Albany public meetings in 2022
28 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Council
The Albany City Council held a special meeting to clarify the dates and penalties for a liquor license suspension against Shady's Hometown Tavern and Events Center. The council voted unanimously to suspend the on-sale liquor license for 10 days, from January 10 through January 20, 2023, and imposed a $1,000 civil penalty plus $964.50 in attorney fee reimbursement. The suspension stems from a male dance revue that violated city code prohibiting adult entertainment in licensed premises.
- Resolution 2022-40: 10-day liquor license suspension for Shady's Hometown Tavern and Events Center, Jan 10-20, 2023
- Civil penalty of $1,000 to be paid within 30 days
- Reimbursement of $964.50 in attorney's fees to the city within 30 days
- Violation of City Code Sections 60.17 Subd. 6 and 66.05-.06 (nudity/sexual conduct and adult uses)
- Council voted 4-0 in favor; Councilor Al Amdahl absent
City Council
The Albany City Council held a hearing and voted to penalize Shady's Hometown Tavern and Event Center for alleged ordinance violations related to a male dance revue event on November 4th. The council approved a 10-day liquor license suspension including December 31st, a civil penalty of at least $1,000, and reimbursement of city attorney fees. The council also approved the 2022 tax levy, a capital improvement payment, and several other routine items.
- 10-day liquor license suspension for Shady's Hometown Tavern, including Dec 31
- Civil penalty of not less than $1,000 for Shady's Hometown Tavern
- Approved 2022 tax levy of $1,320,424
- Approved Payment Voucher No. 7 to Breitbach Construction for $112,723.13
- Approved 2023 SafeAssure Consultants agreement for $4,235
City Council
The Albany City Council held a public hearing on the proposed 2023 budget and property tax levy, which would increase the levy by 20.76% to $1,320,424. The council also discussed a privately funded pedestrian/bike trail along North Lake and future North Park improvements, and approved several routine items including payments, a new hire, and a fee schedule amendment.
- Proposed 2023 levy of $1,320,424, a 20.76% increase from 2022
- Public hearing on assessment for 100 Whispering Oaks Dr. ($17,241.44)
- Approved Payment Voucher No. 3 to Liberty Electric for $20,520
- Hired Molly Hoppe at $18.50/hour for part-time administration position
- Named alley between 2nd and 3rd Streets 'Hidden Way'
City Council
The Albany City Council ratified the November 8 election results, certifying Tom Kasner as Mayor and Adam Rushmeyer and Allan Amdahl as Councilors. The council also held public hearings and certified two unpaid city charges as special assessments for 2023, approved several construction payment vouchers, and authorized a memorandum of understanding with the MPCA for PFAS monitoring.
- Certified unpaid water bill at 1201 Highlands Drive ($12,643.20) as special assessment for 2023
- Certified unpaid lawn mowing charge at 347 Countryside Lane ($250.00) as special assessment for 2023
- Approved Payment Voucher No. 6 to Breitbach Construction Company ($94,438.53) for 2022 Capital Improvement Project
- Approved Payment Voucher No. 4 to Craig Bardson Excavating ($27,451.58) for 1st Street (TH238) and 8th Street (TH238) Sidewalk Improvements
- Authorized execution of MPCA memorandum of understanding for PFAS monitoring
City Council
The Albany City Council met on November 2, 2022, and took several actions. They approved routine payments and minutes, accepted resignations from two Planning Commission members, and scheduled a public hearing for unpaid city charges. They also heard presentations from Xcel Energy about installing EV fast-charging stations and from Kerry Group about acquiring the Kraft/Heinz plant, approving the transfer of the wastewater discharge permit.
