Albany public meetings in 2021
24 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Council
The City Council will hold a public hearing to discuss sidewalk improvements at 8th Street and Shamrock Lane. The meeting also includes reviews of the 2022 budget, property tax levies, and wastewater discharge permits.
- Public hearing for 8th Street and Shamrock Lane sidewalk improvements (estimated cost $71,210)
- Resolution 2021-30 approving the 2022 Budget and 2021 property tax levy
- Resolution 2021-31 decertification of Tax Increment District No. 6
- Proposed 3-year Kraft-Heinz Wastewater Discharge Permit No. 2022-01
- Reappointment of Jon Stueve (Planning Commission), Tom Kasner (EDA), and Ross Voit (Park Board)
City Council
The Albany City Council approved the 2022 Schedule of Fees and Charges, including a 4% water/sewer rate increase and a credit card fee, and heard a public hearing on the proposed 2022 budget and property tax levy. The council also approved a variance for a garage addition, set a public hearing for sidewalk improvements, and approved a public works employee for full-time status.
- Approved Ordinance 2021-01: 2022 Schedule of Fees and Charges, with 4% water/sewer rate increase and credit card fee
- Public hearing held on 2022 budget: proposed levy $1,093,413, a 2.43% increase from 2021
- Approved variance for Jon Siegle, 131 1st Street, to build garage closer than 10 feet to accessory structure
- Adopted Resolution 2021-29 calling public hearing for 8th Street and Shamrock Lane sidewalk improvements
- Approved Kurt Beuning to full-time public works status
Planning Commission
The Albany Planning Commission held a public hearing and voted unanimously to recommend a variance allowing a garage at 131 1st Street to be built five feet from an existing accessory structure, rather than the required ten feet. The commission also received updates on capital improvement projects, including road work on Lake Avenue and Midland Avenue, and discussed the potential redevelopment of the former hospital site by Albany Area Schools.
- Variance approved for Jon Siegle at 131 1st Street to build a 26’ x 36’ garage with breezeway five feet from an existing detached accessory structure
- Update on 2021 Lake Avenue/Church Avenue improvements, with final bituminous wear course expected in June 2022
- 2022 Midland Avenue and 1st Street/Railroad Avenue intersection improvements are in design, with bidding expected in January 2022
- Albany Area Schools is considering remodeling the former hospital/clinic site at 300 3rd Avenue for preschool and early childhood programming
- City-owned vacant lot at 1st Street and Railroad Avenue (18,945 sq.ft.) may be sold as surplus property in the future
City Council
The Albany City Council held public hearings and approved resolutions for the 2022 Capital Improvements project, which includes street, sewer, and water main work on Midland Avenue and several side streets, with an estimated cost of nearly $2.5 million. The council also certified unpaid utility bills and a forfeited lot as special assessments, approved a bid for the Golf View Lift Station Improvements, and designated the 2022 polling place.
- Approved Resolution 2021-27 ordering improvements and directing plans for Midland Avenue and adjacent streets (estimated $2.5M)
- Certified unpaid water bill at 510 9th Street ($1,263.18) as special assessment
- Certified forfeited lot at 115 Whispering Oaks Dr. ($15,891.44) as special assessment with installment option
- Approved low bid of $168,850 from Liberty Electric for Golf View Lift Station Improvements
- Authorized $7,800 survey for Shamrock Lane right-of-way parcels
City Council
The Albany City Council approved a $49,900 contract with Civic Systems, LLC to replace the city's outdated accounting software, contingent on review by the city administrator and attorney. They also approved a three-year audit fee quote from Schlenner Wenner & Co, the 2022 City Employee Personnel Policy, and a $850 transportation contract renewal with Tri-County Action Program. Updates were given on the former hospital redevelopment, capital improvements, and the new fire engine.
- Approved $49,900 Civic Systems software quote
- Approved three-year audit fees from Schlenner Wenner & Co ($30,600-$32,500/year)
- Approved 2022 City Employee Personnel Policy
- Approved $850 transportation contract with Tri-County Action Program
- Noted public hearing on We B Farming rezoning request (62.9 acres)
City Council
The Albany City Council approved an ordinance amendment ending dog registration fees, received an engineering report for a $2.5 million capital improvement project on Midland Avenue, and approved designs for a lift station upgrade. They also authorized a snow removal agreement and approved several lawful gambling and liquor license applications for local fundraisers.
