The regular meeting of the elderly City Council for Monday, July 13th, 2026. Clerk please call the roll. Councilor Christensen. Here. Councillor. Baker. Council. Here. Here. Mr. van Beek here. Anderson here. And Mayor Murray here. Would you please rise and join
me in the Pledge of Allegiance? I pledge. Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation. under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Welcome to everybody tonight. Whether you're here in person or online, we're glad you're with us. Uh, we do not have any ceremonial items, so we'll move along to item number four. The public forum. We have people that wish to speak tonight.
Thank you. All right. Nancy Carlson, would you like. Would you like to come up and speak? Um, I'm Nancy Carlson. I represent my mom and dad live at 1113 Jansen. It's on the
corner. Uh, the brick house on the corner. And I also my husband is part owner of the residence at 1002 Jansen, which is right next to the property line of commercial and
residential right there. And I'm so happy that they are expanding their business. And I'm very happy for them. But parking has become a nightmare down that street. Um, they park
on both sides. They're now starting to park in front of my daughter's house, and it's creating. It's creating problems. She's not getting her recycle picked up. She's not getting garbage picked up. Because where do you put it in? Her mail has been delayed for a
day because they're parking too close to the mailbox. They're also parking right up against First Avenue and Johnson Street. Curbs. I don't drive a big vehicle. I drive a little Honda, and I cannot see to pull
out there. I never make a left hand turn to go up the hill, because I feel like I'm taking my chances. And also an incident that happened to me is I turn to go down the street and there is another car coming
to from the west. I had a backup on to First Avenue, praying that somebody would see me backing up. I mean, it is in winter time. They can they can't plow down there that my
daughter's driveway never gets plowed close because of the cars parked so close from them. And, um, it's really becoming a problem. And, you know, they're
parked all the way down to the Tribune, all the way up to the railroad tracks on First Avenue. And on the other side there, Park, too. Um, I guess my resolution would be, couldn't they park past the
tracks on First Avenue, which used to be Streeters? That area right there. I think it would solve a big issue, but, um, we kind of forbid my parents to even go down that way,
especially to take a left hand turn. But I'm just voicing my opinion. All right, Nancy, thank you for coming, sharing with us tonight. And I'm. Going to I'm going to spread it in the neighborhood for I mean, there's a lot of older people
in that neighborhood now. When I lived there, it was all kids and out in the road and stuff. But it's getting to be an older neighborhood. But I will go up and down and invite them to come. All right. Thank you very much.
Uh, John Colescott. Good evening, Mayor and Council. Glad to be here tonight. I'm here tonight to address the glaring contradiction in our current city code, specifically, a regulatory framework that
penalizes local citizens trying to practice conservation while heavily subsidizing high impact events. Um, I'd like to add this in here. I only found out about this when I actually went down to the garage to get a permit to have a pollinator
garden, and they handed me the paperwork, and at the top it said there was a $100 permit fee, and I don't recall. I do watch the council meetings. I don't recall ever hearing about any, uh, fees for that permit.
When you were discussing it and passing it. So I'm not sure if anyone is even aware of that. So as it stands right now, if an Albert Lee resident wants to responsibly convert their traditional lawn into an intentional, maintained pollinator garden, they're hit with a $100 permit fee under
the Natural Landscape rules. Yet a massive four day downtown festival that triggers street closures pulls heavily on city infrastructure, manpower, utilizes public safety resources, can secure a permit
for a mere $25. We are charging local homeowner four times more to plant native flowers and grasses on their own property than we charge an organization to completely disrupt our downtown core for a weekend. But the financial barrier is
only half the problem. The current ordinances also imposes highly restrictive setbacks. A pollinator garden must sit five feet back from the sidewalk and five feet back from any house or building. For the vast majority of working class
residents living in standard urban lots in Albert Lee, these measurements don't just regulate a garden, they mathematically eliminate it. Unless a citizen owns an exceptionally large property. The layout of a normal city lot makes meeting these dual setbacks functionally
impossible. This municipal roadblock flies directly in the face of our own state's environmental priorities. The state of Minnesota is actively urging the public to transition away from traditional turf lawns to mitigate the severe habitat loss facing our native
insect populations. Through state funded initiatives like the lawns to Legumes project, Minnesota is investing tax dollars to help homeowners eliminate high volume water usage and reduce the widespread, widespread toxic runoff caused by chemical
fertilizers and pesticides. While the state is funding conservation, Albert Lee is treating it like an enforcement problem. We are discouraging eco friendly lawn alternatives by pricing them as a luxury and drafting space restrictions that render them unusable for
everyday neighborhoods. I urge the council tonight to direct city staff to review this ordinance. We need to eliminate this cost barrier entirely and adjust the setbacks to common sense dimensions that reflect standard city lot sizes. Let's align Albert Lee with the state
conservation goals. Instead of penalizing the residents who want to improve our community and our fragile environment. So thank you. Thank you for your time tonight. Appreciate it. And that's all we have on the public forum. Item five is a consent and approval of agenda
A is the approval of minutes of the June 22nd, 2026 Regular Council meeting. Item B is approval of minutes of the June 22nd, 2026 work session. Item C is licensed and permits. Item D is a resolution accepting the wastewater treatment plant e-bike business Grant 2026