- Approved payment of bills (checks 72233-72261) and payroll
- Approved assignment of Wastewater Discharge Permit from Kraft/Heinz to Kerry Group
- Accepted resignations of Planning Commission members Will Seiler and Jon Stueve
- Scheduled public hearing for Nov 16 on unpaid city charges (Ordinance 77 and 30)
- Heard Xcel Energy proposal for 21 DC fast-charging stations in greater Minnesota (2023-2024)
Park Board
The Albany Park Board reviewed park improvement funds, trail repaving costs, and a revised 2023 park budget. They recommended approving tree removal and site preparation for three pickleball courts east of the skateboard/basketball court in North Park, with an estimated cost of nearly $130,000.
- Recommended approval of tree removal and site preparation for three pickleball courts in North Park
- Reported $155,252 in park improvement funds, with $75,000 set aside for pickleball
- Noted $41,400 spent on repaving pedestrian trails this summer
- Presented revised 2023 park budget of $122,840, up $15,440 from August
- Proposed pickleball court design (64'x120') east of skateboard/basketball court
City Council
The Albany City Council approved two rezonings and comprehensive plan amendments, a capital improvement payment, a new pickup truck, and a promissory note for a lawn mower. They also discussed adding STOP signs and a sidewalk request, with action deferred to the next meeting.
- Rezoned Lots 4 and 5, Block 3, Albany Business and Industrial Park from C3 to M2 for RS Tooling, LLC
- Rezoned Lots 2-7, Theisen's Addition from R1 to PD for Albany Area Schools
- Approved Payment Voucher No. 5 to Breitbach Construction for $215,662.73
- Authorized ordering a 2023 Dodge pickup for Public Works at ~$58,000
- Approved $50,000 promissory note to Albany Golf Club for a TORO mower
Planning Commission
The Albany Planning Commission held public hearings and voted to recommend approval of two rezoning and comprehensive plan amendment requests. The first, by RS Tooling, LLC, would rezone Lots 4 and 5 in the Albany Business and Industrial Park from Highway I94 Commercial (C3) to Industrial (M2) to relocate their manufacturing business. The second, by Albany Area Schools, would rezone the former hospital/clinic site (Theisen's Addition of Out Lots) from Single Family Residential (R1) to Public District (PD) for an Early Childhood Learning Center. Both recommendations go to the city council for final decision.
- RS Tooling, LLC rezoning: Lots 4 and 5, Block 3, Albany Business and Industrial Park, from C3 to M2, for manufacturing relocation
- Albany Area Schools rezoning: former hospital/clinic site (Lots 2-7, Theisen's Addition) from R1 to PD for Early Childhood Learning Center
- Comprehensive plan amendments for both properties (Commercial to Industrial, Residential to Public)
- Proposed 2023 budget includes $42,000 for EDA storefront rehabilitation on Railroad Avenue
- Two Planning Commission vacancies announced due to resignations
City Council
The Albany City Council approved the 2021 audit, set the preliminary 2023 property tax levy at $1,320,424, and received an engineering study for a $2.8 million street reconstruction project. They also approved a payment for sidewalk work and a liquor license for a school event.
- Approved 2021 Comprehensive Financial Audit
- Set preliminary 2023 property tax levy at $1,320,424 (20.76% increase)
- Received feasibility study for Forest Ave and 2nd-5th St improvements, est. $2.8M
- Approved Payment Voucher No. 3 to Craig Bardson Excavating for $49,801.97
- Approved temporary liquor license and gambling permit for Holy Family School event
City Council
The Albany City Council held its regular meeting on September 7, 2022, covering routine approvals, public comments, and several key decisions. The council approved a preliminary 2023 budget with a 14.86% general levy increase and a 10% debt service levy increase, and also approved a $524,870.06 payment for the 2022 Capital Improvement Project. Other actions included vacating a drainage and utility easement for RS Tooling, promoting a part-time officer to full-time, and contracting with Xtona for IT services.
