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We'll call the order of the regular meeting of the Upper Lee City Council for Monday, December 8, 2025. Please call the roll.

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Here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, which please rise and train me in the pledge of allegiance.

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to the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God,

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in visible liberty and justice for all.

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Welcome tonight, whether you're here in person or online, we're glad to have you.

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We have no ceremonial items tonight, item four is public forum, do we have speakers?

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Okay.

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All

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right. Robert Filbrunn, come on up.

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Welcome.

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Thank you. Robert Filbrunn, 21-458-775 Avenue.

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I was just wondering on a love of struck stop out there.

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I was up here a couple of years ago and they put up a stop sign up there.

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And a sign went around over it and they never got to put back up again.

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I want to know who's responsible for that love, or the city, or what?

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Okay, so we'll have somebody look into that for you and there will also

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be a new stop sign shortly.

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Okay.

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Also on the truck side, there's no stop signs, and on that new grocery store, there's no stop

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signs.

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So you could check on all of them because they come out of there and they don't look.

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I don't know if they figured it's not a street or what.

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All right.

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We appreciate you bringing that to us tonight and we'll look into it.

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Thank you.

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Thank you.

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All right.

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Item 5 is a consent and approval of Agenda A is the approval of the minutes of the November

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24th, 2025 regular council meeting.

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Item B is the approval of minutes of the November 24th, 2025 work session.

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and item C is a resolution accepting and awarding low bids for the 2026 chemicals and fuel council

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move to approve the consent and approval of agenda here on a motion by Councillor Baker is there a second no second you're on a second by

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Consular Anderson any further discussion

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Hearing none all in favor the motion signify by saying aye. I oppose nay

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motion carries

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Item six is petitions requesting communications. We have none tonight item seven is unfinished business. We have none tonight

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item 8 is new business, a is truth in taxation, public hearing.

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We'll call the public hearing to order and we'll start with a staff report.

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Finance director or city manager, did you want to speak first?

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Yes, go ahead.

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I want to thank everyone who has shown to this truth in taxation hearing.

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Taxes are never a pleasant subject.

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nor is it pleasant to pay them, but I do want to let people know that in part what may

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be experienced by some is not being experienced by all.

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If you were to read the paper, I believe a few weeks ago, the assessor said that they're

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having a lot of work to do and how they do their valuations, and from what I have gathered

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within the city that while we lower the tax rate,

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if your valuation had stayed the same,

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you would actually see a decrease in your taxes.

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If your valuation decreased,

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you definitely would see an even larger decrease.

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If your valuation improved at the average within the city,

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which was 16.43,

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you would see it increased by the actual amount of the levy,

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which would be proposed right now by staff at 5.9.

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But there are some that have seen a increase far greater than 16.43%

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within the city, and those people are quite frankly experiencing

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a much darker impact than those that had not.

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And I basically want to say that there's in part a lot of concern

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about that and that while the city does whatever it can to try to make things as balanced

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and as even flowing as possible throughout the years, the valuation is one thing that

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we do not have any control over. It's impacted by everything from the housing shortage to the

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very process at the assessor's office. And that in April would be the time if you do wish to contest

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your valuation. In April when you get to notice that would be the time to notify the county and

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and challenge your evaluation.

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So in the future, please make sure that you look to that

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when you do get the notice.

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And if you have any issues or disputes,

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take it to the hearing that is scheduled for that.

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I believe later in, I believe it's late spring,

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is when the hearing takes place.

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So with that, I would like to ask the Finance Director,

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Christie, would you like to come up

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and give a quick presentation on the budget?

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So tonight we're kind of going over a combination of a process that we started in early June.

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Many meetings with staff.

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We had a council budget committee that met and then more staff meetings, but we have,

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this has been a six months process to kind of get us to where we're at today.

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For 2026, if you remember at Prelim, we were looking at a 8% increase.

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We were able to make some adjustments and now we're looking at a 5.9% increase, 6.5 million

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of the levy that we're proposing tonight is for the general fund.

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And then an additional 2.753 million for the general fund and the debt levy and then

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a total levy of 9.286 million, which again is an increase of 5.9%.

