Albany public meetings in 2024
32 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Council
The City Council is reviewing the 2025 budget and property tax levy options. Discussion includes water treatment plant changes, North Park improvements, and a potential water meter reading system upgrade.
- Resolution 2024-23: 2025 budget and property tax levy
- Proposed 2-year wastewater discharge permit for Kerry
- Water treatment plant chemical change update
- North Park improvement updates
- Request for handicap parking on Church Ave near Albany Golf Course
City Council
The Albany City Council will hold a public hearing to consider the 2025 budget and a proposed property tax levy of $1,650,412, a 6.98% increase from 2024. The council will also act on a resolution authorizing summary publication of Ordinance 69 related to cannabis and lower potency hemp edibles retailers, and discuss a request for handicap parking on Church Ave near the Albany Golf Course. Other items include project updates from the city engineer and a North Park improvements update.
- Public hearing on 2025 budget and proposed property tax levy of $1,650,412 (6.98% increase)
- Resolution 2024-22 authorizing summary publication of Ordinance 69 (cannabis and lower potency hemp edibles retailers)
- Request for handicap parking on Church Ave near the Albany Golf Course
- Recommendation to publish notice for Planning Commission vacancy
- North Park improvements update
City Council
The Albany City Council will hold public hearings on proposed cannabis retailer regulations and special assessments for unpaid utility fees and city charges. The council will also consider approving a contract for a splashpad at North Park, discuss zoning ordinance amendments, and set the 2025 polling place.
- Public hearing on Ordinance 69 regulating cannabis and lower-potency hemp edible retailers, plus fee schedule amendment
- Public hearing on special assessments for unpaid utility fees at 230 10th Street ($3,835.95), 1201 Highview Drive ($14,853.28), 1202 Highview Drive ($17,340.21), and 1004 Shamrock Lane ($3,452.02 and $485)
- Council to act on splashpad bids for North Park, with low bid of $179,084 from MP Recreation
- Resolution 2024-19 designating polling place for 2025 elections
- Update on Planning Commission recommendation to purchase city-owned lot north of 411 1st Street
Planning Commission
The Albany Planning Commission held a public hearing and recommended approval of zoning ordinance amendments to allow cannabis retailers and related businesses in certain districts, aligning with state law. They also recommended selling a city-owned vacant lot to an adjacent property owner and reviewed building permit statistics and commission terms.
- Recommended amending Zoning Ordinance 80 to allow cannabis retailers as conditional uses in C-2 and M-2 districts, and low-potency hemp edibles in C-1
- Recommended selling Lot 1, Block 1 (PID # 40.25447.0000) to adjacent owner at 411 1st Street for $1,100, buyer pays closing costs
- 2024 YTD building permits: 332 issued, total project value $10,100,321, fees collected $86,574
- Commission terms reviewed: Dudek expires 12/2024, Scepaniak 2/2025, Ronning 11/2026, Wedel 4/2027, Magnus 12/2028
City Council
The Albany City Council will hold a work session with the Friends of North Park to discuss splash pad construction and operations. City Engineer Jeremy Mathiasen and Stantec engineer Jeff Ehleringer will present information. The agenda includes reviewing contractor bids and a budget estimate of $335,299.
- Review of splash pad contractor bids, including Rain Deck at $179,084 and MP Recreation at $599,831
- Discussion of splash pad budget estimate totaling $335,299 with $310,000 in funds received
- Review of splash pad maintenance sponsors totaling $50,000 from local businesses
- Presentation by City Engineer and Stantec engineer on splash pad construction and operations
City Council
The Albany City Council will hold public hearings on proposed special assessments for unpaid utility fees and city charges, and for a forfeited property in Whispering Oaks at Two River. They will also discuss a draft amendment to zoning ordinances to allow cannabis and lower potency hemp edible retailers, and consider bids for a new splashpad at North Park.
- Public hearing on proposed special assessments for unpaid water usage and city charges at 230 10th Street ($3,835.95), 1201 Highview Drive ($14,853.28), 1202 Highview Drive ($17,340.21), and 1004 Shamrock Lane ($3,452.02 and $485).