miscellaneous 58 and Item is a resolution approving lawful gambling Permit for the Albert Lee Amateur Hockey Association Council. Moved to approve consent and approval of agenda, Your Honor. Motion by Councilor Baker. Is there a second? I'll second, Your Honor. Second, by Councilor Anderson. Any further
discussion? All in favor of the motion. Were we going to remove an item from the agenda till next meeting, or is that handled? I think when. We just get to it, we'll just quickly talk about and then just not take action. Yep. Okay. All right. We've got a
motion and a second. No additional discussion. All in favor of the motion signify by saying aye. Aye aye. Opposed. Nay. Motion carries. Item six is petitions request and communications. There are none tonight. Item seven is unfinished business. There is none tonight. And item eight is
new business. Now under new business, we are going to defer item E under new business to our next meeting. So if anybody would make note of that we'll go ahead and start with item A then public hearing and resolution declaring no public
interest in real property portion of Morton Park. Job 2612. We'll open the public hearing with the staff report. City manager. Thank you, Your Honor. Um, real quick, uh, city clerk could
also make sure we get linked on the zoom for, um, uh, Ella's. Thank you. I might take a few minutes. So the city does not currently. Currently. Uh, nor does it intend to use the city owned portion at 222 Saint Mary
Avenue, also known as Moran Park, for any public purpose other than Ddot. Right of way. This resolution would authorize the sale of the sidewalk and only the sidewalk along West Main from Saint Mary Avenue to Euclid Avenue of Moran Park,
uh, to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. This area is already subject to a permanent easement granted to the Minnesota Department of Transportation for the existing sidewalk and right of way. Ada compliant facilities and roadway purposes. The proposed
sale would transfer only the land that currently covered by the permanent easement, and is already being used for state highway and sidewalk infrastructure. No additional park property beyond the existing easement area would be included in this sale. This action supports the Minnesota
Department of Transportation's plan, sidewalk and Ada improvements along West Main Street and South Broadway Avenue. Trunk Highway 13 and Trunk Highway 65 as part of Job number 26112. Staff recommends approval.. Okay. Are there any questions
from the council? Yeah, I'm just curious. As Councilor Baker. Um, so they're buying that project or that parcel? There's part sidewalk on there. Correct. City manager. Yeah, I believe it's either on the north of the south side of the sidewalk. But I do believe
actually it's including the the sidewalk portion. So I believe it's on the north side of the sidewalk that runs between Saint Mary's. Um, to or it ends. Let me see the property line that there would be looking at what they're buying. It ends on just the north side of the, uh, sidewalk. So
everything south of that leading into the road is what they would be purchasing. So it's a very thin sliver along the south side of, of the park. So there's no sidewalk involved in it. Well, the sidewalk already exists. And so. They is it in the property that
they're wanting. Yes. Yeah. So are they going to snow, snow blow or blow snow. Um, in the winter or is that still the city thing? I believe that's the city and that I believe would probably continue, but I would have to defer to the city engineer on
that one. The city engineer, Mr. Monkey. Yeah. First, if you look at a like a on beacon the right way maps, it shows that as being. Net property right now. So so it's it's it's identified as that the property. But yes it would be treated the same way. It's just like when we build in
front of somebody's house, the homeowners responsible, we would be responsible for continuing to plow it. Okay. Thank you Your Honor. Councilor Anderson. As the proud. New owners of a sidewalk, would they be responsible for fixing it in the future? Or would they be getting assessed for those repairs?
City manager. I would have to again defer to the, city engineer on this one. The engineer, Mr.. Mindat, is paying for the majority of the cost of the sidewalks. Anything five feet in under is being paid for by MnDOT. Okay.
All right. Any additional questions from the council? Hearing none for the first time. Would anyone like to speak regarding the public hearing and resolution declaring no public interest in real property? A portion of Lawn Park job 2612 for the
second time. Would anyone like to speak? For the third time, would anyone like to speak? We'll close the public hearing. I would entertain a resolution.. Move to approve your motion. My Councilor Baker. Is there a second? I'll second, Your Honor.
Second by. Oh, okay. I'm sorry. All right. Um. Any further discussion by the council? Do we need a roll call on this
one, or are we good? Anyone hurt? Okay. Clerk. Please call the roll. Councilor Christensen I, councilor Baker, I councilor Harmon, a councilor. Olsen, a councilor. Van Beek I councilor Anderson. Hi. Mayor Murray a motion carries item B is a public hearing and
resolution related to Broadway Ridge. Grant Swash 232 LLC at 232 South Washington Avenue in Albert Lea, Minnesota. Paid 34.001.2730. We'll open the
public hearing with a staff report. Thank you, manager. Thank you, Your Honor. I also have Megan Bock, our community development director, here to answer any additional questions the council may have about this application or the Broadway
Ridge grant. Uh, as for this particular, uh, resolution squash, uh, 232 LLC at 232 South Washington has submitted a Broadway Ridge grant renewal grant for reimbursement of up to 50% of costs associated with
new windows, garage doors, and tuck pointing. The total improvement was $106,453.58. I would, however, comment that more has been put into the building than that, uh, which will provide a matching grant
of $50,000. All improvements have been completed and reviewed by the city's zoning and building official for compliance with application requirements. Staff recommends approval of the attached resolution. Any questions by the Council.