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And mainly we were able to reduce that levy from the 8%

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down to the 5.9 because of some adjustments that we saw

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when we received our final workers comp information.

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We also had open enrollment and some changes in benefits.

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We were also able to put away some extra funds in our blight

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fund and also in the Broadway Ridge grant funds.

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So for 2026, we are looking at an increase in revenue

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of 4.3%, 890,000, which does include the levy increase of 558 expense changes.

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We are a pretty typical city.

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We are a 73% personnel cost for the general fund, and those costs stay go up 4%.

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This was the final, 2026 is the final year for the compensation and classification study

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that was done.

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As far as other personal changes, there's a new patrol officer in the budget for March

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of 2026, a GIS position in engineering in October of 2026.

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And also, we will be re, there's some reorganization that's going to go in the inspection and the

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planning departments that we're looking at July of 2026 for that reorganization.

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The other categories to supplies and the other services and charges as you can see did not go up as much, but again, we're an increase of 890,000 about 4.3%.

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A little more detail on the revenues. Where does the city get their revenue? We are 32% local government aid. So we do get most of our revenue in the general fund from LGA.

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It's about 6.9 million, and then city property taxes again about 6.5 million or 30%, 30%.

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We do have charges for services, and those are anything from building inspection, permit fees, charges for the arena, ice fees, pavilion rental fees, any type of charges for services like that, which is 16%, 13% of our revenue comes from transfers from the utility funds.

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So the general fund does charge the general fund for certain costs.

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So the general fund does cover all salaries for, like, say, the finance department, but

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some of those salaries with those transfers are charged back to the utility funds.

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And then 9% of our revenue does come from franchise fees, from cable, from electricity, and

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from gas charges, gas utilities.

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So,

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again, in earlier was talking about tax capacity, our tax capacity from 2025 to 2026

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went up to $0.4 million, about 16.43%, and as you can see from this change, the largest

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increase was in residential homestead values, which went from $7.4 million up to $8.8, which

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was an increase of $1.4 million, or about almost 19%.

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So, how does this all relate back to the city's tax levy?

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So, after you have the tax, you have the levy, which we might right now, we're looking

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at 9.286 million.

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We know that our tax capacity is about 16.9 million.

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So, what we do is we take the levy divided by the tax capacity, and that's how we get the

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tax rate.

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So in 2025, our final tax rate was 60.126, and in 2026, we're looking at a tax rate of 54.693,

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which actually is a decrease in the tax rate of about 9.04%.

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So what does that do overall to the

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taxes if you had a $100,000 property or per $100,000 property in 2025 taxes would have

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been $601 for 2026 if that $100,000 property is still $100,000. It actually would go down

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54.33 per year. If your tax, if the value went up by the amount that the tax capacity increased,

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the taxes actually would go up $35.53 or about $296 a month.

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On the $250,000 property for 2025, the taxes would be $1,500, $3.15

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for 2026, if that $250,000 property was still $250,000,

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the taxes would go down about $135.

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And if that $250,000 property increased by the amount of the tax opacity increase, the taxes would go up 88.81%.

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And again, when we're talking tax rate, this is the city's tax rate.

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City's tax rate alone.

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So what do your taxes buy per month?

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So we say that, you know, you're sitting at that 54.893% tax rate, about $14.11 per month goes towards public safety.

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We are, again, our just budget item, our largest budget line item is public safety, which does include fire, police, and building inspection.

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$6.41 for culture and recreation, which is anywhere from parks, the library, the arena,

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the pool, any types of facilities, $5.13 for public works, which includes our streets,

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it includes snow plowing, our engineering department, $4.49 general government, which includes

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anything from elections. It also includes our city manager budget, our finance department budget, our city clerk budget.

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Any of those types of budget communications as well as included in there.

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$1.92 for fund transfers for equipment. The city has historically always put money away

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to save for projects or upcoming capital projects, so $1.92 goes there.

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And then 13th 51 for debt service, which is to fund not only our street projects, but

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any other capital projects, which it does include the arena project that's going on right

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now.

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The 2026 HRA levy in September, the HRA did request 266,000.

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They could have again requested the maximum amount, which is a state formula that were required

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to follow by state statues, they could have requested up to 309, $309,000, $67,000.

