Albany public meetings in 2025
29 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Council
The Albany City Council will hold a regular meeting to act on the 2026 budget and 2025 property tax levy, discuss a proposed 4.5% water and sewer rate increase, and consider a winter parking ordinance amendment. The council will also review a draft Memorandum of Understanding for winter towing services and receive an update on the 2026 Capital Improvement Project.
- Resolution 2025-37 approving 2025 levy of $1,786,540 collectible in 2026
- Discussion on Ordinance 51 Section 07 Winter Parking
- Present draft Memorandum of Understanding (Winter Towing) with Albany Auto Center
- Recommend scheduling public hearing January 7 to increase water and sewer rates
- 2026 Capital Improvement Project update for 9th & 10th Streets from Railroad Avenue to Forest Avenue
City Council
The Albany City Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed 2026 budget and a 14.48% increase in the property tax levy from $1,650,412 to $1,889,340. The council will also consider approving plans and ordering bids for 2026 Capital Improvement Project roadway and utility improvements, and discuss draft amendments to ordinances on skateboards, public nuisances, and noise. A resolution to remove a parcel from TIF District No. 1-14 is also on the agenda.
- Public hearing on 2026 budget and proposed property tax levy of $1,889,340 (14.48% increase from 2025)
- Resolution 2025-35: Approving plans and ordering advertisement for bids for 2026 CIP Roadway and Utility Improvements
- Resolution 2025-36: Recommending removal of parcel 40.25063.0000 from TIF District No. 1-14 effective December 31, 2025
- Draft amendments to Ordinance 53 (Skateboards, Scooters and Roller-skates), Ordinance 70 (Public Nuisances), and Ordinance 72 (Noise)
- 2025 County Road 157 improvement update and 2026 Capital Improvement Project update from City Engineer
City Council
The Albany City Council will consider a policy on the 2026 Minnesota Paid Leave Law, accept Councilor Al Amdahl's resignation effective December 31, 2025, and discuss a service contract with Tri-County Humane Society. The council will also receive updates on the 2025 County Road 157 improvements and the 2026 Capital Improvement Project.
- Resolution 2025-32 accepting resignation of Councilor Al Amdahl effective December 31, 2025
- Resolution 2025-33 designating polling place location for 2026 elections
- Presentation of service contract with Tri-County Humane Society by Police Chief Matt Gannon
- Information related to 2026 MN Paid Leave Law presented by Clerk/Adm. Gary Winkels
- Resolution 2025-34 approving Minnesota LG220 lawful gambling exempt permit application by Albany FFA Alumni for Gun Bingo and pull-tabs at Shady's Hometown Tavern and Event Center on January 24, 2026
City Council
The Albany City Council will hold a public hearing on special assessments for unpaid utility fees and consider adopting the final assessment roll for the 2025 Capital Improvement Project on County Road 157/Railroad Avenue. The council will also discuss a police union petition, a raffle permit, a job description, and a new NSF policy.
- Public hearing on special assessments for unpaid utility fees and city charges (weed/grass) under Ordinances 77 and 30
- Resolution 2025-28 adopting final assessment roll for 2025 Capital Improvement Project County Road 157/Railroad Avenue
- Police Chief reports patrol officers petitioned to join the Law Enforcement Labor Union
- Resolution 2025-30 for a raffle permit by Albany Sportsmen’s Club Inc.
- Draft job description for part-time administration/police assistant and draft NSF policy
City Council
The Albany City Council will hold two public hearings: one on special assessments for the County Road 157/Railroad Avenue improvements totaling $125,071, and another on certifying unpaid refuse fees to Stearns County for collection. The council will also consider a proposed amendment to Ordinance 41 regarding snow and ice removal, and discuss a draft snow removal agreement with County Line Customs.
- Public hearing on special assessments for CR 157/Railroad Avenue improvements from 8th Street West to city limits, total assessment $125,071
- Public hearing on proposed special assessment for unpaid refuse fees and certification to Stearns County for 2026 collection
- Proposed amendment to Ordinance 41, Section 41.01 Subd1: Snow and Ice
- Draft 5-year snow removal agreement with County Line Customs
- Resolution 2025-29 for Holy Family School exempt permit to conduct a raffle and temporary on-sale liquor license for Snowball event on February 7, 2026
City Council
The Albany City Council will meet on October 1, 2025, to discuss and act on several items, including an update on the 2025 County Road 157 improvement, the 2026 Capital Improvement plan, and a resolution accepting donations. The council will also schedule public hearings for October 15 on the County Road 157 assessment and proposed special assessments for unpaid refuse fees.
