Albany public meetings in 2020
27 substantive meetings from 2020, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Council
The Albany City Council approved a $1,232,000 bond refunding for the 2013 Railroad Avenue improvements, adopted the 2021 tax levy of $1,068,428, and authorized the purchase of a new snowplow truck. They also approved several routine items including personnel policy, appointments, and a lot split for a golf course building.
- Approved Resolution 2020-37 authorizing $1,232,000 general obligation refunding bonds, Series 2021A
- Approved Resolution 2020-35 setting 2021 tax levy at $1,068,428
- Directed negotiation to trade in 1999 Sterling snowplow for a 2020 Mack demo truck (est. $210,000)
- Approved lot split at 440 Church Avenue for golf course driving range building
- Decertified TIF District 13, returning $41,039 to Stearns County
City Council
The Albany City Council held public hearings and approved a resolution for the 2021 Capital Improvement Project (street and utility reconstruction, estimated at nearly $1.8 million), adopted the 2021 Schedule of Fees and Charges (including a new water access flat fee for inactive accounts), and discussed the proposed 2021 budget and levy (a 13.45% increase to $1,068,428). The council also approved hiring a part-time patrol officer, a revised Administrative Assistant job description, and the sale of surplus chairs. The budget and levy resolution will be considered at the December 16 meeting.
- Approved Resolution 2020-33 ordering 2021 street and utility improvements (est. $1.8M)
- Adopted Ordinance 2020-01, 2021 Schedule of Fees and Charges, effective Jan 1, 2021
- Discussed 2021 levy increase to $1,068,428 (13.45% increase from 2020)
- Approved hiring a part-time patrol officer and $1.00/hour FTO pay increase
- Accepted $50 bid from Albany Pioneer Club for surplus chairs
City Council
The Albany City Council held a public hearing on the Lake Avenue, 3rd-5th Street, and Church Avenue street and utility reconstruction project, estimated at nearly $1.8 million, but continued it to December 2 due to technical issues with the live stream. The Council also certified 11 unpaid water bills as special assessments, approved a final payment for the 2019 7th Street project, and discussed sewer infiltration findings.
- Public hearing continued for $1.8M Lake Avenue/3rd-5th/Church Ave reconstruction
- Certified 11 unpaid water bills totaling $3,537.90 to Stearns County for 2021 collection
- Approved final payment of $57,118.85 to C & L Excavating for 2019 7th Street project
- Discussed Phase II sewer monitoring ($6,500) to identify infiltration sources
- Approved lawful gambling raffle applications for Albany Area Gymnastics and Albany Lions Club
City Council
The Albany Municipal Canvassing Board met to ratify the results of the November 3, 2020 municipal election. The board approved the election outcomes, including the re-election of Mayor Tom Kasner and the election of John R. Harlander and Keith Heitzman to the City Council. The meeting was procedural, focused solely on certifying the election results.
- Ratified election results: Mayor Tom Kasner (1,138 votes) re-elected
- Councilors elected: John R. Harlander (773 votes) and Keith Heitzman (641 votes)
- Total voter turnout: 1,500 out of 1,592 registered voters
- 690 absentee/mail ballots accepted
- Meeting held at 400 Railroad Avenue, Albany, MN
City Council
The Albany City Council approved a preliminary engineering report for the 1st Street and Railroad Avenue intersection improvements, directed upgrades to the water treatment plant's radio communication system and water tower controller, and authorized the purchase of property for the golf club. They also certified an unpaid lawn mowing charge as a special assessment and scheduled a special meeting to canvass election results.
- Resolution 2020-30: preliminary engineering report for 1st Street & Railroad Avenue (TH238) intersection improvements
- Water treatment plant radio system and water tower controller replacement estimated at $23,000+/-
- Wastewater pond valve replacement estimated at $6,000+/-
- Resolution 2020-31: purchase of ~1,250 sq ft from Adam and Shannon Wander for golf club building
- Certified $250 unpaid lawn mowing charge at 347 Countryside Lane as special assessment
City Council
The Albany City Council approved a resolution to receive an engineering report and call a public hearing for a proposed 2021 capital improvement project on Lake Avenue and adjacent streets, with an estimated cost of $1,716,294. The council also authorized a $8,760.39 payment for the 2020 Capital Improvement Project, approved two final Small Business Relief Program applications totaling $9,716, and authorized the purchase of a new squad car with CARES Act funds. Other actions included approving a grant agreement with Stearns County for COVID-19 relief funds, a raffle permit for Women of Today, and setting a public hearing for unpaid water bills.
