Albert Lea council approves arena remodel contract, Fountain Lake dredging permit and engineering agreement

The Albert Lea City Council on Feb. 10 accepted major donations for an arena expansion, awarded a construction contract for remodeling the City Arena and Aquatic Center, approved an interim use permit to support removal of dredged material from Fountain Lake and authorized a professional services agreement related to east Main Street intersection work.

City Manager Ian Rigg told the council that the Albert Lea Hockey Association is donating $250,000 toward an expansion of the City Arena and that the Minnesota Royals Youth Volleyball is donating $300 for nets at the National Guard Armory. "The Albert Lea Hockey Association is donating $250,000 towards the expansion of the City Arena," Rigg said during his presentation of the donations. Councilors and the mayor expressed appreciation for the contributions.

Why it matters: the council’s actions move forward several capital projects and planning steps that affect downtown recreation facilities and local transportation planning. The arena and aquatic center remodeling award starts construction on a voter-approved project; the Fountain Lake interim use permit enables a time-limited dredging operation; and the Alliant engineering agreement positions the city to respond to potential MnDOT grant-funded interchange work.

Most significant actions

- The council accepted the two donations and approved a resolution authorizing acceptance. Council…