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They did choose at that time to stay at 266 and right now we are looking at that same 266 from

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Prelim to today and that is the same amount again that they requested in 2025.

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Oh, and I should say too that the 266 that they are requesting they are planning on using

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for you on a redevelopment and then some workforce housing projects that they're looking at.

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Also tonight we'll be looking at fee schedule changes normally we only we will update the

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fee schedule one time it's this time in the year it'll be affect all the fees would be

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effective January 1. We do occasionally have a few fees that we might ain't changed

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during the year but mostly there are a lot of clarification and consolidation of the fees

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if you look through the information that was in the packet there were a lot of fees that

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we found out we really didn't need to be in there or were redundant so we did remove those.

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A couple notable increases hangar rent at the airport went up five to seven dollars per month.

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The ice rental based on when you rent the ice went anywhere up anywhere from five to twenty

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$2 per hour. The doc permits, went up $10 per year, and then liquor license. The off sale license is going from $450 to $560 a year, and then the on sale is increasing from $2,000 a year to $2,800 a year. I will note that there's a resolution later in the council meeting that we're going to address that increase from $2,000 to $2,800. There's some options to reduce those.

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those, the 2800 for 2027. 2026, sorry.

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And then the last fee that we always include about

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this time in the year is the water and sewer fees. We're looking at a 7% water or 7% sewer

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and a 5% water increase for 2026. So what does that, I mean the water and sewer rates, what

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does that do to a residential home that's using, which we call an average of 6,000 gallons,

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which is a number that isn't used just by Albert Lee, that's used everywhere.

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What an average consumer uses for water.

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If you're using those 6,000 gallons per month, your utility bill will go up $5.6 per month.

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So it'll increase from $8292 to $87.58.

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Where do our rates look like compared to other communities around us?

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And again, we're looking at these, these are the 2025 rates and this is the most current information we have.

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Elbert Lee is on a little bit on the lower side. We do it. There is a couple on here that are lower,

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but we are kind of sitting in the middle if you look at it here. We are a little bit unique in that we

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don't have a stormwater fee, which is the rate that's in purple. So you kind of have to look at that and adjust

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that number down and take that storm water fee.

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Our storm water costs are budgeted in our general fund budget.

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We don't have a separate fee for that.

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Tonight we'll also be approving the water fund budget, so along with the rate increase,

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we do go through that budget and increase it.

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For 2025 to 2026, we're looking at a net change before depreciation, about $380,000.

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And then the net change at the end of the year from 2025 to 2026 is about $330,000.

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We do look at the cash and make sure that I mean cash is where we want to keep an eye on

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because we have to keep an eye on that for projects that are coming up.

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In 2023 at the end we had about 4.7 million and then at the end of 24 we have about 5.3 million.

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And the reason we keep those reserves are in there and those cash amounts there is that

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that we're planning ahead for future projects

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that the water fund will have.

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The sewer fund revenue for 2025 to 2026

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increased about 381,000 with those rate changes

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that we discussed earlier.

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The sewer fund does pretty typically

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after depreciation run at a net loss,

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but most of the time we're looking at before depreciation,

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which is a change of about $149,510.

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The sewer fund does have a substantial cash balance by 8.8

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at the end of 23 and about 11.1 at the end of 2024,

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but we will be using those funds in the next few years

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on the wastewater treatment plant projects.

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The solid waste fund is also known as the transfer station.

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And those fees were not increased substantially in 2026.

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The current fees are sufficient to cover the operating costs with what we have to keep

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an eye on and the solid waste fund is if there are any capital projects, those fees that

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we're charging there are not able to sustain any large capital projects that may come up for

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the solid waste fund at the transfer station.

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The airport is the last fund that we budgeted for, the airport did have some increases in

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their fees as we discussed earlier, so we did increase those revenues about $8,000.

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Again, what we're only budgeting in the airport fund is the operating costs, so it's the

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daily rent that they collect, and also their daily operating costs.

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We don't budget for any type of capital improvement projects in this budget, but we do, those

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are included in our capital improvement plan.

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The airport cash at the end of 2023 is about $226,000.