- Update on 2025 County Road 157 improvement project
- Presentation of 2026 Capital Improvement plan
- Resolution 2025-27 accepting donations to the City of Albany
- Public hearings scheduled for October 15: County Road 157 assessment and special assessment of unpaid refuse fees to West Central Sanitation
- Reports from Police Chief Matt Gannon and Public Works Supervisor Joseph Mergen
Planning Commission
The Albany Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on a request by 1st Street Rentals LLC to rezone 101 Railroad Avenue and 121 1st Street from Single Family Residential (R1) to Core Commercial (C-1). The rezoning is needed to allow a parking lot serving a proposed professional office building for Stearns Bank at 121 Railroad Avenue. The commission will also review board member terms and approve the previous meeting's minutes.
- Rezone 101 Railroad Avenue and 121 1st Street from R1 to C-1
- Rezoning supports parking lot for proposed Stearns Bank office at 121 Railroad Avenue
- Public hearing on rezoning request by 1st Street Rentals LLC (Joe Peternell)
- Review Planning Commission board member terms
- Approve minutes of September 15, 2025 meeting
Park Board
The Albany Park Board will meet at North Park's Lion Shelter to review completed and ongoing improvements, hear from the Friends of North Park about future projects like a sledding hill and amphitheater, and discuss city-wide park needs and 2026 shelter fees.
- Tour of completed and in-progress North Park improvements
- Future North Park projects: sledding hill, amphitheater, volunteer opportunities, fundraiser ideas
- Public Works Supervisor to present needed city-wide park improvements
- 2025 Park Fund balances and 2026 Jaycee/Lion Shelter reservation fee updates
- American Legion Park improvement update
City Council
The Albany City Council will hold public hearings on vacating a drainage easement and on a major street and utility reconstruction project. The council is also set to act on the preliminary 2026 budget and property tax levy, and hear financing options for capital improvements.
- Public hearing to vacate a drainage and utility easement at 550 Stangler Court (Sterling Heights subdivision)
- Public hearing on a full street and utility reconstruction of Forest Avenue, 9th and 10th Streets, Midland Avenue, and adjacent alleys
- Resolution 2025-23 ordering improvement and directing plans for 2026 capital improvements (street and utility reconstruction)
- Resolution 2025-22 declaring costs to be assessed and ordering a public hearing on assessments
- Presentation of preliminary 2026 budget with a proposed 9.33% levy increase and estimated tax capacity rate of 51.75%
Planning Commission
The Albany Planning Commission will hold two public hearings: one for a conditional use permit to allow a drive-thru at a proposed Stearns Bank office at 121 Railroad Avenue, and another for an after-the-fact accessory building move-in permit for a shed already placed at 831 5th Street. The commission will also act on minutes from the July 14, 2025 meeting.
- Public hearing on Conditional Use Permit for a drive-thru at a new professional office building for Stearns Bank at 121 Railroad Avenue (zoned C-1 Core Commercial)
- Public hearing on an after-the-fact accessory building move-in permit for a 12' x 14' shed at 831 5th Street (zoned R-1 Low Density Residential)
- Approval of minutes from the July 14, 2025 meeting
City Council
The council will hear a presentation on funding options for County Road 157 improvements and review the preliminary 2026 budget, including proposed property tax collections. They will also consider selling a 2001 Dodge 1500 from Public Works. The meeting includes routine items like auditing bills and approving prior minutes.
- Clarify funding options for County Road 157 improvements
- Present preliminary 2026 budget and proposed property tax levy
- Request to sell Public Works 2001 Dodge 1500
- Update on County Road 157 preconstruction meeting
- Open forum for public comment (3-5 minutes max)
City Council
The Albany City Council will hold a regular meeting on August 20, 2025. Key items include a dispute over a parking citation, discussion of snow and ice removal ordinance, and a request to amend a purchase agreement for city-owned lots. The council will also consider resolutions for a street and utility improvement project and a public hearing on future improvements.
- Brittany Ehen disputes a parking citation issued May 21, 2025, for overnight parking violation (Ordinance 51.06).
- Joe Peternell of 1st Street Rentals requests amendment to purchase agreement for lots at 121 1st Street, 101 and 121 Railroad Avenue.
- Resolution 2025-20 to award contract for CR 157 Sidewalk and Utility Improvements Project.
- Resolution 2025-18 to receive preliminary engineering report and call public hearing on local improvement project.
- Discussion on Ordinance 41.01 Subd. 1 regarding snow and ice removal from sidewalks.
City Council
The Albany City Council will convene for a regular meeting to receive the 2024 annual audit presented by auditor Molly Thompson, act on draft updates to the Police Department's Body Worn Camera Policy, and discuss an engineering memo on the County Road 157 reconstruction project. The agenda also includes reports from department heads and a fire board liaison update.