- Ordinance No. 71 amendment revoking dog registration and tag requirements, effective upon publication
- Resolution 2021-24: preliminary engineering report for 2022 Capital Improvements on Midland Avenue between 1st and 6th Streets, with public hearing set for Nov 18
- Approved design for Golf View Drive lift station improvements, estimated $135,000, to be bid to city-approved contractors
- Authorized snow removal services agreement with Custom Waste Irrigation for Railroad Avenue
- Approved temporary on-sale liquor license and lawful gambling permits for Holy Family School and Albany Women of Today fundraisers
City Council
The Albany City Council approved the final payment voucher for the 2021 Capital Improvement Project, discussed delinquent water bill collections, and directed staff to prepare an ordinance amendment to end annual dog registration. The council also authorized the mayor to execute a property sale agreement for the Baymont Inn & Suites and voted not to waive municipal tort liability limits.
- Approved Payment Voucher No. 5 to Breitbach Construction Company for $51,869.81
- Directed collection of delinquent water bills, with possible special assessment in 2022
- Directed preparation of ordinance amendment to discontinue annual dog registration effective Jan 1, 2022
- Authorized mayor to execute Assignment and Assumption of Liability Agreement for Baymont Inn & Suites, 820 Shamrock Lane
- Voted not to waive monetary limits on municipal tort liability for 2022
City Council
The Albany City Council approved a preliminary 2022 property tax levy of $1,093,413, a 2.34% increase, and set December dates for public hearing and final adoption. They also directed the city engineer to prepare a preliminary engineering report for 2022 capital improvements on Midland Avenue and connecting streets, and discussed reconstruction of County Highway #157 (Railroad Avenue) with a sidewalk extension.
- Approved preliminary 2022 tax levy of $1,093,413 (2.34% increase)
- Resolution 2021-23: preliminary engineering report for 2022 capital improvements (Midland Avenue, 2nd-5th Streets)
- Directed engineer to inform county of desired improvements for County Highway #157 (Railroad Avenue) including sidewalk extension to Lake Wobegon Trail
- Approved payment of city bills (checks 71265-71309) and Albany Golf Club checks (39960-40000)
- Public comment on North Lake and traffic noise on Railroad Avenue
City Council
The Albany City Council discussed the proposed 2022 budget, including a 2.34% general levy increase and an 11% debt service levy increase, and heard a financial consultant's analysis of financing the estimated $2.2 million Midland Avenue reconstruction. The council also discussed potential North Lake improvements and county road reconstruction, but took no action on these items. The council approved electronic payments and bills, and established a $100 annual cap for reimbursing the city administrator's personal vehicle insurance premium increase.
- Proposed 2022 budget includes 2.34% general levy increase and 11% debt service levy increase
- Discussed financing for estimated $2.2 million Midland Avenue reconstruction improvements
- Discussed North Lake improvements including dredging and trails; no action taken
- Discussed County Highway #157 (Railroad Avenue) reconstruction; no action taken
- Approved $100/year cap for city administrator's personal vehicle insurance premium reimbursement
City Council
The Albany City Council approved several construction payments and a request to vacate a drainage easement in Whispering Oaks at Two River. The Council also adopted new police department policies and a resolution regarding employee cell phone stipends.
- Approved $250,235.01 payment to Breitbach Construction Company for 2021 Capital Improvement Project
- Approved $39,257.63 final payment to Breitbach Construction Company for 2020 Capital Improvement Project
- Approved vacation of a drainage and utility easement at Whispering Oaks at Two River
- Adopted new Police Department policies for Public Assembly and Allegations of Misconduct
- Passed Resolution 2021-22 establishing a $40/mo. cell phone stipend for certain city employees
City Council
The Albany City Council approved a temporary liquor license for Holy Family School's fall festival, authorized a topographical survey for a potential 2022 street reconstruction project, and directed staff to review water rates with a financial consultant. The council also accepted a police officer's resignation and approved a property lot combination for redevelopment.
- Approved temporary on-sale liquor license for Holy Family School fall festival, Oct. 2
- Authorized Stantec to begin topographical survey for Midland Avenue reconstruction (1st–6th St) and discuss financing
- Directed staff to contact David Drown Associates to review water rate structure; water tower painting estimated near $800,000
- Accepted resignation of part-time Patrol Officer Gabriel Welchert
- Approved Certificate of Compliance to combine three lots at 20 Railroad Ave into one parcel
City Council
The Albany City Council approved several routine items, including a $131,377.99 payment to Breitbach Construction for the 2020 Capital Improvement Project, the hiring of a new full-time patrol officer, and a $100,000 transfer to the debt service fund due to restored state aid. They also discussed drought conditions and a potential county road project.
- Approved Payment Voucher No. 8 for $131,377.99 to Breitbach Construction Company for the 2020 Capital Improvement Project
- Hired Carter Fish as full-time Patrol Officer in the Albany Police Department
- Approved transfer of $100,000 from general fund to debt service fund due to no LGA reduction
- Approved 2AM license renewal for Shady's Hometown Tavern & Events Center
- Approved administrative subdivision of Lot 7, Block 5, Whispering Oaks at Two River
City Council
The Albany City Council held its regular July 7, 2021 meeting, approving routine payments, a police department policy package, a $436,831.80 construction payment, and a 10-year gas franchise for CenterPoint Energy. The council also approved event permits for Heritage Day, including a bean bag tournament, pull-tabs, and fireworks, and accepted donations for police radios and park repairs.
