The Albert Lea City Council approved several zoning amendments and authorized the sale of city property during their regular meeting Monday evening.

The council gave final approval to two zoning changes. Security Bank Minnesota received approval to rezone 642 Marshall Street and a portion of 437 Bridge Avenue from residential to community business zoning to allow for future expansion of parking and building areas. The council also approved rezoning two properties on 775th Avenue from single-family residential to Interstate Development District for future development planning.

In other business, the council authorized the sale of 917 South Broadway Avenue, declaring the vacant lot no longer serves a public purpose. The property, where a blighted structure was previously demolished, will be sold for its assessed value of $15,400 to adjacent business owners Kelly Plumbing and Dick Davies, who will split the cost at $7,700 each. City staff noted the sale will recoup nearly the full $16,000 the city invested in code enforcement and demolition efforts.

The meeting began with ceremonial items including the swearing-in of two new Albert Lea Fire Rescue firefighters, Kyo Htoo and Blair Bonnerup. Mayor Rich Murray also proclaimed November 17-21 as Crash Responder Safety Week, emphasizing the importance of the state's move-over law for motorist safety around emergency vehicles.

Veteran Service Officer Jeff Dolan addressed the council about Operation Greenlight, encouraging the city to participate in the national initiative that illuminates buildings in green from November 4-11 to honor veterans. The council approved a resolution supporting the initiative, which recognizes the approximately 2,000 veterans in Freeborn County who contribute over $30 million annually in economic impact through federal benefits.