- Resolution 2020-28: Preliminary engineering report for 2021 Capital Improvements ($1,716,294) on Lake Avenue, Church Avenue, and 2nd Street; public hearing set for Nov. 18
- Payment Voucher No. 6 to Breitbach Construction Company for $8,760.39 for 2020 Capital Improvement Project
- Approved final two Small Business Relief Program applications totaling $9,716 (total program funds $214,555)
- Authorized purchase of 2020 Dodge Charger squad car (~$28,000) with CARES Act funds
- Approved Resolution 2020-29 for Women of Today raffle on Jan. 29, 2021
City Council
The Albany City Council approved funding for a Small Business Relief Program using CARES Act funds, with grants up to $15,000 per business, contingent on Stearns County providing additional funds. They also discussed a potential intersection improvement project, approved a lawful gambling permit for a church raffle, and authorized the city attorney to prosecute ordinance violations.
- Approved up to $204,839 for Small Business Relief Program grants (up to $15,000 per business), contingent on Stearns County adding $104,849
- Discussed potential improvements to 1st Street and Railroad Avenue intersection, with construction possible in 2021 or 2022
- Approved Resolution 2020-26 for Church of Seven Dolors raffle on January 16, 2021
- Approved Resolution 2020-27 authorizing Jovanovich, Dege, & Athmann to prosecute ordinance violations
- Authorized mayor to sign liability waiver form, not waiving tort liability limits
City Council
The Albany City Council will meet to consider the 2021 proposed budget and a resolution authorizing a preliminary engineering report for street and utility improvements on Lake Avenue and Church Avenue. The council will also discuss a cross access easement with Unity Family Healthcare and hear reports from city staff and boards.
- Resolution 2020-25 authorizing preliminary engineering report for 2021 Lake Avenue and Church Avenue improvements
- 2021 proposed budget and recommendation to certify 2020 property tax levy for payable 2021 taxes
- Cross Access Easement and Encroachment Easement between City of Albany and Unity Family Healthcare
- Golf Club check book register and Public Works activity report
- Open forum for public comment (3-5 minutes max)
City Council
The Albany City Council approved three construction payment vouchers totaling $327,679.65, vacated a drainage and utility easement for a new home, and discussed a revised design for the 1st Street and Railroad Avenue intersection. The Council also approved a COVID-19 small business grant program and the 2021 preliminary budget discussion.
- Approved Payment Voucher No. 8 to C & L Excavating for $108,694.95
- Approved Payment Voucher No. 5 to Breitbach Construction for $218,964.32
- Approved Payment Voucher No. 3 to Design Electric for $12,020.40
- Vacated a drainage and utility easement for Deborah L. Hagemeier Revocable Trust
- Approved COVID-19 Emergency Grant Program with $100,000 maximum funds
Planning Commission
The Albany Planning Commission voted to recommend that the City Council sell a 11,526-square-foot railbank property to Bryan D. Schiffler for $14,400 and purchase a 0.23-acre lot from Mother of Mercy Campus of Care for $15,000 on behalf of the Albany Golf Club. The commission also discussed a request to amend zoning ordinances to allow detached garages in front yards but advised the property owner to seek a variance instead. These recommendations were made to the City Council for final decision.
- Recommendation to sell 11,526 sq ft property at 21825 County Road 54 to Bryan D. Schiffler for $14,400.
- Recommendation to purchase 0.23-acre lot from Mother of Mercy Campus of Care for $15,000 for Albany Golf Club.
- Discussion of zoning ordinance Section 80.05 regarding front-yard accessory structures.
- Advice to property owner to apply for a variance rather than amending the zoning ordinance.
City Council
The Albany City Council approved several items including a $15,000 purchase of land adjacent to the Albany Golf Club, authorization for Stantec to install sewer monitoring devices at an estimated cost of $6,000, and one-year 2AM liquor license renewals for two local establishments. The Council also discussed a county ditch flooding report, future capital improvement projects, and heard public complaints about speeding and noise.