Councilor Christensen. I'd just like to comment, Your Honor, that I am affiliated with 232 and therefore I will not be voting on this. You will. Be abstaining. Okay. Any other questions? I'm just kind of curious, Mr.
Baker, as to what kind of money do we have left in the Broadway Ridge Renewal matching grant fund? Is any.. I knew I was going to get asked that, and I completely spaced getting that answer. Um, uh, on
Friday, um, I do believe last that we looked it was, um, assuming that we get the full amount that we have dedicated in the general fund levy going to it, uh, with this, our balance should be at approximately 300,000. Okay.
But, um, I also am not fully aware of any outstanding applications as well where people have requested. I do not know if the community development director would have any, um, insight as to the fund balance. Unfortunately, our
finance director could not be here tonight to answer that question. Okay. Um. Thank you, mayor and council. City Manager Rick was pretty spot on. I have an email from the finance director back in March that the balance was 365, after two grants that were
approved in March, and then there was going to be an additional transfer of 190,000 yet in 2026. So a pretty healthy balance still for that fund. Okay. Do we have do you have any applications. always. Okay. So there are people that are
going through the process to. Yeah they tend the property owners tend to apply um before they're able to complete the project. Just out of maybe somewhat, you know, anxiousness about getting approved and having funds available when the time comes that their project
is completed. So we always have applications in the hopper. Okay. Thank you. Yep. Any additional questions from the council? Hearing none. None for the first time. Would anyone like to speak regarding
this resolution for second time? Would anyone like to speak? And for the third time, would anyone like to speak? We'll close the public hearing. Council move to approve Your honor. Motion by Councilor Baker. Is
there a second? Second. Your honor. Second by Councilor Anderson, any further discussion? Clerk, please call the roll. Councilor Baker. Hi. Councilor. Herman I, councilor Olsen. I councilor van Beek I councilor Anderson and councilor Christensen. Abstain in mayor
Murray. I motion carries. Item C is a resolution providing for the sale of $4.91 million of general obligation bonds. Series 2026 a city manager.
Thank you, Your Honor. Uh, per city charter, the city of Albert Lee has the authority to issue general obligation agreement. Ponds uh staff recommends the size of the bond now to be 4,910,000, uh, to finance the bonding costs, assessments, water portion and
the levy funded portions of the project. As summarized, uh, below. The term of the bond is to be ten years. Uh, Shane, uh, from elders and associates will be, uh, is in attendance via zoom. Uh, to answer any questions that you have, uh,
staff recommends approval. Council move to approve your. Honor. Motion by Councilor Christensen. Is there a second? Second that, Your honor? Second by Councilor Olson. Do we want an update on the bond? Um. Welcome tonight. Go ahead. If
you could give us an update on some of the specifics of the bond. Thank you. Good evening, mayor and council. Um, yeah. So earlier today, the city sold the the general obligation bonds series 2026 A to finance
the improvements. And, uh, the street and water improvements. Um, you got nine bids, which is just great. Uh, it's a lot of bids. Um, we always look at the spread between the low and the high bids, and it's a nice tight spread, especially for
the, you know, the first, uh, 3 or 4 bids, they were tightly packed, which is evidence of a of a good, uh, bond sale. Um, the bonds will carry a a minus ranking for Standard and Poor's. Um, you didn't receive a premium which reduced the
bond size. Uh, the agenda, packing materials and the pre-sale report have a bond sale amount of 5.3 million, and you're down at 4.9. The reason that happens is because, um, the the underwriters like to sell bonds with higher coupons, and so they're willing to pay
more, um, which allows you then to reduce your bond size. And it all gets baked into the true interest costs that you pay for the bonds. And that's how we do the awards. Um, because different underwriters provide different premiums and different coupon rates. And, um, they just split it out
differently. So with that, you got a great bond sale. Um, you're borrowing at, uh, uh, interest cost of 3.23%, which in today's world is, is great. So with that, be happy to answer any other questions. Any additional questions from the Council. Your honor? Councillor
Anderson, I think it's worth bringing up just for the public in here, this that we talked about at the work session. We didn't take the bond premium because we didn't have any similar projects in the pipeline, because I know that rate is good. And if we did, we could have taken it at a three point. What was it, 2 or 3%? Yes. Yeah.
That's correct. Yeah. I think it's worth mentioning. Maybe the city manager could opine on that. City manager. Thank you. Honor. Uh, yeah. We did have the option to look at the bond premium. But when you get that, it has to be restricted to similar uses. And
and projects. And we really didn't see I don't think we really were anticipating anything. Um, we're not really anticipating. We're not anticipating any overruns because they've already been bid and we're not anticipating any, um, other projects that
would fit that, that still would not require us to go back and do bonding in 2027 later. Uh, so because of that, it really did not make much sense. And instead it made more sense to reduce the annual payment and the total amount that we
borrowed. And, uh, go that way with the go that way with the premium. But if we did potentially have a smaller road project, and that was the only thing that we had, uh, in front of us, uh, that may have been a consideration. So. Right. Your honor, Councilor
Baker, I would like to know what the percentage spread was since you had nine, um, bidders, what was the highest percentage? And obviously, the lowest percentage is what we took.