- Approved Payment Voucher No. 4 to Breitbach Construction Company for $524,870.06 for 2022 Capital Improvement Project
- Vacated drainage and utility easement for RS Tooling, LLC at 461 Huskie Drive to allow new industrial building
- Approved preliminary 2023 budget with 14.86% general levy increase and 10% debt service levy increase
- Promoted JoAnna Bigler to full-time Patrol Officer in Albany Police Department
- Contracted with Xtona for IT services at $1,263 to $1,600 per month
City Council
The Albany City Council approved a conditional use permit for a daycare at 521 Railroad Avenue, discussed financing options for the proposed 2023 Forest Avenue reconstruction (estimated $2.6 million), and approved a School Resource Officer agreement renewal. The council also adopted an ordinance amendment regarding sump pump discharge and took note of a school bond election result.
- Approved conditional use permit for Montessori on Main daycare at 521 Railroad Avenue with conditions
- Discussed financing for 2023 Forest Avenue reconstruction (est. $2.6 million), including bond levy options
- Authorized execution of School Resource Officer agreement with Albany Area Schools for $31,827 for 2022-2023
- Adopted amendment to Ordinance 70 requiring air gap in sump pump discharge connections
- Noted Albany Area Schools bond election passed: 1,272 YES, 881 NO for $16,960,000
Planning Commission
The Albany Planning Commission held a public hearing and voted to recommend approval of a conditional use permit for a child daycare at 521 Railroad Avenue, the former True Value building. The permit includes conditions on traffic, signage, lighting, and building code compliance. The commission also discussed upcoming city infrastructure projects and noted the approval of a school bond referendum.
- Conditional use permit for child daycare at 521 Railroad Avenue (former True Value) recommended for approval with 9 conditions
- Daycare to operate for ages 3-6, 7 AM to 5:30 PM weekdays, opening September 6
- 2022 CIP improvements: Midland Avenue, 1st St./Railroad Avenue (TH238) intersection, Golf View Drive lift station
- Proposed 2023 Forest Avenue reconstruction (1st St. to 6th St.)
- Albany Area Schools $16,960,000 bond approved (1,272 yes, 881 no) for early learning center at 300 3rd Avenue
Park Board
The Albany Park Board discussed and recommended support for a pedestrian/bike path along North Lake, contingent on west-side placement, a public hearing, and minimal city funding. They also approved the 2023 Park budget of $107,400 and discussed the use of park dedication funds with a resident.
- Recommended pedestrian trail along TH238 (west side) connecting North Park to Lake Avenue sidewalk
- Approved 2023 Park budget of $107,400 (28% decrease)
- Park dedication funds: North Lake Improvement $20,000, North Park walk/path resurface $58,420, Pickleball $55,000, Park Improvement $41,500
- MnDNR Recreational Trail Grant ($112,025) denied; resurfacing quote $41,000
- Albany Mutual Telephone donated $5,000 for pickleball courts
City Council
The Albany City Council approved a resolution for orderly annexation of property for commercial development, approved a final payment for the 2021 Capital Improvement Project, and discussed several other items including a fire department parking proposal and a criminal prosecution agreement. The council also terminated a patrol officer after a closed session.
- Approved Resolution 2022-31 for orderly annexation of 25+ acres at 34596 225th Avenue for commercial platting
- Approved Final Payment Voucher No. 6 to Breitbach Construction Company for $113,055.43 for 2021 CIP
- Authorized soliciting bids for mill and overlay on Shamrock Lane, not to exceed $25,000
- Approved 2023-2024 Criminal Prosecution Agreement with Stearns County for $14,175 per year
- Terminated Patrol Officer Carter Fish effective July 21, 2022
City Council
The Albany City Council approved final special assessments for street and sidewalk improvements, authorized two construction payments, adopted a new building inspection contract with updated fees, and amended utility ordinances. The council also approved permits for a tavern event, fireworks, and a car show, and discussed several public works items.
