13] to the city's economy. Our team is passionate  about what they do and together we strive to   [20:19] create a welcoming environment for both locals  and visitors. Running a small business today is   [20:25] more challenging than ever. We face constant  increases in operating costs from utilities,   [20:31] supplies to insurance and wages. Proposed hike in  the liquor license fee adds yet another burden at   [20:38] a time where margins are already razor thin. The  steep increase not only just a line item on a   [20:46] budget, it's a a threat to our ability ability to  survive. If this increase goes through, we'll be   [20:55] forced to make very difficult decisions. Cutting  hours of operation, possibly cutting staff,   [21:01] reducing jobs, or even closing our door our doors  are all real possibilities. These are not threats.   [21:10] They they are the harsh realities that many  small businesses owners face. Every dollar   [21:16] matters and when fees and taxes rise faster than  our revenue, our options become painfully limited. [21:26] Bleachers is more than just a  place to have a drink and eat.   We are a gathering spot for friends and neighbors.  A venue for local musicians, comedians, DJs,   [21:38] trivia, bingo, and a destination for visitors  to help boost Albert Le's image and economy.   [21:45] Small businesses like ours are the heartbeat of  the city, creating vibrant spaces and supporting   [21:51] county's countless community projects. We are  forced to cut back or close. The city loses far   [22:00] more than just the tax revenue. It loses a piece  of its character. Instead of increasing the fees,   [22:07] I urge the council to consider lowering  the fees uh by 800, bring it down to 1,200.   [22:14] This adjustment would provide meaningful relief  to small businesses like ours, helping us remain   [22:20] viable contributors to our community while still  upholding our responsibility to public safely,   [22:26] safety, and regulation. Such a move would send a  strong signal that the city values the support of   [22:34] its local entrepreneurs. I respectfully urge the  council to re to reconsider the proposed increase.   [22:42] Please recognize the strain it places on small  businesses, the jobs at risk, and the impact   [22:49] on our community. Albert Lea thrives when local  businesses thrive. I appeal to you for support,   [22:57] understanding, and a commitment to keep our city  small businesses strong. Thank you for your time   [23:02] and and uh thoughtful considerations. Thank you  for speaking with us tonight. We appreciate it.   [23:11] Is there anyone else that would like to speak  regarding this public hearing? Anyone else like   [23:19] to speak? We'll close the public hearing. Any  other council questions or councilor Baker? I   [23:28] would just like to on behalf of another gentleman  that approached me that owns a business um that   [23:35] he he couldn't be here tonight. So, I told him I  would uh bring up his objection to this. Um, one   [23:41] of the things he was wondering is when you do this  is could you do it instead of doing the whole 800,   [23:48] could you do it in increments, maybe every now  and then the next year? Um he's he he he he talked   [23:57] about the taxes that they paid last year, how the  taxes went up, the tax levy in the city, and then   [24:03] how uh the county's tax levy's going up and and so  I just told him that I would bring this forth and   [24:11] and let let the council know that there's another  gentleman that is is uh kind of concerned about   [24:18] this and and again, he couldn't be here tonight.  Um I'm assuming they can come and speak at the   [24:24] next meeting toward this city manager. They can  speak during the uh public forum. Of course,   [24:33] anyone can speak on any matter uh at the public  forum. Uh and uh but the next actions would be in   [24:40] the uh passage of the uh fee schedule which does  not at this point after this is concluded does   [24:49] not require any other further uh public hearing.  Uh so they would have to speak during the public   [24:55] forum portion but they still can come forward and  speak. Absolutely. Anyone can. Okay. And then um   [25:01] I will I will mention that to him and encourage  him to come forward. Thank you, your honor. Thank   [25:06] you. Any other discussion from the council? Just  a point of clarification, Mr. Olsson. Will be will   [25:14] we be will we be voting on the fee schedule in the  first or second meeting in December? City manager,   [25:21] I want to say that it should be in the uh first  meeting um if we're able to get um everything else   [25:30] all wrapped up with it and and out the door here  pretty soon. I'm hoping that it will be on the 8th   [25:36] the same time as we do the budget. We tried to do  it the same time as the budget. Christensen. Thank   [25:41] you, your honor. U I want to um acknowledge Mr.  