Sure. Mayor, council members, there is the bid tab that you should have received. Um, we do take the sale results the day of the council meeting. And so that's why it's not, um, maybe in the published packet, but you should have been provided that, um, I believe you do have
it, but the spread is three point again, two, 3%. The next highest bid is 3.2503. The next one is 3.2598. The next one is 3.2751. And then the highest
one is 3.55693. Thank you. Any additional questions? Hearing none. All in favor of the motion city manager. I would also just like to say
for the public, the reason why we're able to get this rate and have some of the options that we do, and it's important that we do get this right, because when we do the assessment, this rate is also is what is used to determine what rate, uh, those that are paying the assessment
over time, what they do pay. Uh, but it really comes down to our we have a very high, uh, rating from standards. And because of a double, a minus, which for a community of this size is the highest that we can get. Uh, we would actually have
to grow substantially as in size of population. And, uh, property, economic growth in order to have any of that change. So, um, what it really comes down to is the strong management practices and the
oversight of this council that has led to this high rating. So, um, I just want to make sure that that people are aware of that and that all the all the things that we do, they do matter. And, um, we do take
very serious, uh, the, our fiduciary responsibilities. And it's shown through these independent reviews. And this 3.23% is really good when you consider over the past two weeks, uh, interest rates on the ten year bond have actually moved up 10 to 15
basis points. So, uh, I was expecting a higher rate, not a lower rate. So this is a very, very good number. All right. If no further questions. All in favor of the motion, signify by saying aye. Aye, aye. Opposed? Nay. Motion carries. Item D is
a resolution authorizing the execution of DNR grant for a portion of Songbird Trail. In cooperation with Freeborn County. Job number 2411 city manager. Thank you. Honor. This spring, the city applied for and was awarded a $250,000 Minnesota
DNR Local Trail Grant. Grant pays towards the project, acknowledged by the City Council on June 22nd and awarded by the county board. The Freeborn County Board, on July 7th. The DNR has prepared this grant. Project number C 00925 four. This resolution
authorizes the Mayor and City Manager to sign the agreement. The first portion is proposed to be constructed are from Fountain Street to Highway 13, and then from Sunset Street to County Road 74, as well as for bridges. Engineering is recommending entering into this
agreement. Council move to approve. Your Honor motion by Councilor Baker. Is there a second? Second, Your Honor. Second by Councilor Anderson, any further discussion by the Council? Hearing none. All in favor of the motion signify by
saying aye. Aye, aye. Opposed? No. Motion carries. Item E, we are deferring to our next meeting so we can gather some further information and have discussion with some of the public on. I think that's all we need to do on that. So item F is the resolution approving
the conditional use permit for building additions and remodel at 906 Front Street, West. City manager. Thank you. Honor QuikTrip incorporated applied for conditional use permit for a 1911 square foot building addition and remodel of the existing retail convenience
store that allow for expansion of existing services, including fueling systems, food preparation and service areas, as well as restrooms. The B1 Neighborhood Business District states that all uses shall be permitted by Conditional Use permit, and all elements of the site development shall be
controlled within the Conditional Use Permit. The Planning Commission held a hearing on Tuesday, June 9th, 2026 and made the following findings. The application is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. The proposed project meets the conditions of the B1
neighborhood business district. The proposed project is compatible with the surrounding uses and will not negatively impact the public health, safety and welfare of the surrounding area. The Planning Commission recommends approval of the Conditional Use Permit with the following conditions. And I do believe that when you
make the motion that you you state, you wish to apply those conditions, a property boundary survey and minor subdivision combining all three lots into one shall be completed before final inspection or a certificate of occupancy is
issued. A landscape plan providing three three dimensional landscaping to the north and west side of the property shall be submitted before a building permit may be issued. Ground and or rooftop equipment shall be screened.
Trash enclosures are to be constructed with building with like building materials. All right. I would like a resolution then that that incorporates those conditions at the city Manager. Just read off for us. Is there a motion?