- Approved Resolution 2020-24 authorizing purchase of Lot 8, Auditor's Subdivision No. 3 for $15,000
- Authorized Stantec to install micro monitoring devices in sanitary sewer (Phase I - 5 locations) at cost of $6,000+/-
- Approved one-year 2AM liquor license renewals for Rookies Sports Bar and Shady's Hometown Tavern
- Approved two-year Stearns County Criminal Prosecution Contract renewal for 2021-2022 at $13,500/year
- Approved one-day Temporary On-Sale Liquor license for Holy Family School Fall Fest at Jaycee Shelter
City Council
The Albany City Council approved several expenditures, including a $356,407.03 payment for the 2020 Capital Improvement Project, a $485,507 fire engine purchase, and a resolution to use $204,323 in CARES Act funds for COVID-19 expenses. They also discussed future street reconstruction and appointed the police chief as Emergency Management Director.
- Approved Payment Voucher No. 4 for $356,407.03 to Breitbach Construction for 2020 Capital Improvement Project
- Supported Fire Board's purchase of new engine (pumper) for $485,507, with $198,911 loan from Stearns Electric at 1.625% interest
- Approved CARES Act resolution to spend $204,323 on COVID-19 expenditures, including $500-$7,500 grants for small businesses
- Appointed Police Chief Ozzie Carbajal as Emergency Management Director with $1,000 annual salary
- Authorized $4,800 vinyl plank flooring for police office
Fire Board
The Albany Area Fire Board will meet to approve minutes, hear updates on outstanding invoices and call numbers, and discuss the fire chief's report, which includes a proposed 2021 budget, a $10,000 donation for a new engine, and a FEMA application. The meeting is scheduled for July 30, 2020, at the Albany Fire Hall.
- Proposed 2021 budget presented by Fire Chief Gary Winkels
- $10,000 donation from Albany Mutual Telephone for Engine No. 2 replacement
- Apparatus and equipment replacement schedule, including engine replacement
- Update on FEMA application
- 19th Annual Blattner's Family Foundation Golf Tournament on August 10th
City Council
The Albany City Council held a public hearing and adopted the final assessment roll for the 2020 Capital Improvements project, which includes reconstruction of streets, utilities, and sidewalks. The council also approved permits for a car show and an outdoor band with COVID-19 safety restrictions, and discussed a proposed large gatherings ordinance. Several other administrative items were handled, including a change order, a variance extension, and an encroachment agreement.
- Adopted Resolution 2020-22 for final assessments totaling $407,000 for 2020 Capital Improvements (8th Street, Midland, Forest, Lake, Albany Avenues, and Shamrock Lane sidewalk)
- Approved change order #1 for $25,436.39 for Shamrock Lane/8th Street sidewalk
- Approved Albany Chrysler Center Car Show (July 31) and Shady's Hometown Tavern outdoor band (Aug 1) with COVID-19 restrictions (25% capacity, max 250 people)
- Accepted resignation of Patrol Officer Andrew Gravdahl effective Aug 31
- Approved one-year extension for variance for detached garage at 241 6th Street
City Council
The City Council reviewed various community activities for the upcoming Heritage Day on August 1st, deciding not to issue a Large Gathering Permit for a parade or approve a temporary liquor license. The Council approved fireworks at the Albany Golf course and a bean bag tournament contingent on a COVID-19 preparedness plan.
- Approved $354,415.55 payment to Breitbach Construction Company for capital improvement projects
- Denied Large Gathering Permit for parade and activities at 400 Railroad Avenue
- Denied Albany Lions Club request for a Temporary On-Sale Liquor license for August 1st
- Approved street closure on 5th Street for Bean Bag Tournament, pending a COVID-19 plan
- Adopted amendment to Ordinance 71 regarding animal impoundment procedures
City Council
The Albany City Council will convene for a regular meeting to act on routine items including bill payments, minutes, and public comments. Key business includes renewing annual liquor and cigarette licenses, and hearing the City Engineer's presentation on pay applications for street reconstruction projects and a water meter installation update. The council will also receive updates on state grant applications and an interim use permit request from Albany Recycling Center.
- 2020-2021 Annual Liquor and Cigarette License renewals
- Pay application #7 for 2019 7th St. Reconstruction Improvements ($43,830.75)
- Pay application #2 for 2020 8th St. Reconstruction Improvements
- 2020 Water Meter Installation update
- Albany Recycling Center interim use permit public hearing
City Council
The Albany City Council approved measures to help restaurants and bars reopen with outdoor dining, including temporary sidewalk seating and alcohol service extensions, and passed a resolution requesting relief from Governor Walz's COVID-19 executive orders. The council also approved a sidewalk improvement project, a land purchase, and other routine items.