Hagen's comments. Uh I've been a small business   [25:49] person myself and I know that uh so much of what  he says is true about being the lifeblood of our   [25:57] community. and and as a small business owner,  people don't realize the sacrifices that are made   [26:05] and and it can be really tough. I um I understand  the city's need to increase these but and I do   [26:13] fault us for not changing it in such a long  period of time. I think that is our uh not good   [26:22] uh planning on our part that these things should  not go that many years without an adjustment.   [26:29] Uh and so in that regard, I would lean toward  favoring not as big of an increase in 26 even   [26:39] if we need to find other ways to make up the  difference in the levy. So, right. Additional   [26:45] discussion, your honor. Councilor Howland. Yeah,  I would agree with councilor Christensen. Um,   [26:51] uh, especially these, uh, restaurants,  bars, uh, really, uh, had it rough there,   [26:58] um, during CO as well. So, um, you know, a lot  of them had to shut their doors permanently. So,   [27:04] uh, we're thankful that, uh, businesses like  Bleachers, which has the best burgers in town,   [27:09] uh, uh, we're thankful that, uh, that  they were able to stay open, but, u uh,   [27:16] like councilor Christensen said, uh, it's it's  an adjustment that probably should have been,   [27:21] uh, done a period of time before, but, u, we  don't want to slam it all on them all at once. So,   [27:28] I'd be in favor of uh, of an increase,  but just uh, not quite as significant.   [27:33] Councilor Anderson. Your honor, Mr. Holland  basically said what I wanted to say. The need   for an increase has been well documented by staff  and the city manager, but having it all at once,   [27:43] a 40% jolt to somebody's bottom line when they  already might be facing other increases is is a   [27:49] lot. So, I would be in in also in favor of a more  gradual increase. And I don't want to get into the   [27:54] business of negotiating at a public hearing, but  that can be discussed before the next meeting,   I'm sure. Okay. Anything else? City manager. point  of clarification. Every time we go through and   [28:04] do an adjustment, we have to do a separate public  hearing, pay for the notice, send out the mailers,   [28:10] everything else. That's in part and parcel why  it has not been passed uh or increased as as well   [28:18] is that um it's not as easy as all the other uh  fees that have been gradually increased. I think   [28:25] that's probably led to part of the uh sharp uh  difference between it not being done in the last   [28:31] 21 years. Um and uh so yeah, I uh I just want to  make sure that um the the council is is aware that   [28:41] um I do not believe we could do it gradually  without treating every single time it's increased   [28:48] as its own separate event. We I do not believe we  could set a schedule and I would have to ask the   [28:54] city attorney to look into this. We'd have we'd  be able to set a schedule where there would be   some sort of steady um uh increase approved at one  meeting after concluding the hearing as opposed to   [29:06] um um treating every single time we increase it as  as a separate hearing. Right. Councilor Hog, one   [29:15] other question. Um is is it because it's a liquor  license so solely that it requires the public   [29:22] hearing because um we adjust a lot of these fees  and licenses without any public hearing. So is   [29:28] is it strictly liquor licenses only that require  the public hearing? Correct. Manager. No, no other   [29:36] licenses. No other licenses require public hearing  at this time. This this is state law. Okay. [29:45] Any last comments, your honor, councilor Anderson?  So, if we were to tweak this amount from 800 to a   [29:51] different number, say, um, we would have to do  another public disclosure to all bar owners,   have another public hearing, and then is that  is that what the city manager is saying? City   [30:03] manager, I believe that is correct. I  would I would h I would by next meeting   [30:08] I will make sure that we we have that answer  very clear but I sus I strongly suspect that   [30:14] we would have to hold a public hearing uh every  single time we were to make an adjustment to it. [30:22] Any last comments? I I do have a question Baker.  Um, so say this this goes forward um and it's   [30:32] approved at $2,800. How long before you decide  that you want to raise it again? You're going to   [30:38] go another, you know, I guess that's something you  would would be nice to know if you have any idea   [30:46] um in the near future if you plan on doing  it again. city manager any there there are   [30:54] no plans to to make the any further adjustments  as I as you clearly saw we were looking at what   [31:01] $2,000 in 2024 or not 2024 20 2004 what $2,000  was and again that should be about $3,400 now   [31:12] uh and I don't think that just with where we're  at and and what we're doing that I I could see   [31:18] a justification going that high even though  other comparable able communities are. Uh and   [31:24] uh so I I really this this amount that uh the  city clerk and I worked