- Molly Thompson, Schlenner Wenner Co., presents 2024 annual audit
- Police Chief Matt Gannon presents body worn camera audit report and draft policy updates
- Resolution 2025-17 accepting donations to the City of Albany
- Update on RFP's received for snow removal contractor
- League of MN Cities annual Liability Coverage Waiver Form
City Council
The Albany City Council will hear updates on two Conditional Use Permit applications from the July 14 Planning Commission meeting: a church in an M-2 Industrial Commercial District and an outdoor recreational vehicle test track in a C-3 Highway I-94 Commercial District. The council will also discuss a draft School Resource Officer agreement with Albany Area Schools, a snow removal contractor update, and a winter parking ordinance amendment.
- Conditional Use Permit for Stearns Bank NA to operate a church at 500 13th Street in M-2 Industrial Commercial District
- Conditional Use Permit for Huskie Hill LLC to construct an outdoor recreational vehicle test track at 211 County Road 156 in C-3 Highway I-94 Commercial District
- Draft School Resource Officer (SRO) Agreement between the City and Albany Area Schools
- Discussion on Ordinance 41 Section 41.01 Subd. 1 regarding snow and ice removal from sidewalks
- Large Gathering Permit for Albany Jaycees to host National Night Out in North Park on August 5
Planning Commission
The Albany Planning Commission held public hearings and voted to recommend approval of two conditional use permits: one for a church at 500 13th Street and one for an outdoor recreational vehicle test track at 211 County Road 156. Both recommendations include specific conditions regarding hours, fencing, and other requirements. The commission also received a building permit recap and updates on city-owned lot sales.
- Conditional use permit recommended for a church at 500 13th Street in M-2 Industrial Commercial District, with conditions including outdoor activities ending at 9 PM and no sleeping quarters
- Conditional use permit recommended for an outdoor recreational vehicle test track at 211 County Road 156 in C-3 Highway I-94 Commercial District, with conditions including hours of operation, fencing, and noise mitigation
- 2025 YTD building permit recap: 69 permits issued, total project value $2,937,344
- City sold a vacant lot north of 411 1st Street for $1,100
- City received a proposal from 1st Street Rentals LLC to purchase three city-owned lots at 101 and 121 Railroad Avenue and 121 1st Street, with a September 1, 2025 deadline
City Council
The Albany City Council will vote on accepting donations totaling $152,273.70 from the Albany American Legion, Albany Lions Club, Albany Fire Department, and We B Giving for park improvements, police equipment, and a fire truck replacement. The council will also consider approving an off-site gambling application for the Albany American Legion to conduct pull-tabs at a car show.
- Resolution 2025-15 accepting $152,273.70 in donations: $17,500 and $25,000 from Albany American Legion for Legion Park; $10,000 from Albany Lions Club for North Park mulch and waterway; $4,773.70 from Albany Lions Club for police radar and trauma kits; $50,000 from Albany Fire Dept for fire truck replacement; $45,000 from We B Giving for splash pad shelter
- Resolution 2025-16 approving Minnesota Lawful Gambling application LG230 for Albany American Legion to conduct off-site pull-tabs at Albany Chrysler Center, 34650 225th Ave, on August 1, 2025
- Audit bills and approval of June 18 council meeting minutes
- Open forum/public comment period (3-5 minutes max.)
- Engineering update from Jeremy Mathiasen on CR 157 improvements, PFAS monitoring, and water treatment plant generator replacement
City Council
The Albany City Council will review a proposed shelter design with shower facilities near the splash pad, act on permits for Heritage Day events including a car show and fireworks, and consider a street closure for a bean bag tournament. The meeting also includes routine items like bill approvals and minutes.
- John R. Harlander to present design for a shelter with shower facility near the splash pad per MN Department of Health requirements
- Sheri Thill, Rookies Sports Bar, requests temporary closure of 5th Street between Railroad Avenue and the alley for a bean bag tournament on August 2
- Large Gathering Permit applications for Albany Chrysler Center car show (Aug 1) and Albany Chamber of Commerce Heritage Day (Aug 2)
- MNDOT special event permits for Heritage Day parade and 5K walk/run on August 2
- Premier Pyrotechnics fireworks display on the golf course for Heritage Day on August 2
City Council
The council will consider a joint resolution for an orderly annexation agreement between the city and Albany Township for a 3-acre parcel owned by Centra Sota Cooperative, to allow future redevelopment and connection to municipal water and sewer. They will also act on a gambling permit and temporary liquor license for Holy Family School's fall festival, and a temporary liquor license for the Albany Lions Club's Heritage Day.