- Approved Payment Voucher No. 3 for $436,831.80 to Breitbach Construction for the 2021 Capital Improvement Project
- Adopted Resolution 2021-20 adopting police department policies, including body worn camera policies
- Adopted Ordinance 2021-01 granting CenterPoint Energy a 10-year gas franchise
- Approved Heritage Day permits: Rookies Sports Bar bean bag tournament on 5th Street, New Munich Jaycees pull-tabs, and Premier Pyrotechnics fireworks on the golf course
- Accepted $5,000 donation from Albany Jaycees for police portable radios and $4,000 for North Park trail repairs
City Council
The Albany City Council approved an orderly annexation agreement with Albany Township, authorized a $61,000 engineering contract for the Golf View Drive Lift Station rehabilitation, hired a new patrol officer, and approved several licenses and lot combinations. The meeting also included updates on capital projects and water usage.
- Approved Resolution 2021-18 for orderly annexation of 38,975 sq. ft. at 20 Railroad Avenue, with payments in lieu of taxes: $181 (2021), $362/year (2022-2025)
- Authorized $61,000 Professional Services Agreement with Stantec for Golf View Drive Lift Station rehabilitation
- Hired Carter Fish as full-time Patrol Officer contingent on employment requirements
- Approved off-sale 3.2% malt liquor license renewal for Albany Holiday (July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2022)
- Approved temporary on-sale liquor license for Church of Seven Dolors bazaar on August 8
City Council
The Albany City Council approved multiple liquor license renewals, a one-day beer license for a car show, and large gathering permits for the car show and Heritage Day. They also approved a petition for annexation of railroad property for future redevelopment, vacated a drainage and utility easement, and authorized a $243,899.85 payment for the 2021 Capital Improvement Project. The meeting included a discussion on a new speed limit on County Road 157 and a complaint about barking dogs.
- Approved liquor license renewals for on-sale, off-sale, club, and cigarette licenses for 2021-2022
- Approved one-day 3.2% malt liquor license for Albany American Legion Car Show on July 30
- Approved Large Gathering Permits for Albany Chrysler Center Car Show and Heritage Day
- Approved annexation petition for railroad right-of-way property for future redevelopment
- Approved Payment Voucher No. 2 to Breitbach Construction Company for $243,899.85
City Council
The Albany City Council approved hiring Kurt Beuning as a Public Works Laborer at $19.21/hour, discussed a recommended speed limit increase on County Road 157, and noted a proposed $1/hour wage increase for evening police officers. The council also approved payments, ratified golf club board elections, and received updates on capital projects and COVID-19 regulations.
- Hired Kurt Beuning as Public Works Laborer at $19.21/hour
- MnDOT speed study recommends 40 mph on CR 157 west of 11th St; council to discuss with county
- Police Chief recommends $1/hour wage increase for evening shift officers
- Approved payments: City checks 70990-71026 and Golf Club checks 39815-39845
- Stearns County 5-year plan: CR 54 resurfacing 2022 ($1.25M), CR 157 reconstruction 2024 ($4M)
City Council
The Albany City Council approved a $110,146.89 payment to Breitbach Construction for the 2021 Capital Improvement Project, covering sewer and water main work. They also approved a large gathering permit and temporary liquor license for the Rock the Prairie music event on September 11, and accepted a patrol officer's resignation.
- Approved Payment Voucher No. 1 for $110,146.89 to Breitbach Construction Company
- Approved Large Gathering Permit and temporary liquor license for Rock the Prairie event on Sept. 11
- Approved job description for Patrol Officer and resignation of Jason Mehr
- Discussed erosion control measures for Church Avenue reconstruction
- Noted Minnesota retains all 8 U.S. House seats per 2020 Census
City Council
The City Council approved final assessments for the 2021 Capital Improvement Project, which includes reconstructing roads and sewer systems. The council also approved site work for semi-trailer parking at 404 14th Street and authorized the use of City Hall parking for a seasonal Farmer's Market.
- Adopted Resolution 2021-14 for 2021 Capital Improvement Project assessments totaling $330,780
- Approved site work request for Ramler Cold Storage, LLC at 404 14th Street
- Authorized Albany Area Chamber of Commerce to use City Hall parking lot for Farmer's Market
- Appointed William 'Bill' Scepaniak, Jr. to the Economic Development Authority
- Approved job evaluation for Public Works Laborer position ($19.21 - $25.69 pay range)
Planning Commission
The Albany Planning Commission recommended approval of a grading and drainage plan for a three-acre site owned by Ramler Cold Storage, LLC, for future cold storage warehouse construction and immediate semi-trailer parking. The commission also discussed capital improvement projects, appointed a new EDA member, and noted updates on residential lots and short-term rental classifications.