- Public hearing on proposed assessment for forfeited property at 101 Schwinghammer Drive ($18,591.44) for utilities, streets, and other improvements.
- Discussion of draft amendment to Zoning Ordinance 80, Ordinance 69, and Appendix A (fee schedule) to allow cannabis and lower potency hemp edible retailers.
- Presentation of final payment application #2 to Knife River Corporation for $59,262.32 for the 2024 Surface Improvement project.
- Councilor Harlander to present splashpad bids and recommend a work session with Friends of North Park to discuss concerns.
City Council
The Albany City Council will hold a public hearing on proposed special assessments for unpaid refuse fees owed to West Central Sanitation, with certification to Stearns County for 2025 collection. The council will also discuss a quote to upgrade water meter reading equipment to an AMI system, and review project updates on North Park improvements and other city projects. Future public hearings are proposed for November 6 on unpaid utility fees and zoning amendments to allow cannabis retail, manufacture, and cultivation.
- Public hearing on proposed special assessment for unpaid refuse fees totaling $162.97 to $366.24 per property, plus $75 administration fee
- Consideration of quote to upgrade water meter reading equipment to Kamstrup AMI system
- Proposed public hearings on November 6 for unpaid utility fees and zoning amendments for cannabis retail in C-1 district and cannabis manufacture/cultivation in M-1 and M-2 districts
- Update on North Park improvements including shelter and splashpad bids totaling $294,746.50
- Request to set special meeting date to canvas 2024 election results
City Council
The Albany City Council will consider bids for North Park shelter improvements and quotes for Well 5 pump repair. They will also act on a liquor license for a school fundraiser, a gambling permit, and a snow removal agreement with MNDOT. A public hearing on unpaid refuse fees is scheduled for October 16.
- Present bids for North Park Shelter improvements
- Well 5 pump repair quotes from Traut Companies ($25,621) and Thein Well (estimate $3,900 labor plus materials)
- Present MNDOT 2024-2025 snow removal agreement
- Act on Holy Family School raffle permit (Resolution 2024-18) and temporary liquor license for Snowball event on January 18, 2025
- Reminder of October 16 public hearing on special assessment for unpaid refuse fees to West Central Sanitation
City Council
The council will hold a public hearing on a sidewalk improvement project along 6th Street, Burberry Way, and 3rd Avenue, and consider certifying the 2025 property tax levy. The preliminary budget proposes a 6.98% levy increase to $1,650,412. Other items include yield sign requests, a special assessment hearing for unpaid refuse fees, and North Park building updates.
- Public hearing on sidewalk improvements along 6th Street (Linden to Soo Line), Burberry Way, and 3rd Avenue
- Preliminary 2025 budget with 6.98% levy increase to $1,650,412 and 50.00% tax capacity rate
- Request to install yield signs at Meyer Ave/5th St, Midland Ave/9th St, and Midland Ave/10th St
- Request to schedule public hearing for special assessment on unpaid refuse fees to West Central Sanitation
- North Park shelter bid packages available Sept 16-30, public bid opening Sept 30 at 2pm
City Council
The Albany City Council will discuss and potentially act on a proposed North Park shelter design, a bidding timeline, and a construction management agreement with Arnzen Construction. Other items include a presentation on suicide prevention, a park improvement request from the American Legion, and a proposed $32,000 increase to the general project budget.
- Proposed North Park shelter design and bidding timeline
- Construction Management Agreement between City of Albany and Arnzen Construction for North Park improvements
- Request to increase general project budget by $32,000
- Presentation by Laura Stumvoll, St. Cloud VA, on decreasing suicides
- Albany American Legion Park improvement request
Park Board
The Park Board will review proposed improvements for North Park, including a new shelter and splashpad. The meeting also includes a presentation of the 2024 all-city survey results.