Your honor, I move that we approve that resolution with the conditions as set by the Planning Commission. Okay. Motion by Councilor Christensen. Is there a second? I'll second that. Your second by Councilor Herman. Any further discussion by the council? Councilor Christiansen. Just a comment, Your Honor, I
want to I'm excited. That QuikTrip is investing in the neighborhood, and I think it will be an attractive, uh, upgrade to their facility there. And I know it serves a lot of people. All right. Thank you. Any other discussion? All in favor of the
motion? Signify by saying aye. Aye aye. Opposed? No. Motion carries. Item G is a resolution accepting donations as presented to the City of Albert Lee, City Manager. I thank you, Your Honor. Staff recommends acceptance of the following donations as submitted for council review and approval. Uh, statewide
health Improvement Partnership, or also known as Schip, have provided uh, both youth Small and youth medium bike helmets at a value of $2,018.23. Council move to approve, Your Honor. Motion by Councillor Baker is
there a second, a second? Second. By Councilor Herman. Any further discussion? All in favor of the motion, signify by saying aye. Aye aye. Opposed? No. Motion carries. Item nine is mayor and council reports, and we'll start tonight. Ward
three. Councilor Herman. Thank you, Your Honor. I have a few things. Uh, I participated in the 3rd of July parade. I was supporting a local new business that started up in Albert Lee. July 4th. I attended the car show downtown. Uh, the car show had a great
turnout. The weather was excellent for the show. I also had a couple more complaints about the grass complaints down over on Madison. I spoke with, uh, City manager regarding that, uh, citizen's complaint regarding the sewer pipe that broke in his property. Uh, I
know the mayor had been working on that as well, and I know the citizen's complaint regarding, uh, illegal fireworks. The citizen would like the city to maybe publish something in May. Just informing people about illegal fireworks and the city ordinances of state ordinances
regarding fireworks. Because it's been a little obsessive. I think people are just celebrating the 250th, you know, longer than maybe what they should. But yeah, she's a little concerned about all the illegal fireworks. So I told her I'd bring it to the council. And that's all, Your
Honor. All right. Thank you. Ward two, Councilor Baker. Thank you, Your Honor. Um, I did have one worn item that I had presented to the city manager in between break. So, um, that'll be taken care of. Um, I don't have anything else except for tomorrow night. I
have a heritage Preservation Commission meeting. Um, so in the next meeting, I'll give a full report on that. With that, Your Honor. Uh, that'll be it. All right. Thank you. Ward one, Councilor Christensen. Thank you, Your Honor. Uh, well, let's see, uh, 3rd of
July parade was a fantastic event. Um, honestly, I can say this is the first time I've ever walked in the parade, and I had so much more fun than I ever would have expected. And of course, we had, uh, Dan Buettner and Ellen Kerr as our
co grand marshals, celebrating ten years since the blue zones was was first, um, that we were certified as a city. And Dan Buettner gave us some extra time. He drove in especially for this event and left
immediately after. But he did meet with a number of the people and talked and kind of was really interested in, in our community. What are we doing? What's working? How can I help you? And I loved that, that he was really concerned about how can he help Albert
Lee to do better. And one of the things I told him was, I want you to know that Albert Lee, ten years in your first certified city, is still committed to making this work and to giving it the staying power that it deserves because it's a great program. Um, since
then on Facebook, I've seen his posts about Albert Lee and it getting shared around the country. Probably the world, and we are known for this, and it's something that we get to continue to invest in. So anyway, I'm very excited about
that. Um, last Friday, a wonderful event at the The Broadway Event Center put on by the Albert Lee Freeborn County Foundation, together with the Saint Paul and Minnesota's foundation, uh, Sadie Flynn,
who's the chair of the local foundation, uh, worked to get this put together. And it was with the Minnesota Humanities Center. Um, and this Danger Boat productions. We we were
served a dinner, and this was open to the public for free. It was a great event. Lots of people showed up for this. And their actors would go around and listen to the conversations at these tables, and then they
created a skit about Albert Lee Freeborn County. And it was it was just hysterical, really. Everybody was so enjoying it. Um, one of the things that we didn't even talk about, Bryan, after the, uh, after they said, you know, anything that
surprised you? Their first skit was about how we talk over each other all the time, and it does tend to happen because of our decorum rules here at the council. We don't tend to talk over each other, which is kind of nice, but but we were all excited, and I think that shows
that there's a lot of people in our community who are so excited about our community. Anyway, thank you. Uh, Albert Lee Freeborn County Foundation, uh, and the Saint Paul and Minnesota Foundations. I also found out that they also do
lending. They do investing in businesses, including one of our local businesses. They've got a big investment in. And that's kind of an exciting thing that they're doing. Senior center meant, uh, the Planning Commission met, um,
and then finally we had last week lunch and learn here that's put on, uh, monthly by the library. And Brad Kirshner did a great job talking about the history of our commercial buildings, kind of pretty much Broadway. And, uh, he's such an
interesting presenter, and he had a great crowd. And and if you haven't made the luncheon learns, uh, check them out because they're very interesting. Thank you, Your Honor. All right. Thank you. Do you know, is that taped? Because I've had other people ask me that couldn't make it. Kushner's program. Yes. It was.