on and also talking with   [31:31] uh our police department too about their time  allocation to uh compliance checks and basically   [31:37] overall impact. I would not be looking at doing  this anytime uh again in the future if the full   [31:44] amount and that was basically the intention of  the steep increase was something that would be   [31:50] done and not done again for a while because you  know there is the added effort as opposed to the   [31:56] other fees that we can just incrementally  do you know couple percents or you know   $5 here $10 there. This one that does  not it does not work that easily. So, [32:11] all right. If that's the end of our discussion,  I'd just like to close it with thank you to the   bleachers owners, uh, Jason Hoyth and James  Hiken for coming and meeting with us tonight,   [32:20] sharing your concerns. You can't talk anymore. I'm  sorry. But, um, but thank you for doing that. U,   you're an important business in this community.  You're an important small business. We like having   [32:29] you here. Albert Lea is very appreciative  of you doing business here and and, uh,   taking care of people within our community. So,  thank you for doing that and uh we love all our   [32:38] small businesses. So, thank you for being a part  of that uh the fabric of our community. With that,   we're going to move along to um item B, which  is a resolution authorizing construction   [32:49] uh manager at CM services for the wastewater  treatment plant improvements job 2518. [32:58] City manager. All right. Thank you, honor.  Let me find my place here. Okay. Okay. The   [33:03] city of Albert Lea's public works division  sought proposals from qualified parties to   provide construction management at risk or CMR CM  uh services for the wastewater treatment plant uh   [33:16] improvements. The CMR will be utilized for the  purposes of facilitating the cost valuation,   [33:21] constructability, scheduling and sequencing of  work for the efficient use and proper allocation   [33:27] of available funds for the wastewater treatment  improvements. Uh five firms submitted proposals.   [33:32] Three firms were shortlisted and  interviewed. The selection committee   is recommending to accept a proposal from  Rice Lake Construction Group located at   [33:41] uh 223 County Road 12 Deerwood, Minnesota  based upon the scoring, evaluation, interview,   [33:49] and experience at a total cost of $19,300.  This resolution authorizes staff to proceed   [33:55] with working with the city's consult consulting  engineer to prepare and execute contracts with   Rice Lake Construction Group and authorized  city manager to sign agreement with Rice   [34:04] Lake Construction. Staff recommends approval.  Councel move to approve your motion by councilor   [34:09] Baker. Is there a second? Second. Second by  councilor Anderson. Any further discussion? [34:16] Hearing none. All in favor of the motion  signify by saying I. I. Nay. Motion carries.   [34:21] Item C is a resolution approving state  grants for the solar on public buildings   project job 2523 to 2525. City manager.  Thank you, your honor. The city received   [34:34] uh four successful responses on grant requests for  four solar arrays on four city-owned properties.   [34:40] Uh the grant funding for the  four projects total $377,485 [34:47] or 70% of the total cost to construct the  four solar arrays at the facilities listed   [34:53] below. An additional federal tax credit  will be utilized to cover the remaining   30% of the cost of construction,  leaving the city with an anticipated   [35:01] uh net cost of zero for the construction  of these projects. A financial summary   [35:06] uh is uh below. Albert Lea City Hall.  Uh total project cost is $129,921 [35:14] with again the 7030 split between state and the   federal government. The Albert  Lea Fire Station is uh $135,321. [35:24] The Albert Lea main lift station is $146,800 and  the city of Albert Lea city garage, excuse me,   [35:35] is $127,221. I would like to add also that the  reason why we're also seeking council approval   [35:41] is because while this may in the end have a net  zero cost, uh there is the risk that if the if we   [35:47] do not meet the deadlines or some requirements of  the federal tax incentives, we would be looking at   [35:53] that 30% being paid for by the city. However, um  from what we can tell, it has a very strong return   [36:00] on investment. uh without the 30% I believe it  was between 5 and 10 years on every single project   [36:08] uh there should be uh we should get fully paid  back within that over what is a supposed to be a   [36:14] 25 to 30year life cycle. So, um, with that, your  honor, staff recommends approval. Councel moved.   [36:21] Motion by councilor Howland. Is there a second?  Second, your honor. Second by councilor Anderson.   Any further discussion? Your honor. councilor  Howland. I'll just say that this is a no-brainer.   [36:29] Um, if it turns out that it's a net cost of  zero for the city um to be able to use this u   [36:37] uh clean energy and also efficient energy  uh is ultimately going to help reduce costs.   [36:45] um for all of these city buildings. So um to  me it's a no-brainer and looking forward to   [36:51] the project moving along. Additional discussion  councilor Baker I just have a question and maybe   [36:58] city engineer could answer that but I thought at  one time here a few years back we looked at this   [37:03] solar for for this building and at that time if I  remember right it was determined that it wasn't it   [37:10] wasn't structurally sound enough to do that. Um,  was was there a mistake made or did that am I not   [37:17] remembering right? City engineer Mr. Jahnke I I  can't I don't I'd have to look more I can't answer   [37:24] the question about the building roof but we did  we did have two firms look at it you know as we   [37:30] were going through this process and both believed  that this these would work on it. Okay. Thank you.   [37:37] Any additional discussion city manager? Um, your  honor, um, this may I'm I'm just this may be mixed   [37:48] up with what was a green roof as opposed to a  solar where there would be looking at the ability   [37:53] to find a way to absorb storm water on the roof  before it it it drained out. I know that was um   [38:00] the the former mayor had talked to me about that  and said that that was looked at and the roof was   not sustainable for that particular um project.  So whether or not we're talking the same thing,   [38:12] I'm I'm not saying for certain, but I do recall  a conversation about the the roof and related to   [38:18] uh green practices. Okay. All right. Thank you.  Any other discussion, councilor Christensen?   [38:24] Thank you. Just one comment. I appreciate that  we're putting these on a building rather than   on farm fields. Amen. All right. Anything else?  Hearing none. All in favor of the motion signify   [38:40] by saying I. I oppose nay. Motion carries. Item  D is a resolution authorizing the city manager   [38:46] to enter into a redevelopment agreement on  tax forefeiture properties with Freeborn   County. City manager. Thank you, your honor. This  agreement sets the terms between the city and the   [38:55] county and the following. County will sell uh  the lots at 721 St. Thomas, 816 Newton South,   [39:02] and 705 Madison to the city for 4,000 each. The  sale price of each lot is waived if the house   [39:09] is developed on each lot. The city endemnifies the  county and on any Tyler v. Hennipin repercussions.   [39:17] City managers looked into constructing two houses  on lot 721 St. Thomas and 816 Newton South using   [39:24] existing ground conditions and utilities post  demolition to save approximately $25,000 each   [39:30] on uh on the construction costs. Funding for  the construction will come from the housing fund   [39:36] which we have about approximately half a million  dollars. Postred redevelopment incentives on all   [39:41] identified eligible lots. Lot 705 Madison uh is  intended to be added to an existing developer   [39:47] agreement on targeting the same block uh and  will align with our deadline with the county.   [39:54] Staff recommends approval. Councel move to approve  your honor. Motion by councilor Baker. Is there   a second? Second, John. Second by councilor  Anderson. Any further discussion? I have a   [40:03] question for the city manager. When it comes to  saving of the $25,000 you're talking per lot,   [40:12] city manager and I'm assuming you're talking  about are they using the old foundation? [40:19] The cost savings generally come from uh basically  what you have to deal with the excavation, but the   [40:25] largest cost saving is not having to rerun uh the  utilities. Okay. So, there's a certain level of of   [40:31] uh having to do site redevelopment and  and digging back out and hauling in,   but also there's um uh but mainly it's the it's  the utilities uh staying uh run to the property   [40:44] where then the existing house can can line up  to it. And um I would um and these came from   [40:50] I just want to make sure it's clear. These came  from an estimates from a uh interested developer   [40:56] uh that were let me rephrase that. contractor  that would be willing to work with the city   on building those those houses. Okay. Thank  you. Any additional discussion? Your honor,   [41:08] councilor Anderson. Uh city manager was  just wondering what the uh what how we   are identifying the county against Tyler v. Hannah  and um repercussions. What's that? City manager. I   [41:19] would have to turn to the uh city attorney because  he would be able to explain it far better than   uh myself. Um, city attorney, could you  help us? Short a short short time ago, uh,   [41:31] a party by the name of Tyler brought an action  against the city of Minneapolis. Minneapolis had   [41:36] forclosed on her condominium for tax forfeite,  sold it, and made a significant profit. Uh,   [41:43] Mrs. Tyler brought an action to uh argue  essentially that the constituted excess   [41:50] fees and violation of constitutional limits