- Recommended approval of grading and drainage plan for Ramler Cold Storage site adjacent to 14th Street and west of current warehouse on 13th Street
- 2021 Capital Improvements: Lake Avenue, 3rd-5th Streets, Church Avenue, trunk storm sewer replacement, project cost $1,730,000
- 2022 Capital Improvements: 1st Street (TH 238) and sidewalk improvements along 8th Street and Shamrock Lane
- Recommended Bill Scepaniak to City's Economic Development Authority
- Noted 32 vacant shovel-ready lots in residential subdivisions
City Council
The Albany City Council, acting as the Board of Appeal and Equalization, met to review property assessments. No property owners submitted appeals or objections, and the meeting was adjourned after a brief discussion of sales data and assessment procedures.
- 47 residential sales used in sale study
- 1 commercial sale noted
- No property owner appeals submitted
- No in-person property inspections in 2021 due to COVID-19
City Council
The Albany City Council approved a resolution for the competitive sale of $1,730,000 in bonds to fund the 2021 Capital Street and Utility Reconstruction Improvements Project on Lake Avenue, Church Avenue, and adjacent side streets. The council also vacated a drainage and utility easement for a new home, extended a loan deadline for building improvements, and approved a raffle permit. Reports were received from the police chief, fire board, and waste management.
- Approved Resolution 2021-08 for $1,730,000 G.O. Permanent Improvement Revolving Fund Bonds, Series 2021B
- Vacated a 5-foot drainage and utility easement on Lots 26 and 27, Block 1, Albany Golf Vistas, for Amanda Scepaniak
- Extended EDA Commercial Rehabilitation Deferred Loan deadline to September 1, 2021 for 521 Railroad Avenue
- Approved Resolution 2021-09 for Albany Lions raffle on July 31, 2021 at Albany American Legion Park
- Received $2,000 donations from Joel Birr Memorial Foundation to fire, police, and ambulance departments
City Council
The Albany City Council held a public hearing and adopted a resolution ordering improvements for the 1st Street/Railroad Avenue intersection and 8th Street/Shamrock Lane sidewalk project, estimated at nearly $490,000. The Council also awarded the 2021 Capital Improvements Project contract to Breitbach Construction Co. for $1,271,829.92, approved a $28,945 payment voucher, and discussed PFAS legislation and COVID-19 updates.
- Resolution 2021-06: Ordering improvements for 1st Street (TH 238) intersection and 8th Street (TH 238) sidewalk
- Resolution 2021-07: Awarding 2021 Capital Improvements contract to Breitbach Construction Co. for $1,271,829.92
- Approved Payment Voucher No. 7 to Breitbach Construction Co. for $28,945.00
- Public hearing on proposed intersection and sidewalk improvements (estimated cost $490,000)
- Discussed HF78 (PFAS legislation) and authorized letter to legislators if needed
City Council
The Albany City Council approved the sale of a surplus 2000 Sterling plow truck to Dave Gerads Construction for $12,500, appointed William (Bill) Scepaniak Jr. to the Planning Commission, and directed staff to reduce retainage on the 8th Street project and proceed with a water tower evaluation. They also heard reports on library operations and COVID-19 updates.
- Approved sale of 2000 Sterling Plow Truck to Dave Gerads Construction for $12,500
- Appointed William (Bill) Scepaniak Jr. to a five-year term on the Planning Commission
- Directed preparation of partial payment application to reduce retainage from 5% to 2.5% on 8th Street Capital Improvements
- Directed proceeding with KLM Engineering water tower evaluation for $2,600
- Approved payment of bills (checks 70722-70770)
City Council
The Albany City Council approved bids totaling $158,104 for a driving range building at the Albany Golf Club, contingent on a variance and land purchase. It also approved rezoning city-owned golf course properties to Public Use District and a variance to reduce the rear yard setback from 20 to 7 feet. Other actions included purchasing a 2020 Mack dump/plow truck for $197,535 after trade-in, accepting a Planning Commission resignation, and appointing a new Park Board member.
- Approved $158,104 in construction bids for golf driving range building (Arnzen $70,754, Gaebel $28,750, JT Electric $39,000, Melrose Plumbing $8,800, heating units $10,800)
- Rezoned five city-owned golf course properties from R1/R2 to Public Use District
- Granted variance to reduce rear yard setback from 20 to 7 feet for 29' x 153' structure on driving range
- Authorized purchase of 2020 Mack dump/plow truck for $197,535 after $11,000 trade-in of 2000 Sterling
- Accepted $10,000 Jaycees donation for future splash pad and appointed Grant Johnson to Park Board