It's available. Okay, I'll have to pass that along to a few people, so. All right, Ward six, Councilor Anderson. Your honor, July 3rd. I was also at the reception. Blue zone reception that greeted Dan Buettner, and he had some inspiring words for us, especially. Like to thank Kathy for all the healthy blue zone quality snacks that they had
had vegetables to dip. We didn't even have ranch. We had to have. We had hummus because it was, yes, it had to be very healthy. That was good. Um, the 4th of July, the parade, the fireworks were great. I thought they were great. I just I finally found a place to watch them, kind of over by the, uh, blazing star landing. And I think that's what's happened
with a lot of folks. They're getting used to where they're going. The rain that we had after immediately after, I think, took everybody's fireworks. They planned lighting off that night. And I think Councilor Herman was talking about how it seemed like more this year, and I think it was just cause it was spread out. It was happening like every night, because people had all these left over
from the 4th of July. But I do think that that wouldn't be a bad idea to at least remind people of what the ordinance is. I'm not saying that everybody's going to follow it, but, uh, I went to the sketches and that was it was brilliant. It really was. It was. That was neat. Yeah. So they asked a bunch of questions that we discussed it as a table. The
comedians went around and listened in on our. And then they did a yeah, it was what is a sketch comedy or think it was improv. It was like an improv comedy show, and they were taking shots at our, you know, health care discussions that we have in this town. Obviously, we all know about that. And Katz got brought up a couple different times in the in the
comedy routine. And, um, and of course, our tendency to talk over people and the rock garden. I remember getting mentioned a couple times, they eat an ice cream. So somebody mentioned that, you know, the cool little area that we have down there. So yeah, it was was the epitome of an Albert Lee event. I hope if they come back
that they may even need a bigger venue because we had a pretty packed in there. But I think when people hear about it, they'll more, even more will show up. I don't have any word items. So, uh, you know, that's about it. Thank you, Your Honor. All right. Thank you. Ward five, councilor van Beek. Thank you, Your Honor. Um, 4th of July.
I did participate in the or July 3rd. I did participate in the parade along with ride for heroes. Um, the following day, I did run into Councilor Herman up at the car show, and that was a great turnout, great weather. Um, one ward item
that, uh, came up this past week. Uh, Chief Hansen already taken care of. So that's all I got. All right. Ward four, councilor Olsen. Yeah, we have a library board meeting coming up this week. Um. Just one word item. If I could have someone look into the
fountains. I hear they've been running all night since they've been kind of switched over, and that just kind of seems a little bit excessive to be running pumps and electricity all night long when probably most people aren't seeing them. So if we can just figure out a time, I think we used to close
them down at 9:00 before, but just get that back on a normal schedule instead of running continuously. I know the lights turn off at a certain time, but the fountains are still running all night. From what I've heard, and I stopped. I went out a couple weeks ago at about
2:00 in the morning, and they were. They were gone. And you can't see them, but you gotta you shine your lights just right. You can tell they were on. Thank you. All right. Thank you. Uh, my report on the 24th of June. I attended the all
thing clinic presentation out at the Northbridge Mall. And then on the 27th, I attended the Cary Good Nature Memorial golf tourney. That was very well attended. Uh, they've raised over a half million dollars of scholarships that they've given out for this community over the last 20
years. And so there and these are nice scholarships. They're like $3,000 apiece. So, um, they're helping a lot of kids go to college. Um, a few elite, a project update meetings during the last two weeks. And then we had our lead a board
meeting on Wednesday, the first and just talking again about projects that we're working on and trying to push a few more to fruition. Um, on Thursday, uh, the second I attended the, Thursdays on Fountain with Mia Lillian, and she was very well
received. Uh, what a great voice that Gail has. And and so that was a lot of fun that night. And the rain held off. We had a couple sprinkles about halfway through it, but, uh, we got through it just fine. And then on the 3rd of July, I also participated in the parade, and
I asked the superintendent to join me in. So I walked the back and backwards on the parade before it started introducing him to different people. And then we got to the start of the parade, and I introduced him to Dan Buettner, and they had a nice little talk about things going on with the
blue zones in the schools. Uh, so that was good to see. So, uh, that was nice of Buettner and, and the superintendent get together and have a little chat about that. Then on the fourth, I also attended the old car show. Uh, very well attended and, uh, nice, nice, uh, show
downtown again. Uh, 4th of July fireworks. I too enjoyed them. They I thought they were very good. So that was good to see. Um, and then also that weekend we had the community band playing in the gazebo, and we had a rock band playing downtown in front of the 112. So a lot of activities going on
for people. On Sunday the fifth, we had the boat parade and then also the Bayside Ski Show. So again, a lot of things for people in town to be doing. Uh, and then on the third, uh, today or the 13th today, we had the Alita interviews, uh, this morning looking for an
assistant executive director, and, uh, we did interview three candidates, and we did make an offer to a person we haven't heard back yet, but, uh, that is in the works. Uh, coming up, um, over the next week or two here in Albany. Crazy Days in
Albany begins this week, July 16th through the 18th. Check out all the deals downtown. Elbert Lee. Ours varies by stores. This week. Uh, Thursdays on Fountain on July 16th will feature the music of Holly day. Starts at 5:30 p.m. and movie in the park this week
is finding Dory and will be shown at the Aquatic Center parking lot on Friday, June 7th. July 17th, starting at 8 p.m. bring your own lawn chairs and blankets for an enjoyable show. Next week's Thursday on Fountain July 23rd. We'll feature Papa Papa playing a mix
of blues, jazz, rock and country. And then the stars mentoring fundraiser. This year will be at First Lutheran Church at 301 West Clark. The barbecue cookoff is Friday, July 24th from 530 to 730. It will be a Austin mayor versus
the younger mayor going against your mayor. Uh, for the best barbecue. So stop by vote early vote often for the best barbecue. Um, all donations will go to the stars mentoring program. And, uh, pretty cool thing here. Donations this year
will be matched up to $5,000, so enjoy some barbecue, come on down and vote and enjoy the fun. All right. With that, we'll move along to the city manager's report. City manager. Uh, thank you, Your Honor. Before we get to the item on the strategic plan, I just want
to give a quick update. Uh, I, too, also attended the interviews as, uh, community stakeholder as well as the, uh, community development director, Megan Bogue. Um, and personally, for myself, I was very pleased with the three candidates that we interviewed.