- Resolution 2025-12: Joint Resolution for Orderly Annexation Agreement between the Town of Albany and the City of Albany for Centra Sota Cooperative property (3+/- acres)
- Holy Family School: application for exempt permit to conduct a raffle (Resolution 2025-13) and temporary on-sale 1-4 day liquor license for Fall Festival on October 4
- Albany Lions Club: application for temporary on-sale 1-4 day liquor license for Heritage Day on August 24
- Public Works: recommendation to hire a part-time seasonal laborer
- Audit of bills and approval of May 21 meeting minutes
City Council
The Albany City Council will hold a regular meeting on May 21, 2025. Key items include a petition to annex a 3-acre parcel owned by Centra Sota Cooperative, a discussion with West Central Sanitation about the refuse hauling contract, and engineering updates on capital improvement projects. The council will also receive reports from department heads.
- Petition for annexation of Parcel ID 01.00208.0000 (21825 County Road 54) by Centra Sota Cooperative
- Discussion with West Central Sanitation on city's refuse hauling contract operations
- Engineering updates on County Road 157 improvements and future capital reconstruction projects (est. $5.1 million)
- PFAS Source Identification grant award reported by Public Works Supervisor
- Audit of bills and approval of previous meeting minutes
City Council
The Albany City Council will act on annual liquor and cigarette license renewals, consider a lower-potency hemp application from Shady's Hometown Tavern, discuss a draft purchase agreement to sell three city-owned parcels to 1st Street Rentals LLC for $60,000, and hear a presentation on funding options for capital improvement projects. The council will also receive an engineering update and note approval from the Minnesota Department of Health to switch corrosion control chemicals at the water treatment plant.
- 2025-2026 annual liquor and cigarette license renewals for multiple establishments totaling $10,330
- Lower-potency hemp application by Shady's Hometown Tavern to sell hemp gummies and drinks
- Draft purchase agreement to sell 121 Railroad Ave, 101 Railroad Ave, and 121 1st St to 1st Street Rentals LLC for $60,000
- Presentation by financial consultant Jason Murray on funding options for future capital improvement projects
- MDH approval to switch water treatment corrosion control from sodium silicate to LPC-4
City Council
The Albany City Council will hear a proposal from Joe Peternell to purchase three vacant city-owned parcels at 121 Railroad Ave, 101 Railroad Ave, and 121 1st Street. The council will also receive engineering updates on North Park parking lot improvements and consider a large gathering permit and temporary liquor license for the Church of Seven Dolors annual festival.
- Proposal to purchase vacant city parcels: 121 Railroad Ave, 101 Railroad Ave, and 121 1st Street
- North Park south parking lot improvements – contractor proposals expected
- Church of Seven Dolors large gathering permit and temporary on-sale liquor license for August 10, 2025 festival
- Public Works estimate for trimming/removing trees near pickleball court in North Park
- Audit of bills and approval of prior meeting minutes
City Council
The Albany Board of Appeal and Equalization will meet on April 2, 2025, to determine whether properties have been properly valued and classified for taxes payable in 2026. The meeting is open to property owners who wish to appeal their assessments after discussing concerns with the assessor. The agenda includes a report on 2025 assessment data, including median market value changes and new construction totals.
- Residential off-water properties saw a median increase of 7.9% in market value
- Residential on-water properties saw a median increase of 9.0%
- Commercial/industrial properties saw an average increase of 3%
- New construction total for 2025 assessment: $2,403,700
- 19 qualified residential sales used in the state study for 2025 assessment
City Council
The Albany City Council will hold a regular meeting on March 19, 2025. They will act on a large gathering permit application for a tribute concert on May 4, hear a library activity report, and consider a grant agreement for a county road active transportation project. The meeting also includes reports from boards and department heads on park board recommendations, a school resource officer policy, and a stop sign request.
- Large Gathering Permit Application for Tribute to Troy outdoor fundraiser concert on May 4, 2025, 2pm-6pm at Albany Area School parking lot
- Resolution 2025-07: CR 157 Active Transportation Program Grant Agreement
- Albany Police Department School Resource Officer Policy presentation
- Request to add stop signs at 7th Street N and 1st Avenue intersection
- Stearns County public hearing notice on amendments to Land Use and Zoning Ordinance #439
Park Board
The Park Board will hold a site visit at North Park followed by a meeting to appoint a 2025 chair and acting chair, approve prior minutes, and discuss several North Park improvement proposals from Friends of North Park. Items include repairing drainage swales, adding a sledding hill, naming a new shelter, and updating Jaycee shelter improvements. The board will also receive updates on 2024 park fund balances, Jaycee shelter reservations, and American Legion Park improvements.