on  fees being requirement fees being proportionate   [41:55] to the liability. Minnesota was one of the few  states that allowed excess profit to be retained   [42:02] by the state rather than return to the property  owner. So now under the guidance of Tyler,   [42:07] Minnesota tax forfeite laws are rewritten such  that any value that is subsequently received   [42:13] by the by the government entity that forcloses on  tax property needs to be returned to the property   owner. Reasonable cost for forclosure can be  attributed in addition to tax forfeiture. So   [42:23] that's called the titler difference. It's a been  a major litigation. Certain counties in Minnesota,   [42:28] not Freeborn, but certain counties actually  use tax forfeiture as a revenue source.   [42:34] and there are many millions of dollars are  being refund to taxpayers. Our indemnity   [42:39] uh is addressing a concern that most counties  have right now where they're afraid to sell tax   forfeiture property because they're afraid of  being sued. So the Tyler liability would be the   [42:48] difference between what the property is worth in  a public market as opposed to what the government   [42:55] had to take as a loss for taxes not collected.  We protect ourselves against title liability by   [43:01] making sure that we don't sell the property for a  profit. And if we did sell the, you know, if there   [43:08] if there was a profit, it would be the obligation  of the of the county to return that money to the   property owner. In our case, the tax the tax loss  amount is almost always significantly higher than   [43:20] the actual market value of the property, which is  why people let property go in for closure anyway,   as opposed to jurisdictions like St. county where  people often lost their property because they were   [43:28] out of state owners of lakes shore property that  didn't realize uh tax forfeiture laws. Okay, I   [43:35] can talk about it forever, but I think that's a I  think I think that's good. Thank you. Any further   [43:41] discussion from the council? Hearing none, all in  favor of the motion signify by saying I. I nay.   [43:47] Motion carries. Item E is a resolution accepting  donation of property at 809 Clerk Street West.   [43:53] City Manager. Thank you, honor. Uh May 24th, uh  2025, city of uh city Albert Lea Council ordered   [44:01] the uh abatement of uh hazardous structure at  809 Clark Street West. The property is now in   [44:09] an estate process and the executive wishes to  gift the property to the city. The estate has   no financial means to abate the structure. Several  potential reuses of the property are possible and   [44:19] will be explored. Uh, one other uh, question I  would ask of the city attorney. Um, given that   [44:25] this is a resolution accepting donations and  essentially allowing staff to go forward and   [44:31] accept the property, would it be possible for  this uh, resolution or in a motion to include   [44:40] um, an additional property uh, that had just come  up today. It's uh, a property that needs to be   [44:48] um, demolished. the person is willing to  just simply deed it to the city or quote   unquote sell it for a buck um and then um it's  it's one that we will be starting a process on   [45:01] otherwise if if we don't have ownership of it.  So um I have no problem with that, but I ask   [45:07] that it still be a contingent to authorizing the  staff to the city manager to complete the gift,   [45:14] but not to formally accept the gift specifically.  Uh, I've asked that we conduct a title search   [45:19] first to make sure that our acceptance of the  gift doesn't accept the property subject to   liabilities that the estate or the other owners  may have. We want to make sure that we're buying   [45:28] that we're accepting a gift of clean title and not  accepting somebody else's liabilities. So, if if   [45:34] it were to be someone were to make a res motion,  they would say, "I make a motion to uh accept the   [45:41] donations presented to the Albert Lea to the  city of Albert Lea for 809 Clark Street West   [45:46] and 825 First Street, that would be South uh upon  um further review for clean and clear title." Yes. [46:03] Okay. All right. You ready? I'm I'm I'm ready.  Does Does someone have that Does someone have   [46:11] that down? I'll make the motion to accept the don  or the donation of property 809 Clark Street along   [46:20] with 825 1st Avenue First Street First Street  South providing that there are no clean and   [46:31] clear title. Clean. Okay. Providing that there's a  clear title. I will second that motion as long as   [46:37] I don't have to say it all. Second by councilor  Anderson. Any further discussion? Your honor.   [46:42] Councilor Howland. Uh I'm just doing a a search  for that address and it's there's nothing coming   [46:48] up. Are you sure it's not First Avenue? It's First  Street. Okay. First street because there's not an   [46:55] 825 First Street South in Albert Lea that I can  find. city manager. Maybe it Excuse me. Maybe it   [47:03] is clarification. It may be Avenue. It's the one  that uh runs past the I believe the uh I believe   [47:12] it's in your ward. Yes, that's First Avenue. My  My apologies. It's First Avenue. It runs near   [47:17] Belmont. Yes. First street. It's on the corner  of Belmont. Yeah, that's 825 South First Avenue.   [47:26] Okay. Well, we'll we'll make a correction in  the minutes as long as that's okay with the   first and second. It's okay with me. Is that okay  with councilor Anderson? Councilor Baker. Okay,   [47:35] we'll make that. Thank you for the clarification.  Yep. Any further discussion? All in favor of   [47:43] the motion signify by saying I. I. Nay. Motion  carries. Item F is a resolution accepting donation   [47:50] and authorizing purchase of street banners. City  manager. Thank you, honor. Our blue and green uh   [47:56] downtown pole light banners are beginning to  fall apart and need replacement. At this time,   [48:02] the city would uh accept CVB donations to replace  these banners and buy matching banners to go along   [48:08] Bridge Avenue. Additionally, holiday banners  for Bridge Avenue will be purchased. The total   [48:13] cost for all these banners is is $20,480 with  $10,240 coming from the CVB. The fund source   [48:22] is going to be from the parks operations and  it may create just so the council is aware it   may create a small over budget um expense for  the department council move to approve your   [48:35] motion by councilor Baker second. No second chair  second by councilor Anderson. Further discussion [48:46] your honor councilor Anderson. What do the  banner say? city manager. Um, there was pictures,   [48:54] wasn't there? There's the the downtown ones would  be like explore and I think historic downtown   and the other ones say uh welcome and uh maybe  it's also welcome or explore andor explore. Um,   [49:08] and then for the holiday ones, it's they're red  with snowflakes and I'm I don't even know if   [49:14] there's any sayings on them. I didn't see those.  All right. Does that take care of it? Okay. All   [49:22] right. Any other discussion? All in favor of  the motion signify by saying I. Oppose. Nay.   [49:28] Motion carries. Item nine is a mayor and council  reports. And tonight we'll start with councilor   [49:33] Olson. Word four. All right. Don't have a whole  lot tonight. I would just like to wish everybody   [49:38] some happy holidays. And when you're out driving,  we got weather about to change. Uh maybe some   [49:44] snowfall in the next few days here. So, if you out  there driving and give the snow plow some room and   [49:51] and patience and time to let us get the all the  streets clear. That's it, your honor. All right.   [49:57] Ward five, Councilor Van Beek. Thank you, your  honor. Um, I don't have much either. I do have one   [50:02] ward item that was handed off. Um, last week I did  attend the quarterly library meeting. Their merger   [50:09] is complete and it looks like they are trending  up a little bit with usage. Uh we discussed their   [50:15] strategic plan in great length and that was  about it. This week we have H meeting tomorrow   [50:22] night which would be should be very productive  by the way it sounds. So with that I'll pass.   [50:29] All right. W six. Councilor Anderson. Your honor.  Uh hopefully the next time I sit before you I'll   [50:35] be gone with my little shoulder pillow here. That  would be nice. Um, the HA meeting I'm also looking   [50:41] forward to tomorrow and I attended the chamber  after hours which is always a really cool event.   Riverland was the sponsor this time and they  got a had a lot of cool swag there and some   [50:48] interesting things to say. So that's about it.  Happy Thanksgiving. All right, word one, Councilor   [50:54] Christensen. Thank you, your honor. Uh, last  week the senior center advisory board met. They   [51:00] continue to look at uh options for uh possibly a  new location as well as their ongoing programming.   [51:08] Uh the blue zones vitality group met, budget  committee met. Next week the planning commission   [51:15] meets and uh like the others, I wish everyone  a very happy Thanksgiving. Councilor Baker,   [51:22] word two. Thank you, your honor. Um this morning  I had a meeting at the at the Alita offices with   [51:30] uh Philip Johnson. the mayor was there.  Um, Commissioner Edwin and myself and the   [51:40] uh two people that are representative of the GFI  Custom Homes LCC about um putting up a a duplex   [51:51] on a couple properties that the HA um owns. Um it  was a very productive and very good conversation.   [52:00] um the H director was there and she sounded  pretty positive about the whole thing. So that's   [52:08] uh that's what we'll be discussing tomorrow at  the HA board meeting um as to um moving forward   [52:15] and and how we want to the house to look and what  we want to put in it and and uh there's a bunch   [52:21] of stuff to discuss. So we will we will bring it  back next meeting. We we should have a report on   [52:27] it. And with that, your honor, that should be it.  