Votes at a glance: Albert Lea council awards road-materials bid, approves splash-pad bathrooms, accepts donation and names Human Rights Commission members

Albert Lea City Council approved a package of routine and project-specific measures at its April 28 meeting, including contracts for road materials, a bathroom/storage project near the splash pad, appointments to a revived Human Rights Commission and a $500 donation for summer recreation programs.

Donation to recreation department: The council accepted a $500 donation from Cargill of Albert Lea to support a city Recreation Department summer program for children (ages stated in meeting materials as 8–12). The City Manager said the program will include an escape room, archery tag, basketball and swimming. Motion to accept the donation was moved by Councilor Christiansen and seconded by Councilor Anderson; the motion carried by voice vote.

Bituminous materials contract: Public Works recommended and the council awarded the low bid for 2025 bituminous (CRS-2P and CRS-2) material to Flint Hills Resources of Saint Paul. The City Manager read the bid prices: $588 per ton delivered (CRS-2P) and $553 per ton delivered (CRS-2), excluding tax. The motion by Councilor Baker, seconded by Councilor Anderson, passed by voice vote.

Splash pad bathroom and storage contract (Project 25-11): The council accepted public works’ recommendation to award the splash pad bathroom and storage construction job. The City Manager said the total project estimate, including a 10% contingency, is $177,783; the budget for the project was $250,000. The contract will use a combination of city forces and contractors. Motion by Councilor Holland and seconded by Councilor Anderson passed; Councilor Baker abstained because of a stated conflict. Councilors and staff noted appreciation that the project came in under budget.

Human Rights Commission appointments: The council appointed seven members to revive the Human Rights Commission that had been inactive since the pandemic. Appointees and terms announced by the council were: Cesar Victorina (1 year), Peggy Olson (1 year), Jeremy Corey Grunas (2 years), Angie Hanson (2 years), Diresima Hernandez (4 years), Aruna Evanston (4 years) and Reverend Dr. Charles Halkula (4 years). The council clarified that terms are calendar-year based (beginning Jan. 1, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2025 for the one-year appointees) and that staff assignment for the commission is still under consideration. Motion to appoint was made by Councilor Holland and seconded by Councilor Anderson; motion carried.

Approval of claims: The council approved claims including several items above $25,000 presented at the meeting: $30,569.67 to HomeServe USA Corp. (water and sewer protection plan), $41,497.46 to Freeborn-Mower Electric Cooperative (electric service at wastewater plant), $50,000 to Century Partners LLC (Broadway Ridge grama), $60,237.08 to Jensen Excavating and Trucking (Blazing Star Landing remediation payment estimate #3), $87,477.90 and $310,928.47 to Inbuilt LLC (arena refrigeration controls/mechanical and recreational facilities project payments). Motion to approve claims carried by voice vote.

Procedure and context notes: Several councilors acknowledged staff work securing bids and managing projects; public works staff and councilors thanked crews for bringing the splash pad bathroom project in under budget. The council also approved a consent agenda at the start of the meeting and adjourned following the listed business.

Ending: Aside from the corridor grant and assessment measure that failed, the council’s approvals clear the way for planned public-works work this season and the reconstitution of a local Human Rights Commission tasked with updating its ordinance and recommending duties to the council.