I mean, what a what a remarkable, uh, group of women that that, um, that were selected for the interviews, uh, today. And, um, and I'm sure it was a tough decision for the board, uh, to, to bring it down to a first selection.
So, uh, but, um, uh, much needed and, and, uh, we're also starting to work on the budget process. We last week we started some of our internal reviews of going through, uh, certain, uh, line items in the,
in the budget, um, a little early to try to figure out what, uh, what may be some of the potential impacts. Uh, we still have a lot going on in that everything from, uh, not knowing where we will finalize union contracts, not knowing
where we're going to end up with health care. Um, uh, with health care side, we do have some very positive, um, outlooks, but at the same point, we're also part of a pool. So, uh, someone else in the pool can also drag us down.
Um, and, uh, yeah, just continue to go through with staff over their budgets and they've, uh, clearly put a lot of effort into it. And it's been, uh, it has been very easy to work with them on that so far. We will have, um, I will be attending a workshop with
the, uh, county commissioners to go over tax forfeited properties and city's involvement and partnership with the county. Uh, later this month, we will have a joint city county meeting where we will discuss, uh, shared services and how we can best
serve our joint constituents and the larger area. And, uh, I want to thank all of our staff for their efforts over the 4th of July weekend and celebration. Uh, it has been, um, it's it's always, uh, a
very busy time. So everything from police department to our fire department, uh, and public works, everyone working in the heat, dealing with the crowds, uh, setting up the community for the event. Um, but then also another group I want to,
uh, recognize for their hard work this summer so far has been the recreation department. Uh, we've been down. The recreation manager, uh, for the last six months. And I know it hasn't always been easy. Uh, on on them and other staff, and,
um, I just want to thank them for their hard work because we're still getting these programs done. People are still using it, still enjoying, uh, what we have to offer. And, uh, it's because of their dedication and hard work. All right. Thank you. Thank you. And then you were going to go over the strategic plan also.
Get up on the screen. Um, I don't know if, uh, you know, I don't know how much council would like to discuss today. I kept the, the pretty brief. I was more of wanting to kind of discuss timeline. And then if there were any questions about mainly the, the mission and
vision statement, um, we had the meeting back in September and which it was staff and council at that time, uh, meeting. And we kind of set five primary goals. We talked about the mission and vision statement, uh, giving a lot of
good information to the consultant that was able to put it together. Uh, then the consultant met back with staff and we kept figuring out, okay, how do we how do we take what the council has said very broadly at a higher level and bring it to a more productive,
you know, a level that we can actually produce? And, and present to the public. So right now, the vision statement. Is a safe, beautiful and prosperous community where forward thinking growth creates
opportunity and affordable living is within reach. Albert Lea is where everyone feels welcome and accepted, and a place where everything you need is right here. Um, so that's that's the the general vision. That's sort of where if we were to take all the different aspects of what we were talking
about and were to combine it into a lengthy sentence, but still a singular sentence, a singular statement, um, that is what we came up with. Um, from that meeting. I think it's a slight variation from what was,
um, uh, the original vision statement from maybe 15, 20 years ago. And then the mission statement is Albert Lea will enhance the quality of life for current and future generations by delivering cost effective
services, fostering strategic collaboration, and purposely guiding growth through meaningful partnerships and long term planning. And I think when you get into some of the what we had set for the goals and what we'd be doing, I think a lot of it hits that. So I
think, again, a lot of what the council had discussed and what came up as the five main categories for the goals, uh, kind of again, all of that interplay with each other. So
the five goals and, uh, is finance, and I'm not going to go into the finer detail or the targets specifically, but one of the biggest questions of we could list all the things that we want to do is, but how do we accomplish these other goals in
a responsible and equitable way when it comes to thinking about city's finances? Because we could try to burn through our finances to meet certain demands right in this moment. But then would we have it for later? Or, you know, what would be some of the other negative
effects, uh, with, uh, drastic increases in taxes or, uh, utilities fees, etc.? So a lot of that was also big question throughout the entire process, as we also looked at the other four goals housing, new and
older homes, needing construction or rehabilitation to meet, to meet community and workforce needs. Uh, economic development again, that also plays into housing. All of these interplay with each other, uh, infrastructure and shovel ready sites was a big
issue. Uh, so how do we know our infrastructure is ready? How do we make shovel ready sites healthy community? Everything from what we're doing with blue zones to improve living conditions in general, and also maintaining the public's trust. How do we maintain our, you know, our
transparency, our sense of belonging? Uh, approachability? Um, and, uh, workforce. Uh, this was more internal. Uh, but the workforce is actually one of the key things that actually helps make the, the engine move