All right. W three. Councilor Howland. Thank you,   [52:33] your honor. Um, uh, like the mayor and, uh, I  think most of the council was there as well. I   [52:39] attended the, uh, Aldi grand opening, um, since  our last meeting. And, wow, what a big deal in   [52:47] Albert Le. The line out was out to the to the, uh,  the street there, out to the highway. And so, um,   [52:54] people are excited that Aldi is in town. So, uh,  it was great to be there and, uh, and celebrate   [53:00] with, uh, with everyone. I attended the, uh, park  and recck board meeting last week and they, it was   [53:06] held at the Marian Ross Performing Arts Center  and, uh, got to, uh, uh, highlight some of the,   [53:14] um, u changes that have been made there to the  building because of the facilities referendum. So,   [53:20] uh, the new windows and doors and and some other,  uh, remodeling that, uh, is done in there. So,   [53:26] it all looks great. And then, uh, the big  order of business at that meeting was,   [53:32] uh, the board decided to hold off on, uh,  coming up with a recommendation to council for   [53:38] the Merrick property. uh uh the board felt like  they didn't quite have enough information. So,   [53:44] they're looking for uh some more information  for their next meeting where uh they will have   [53:49] a recommendation for council on on what to do  with that property uh once uh it's torn down. So,   [53:57] that's it, your honor. All right. Thank you. So,  uh 1111 Veterans Day, I attended the Veterans Day   [54:04] events. Also attended the lunchon at the  American Legion. got to meet a lot of our   wonderful veterans here in the community. So, it  was fun thanking them and uh congratulating them   [54:13] for everything uh that they do for our community  and and for our country. Uh also got to go out   [54:18] and participate in the Albertly Tribune Progress  Edition discussion on the 12th of November. Uh   [54:24] enjoyed that. Had never part participated in that  before. That was an interesting discussion. So,   [54:29] uh we'll be curious to see what comes out here  uh next February. Uh also, um I'm on the Elbertly   [54:35] High School facilities uh board and we are having  discussions uh regarding the facilities within the   [54:41] community and uh that is I believe five meetings  that we'll be having uh discussing that. Um also   [54:47] attended the Aldi's grand opening last Thursday as  councilor Howland mentioned and uh it was pretty   [54:53] exciting. There were a lot of people there. I  think the first person was there at 4:30 in the   morning and uh I helped pass out carts as people  were coming in and I think we passed out over   [55:02] 100 carts. So it was uh it was a pretty good day  for Albert Lea. So good to see that happening and   welcome to Albertly Aldi's. Um and then after that  I attended a Freeborn Mau electric meeting talking   [55:13] about uh the future of electricity and just what  do we plan on doing in this community and across   [55:18] the Midwest. And so some very good discussions  uh just talking about solar and wind and nuclear   [55:24] and gas and all the different uh parts to it. So a  lot of thought going into that. Uh also that day I   [55:30] attended the youth for Christ banquet and that was  well attended. Uh they do a lot of great things   for the youth in our community. So good to see a  good turnout there. And then on Friday we had the   [55:40] WDS Vortex solar ribbon cutting. So they put a big  solar uh facility on top of their building. So,   [55:46] we were down there for the ribbon cutting and  uh it was nice to see the group down there. Uh   Vortex has become a a real great partner in this  community. So, thank you Vortex and thank you   [55:55] uh WDS. Uh and then we had a Revosity meeting on  the 300 block um last Monday uh just talking about   [56:03] the future of that and uh what we can put together  there. That is moving along slowly as that is a   big project and um it's not going to be an easy  one to do. Um on the 20th I attended the help care   [56:15] meeting which is a new clinic that will be out at  the Skyline Mall and so a new uh set of options   [56:21] that will be coming to Albert Lea and uh it was  a great meeting well attended and uh so it'll   [56:28] be something new for people to check out here uh  within a couple months now and then uh attended   [56:33] the meeting this morning also with uh councilor  Baker regarding uh at Alita regarding the HR and   [56:39] and uh building something here in the future. And  just a reminder to people that the city hall and   [56:46] uh other places with the city will be closed on  Thanksgiving Day. Just wanted to make people aware   [56:52] of that. And then I also wanted to remind people  Saturday is shop uh small business. So get out,   [56:57] support our local businesses here in this  community. Um you know, they support us all year   long. So let's get out there and do some business  with them. And then also another reminder, winter   [57:07] sports activities and other school activities  are starting to take off. boys and girls hockey,   [57:12] wrestling, basketball, cheerleading, dance, music,  all sorts of things. So, if you have nothing to   [57:18] do, which I see people say that from time to time,  um there are a lot of things to do in Albert Lea.   