- Proposed North Park shelter design, location, and estimate
- Proposed North Park splashpad design and location
- Presentation of 2024 all-city survey results
- American Legion Park improvement proposal by Leroy Sand
- Review of June 26, 2024, Park Board minutes
City Council
The council will hold a public hearing on a petition to vacate a drainage and utility easement in Whispering Oaks at Two River, hear the 2023 annual audit, and discuss a proposed shelter design for North Park. Other items include a feasibility report for sidewalk improvements and a final pay application for Breitbach Construction.
- Public hearing to vacate a drainage and utility easement in Whispering Oaks at Two River (petitioner Phyllis Schlangen, 111 Schwinghammer Drive)
- Presentation of the 2023 annual audit by auditor Molly Thompson of Schlenner Wenner Co.
- Feasibility report for 6th Street / 3rd Avenue sidewalk improvements and Resolution 2024-17 calling a public hearing on the local improvement project
- Breitbach Construction Pay Application #7 (Final) for $205,567.13
- Proposed North Park shelter design and authorization for Stantec to prepare a topographical map
City Council
The Albany City Council will hold a regular meeting on August 7, 2024. They will act on an amendment to the Police Pursuit Policy, discuss a resolution for a preliminary engineering report for 6th Street sidewalk improvements, consider an amendment to Ordinance No. 60 to add an On-sale Wine License, and review a request for proposals for North Park Shelter construction manager services.
- Police Chief Matt Gannon presents amendment to Police Pursuit Policy per Minn. Stat. §626.8458
- Resolution 2024-15 calling for preliminary engineering report for 6th Street sidewalk improvements (Wobegon Trail to Linden Avenue to Early Childhood Learning Center)
- Amendment to Ordinance No. 60 Liquor to add On-sale Wine License
- Request for Proposal (RFP) for new North Park Shelter Construction Manager Services
- Appointment of new Emergency Management Director to replace retiring Police Chief Ozzie Carbajal
Fire Board
The Albany Area Fire Board approved a $115,000 fire hall exterior remodel funded by gambling and fundraising, and adopted a $277,477 2025 budget (a 3% increase). The board also renewed a three-year fire service agreement with the City of Albany and Townships of Albany, Farming, and Krain. A new fire chief and assistant chief were noted, and the relief association remains 169% funded.
- Approved $115,000 fire hall exterior remodel including new sidewall steel, wainscoting, overhead door, and five service doors, funded by gambling/fundraising
- Adopted 2025 budget of $277,477, a 3% increase from 2024's $269,368
- Renewed three-year fire service agreement (2025-2027) with City of Albany and Townships of Albany, Farming, and Krain
- Noted new Fire Chief John Klasen and Assistant Chief Matt Carlson after Leon Toenies stepped down
- Relief association audit completed with no concerns; benefit level remains $2,800 per year of service
City Council
The Albany City Council will hold a public hearing on a petition to vacate a drainage and utility easement in the Trails Edge subdivision, and consider a special event permit for an outdoor band at Shady's Hometown Tavern. The meeting also includes project updates from the city engineer and reports from department heads.
- Public hearing to vacate a drainage and utility easement in Trails Edge subdivision, petitioned by Jeremy and Kayla Feldewerd, 620 Augustana Lane
- Kris Schiffler, Shady's Hometown Tavern and Event Center, requests a Special Event and Large Gathering Permit for an outdoor band on Saturday, August 24
- Bryan Schiffler, Friends of North Park, presents project updates and proposed park shelter and splashpad update
- Jeremy Mathiasen, City Engineer, presents project updates and preliminary estimate for potential sidewalk improvement along 6th Street and 3rd Avenue
- Request by American Heritage National Bank to repeal and approve updated Subordination agreement for Albany Hotel Business Center, Inc. (Barbacoa)
City Council
The Albany City Council will convene for a regular meeting to act on bills and minutes, hear public comment, and receive reports. Key items include presenting the Police Chief Oath of Honor to Matthew Gannon, recognizing outgoing Chief Ozzie Carbajal, and receiving an update on the PFAS Pollutant Management Plan. The council will also hear reports on a water treatment plant lightning strike and valve replacement, a draft memorial bench policy, and a Stearns County criminal prosecution contract for 2025-2026.