- Adopted Resolution 2022-29 for final assessments totaling $5,934.23 for 1st Street and 8th Street/Shamrock Lane improvements
- Approved Payment Voucher No. 2 to Breitbach Construction for $338,566.98 for the 2022 Capital Improvement Project
- Approved Payment Voucher No. 1 to Craig Bardson Excavating for $258,371.41 for sidewalk improvements
- Authorized Roto Rooter to televise 4,000 feet of drain tile for $6,200
- Approved new building permit fee schedule and contract with Inspectron, Inc.
City Council
The Albany City Council approved a 15-year tax abatement and a business subsidy, each up to $250,000, for Shamrock Lane Rentals, LLC to build a 20,000 sq. ft. commercial office building at 1321 Shamrock Lane. The council also approved a MnDOT detour agreement for street improvements, a temporary street closure for a bean bag tournament, election judge appointments, a large gathering permit for Heritage Day, and a lawful gambling permit for Holy Family School. A proposal to add off-street parking at the fire hall was discussed but postponed for further input from nearby businesses.
- Resolution 2022-25: Tax abatement for Shamrock Lane Rentals, LLC, up to $250,000 over 15 years
- Resolution 2022-26: Business subsidy for Shamrock Lane Rentals, LLC, up to $250,000
- Resolution 2022-27: MnDOT agreement for TH238 detour reimbursement
- Approved temporary closure of 5th Street for Rookies Sports Bar bean bag tournament on Aug 6
- Approved election judges at $12/hour (head judge $14/hour) for Aug 9 primary and Nov 8 general election
Economic Development Authority
The Albany Economic Development Authority voted to recommend approval of a 15-year, $250,000 pay-as-you-go tax abatement for Shamrock Lane Rentals, LLC to build a 20,000-square-foot commercial office building at 1321 Shamrock Lane. The project, estimated to cost $2 million, would house administrative offices for Wells Concrete and Oakmont Capital Services, and is expected to create about 15 new jobs. The recommendation will go to the city council for final approval.
- Tax abatement request by Shamrock Lane Rentals, LLC for 1321 Shamrock Lane
- 20,000 sq ft commercial office building, estimated cost $2 million
- 15-year pay-as-you-go abatement, max $250,000, starting 2024
- 10 new full-time jobs required within 24 months
- Business Subsidy Agreement to be entered
City Council
The Albany City Council approved multiple liquor and cigarette license renewals, a temporary license for Heritage Day, and a one-day beer license for a car show. They also passed resolutions for sidewalk improvement assessments and property conveyance to MnDOT, approved a payment voucher for the capital improvement project, and recommended prohibiting solar farms in certain sections to Albany Township. The council also approved a confidential informants policy, hired a seasonal employee, and authorized a contract for online payments.
- Approved liquor license renewals for Rookies Sports Bar, Shady's, Albany Bowl, Hillcrest/Stubby's, Barbacoa, and others
- Resolution 2022-23: sidewalk improvements on 1st Street (TH238) and 8th Street/Shamrock Lane, $833,505 total
- Resolution 2022-24: convey city property to MnDOT for TH238 right-of-way at no charge
- Payment Voucher No. 1 to Breitbach Construction for $141,825.27
- Recommended prohibiting solar farms in Sections 9, 10, 15, 16, 21, 22, 26, 27, etc. to Albany Township
City Council
The Albany City Council held a public hearing and adopted final special assessments for the 2022 Capital Improvements project, which includes reconstructing streets, sewers, and water mains in the Midland Avenue area. The council also approved a minor subdivision request from Franklin Signs, ratified Albany Golf Club board election results, and directed staff to prepare an ordinance changing utility bill due dates to the 15th of the month.
- Adopted Resolution 2022-21 for final assessments on 2022 Capital Improvements (Midland Avenue, 2nd-5th Streets, adjacent alleys); total project cost $2,488,981, assessments $543,085 (22%)
- Approved Franklin Signs minor subdivision of Lot 1, Block 1, Albany Business and Industrial Park into Tract A and Tract B
- Approved Minnesota Lawful Gambling LG214 Premises Permit for New Munich Lions at Rookies Sports Bar, 481 Railroad Avenue
- Directed city engineer to draft boundary map prohibiting solar farms/gardens in Albany Township sections abutting the city
- Directed city engineer to have contractor immediately repair collapsed drain tile at 820 Midland Avenue
City Council
The Albany City Council approved routine payments, minutes, and several contracts, including hiring Liberty Electric for street light replacement and authorizing a Master Partnership Contract with MnDOT. They also discussed project updates, a fire truck purchase, and a letter of support for library funding.