And you can usually find two or three things uh  every week to go uh partake in. And uh so get out   [57:29] and enjoy our youth. And then the last thing I'd  like to do is I'd like to just say um I'm thankful   [57:34] for the people in this community. And uh I run  into a lot of people, talk to a lot of people,   [57:40] and uh we've got a great group of people that live  here in Albertly, that work here in Albertly, and   [57:45] uh I'm just excited uh to be your mayor. So, thank  you for that. Um I I am thankful for our beautiful   [57:51] lakes. I'm thankful for the running and walking  paths that we have around that lake. I'm thankful   for the bike trails. Um and I'm thankful for  the businesses in our community. We had a small   [58:01] business come and talk tonight. Uh we're going  to see I hope all of you are going to get out and   see some small businesses on Saturday, but those  businesses are the lifeblood of this community.   [58:10] So get out, support them, and uh support them all  year long. So everyone in the community, have a   [58:15] happy Thanksgiving. With that, we'll move along to  the city manager report. All right. Uh thank you,   [58:21] your honor. So I'd also like to clarify that the  following Friday uh after Thanksgiving that uh   [58:27] city offices and certain services will also be uh  closed as well. So, um just so in case anyone uh   [58:35] tries to show up at city hall or to the library on  Friday, uh staff is meeting with our consultants   [58:42] to go over certain aspects of the strategic plan.  uh first week in December. Uh as council has   [58:49] clearly seen and the public, we have been working  on the budget to try to um uh figure out a way   [58:54] to um reduce some costs but and then also set  funds aside for the future, try to create that   [59:01] reasonable balance. And um I would also ask that  if the council members have any specific questions   [59:07] about anything that they might see in the budget  after they get all the handouts uh forwarded to   them that uh please communicate that that with me  so that way I can try to get those answers before   [59:17] the actual uh public hearing and then be able to  have a response for that uh for everyone. Uh it   [59:24] just it it it would really help because I know  that there will be some staff members that will   not be able to attend the the the public hearing  on the 8th. Um, so I'd really like to make sure   [59:34] that uh I'm not calling people in or having them  make drastic changes to their schedule in order to   [59:41] uh not know if they would be needed or not. Um, I  have uh talked to the director of the Shell Rock   [59:50] River Wershed District and we're looking at  trying to set up a meeting between uh myself,   [59:56] him, and uh a couple other board members and the  mayor uh to basically uh continue to discuss how   [1:00:03] we would look at the share of the uh sales tax  revenue moving forward with the new referendum   [1:00:10] uh at the uh in the fall of 2020. 26. And uh with  that, your honor, go Panthers. And uh that's it.   [1:00:23] Who are the Panthers? A lot of people ask that  question. All right. With that, we'll move along   [1:00:28] to item 11, approval of claims. A is a resolution  approving claims. One is a presentation of claims   over 25,000. City manager. Thank you, honor.  Uh $30,738.96 goes to Home Serve USA Corp.   [1:00:43] This is the water sewer protection plan services  for October. $30,784 goes to Albert Lake Electric.   [1:00:51] Updated uh uh update to LED lights on East Main  Street. We have $33,3518 to H&M Underground   [1:00:59] Solutions. This is payment estimate number two for  lead service line replacement project. $35,650 to   [1:01:07] MPCA for a sweeper loan uh uh payment on a 0% uh  interest loan. $40,261.50 to Bolton Mink uh for uh   [1:01:18] wastewater treatment plant uh P files reduction  project. We have $58,57.96 to Freeborn Mau   [1:01:25] Electric Cooperative. This is electric services  at the wastewater treatment plant. $146,64929. [1:01:32] This is payment estimate number one for Freeborn  Bank parking lot job 25004. And then we have   [1:01:39] $23,8018 cents to Wapshot Construction Company.  This is payment estimate 17 for the sewer plant   [1:01:48] preliminary facility design and construction.  Council move to approve your motion by councilor   Baker. Is a second? Second. Second by councilor  Howland. Any discussion? All in favor of the   [1:01:59] motion signify by saying I. I. Oppose nay. Motion  carries. Item 12 is adjournment. Move to adjurnn.   [1:02:05] Your honor. Motion by councilor Howland. Is  there a second? Second. Second by councilor   Anderson. All in favor of the motion signify  by saying I. I. Oppose. Nay. Meeting adjourned.