- Police Chief Oath of Honor for Matthew Gannon and recognition of outgoing Chief Ozzie Carbajal
- PFAS Pollutant Management Plan update (required by MPCA, medium priority)
- Water Treatment Plant lightning strike on June 12, insurance covering $31,271
- Water Treatment Plant valve replacement estimate: $5,460+/-
- Stearns County Criminal Prosecution Contract for 2025 and 2026
Park Board
The Albany Park Board will convene on June 26, 2024, to act on minutes, welcome a new member, and discuss several park improvement proposals. Key items include a request to fund baseball field upgrades and a basketball court, a Jaycees shelter remodel with heat and air conditioning, and a detailed proposal from Friends of North Park for a new shelter and splash pad in North Park, including design and location. The board will also consider a draft memorial bench policy and an Albany American Legion Park upgrade.
- Kenny Hinnenkamp requests funds to upgrade baseball field in Highview Park and install a basketball court
- Dalton Herzog (Albany Jaycees) discusses remodeling Jaycees shelter to add heat and air conditioning
- Bryan Schiffler (Friends of North Park) proposes design and location for new shelter and splashpad in North Park
- Joe Mergen (Public Works) presents donation of baseball field drag
- Gary Winkels presents draft Memorial bench policy and Albany American Legion Park upgrade
City Council
The Albany City Council will hold a public hearing on the 2025 County Road 157/Railroad Avenue reconstruction project, estimated at $820,656, and consider Resolution 2024-12 to order the improvement. The council will also discuss project updates, a final sidewalk payment, police chief contract and hiring, and various department reports.
- Public hearing on CR 157/Railroad Ave reconstruction, estimated cost $820,656
- Resolution 2024-12 ordering improvement and directing plans/specifications
- Final pay application of $2,476.08 to Shamrock Lane Rentals for sidewalk work
- Request for police chief contract and recommendation to hire full-time patrol officer
- Fireworks display and temporary liquor license for Heritage Day on August 3
City Council
The Albany City Council will consider approving a $804,251.52 payment to Knife River for the 2024 mill and overlay project, hear an update on the Water Treatment Plant sand filter rehabilitation, and receive a progress report from Friends of North Park, including a possible request for additional funding for a shelter with city utilities. The council will also act on annual liquor and cigarette license renewals, and consider large gathering permits for the Albany Chrysler Center Car Show and Heritage Day events.
- Pay application No. 1 to Knife River for 2024 mill and overlay: $804,251.52
- Public hearing on CR 157 / Railroad Avenue reconstruction rescheduled to June 20
- 2024-2025 annual liquor and cigarette license renewals totaling $11,006.00
- Albany American Legion request for 3.2% beer license for car show on August 2
- Rookies Sports Bar request to close 5th Street for bean bag tournament on August 3
City Council
The Albany City Council will meet to act on several items, including appointing Matt Gannon as Police Chief, authorizing a patrol officer hire and vehicle replacement, and reviewing quotes for water treatment plant sand filter rehabilitation. The council will also discuss a proposed PFAS Pollutant Management Plan and a contract update from the Stearns County Attorney.
- Appointment of Matt Gannon as Police Chief (start date July 8) and as Acting Police Chief
- Authorization to hire a Patrol Officer and replace a 2020 Dodge Charger
- Water Treatment Plant sand filter rehabilitation quotes
- PFAS requirements and proposed Scope of Work
- Church of Seven Dolors Large Gathering Permit and liquor license application
City Council
The City Council approved a ten-year loan to the Albany Golf Club and authorized several infrastructure payments. The council also appointed Bruce Winter to fill a vacancy on the City Council following Adam Rushmeyer's resignation.