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At the end of 2024 is about $402,000.

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You know, they do get a lot of money from federal and state grants.

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So their cash balance does seem to fluctuate.

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I mean, at the end of 2022 it actually had a zero cash balance.

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So it just depends on when those funds are coming in for those projects.

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The

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26 to 2030 capital improvement plan, just a couple of reminders about the capital improvement plan.

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It is a plan and it can change based on needs and resources.

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The 2026 projects less than $100,000 will move ahead after tonight, but they will require city manager approval.

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No further action by the council is required for those projects that are less than $100,000.

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And there's a couple of reasons why they would have to come back to Council.

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If it's, if once we get there and we're looking at it, if it's going to be 20 percent over

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the CIP amount, the funding is undetermined, the funding changes.

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If we thought we could pay for it with one fund and then we found out that fund doesn't

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have sufficient funds to fund that project, then we'd have to move.

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That would require approval.

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And also anything the council can also say tonight that there's a particular project that is under 100,000 that they would like brought back to council for approval.

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No projects, even if they're under 100,000, no matter what the value, no matter what they are from 27 to 2030, can move forward without council approval.

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Those are all required to have council approval to move ahead.

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Just a couple of project highlights for 2026.

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Again, we're looking at the wastewater treatment plan about 25 million.

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00:21:42,730 --> 00:21:47,010
There's a project for the city center improvement project, about 1.6 million.

235
00:21:47,570 --> 00:21:51,450
Blazing star landing development project, 1.2 million.

236
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Replace some water mains on 4th Street in Sorenson, 1.16 million, 880,000 to clean up 620 Adams Avenue.

237
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and then 800,000 for trail projects that include the Madison to Trunk Highway 74 project and then Fallen Street to Manchester.

238
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Some additional 2026 street projects that the engineering department will be working on.

239
00:22:19,830 --> 00:22:26,630
There's a $4.765 million project for Valley Avenue and Marshall Street reconstruction.

240
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1.48 million for Adams or Minah, Water and William Street overlay project.

241
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and a smaller reconstruction project at St. Mary about $297,000.

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Those projects that we were just talking about, like we always look at, I mean, we forecast out five years,

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but just kind of, for an example, the 2026 public works projects, the portion of that project that is going to be levied for,

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will increase the levy in 2027 so it's always a year behind the projects in

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26 but the levy increased doesn't happen until 2027 so for the 2026 public

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works projects will show an increase in the levy of 153,000 the city center

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00:23:18,920 --> 00:23:26,680
improvements about 76,300 and again that project is funded with levy it also has a

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portion that's funded with the water fund and also a portion that's funded with the sewer fund.

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And then some equipment certificates that we're looking at in 2026 for key cards and some lighting

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upgrades in and at City Hall. And you can see that the change from 26 to 27 is 12,700. The biggest

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reason for that is we are issuing some new debt so there will be new levy but there are some levy

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Levy that we issued in prior years that will be falling off so that's why the decrease

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is smaller.

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As you can see in that 20, 20, 7 debt levy.

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And whenever we're like cash flowing out the capital improvement projects, we always

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try to make sure that we're balancing and making sure the levy stays as steady as we possibly

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can.

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Moving projects around that require levy and so we don't have a larger impact in one year

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versus another.

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So

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tonight, again, these are the resolutions that we'll be looking at, the 2026 tax levy, the HRA levy, the 2026 budgets, the 2026 to 2030 capital improvement plan, and last the 2026 fee schedule.

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All right, with that, are there any questions from the council or comments?

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I know, the finance director.

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Councillor Baker. On the e-vehicles that we talked about, the city is going to purchase.

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What are they doing for the charging stations? Is that included in the price?

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I'm going to let Ian answer that.

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If we were making a purchase then yes,

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that would be part of the total package with the purchase. I know that there's one being

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currently reevaluated because of there were certain there were a couple of

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different issues that come up with availability that when we've called back in

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now and are reevaluating that but per climate change policy where we can find a

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practical replacement whether it's EV or hybrid we do seek those options but if

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is not practical, then it would not move forward.

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But typically, yes, that is included in the price,

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the charging station, okay.

276
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Thank you.