- Awarded Liberty Electric $11,465 for street light replacement at Co. Rd. 10/41 and 8th Street
- Approved Resolution 2022-20 authorizing MnDOT Master Partnership Contract through June 30, 2027
- Noted $41,000+ cost to replace VFD control boxes at Wastewater Treatment Plant, insurance may cover
- Fire truck purchase from Sauk Rapids for $15,000 approved by Albany Area Fire Board
- Directed mayor to sign letter supporting library capital funds
City Council
The City Council passed an amendment to Ordinance 64 to raise the legal age for purchasing tobacco products to 21. The council also awarded a construction contract for improvements to 1st Street and Railroad Avenue and approved a payment for the Golf View Drive Lift Station project.
- Amended Ordinance 64 to increase tobacco purchase age from 18 to 21
- Awarded Craig Bardson Excavating, Inc. contract for $616,632.06 for street and sidewalk improvements
- Approved $49,685 payment to Liberty Electric for Golf View Drive Lift Station materials
- Approved American Rescue Plan Act reporting allowance for $302,247.67 in funds
- Approved LG220 gambling permit and temporary liquor license for Church of Seven Dolors bazaar
City Council
The Albany City Council met on April 6, 2022, and took several actions. They approved a resolution for a preliminary engineering report on Forest Avenue roadway and utility improvements, discussed a pedestrian trail project along State Highway 238, and accepted resignations of part-time police officers. They also hired a new administrative assistant, approved wage increases for public works employees, and received updates on PFAS monitoring and a wastewater plant power outage.
- Resolution 2022-15: Preliminary engineering report for Forest Avenue (1st to 6th St) and 2nd-5th Sts, including water, sewer, and storm sewer improvements.
- MnDOT to fund $540,000 for 1st Street and Railroad Avenue intersection improvements; project award to Bardson Excavating expected April 20.
- Accepted resignations of part-time patrol officers Brittany Stockman, Joseph Walz, and Eric Grabmeier.
- Hired Heather Cruz as Administrative Assistant at $25/hour, Group VII.
- Approved wage increases for Public Works employees: Joe Mergen to $40.92/hr, Gary Winkels to $31.81/hr, Kurt Beuning to $22.79/hr.
City Council
The Albany City Council approved a $2.235 million bond to fund 2022 Midland Avenue improvements (1st to 6th Street), with annual debt service of about $177,200 over 15 years funded by tax levy and special assessments. The council also approved a MnDOT agreement for 1st Street and 8th Street sidewalk improvements, but discussed that the lowest bid ($616,000) exceeded the engineer's estimate ($465,000) due to inflation and material shortages, with options to be considered at the next meeting. Other actions included amending the animal ordinance to apply dangerous dog requirements to potentially dangerous dogs, promoting Derek Stommes to full-time patrol officer, and re-establishing the election precinct and polling place.
- Approved Resolution 2022-12: $2,235,000 general obligation bond for Midland Avenue improvements (1st-6th Street)
- Approved Resolution 2022-13: MnDOT agreement for 1st Street (TH238) intersection and 8th Street sidewalk improvements
- Discussed low bid of $616,000 for 1st Street/8th Street improvements vs. $465,000 estimate; considering cost-reduction options
- Approved Resolution 2022-14: Amendment to Ordinance No. 71, Animals, applying dangerous dog rules to potentially dangerous dogs ($500 annual fee)
- Hired Derek Stommes as full-time patrol officer; approved Golf Club checks 40091-40095
City Council
The Albany City Council approved a $357,960 engineering services agreement with Stantec for the 2022 Midland Avenue Capital Improvement Project, and authorized a resolution seeking state funding for a trail reconstruction. They also approved a $52,000 promissory note for a golf course mower, discussed hiring a fourth full-time patrol officer, and handled routine payments and reports.