- Approved $170,000 ten-year loan for Albany Golf Club clubhouse renovations
- Approved Pay Application #4 to Arnzen Construction, Inc. for $839,883.90
- Approved $53,760.00 for engineering services for Railroad Avenue / CR 157 Improvement project
- Approved text amendment to Ordinance 80.06, Subd.4 regarding pool covers
- Appointed Bruce Winter to City Council through December 31, 2024
City Council
The Albany City Council will meet to audit bills, approve minutes, and hear updates from the golf club, city engineer, and department heads. Key items include a final payment application for the golf club remodel, a police equipment quote, a zoning text amendment, and filling a council vacancy.
- Final payment of $839,883.90 to Arnzen Construction for Albany Golf Club remodel, held pending IC-134 forms and lien waivers
- Police Chief to present quote for Axon body cameras, squad car cameras, and tasers
- Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment Section 80.06, Subd. 4 recommended by Planning Commission
- Council vacancy due to resignation of Councilor Adam Rushmeyer; options to fill vacancy to be considered
- Park Board resignation of Dalton Herzog to be presented
City Council
The Albany City Council will convene for a regular meeting to audit bills, approve minutes, and hear public comment. City Engineer Jeremy Mathiasen will present project updates, including the Water Treatment Plant sand filter rehabilitation and quotes. Department heads will report on police compliance, a therapy K9 policy, wastewater repairs, and water conservation. The council will also discuss the Albany Golf Club remodel and a League of Minnesota Cities update on a BMX track.
- Water Treatment Plant sand filter rehabilitation update and quotes
- Albany Police Department Guidelines for Therapy K9 'Theo'
- Wastewater aerator pond blower repair
- Albany Golf Club Club House remodel
- League MN Cities update regarding BMX track
Park Board
The Albany Park Board met and made several recommendations to the city council, including rescinding a prior council decision on a three-court pickleball facility and instead proposing a six-court facility, removing tennis courts, constructing two soccer fields, a dog park, and a pedestrian trail. The board also discussed a splash pad but deferred it to long-range planning. These items are recommendations for council approval at their April 5th meeting.
- Recommend rescinding March 15 council motion for three-court pickleball facility east of skateboard ramps
- Recommend removing tennis courts and constructing six-court pickleball facility (approx. 120' x 142')
- Recommend two soccer fields north of softball field with maintenance agreement with school district
- Approve dog park approx. 50' x 200' with 4' high chain link fence south of softball field
- Recommend pedestrian trail along north shoreline of North Lake, subject to wetland regulations
City Council
The Albany City Council will meet to consider bills, minutes, and public comments. They will hear updates on the Albany Golf Club remodel, including a $6,179.25 change order and a $505,812.58 payment application, plus a library activity report and city engineer project updates. The council will also review Park Board recommendations for park improvements and consider a resolution for a lawful gambling raffle permit.
- Albany Golf Club remodel: Change Order #12 ($6,179.25) and Arnzen Construction Pay Application #3 ($505,812.58)
- Park Board recommendations: pickleball court repair, Jaycee shelter expansion, walk path improvements, parking lot repairs, tree trimming, softball field well pump replacement, gazebo demolition/replacement, new kids' play area, BMX bike path, preschool playground equipment
- Resolution 2024-06: Albany Lions raffle permit application for August 3, 2024
- Water Treatment Plant sand filter rehabilitation update and quotes
- Industrial Park generator quotes: $37,637.50 and $43,565.00
Park Board
The Albany Park Board is meeting to appoint officers, approve prior minutes, and hear proposals from community groups. Sheri Schmidt of the Albany Jaycees will propose a memorial bench in North Park, and Bryan Schiffler of Friends of North Park will present 2024 improvement plans. The board will also receive updates on park fund balances, shelter reservations, and pickleball court reservations.
- Appoint 2024 Chair and Acting Chair
- Sheri Schmidt (Albany Jaycees) proposes memorial bench in North Park
- Bryan Schiffler (Friends of North Park) presents 2024 North Park improvements
- 2023 Park Fund balances update
- 2024 Jaycee Shelter and Pickleball Court reservations update
City Council
The Albany City Council will hear updates on the water treatment plant sand filter rehabilitation, including quotes, and consider a therapy dog agreement between the city and Patrol Officer JoAnna Bigler. They will also audit bills, approve minutes, and receive reports from department heads, including a change order deduction for the Albany Golf Club remodel.