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I got one question on your letter.

278
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That's for the committee.

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What brands are we looking at with EV vehicles?

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City manager?

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As for the brand, we focus more on the price availability

282
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and whether or not it's going to suit the needs.

283
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so whether it's a Hyundai Honda Subaru Ford Chevy Dodge is generally irrelevant to the decision-making

284
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and said it's based on how will that make and model best suit the needs and what is the best value

285
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based off a state bid price. Thank you. Additional discussion.

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All right, hearing none, I'm going to

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00:26:42,770 --> 00:26:47,990
open up the public hearing but just a and we'll ask each one of you that would like to speak tonight

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to come forward. State your name. If you want to give us your address too, that would be great,

289
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but name for sure. And then we're going to have you if you want to speak to any of the six

290
00:26:59,050 --> 00:27:04,890
different resolutions that we'll be passing tonight, I'm going to ask during the public hearing

291
00:27:04,890 --> 00:27:10,050
that you would speak to which one you want to speak to. And then once we close that public hearing,

292
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we're going to go through each of the resolutions one-on-one, but the public discussion will be over

293
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by that point, okay? So if you have information you want to share with us on water and sewer

294
00:27:20,470 --> 00:27:25,430
rates, we want you to do that during the public hearing. So with that, we'll open up the public

295
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hearing and would anyone like to speak?

296
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Donald jump up at once.

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Welcome.

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My name is John Gerke

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and with me I got Robert Hoffman. Some of the issues we have with the tax raise here in

300
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and we're mostly speaking towards apartment complexes.

301
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There's some of the issues there that we see that are going to end up going downhill and going to our tenants instead of us.

302
00:28:03,950 --> 00:28:06,750
One of the things they increased rent to tenants.

303
00:28:07,730 --> 00:28:17,490
If you raise our taxes as a landlord, that's going to roll downhill, that's going to go right to our tenants every time, and that's pretty much how that goes.

304
00:28:18,490 --> 00:28:22,030
I know an investment, discourage investment here in Aberdeley.

305
00:28:22,610 --> 00:28:27,910
So higher taxes, even if you do a basement on new builds, it's not going to matter whenever

306
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five years they're going to come into a tax increase, five years later, that we have

307
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to deal with.

308
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Burden on low income families, I think that's kind of talked about with the tenants.

309
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So low income, that's a lot of our tenants is low income.

310
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They can't afford to go and buy new houses, they can't afford the down payment for these

311
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especially with that increase coming.

312
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We also have increases coming with our utilities too.

313
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So we still are gonna see a tax or a rent increase,

314
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but not at the point where I was paying $40,000 for taxes

315
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and now I've got a 20% increase on that.

316
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That's gonna end up being a lot larger as well,

317
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on one property, that was just one single property.

318
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Risk of displacement, so with that,

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whenever you have tenants that are long term tenants,

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and they've stayed there for years and years and years and they're on a fixed income.

321
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You're going to see some of those maybe not being able to forward the new rent increases

322
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that we have for these people.

323
00:29:29,510 --> 00:29:33,790
Also, I kind of did a chat GBT. I don't know, you'll take that

324
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for what it is, but I tried to figure out the total number of buildings in Aberlin.

325
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With that, I've got an estimate of 10,289. I don't know if that's exact.

326
00:29:45,350 --> 00:29:48,970
there's no way to actually know that I've called three people at the county they didn't know

327
00:29:49,870 --> 00:29:56,110
so I kind of went off that. But out of that I did 20 total apartment buildings which is 10

328
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units or above. So out of the 10 units above there's about 20 total-

329
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Local department buildings. About that, there's about 758 units in those apartment buildings. So, for not increasing the taxes, of course, we still have to pay our taxes, the rest, pay taxes. But with not increasing those certain number of buildings, so 20 out of two are 10,289 give or take. You're saving 758 units, worth of tax increase, which is basically what it is. I mean, a rent increase,

330
00:30:27,800 --> 00:30:30,800
on top of utilities and top of everything else,

331
00:30:30,920 --> 00:30:34,100
they're going to see that hit in 2026.

332
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So I had just...

333
00:30:37,280 --> 00:30:39,840
Robert, do you have anything to add to that, really?