- Appoint 2025 Chair and Acting Chair
- Propose repairing drainage swales in North Park east of the Early Childhood Center
- Propose a sledding hill addition to North Park
- Discuss naming of new shelter in North Park
- 2024 Park Fund balances and Jaycee Shelter reservation recap
City Council
The Albany City Council will consider remaining splashpad bids from November, discuss applying for PFAS management plan funding, and review a resolution to hire Jovanovich, Dege & Athmann PA for ordinance violation prosecution. Other items include an update on GIS mapping conversion and an IRS notice for adjusted 2021 tax payments.
- Review of splashpad bids: Rain Deck $165,407, American Industrial install $43,000, Liberty Electric $7,650, Aggressive Masonry $48,900, Loren's Tree and Lawn $31,570
- Resolution 2025-06 to hire Jovanovich, Dege & Athmann PA for ordinance violation prosecution
- Apply for PFAS management plan funding up to $31,500 from MPCA
- GIS mapping conversion: $7,810 to Stantec plus $1,100/year licensing
- IRS notice: $8,432.69 due for adjusted 2021 Form 941 tax underpayment
City Council
The Albany City Council will hear a feasibility report for future capital improvement reconstruction projects west of 8th Street and consider a GIS mapping proposal from city engineer Stantec. The council will also act on a resolution approving a lawful gambling exempt permit for Holy Family School to conduct a raffle at the Albany Golf Course on June 16, 2025, and receive an update on the city prosecution contract from the Stearns County Attorney.
- Feasibility report for capital improvement reconstruction projects on 9th, 10th, 11th, 14th Streets, Forest, Midland, and Court Avenues
- GIS mapping proposal from Stantec Consulting Services Inc. with an estimated fee of $7,810
- Resolution 2025-05 approving Minnesota Lawful Gambling application LG220 for Holy Family School raffle at Albany Golf Course on June 16, 2025
- Update from Stearns County Attorney Janelle Kendall on city prosecution contract
- Police Chief Matt Gannon and Public Works Supervisor Joseph Mergen reports
City Council
The Albany City Council will hear an update from Stearns County on the Ditch 28 redetermination project, which could expand the drainage system from 3,089 acres to about 43,000 acres and include all of Albany. The council will also consider approving an engagement letter with David Drown Associates for municipal advisory services and receive engineering updates on the 2025 CR 157 improvements.
- Update on County Ditch 28 redetermination — potential expansion from 238 to ~2,200 properties, including all of Albany
- Recommend approval of engagement letter from David Drown Associates, Municipal Advisors
- Engineering update on 2025 CR 157/Railroad Avenue reconstruction improvements
- Police Chief Matt Gannon and Public Works Supervisor Joseph Mergen reports
- Park Board liaison recommendation to fill a vacancy
City Council
The Albany City Council will consider two resolutions related to the 2025 CR 157 improvements: a parking restriction on both sides of County Road 157 from Trunk Highway 238 to the west city limits, and approval of the county project within city limits. The council will also act on a large gathering application from the Albany Jaycees for their Annual Ice Cup event on North Lake on February 22, 2025, and a park bench application in memory of Ethan Gerads at North Park. The meeting includes audit of bills, approval of prior minutes, and public comment.
- Resolution 2025-02: Parking restriction on both sides of CR 157 from Trunk Highway 238 to west city limits
- Resolution 2025-03: Approving county project (C.P. 073-157-021) within municipal limits
- Large gathering application by Albany Jaycees for Annual Ice Cup event on North Lake on February 22, 2025
- Park bench application by Albany Jaycees in memory of Ethan Gerads at North Park
- Engineering update on CR 157 improvements and future capital projects on Forest, Midland, Court Avenue, and 9th-14th Streets
City Council
The Albany City Council will convene on January 2, 2025, to administer oaths to newly elected officials, audit bills, and hear reports from department heads. Key actions include a public hearing notice for an interim use permit for Albany Recycling Center, a resolution to delegate claim payment authority, and a request for a temporary liquor license for an event at Seven Dolors Church. The council will also consider an amendment to Resolution 2024-24 regarding TIF district boundaries.
- Public hearing notice for interim use permit for Albany Recycling Center (auto recycling and solid waste) at 34737 County Road 10
- Resolution 2025-01 authorizing City Administrator to pay claims up to $10,000
- Application by Mother of Mercy Foundation for temporary 1-4 day liquor license for event at Seven Dolors Church on February 14, 2025
- Amendment to Resolution 2024-24 removing parcels from TIF District No. 1-14
- 2025 Employee Personnel Policy review