- Approved $357,960 Stantec engineering agreement for Midland Avenue project
- Adopted Resolution 2022-10 for Federal Recreational Trail Program (0.35 miles in North Park, TH #238, Country Estates)
- Approved $52,000 promissory note to Albany Golf Club for Toro mower at 1% interest over 5 years
- Authorized offering full-time patrol officer position to part-time officers
- Approved lawful gambling applications for Albany Lions (April 23 and August 6, 2022)
City Council
The City Council approved a contract with Breitbach Construction Co. for the 2022 Capital Improvements Project. The council also approved plans for utility and intersection improvements at 1st Street (TH 238) and authorized a gambling permit application for Albany FFA Alumni.
- Awarded $2,008,700.59 contract to Breitbach Construction Co. for street and utility improvements
- Approved plans for 1st Street (TH 238) intersection and utility improvements, estimated at $460,000
- Approved Minnesota Lawful Gambling exempt permit application for Albany FFA Alumni raffle
- Reviewed 2021 Albany Library activity report showing 92,815 items checked out
- Reported $13,000 to $16,000 in annual electrical savings at the Water Treatment Plant
Park Board
The Albany Park Board will convene to appoint officers and approve minutes, then hear updates from Clerk/Administrator Tom Schneider on several park projects. Key topics include a North Lake walk path improvement, potential redevelopment of the former hospital/clinic property by Albany Area Schools, and various North Park improvements such as pickleball courts and trail repaving. The board will also discuss a bike shelter project and the winter recreation program.
- North Lake walk path improvement from North Park to 1st Street along State HWY #238 and funding ideas
- Potential redevelopment of former hospital/clinic property at 300 3rd Avenue by Albany Area Schools for early childhood, preschool, and kindergarten
- North Park Pickleball court improvement and estimated cost/funding
- 2022 North Park pedestrian trail repaving improvements and funding
- Bike shelter project on Countryside Lane east of CentraCare clinic and agreement to erect within right-of-way
City Council
The Albany City Council approved plans and set a bid date for the 2022 Midland Avenue roadway and utility improvements, covering several streets and alleys. The council also approved a $2.00 per hour pay range increase for certain employee groups, supported a grant application for Lake Wobegon Trail maintenance, and discussed various other items including a new building official and potential handicap parking spaces.
- Approved Resolution 2022-02 for 2022 City Roadway and Utility Improvements (Midland Avenue, 2nd-5th Streets, adjacent alleys); bids due Feb 16, 2022
- Authorized electronic bid submissions via QuestCDN.com, saving $500-$1,000
- Approved $2.00/hour increase to maximum Pay Equity pay range for Groups X and XI
- Directed mayor to sign letter of support for Stearns County Parks grant for Lake Wobegon Trail maintenance
- Discussed potential handicap parking spaces on Railroad Avenue between 3rd and 7th Streets
City Council
The Albany City Council held a regular meeting on January 5, 2022, approving several routine items: electronic payments and bills, a resolution delegating authority to pay claims under $10,000, a Termination and Release of Easement with Unity Family Healthcare, and a standalone Taser policy for the police department. The council also discussed poor ice conditions on North Lake for skating and the new cross-country ski trail on the golf course.
- Approved Resolution 2022-01 delegating authority to pay claims of $10,000 or less
- Authorized Termination and Release of Easement with Unity Family Healthcare at 300 3rd Avenue
- Approved standalone Taser Policy for Albany Police Department (Advanced Taser X26P)
- Approved electronic payments and bills (Check Numbers 71489-71535)
- Discussed poor ice conditions on North Lake for skating; possible future rink at North Park