334
00:30:40,340 --> 00:30:42,100
John served in the Navy and is from Texas.

335
00:30:42,100 --> 00:30:43,220
I'm just here to interpret.

336
00:30:43,380 --> 00:30:44,460
He swears and swears a lot.

337
00:30:45,000 --> 00:30:46,180
I swear a lot.

338
00:30:46,640 --> 00:30:49,940
Public speaking is not my forte at all.

339
00:30:50,980 --> 00:30:53,220
But yeah, that's more my concern, right?

340
00:30:53,220 --> 00:31:05,000
We have about 80 units here in town and we continue to grow but the problem is if we go and buy in one we want to keep I would think we would want to keep our investors local.

341
00:31:05,480 --> 00:31:10,300
We don't want to see people from New York or California or anywhere else buying these buildings because what happens when they buy them they don't care.

342
00:31:10,660 --> 00:31:14,940
They don't care what this acts increases they're going to just increase the rent and that's it.

343
00:31:15,540 --> 00:31:25,440
But if you want to keep it local, you want to keep it people buying apartment buildings in this town, whether it's two units, four units, multi fan, it doesn't matter.

344
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You're going to end up with a problem because we're not going to be able to afford the tax increase here locally.

345
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It's going to be people that sold their building for $10 million and then they come here with their money and then they buy it.

346
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And if they don't end up with all the tenants in the building,

347
00:31:41,700 --> 00:31:44,400
they end up with half of it empty, doesn't matter.

348
00:31:44,520 --> 00:31:45,640
Then it's a tax break for them.

349
00:31:46,420 --> 00:31:50,880
So it's one of those lines that if you want to keep business local,

350
00:31:52,160 --> 00:31:57,200
that's another reason to keep it our taxes lower.

351
00:31:58,080 --> 00:32:02,660
And of course we're talking about, again, we want to be able to pay our taxes.

352
00:32:02,920 --> 00:32:06,840
We know we need to pay our taxes, but to increase, I'll say, a neighbor of mine.

353
00:32:06,840 --> 00:32:10,200
And so let's just say we take one of our properties and

354
00:32:10,200 --> 00:32:14,800
neighbor to that, a single family home, you increase at 20%, you increase us 20%.

355
00:32:14,800 --> 00:32:17,240
Well, you're increasing that one family, 20%.

356
00:32:17,840 --> 00:32:19,120
And that hits that one family.

357
00:32:19,720 --> 00:32:25,920
You increase our family, our place, 20%, you're increasing one place alone, 36 units,

358
00:32:26,040 --> 00:32:30,220
or it's individuals, which most of those probably are lower income residential people.

359
00:32:30,720 --> 00:32:33,000
So that's going to be an issue as well.

360
00:32:33,000 --> 00:32:36,900
So that's really, I mean, it's without the gut.

361
00:32:37,240 --> 00:32:40,000
No, John's just point out his concern of local investors,

362
00:32:40,020 --> 00:32:43,720
seeing local investors, maybe choosing not to invest

363
00:32:43,720 --> 00:32:44,540
local anymore.

364
00:32:44,980 --> 00:32:47,540
And everything that we've purchased between the two of us,

365
00:32:47,540 --> 00:32:49,460
we've got just under 300 units in town.

366
00:32:49,900 --> 00:32:51,740
We didn't buy anything from anybody local.

367
00:32:52,320 --> 00:32:54,200
Everybody that owned the buildings we had before

368
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were from out in town.

369
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And guarantee they didn't care as much as John and I did.

370
00:32:58,320 --> 00:33:00,580
But pretty soon, we won't be able to afford to carry there.

371
00:33:01,200 --> 00:33:04,480
And then also goes with the discouragement of investments, right?

372
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You have high-property taxes.

373
00:33:06,520 --> 00:33:09,900
You're going to make it to where people don't want to invest in hourly.

374
00:33:10,900 --> 00:33:16,000
They don't want to invest in hourly, but you have to fix problems that we have here.

375
00:33:16,200 --> 00:33:20,380
So if we increase those people that we have here already without adding new,

376
00:33:20,540 --> 00:33:25,360
because I know that's a big thing is adding more units to hourly to be able to grow hourly.