- Approved temporary outdoor dining permits for restaurants and bars, expiring November 1, 2020
- Passed Resolution 2020-16 requesting relief from Governor Walz's COVID-19 executive orders
- Approved Resolution 2020-17 for Shamrock Lane/8th Street sidewalk improvements, estimated cost $29,760
- Approved $31,286.74 payment to Breitbach Construction for 2020 Capital Improvement Project
- Authorized purchase of MnDOT railbank property for $14,400 and resale to Lucky of Albany, LLC
City Council
The Albany City Council heard from local small business owners who plan to reopen on May 18 despite the governor's COVID-19 orders. The council directed staff to prepare a letter to Governor Walz and a resolution supporting small businesses for the May 20 meeting. They also decided not to spend funds on shoreline vegetation management this year and approved a preliminary engineering report for sidewalk improvements.
- Letter to Governor Walz urging reopening of small businesses
- Resolution supporting small businesses to be considered May 20
- No funds for North Lake shoreline vegetation management in 2020
- Resolution 2020-15: preliminary engineering report for Shamrock Lane & 8th Street sidewalk improvements
- Newsletter to be inserted in Star Post for zip code 56307
City Council
The Albany City Council will hold a regular meeting on April 1, 2020, to discuss financing options for the 2020 8th Street Capital Improvement Project, receive updates on the North Lake shoreline and sewer monitoring, and consider amendments to solar subscription agreements. The agenda also includes a request from the Great River Regional Library to offer curbside pickup and a report on the 2019 misdemeanor prosecution contract. The meeting will follow social distancing guidelines due to COVID-19.
- Discuss financing options for 2020 8th Street CIP Improvements with financial consultant Jason Murray
- Update on 2009 North Lake shoreline conservation improvements
- Update on Infiltration and Inflow monitoring device for sanitary sewer system
- Novel Energy Solutions, LLC - Amendment #1 to Subscription Agreements #1 and #2 (adding new premises)
- Request by Great River Regional Library to offer curbside pick-up of library materials and online programs
City Council
The Albany City Council declared a local emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, authorizing staff to limit access to City Hall and suspend certain procedures. The council also awarded a $1,364,781.28 contract to Breitbach Construction for the 2020 8th Street Reconstruction Improvements, and approved a water meter replacement project with Dakota Supply Group for $347,852. Other actions included accepting a bid for a surplus snowplow truck and approving a raffle permit for the Albany Lions.
- Resolution 2020-11 declared a local emergency due to COVID-19, authorizing suspension of normal procedures
- Awarded $1,364,781.28 contract to Breitbach Construction for 8th Street Reconstruction (low bid, 12.7% below estimate)
- Awarded $347,852 contract to Dakota Supply Group for water meter replacement (AMR dual-band, migratable to AMI)
- Approved sale of 1994 Ford snowplow truck to Herdering, Inc. for $9,750
- Approved Minnesota lawful gambling permit for Albany Lions raffle on August 1, 2020
Economic Development Authority
The Albany Economic Development Authority met and approved a recommendation to the City Council for a Commercial Rehabilitation Deferred Loan/Grant for Montessori on Main, located at 521 Railroad Avenue. The grant, up to $24,999, will reimburse building improvements including asbestos abatement, new electric, HVAC, and a front door. The recommendation includes conditions such as removing the awning and replacing painted wood with decorative metal. The loan will be forgiven after seven years if ownership is maintained.
- Commercial Rehabilitation Deferred Loan/Grant for Montessori on Main, 521 Railroad Avenue, up to $24,999
- Building improvements: asbestos abatement, new electric, new HVAC, front door, estimated $59,000+
- Conditions: remove awning, replace painted wood with decorative metal, remove pop machine, paint metal roof cap if possible
- Loan forgiven after seven years if ownership maintained; Deferred Loan Payment Agreement to be executed
- Recommendation to Council for approval
City Council
The Albany City Council approved several items, including a zoning text amendment to allow massage therapy and beauty/barber salons in the M2 district, the sale of city-owned railbank property for economic development, and a $16,000 promissory note to the Albany Golf Club for a new lawn mower. They also approved a lawful gambling permit for bar bingo at Rookies Sports Bar and discussed fire department operations, including a potential new fire truck.