- Water Treatment Plant sand filter rehabilitation update and quotes
- Therapy Dog Agreement between City of Albany and Patrol Officer JoAnna Bigler
- Albany Golf Club Change Order #11 deduction of $1,575.00
- Audit bills and approval of February 21 meeting minutes
- Open forum/public comment (3-5 minutes max)
Fire Board
The Albany Area Fire Board is meeting to hear updates from the fire chief and department officers, review 2023 operations and call data, and discuss financial and policy matters including FEMA grants, equipment funding, and a potential update to the fire protection billing policy. The board will also discuss the fire service contract that expires at the end of 2024.
- Recap of 2022 FEMA Grant award of $37,000 for hoses/nozzles
- Discussion on amendments to 2017 billing policy for protection services
- Discussion on fire service contract expiring December 31, 2024
- 2024 capital equipment fund update
- Summary of 2023 calls responded to by Albany Fire Department
City Council
The Albany City Council will convene for a regular meeting to audit bills, approve minutes, and hear public comments. They will receive a presentation from Stantec on the water treatment plant sand filter evaluation, and the city engineer will provide project updates. The council will also consider three change orders for the Albany Golf Club remodel, a lawful gambling permit for Holy Family School, and a date change for the Albany Sportsman's Club raffle drawing.
- Albany Golf Club Change Order #8: $11,542.27
- Albany Golf Club Change Order #9: $5,149.84
- Albany Golf Club Change Order #10: deduction of $1,050
- Resolution 2024-05: Holy Family School exempt permit for raffle on June 17, 2024
- Request to change Albany Sportsman's Club raffle drawing date from Jan 7, 2025 to Jan 3, 2025
City Council
The council will receive updates on the Albany Golf Club clubhouse remodel and review bid results for the 2024 Mill and Overlay project. Discussion items include sidewalk snow removal enforcement on Mainstreet and water treatment plant filter media issues.
- Albany Golf Club clubhouse remodel: Arnzen Construction Pay Application #2 for $284,348.53
- 2024 Mill and Overlay project: Resolution 2024-04 regarding receiving bids and awarding contract
- Large Gathering Permit application from Albany Area Jaycees for Ice Cup golf challenge
- Discussion of Mainstreet (Railroad Avenue) sidewalk snow removal enforcement
- Request for building permit fee credit for the city share of mechanical and plumbing permits ($234.00)
City Council
The Albany City Council will consider approving a $171,441.35 payment to Arnzen Construction for the Albany Golf Club remodel and five change orders totaling $451,158.77, which would raise the contract sum to $1,810,936.91. The council will also hear project updates from the city engineer, review an updated towing policy, and consider personnel policy and fee schedule amendments.
- Arnzen Construction pay application #1: $171,441.35
- Five change orders totaling $451,158.77 for golf club remodel
- Updated Towing Policy from Police Chief Ozzie Carbajal
- 2024 Employee Personnel Policy and Pay Equity Compliance Report
- Fee schedule amendment: $185/hr for 2020 Cat 930M wheel loader, $135/hr for 2023 Kubota SSV65 skid loader
City Council
The Albany City Council will consider a resolution approving plans and ordering advertisement for bids for the 2024 Roadway Surface Improvements, covering multiple streets and neighborhoods. The council will also hear project updates from the city engineer, receive reports from department heads, and consider appointments and policy items.
- Resolution 2024-02: Approve plans and advertise for bids for 2024 Roadway Surface Improvements (Shamrock Lane, Sand Lake Road, 13th Street, Highview Drive, and selective roadways in Highlands, Sterling Heights, Stonebrooke, and Country Estates neighborhoods).
- Resolution 2024-01: Approve delegation of authority for paying claims.
- Park Board application from Dalton Herzog, 160 3rd Street, for a 3-year term ending December 31, 2026.
- 2024 Employee Personnel Policy and appointment of 2024 Election Judges.
- Audit bills and approval of previous meeting minutes.