377
00:33:26,160 --> 00:33:27,880
I don't know how you're going to grow hourly.

378
00:33:27,880 --> 00:33:33,740
If the units that we have already are getting taxed to the point that people can't live there or they have to

379
00:33:33,740 --> 00:33:38,300
Figure out are we going to pay gas this month or are we going to pay the rent this month?

380
00:33:39,580 --> 00:33:40,980
So if we can't fix

381
00:33:41,720 --> 00:33:43,700
The apartments that we already have

382
00:33:43,700 --> 00:33:45,720
Excuse me already have

383
00:33:45,720 --> 00:33:49,120
How can we expect other investors come here?

384
00:33:49,440 --> 00:33:55,360
Give them a five-year tax break, but then just roll right into the tax problems that we have

385
00:33:55,360 --> 00:33:57,360
So we'll get five years of a new building

386
00:33:57,880 --> 00:34:03,460
That's great. But five years later, whenever the tax increase happens, what do we expect then?

387
00:34:03,800 --> 00:34:06,660
Are they going to want to rebuild? Are they going to want to add new buildings here?

388
00:34:07,000 --> 00:34:12,440
Are they going to, I mean, there's a lot of issues there, I think. But one of the things that I think,

389
00:34:12,760 --> 00:34:18,300
because I don't want to just come up green grape, right, complain, is doing something along the lines

390
00:34:18,300 --> 00:34:23,900
of an abatement on the apartments that are already here. That doesn't mean pay zero taxes,

391
00:34:23,900 --> 00:34:45,260
But a cap on some sort of a program that doesn't come in the state that comes from the city and the city caps apartment buildings for whatever you know, I'm not going to try to figure out those numbers here, but you know, we have a lot of units that are five from below those can be taxed a certain percent five to 10%

392
00:34:45,260 --> 00:34:51,140
percent and above certain percent and if the tax increase goes lower than that maybe we figure

393
00:34:51,140 --> 00:34:59,420
that at that time but if the tax increases higher of that 20 percent that just seems like it's

394
00:34:59,420 --> 00:35:06,390
going to cause a lot of burden for low income families here in this town. That's really all

395
00:35:06,390 --> 00:35:12,270
of God. All right thank you for coming and sharing with us tonight John and Robert we appreciate that

396
00:35:12,270 --> 00:35:16,430
And for the second time, would anyone like to speak?

397
00:35:19,690 --> 00:35:20,310
We think it's great.

398
00:35:20,530 --> 00:35:20,990
I'll take it.

399
00:35:22,730 --> 00:35:25,190
Jerry Collins, I live here in Albert Lee.

400
00:35:25,330 --> 00:35:26,530
I want to business here in Albert Lee.

401
00:35:26,770 --> 00:35:29,730
And one of the numbers that was pretty striking to me

402
00:35:29,730 --> 00:35:34,270
when I got my proposed taxes for 26 was on the distress

403
00:35:34,270 --> 00:35:36,610
property that we bought down on South Broadway.

404
00:35:37,210 --> 00:35:39,090
Obviously, we knew there was going to be an increase

405
00:35:39,090 --> 00:35:42,770
because we took a lot of our own money and finance some

406
00:35:42,770 --> 00:35:44,350
of that and turn it into what I think

407
00:35:44,350 --> 00:35:47,410
probably one of the best properties on South Broadway.

408
00:35:48,910 --> 00:35:55,210
Our proposed tax increase for that, and I know the city doesn't control this, but it's just a kind of, for instance,

409
00:35:57,690 --> 00:36:02,810
457.7% on that structure is my increase for 26.

410
00:36:04,890 --> 00:36:11,610
And the, you know, the biggest problem is, and so the biggest increases aren't even necessarily coming from the city of Albert Lee.

411
00:36:11,610 --> 00:36:17,310
we've got the county taxes, we've got the state taxes which we know that most of our money

412
00:36:17,310 --> 00:36:21,870
over the last several years has been stolen from us, it seems to be very apparent.