here. And so an internal process to attract and retain employees. And what's currently right now tough market, but also through that looking at creating efficiencies and making the city future ready for the future workforce. Uh,
coming in. So I think those were some key takeaways and, and basic summary of what we had listed in the in the five goals. And and staff. You know, there was a lot of like, how do we do this? How do we meet
this. Uh, um, discussions when it when it came to that. And again, um, you know, we still have more work to do, but I think that for the actual plan itself, the, the general
guidance, the 30,000 to 10,000, uh, foot view, uh, that's within this, um, I think it's it's near completion. Um, but I think we just have to have a little more discussion, make sure it definitely is hitting the targets we want. Uh,
primarily for the council. And, uh, so next steps is hand it out to staff, which I have done at least right now to the senior staff. I've, I have forwarded on to them. And then um, I would also like to hand it off to key committees. So
that way they can also review it because some of this could impact, uh, or, you know, may raise questions as to, okay, what is what is meant by this for like the planning Commission when it when it thinks about what these goals are maybe as it relates to housing. Uh, or economic
development, making shovel ready site or for Parks and rec. When we talk about blue zones and and creating a healthier community than I would like to, uh, reconvene for adoption, or at least continue discussion in August,
I don't want to try to say, well, in two weeks, let's be ready, because I'd also like to give time for some input from those committees, if they so choose to provide input. And then, uh, staff and consultant will finish, uh, the measurement matrix, which will
be very important because that's where we will say, okay, but we kind of have it listed out. But we'll start to then work on okay. What are the actual things that meet these goals. And then that way we can begin to, um, talk about
completion of the goals, like timelines. Um, and then more importantly, creating a system of continued monitoring and reporting back to the council and back to the public as it relates to the strategic plan. Where are we at? And I think
also when we look at the budget as we're coming up, we can also use this as a guide to help us with the budget as well. Does this even meet our strategic plan or not? As we make certain decisions about what to do? So,
um, that is that is where we're at. Um, like I said, I, I'm, I actually try to get this to you on Friday, but, uh, I still had a couple of minor edits to do. Uh, so I was only able to get that out to you via email this
morning, but, um, I would like to reconvene on it in August, if that is quite all right. And if there are any other comments, thoughts? Um, anything you might think I've missed at the moment, I'd love to hear it. Well, it's.
Everybody take some time to read this over and study it a little bit. Uh, write down some ideas, thoughts, whatever. And then, uh, let's listen to some of the other stakeholders and the staff and committees and see what they think of it. And then, like you said, reconvene in August to discuss it
further. Uh, any questions right now for the city manager on the strategic report? All right. Go ahead and read it over and come up with, uh, if we think this is where we want
to go for the next ten years. With that 20 years, I said ten. It's supposed to be 3 or 4. 0343. All right, it'll set the table
for the next town. Okay, okay, there we go. All right, there he goes. All right, we'll move along to item 11. Approval of claims A is a resolution approving claims. And one is the presentation of claims. Over 25,000. City manager. Thank you, Your Honor. We have
$25,368.75 to Motorola Solutions. This is video manager cloud storage for police vehicles, $27,432.54 to Freeborn County Co-op Oil. This is diesel fuel, $30,867.21 to
Homes Serve USA Corp. This is the water and sewer line protection plan for the month of June. $40,043.45 to Platinum Plumbing Solutions LLC. Payment estimate three for lead service line replacement project $47,293.84 to Mid Way Forward
Company. This is a 2026 Ford F-350 for the Parks Department. 500 or excuse me, $50,000 for Swash 232 LLC. This is the Broadway Ridge grant. Uh, approval $63,793.30 to make
incorporated for the wastewater treatment. Preliminary engineering plans, $80,711.29 to H&M Underground Solutions. This has led service line replacement project payment estimate number nine $225,818.84 to Southwest
Service Cooperative. This is health insurance, approximately 87% employer, 13%, employee $245,076.47. To Jensen Excavating and Trucking. Payment estimate three for Saint Marion, 14th Street
reconstruction $312,622.60 to Wabasha Construction Company. Payment estimate 23 for preliminary treatment facility design and construction. Uh $313,050.65 to icon, LLC. Payment estimate number one for
Saint Valley and Marshall Street reconstruction $715,934.73 to Bond Trust Services. Corporation for interest payments on bonds. Council move to approve. Your Honor. Motion. My counselor. Baker. Is there a second?
I'll second. Your second by Councilman Herman. Any further discussion? All in favor of the motion, signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? No. Motion carries. Item 12 is closed session. We are going to go into a closed session and talk about selling
or purchasing property under section 13 D .05, subsection C3C3. Uh, is there a motion to go into closed session? I'll make that motion. Motion by Councilor Baker. Is there a second second. Second by Councilor Anderson. All in
favor of the motion signify by saying aye. Aye aye. Opposed? Nay. Motion carries. We are now in closed session.