- Approved Resolution 2020-06 for a lawful gambling permit for bar bingo at Rookies Sports Bar, 481 Railroad Avenue
- Approved zoning text amendment to add massage therapy and beauty/barber salon as permitted uses in M2 district
- Approved sale of 26,966 sq. ft. MnDOT railbank property west of 8th Street and north of Lake Wobegon Trail
- Approved $16,000 promissory note to Albany Golf Club at 1% interest over 5 years for a Toro lawn mower
- Approved Resolution 2020-05 for a lawful gambling exempt permit for a raffle at Albany Golf Club on June 22nd
Fire Board
The Albany Area Fire Board will meet to approve minutes, hear updates from the fire chief and treasurers, and discuss the 2020 capital equipment schedule, fire/rescue call charges, and a request to increase the defined contribution for the relief association. The agenda includes reports on operations, training, a FEMA grant application, and an ISO survey.
- 2020 Capital Equipment Schedule presentation
- Request to increase defined contribution for Albany Fire Department Relief Association
- 2019 FEMA Grant application update
- October 2019 ISO Public Protection Classification Survey
- Donation from 2019 Blattner Family Foundation golf fundraiser
Planning Commission
The Albany Planning Commission held a public hearing and voted to recommend a zoning text amendment allowing massage therapy and beauty/barber salons as permitted uses in the M2 Industrial, Commercial, and Business District. The commission also recommended allowing driveway access to Albany Avenue for Trails Edge subdivision lots, selling city-owned railbank property for redevelopment, and discussed a new water meter system and other projects.
- Recommended zoning text amendment to add massage therapy and beauty/barber salon as permitted uses in M2 District (Section 80.23, Subd. 1)
- Recommended allowing driveway access to Albany Avenue for Trails Edge subdivision lots, with property owner paying for installation and maintenance
- Recommended selling city-owned property west of 81st Street and north of Lake Wobegon Trail for redevelopment at no less than the 2013 purchase price ($32,700)
- Discussed Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system for water meters, estimated cost $475,000, with council approval possible in March
- Discussed Verizon installing three 5G antennas on street light poles on Railroad Avenue and in City Hall parking lot
City Council
The Albany City Council approved plans and specifications for the 2020 Capital Improvements Project, which includes full reconstruction of several streets and utilities, and ordered advertisement for bids. The council also approved an event permit for the Jaycees' Ice Cup Golf Challenge, a 3.2% off-sale malt liquor license for Albany Holiday, and received reports from the library, police, and public works. No action was taken on a township notice regarding a conditional use permit for a temporary concrete plant.
- Approved Resolution 2020-04 for 2020 Capital Improvement Project (street and utility reconstruction on 8th Street, Midland Avenue, Forest Avenue, Lake Avenue, Albany Avenue)
- Approved event permit for Albany Area Jaycees' Ice Cup Golf Challenge on North Lake, February 29
- Approved 3.2% off-sale malt liquor license for Albany Holiday, 800 Shamrock Lane, until June 30, 2020
- Received six proposals for Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system and water meter replacement; summary to be presented February 19
- Approved electronic payments and checks for city bills and Albany Golf Club
City Council
The Albany City Council adopted Resolution 2020-02 to order improvements for a nearly $2 million street and utility reconstruction project. The project covers sections of 8th Street, Midland Avenue, Forest Avenue, Lake Avenue, and Albany Avenue, including new sidewalks, water, sewer, and storm sewer lines. Property owners will pay assessments over 15 years, and the Council also passed a resolution supporting telecommuter forward certification.
- Resolution 2020-02 adopted to order street and utility reconstruction on 8th, Midland, Forest, Lake, and Albany Avenues
- Estimated project cost is nearly $2 million, with assessments payable over 15 years
- Resolution 2020-03 adopted to support telecommuting opportunities and telecommuter forward certification
- City approved 2020 Personnel Policy and appointed Sharon Timp as an election judge
- Notice given of a Stearns County Planning Commission hearing to rezone 4.26 acres at Albany Recycling Center from Commercial to Industrial
City Council
The Albany City Council approved a new pay equity salary range program to replace the current step system, authorized the City Clerk to pay claims up to $5,000, and appointed election judges for the 2020 elections. They also discussed the upcoming AMI water meter system RFP, snow removal issues on Railroad Avenue, and approved the 2020 appointments.
- Approved Pay Equity Salary Ranges program
- Resolution 2020-01 delegating authority to pay claims up to $5,000
- Appointed election judges for 2020 elections, including Head Judge Rita Stenlund at $13/hr
- Discussed RFP for Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system, due Jan 31
- Directed letter to Railroad Avenue residents about snow removal changes