413
00:36:23,510 --> 00:36:30,090
But it's all these things are incremental, and when it comes right down to the municipalities,

414
00:36:30,970 --> 00:36:35,890
there's a lot of business owners, a lot of property owners that want to spend money and redevelop

415
00:36:35,890 --> 00:36:44,650
and develop new properties here in Albert Lee, but when you then get a 450, almost 458% increase,

416
00:36:44,930 --> 00:36:51,870
it certainly dulls my enthusiasm to continue to rehabilitate properties within the city of Albert Lee.

417
00:36:52,230 --> 00:36:57,970
Knowing that it's not the city's fault, you guys didn't set that tax rate, but that just makes

418
00:36:57,970 --> 00:37:05,050
it one more thing. So then we talk about spending, I don't remember what the number was here in the city

419
00:37:05,050 --> 00:37:09,790
building. And I'll be honest, I don't give a crap if you have a new toilet in this facility.

420
00:37:10,290 --> 00:37:15,350
Like, I've been through this entire facility. It seems pretty adequate. We would, you know,

421
00:37:15,430 --> 00:37:21,170
I think most people would be just fine if the city didn't spend that money. We know that we have

422
00:37:21,170 --> 00:37:27,930
to have adequate water treatments and a lot of that is required through state statute and federal

423
00:37:27,930 --> 00:37:33,730
law. So, you know, like the, and I think you guys have done a relatively good job at trying to

424
00:37:33,730 --> 00:37:37,110
that the city increases as much as you can,

425
00:37:37,110 --> 00:37:40,550
but then we start talking about adding more government employees

426
00:37:40,550 --> 00:37:43,190
to the goal as well in 26.

427
00:37:43,990 --> 00:37:45,110
You know, and we have council members

428
00:37:45,110 --> 00:37:46,970
who are looking for breakdowns in the positions

429
00:37:46,970 --> 00:37:49,110
of what's the loaded cost?

430
00:37:49,670 --> 00:37:51,370
Because, you know, Mr. Rigg,

431
00:37:51,390 --> 00:37:53,850
we'll just use your extra right here in front of me.

432
00:37:54,010 --> 00:37:57,210
Your annual salary is not your loaded cost

433
00:37:57,210 --> 00:38:00,190
as an employee of the city of Albert Lee, right?

434
00:38:00,350 --> 00:38:01,950
There's benefits and retirement,

435
00:38:02,050 --> 00:38:03,350
all those things that go along with that.

436
00:38:03,350 --> 00:38:07,630
And, you know, those are the numbers that I think we should discuss if we, as we put,

437
00:38:07,750 --> 00:38:13,770
new city employees on the dole, is what is the loaded cost every year that we pay for

438
00:38:13,770 --> 00:38:14,490
these employees?

439
00:38:15,170 --> 00:38:21,470
And those breakdowns, salary versus benefit package, essentially, is one of the things

440
00:38:21,470 --> 00:38:26,370
that we should really discuss in the truth and taxation portion, but potentially.

441
00:38:27,770 --> 00:38:38,890
you know, and the reality is is everybody's pretty strapped right now. I mean, that's that is a harsh reality. We are a poor Southern Minnesota County. We are a poor Southern Minnesota city.

442
00:38:39,990 --> 00:38:49,350
And there's, you know, I mean, when the middle class and upper middle class people that I talk to on a very regular basis, start going, Jesus, what are we going to do?

443
00:38:51,050 --> 00:39:08,450
I mean we're 11.6 mile probably 12 miles north of the border right here and if I go 12 miles south of here all of a sudden my property taxes get cut by over a third for the for a very comparable property and I know that's not all the city's doing it is not.

444
00:39:09,370 --> 00:39:14,430
But all of this stuff continues to add up and, you know, like, we're beat up here.

445
00:39:15,330 --> 00:39:17,230
I mean, we're taking a weapon.

446
00:39:17,990 --> 00:39:25,510
And then we worry about, is every penny that we're allocating that our elected officials are voting on,

447
00:39:25,750 --> 00:39:27,290
is that accounted for?

448
00:39:27,830 --> 00:39:31,110
You know, and I appreciate the truth and taxation portion of it.

449
00:39:31,430 --> 00:39:35,450
When I think there's a whole bunch of things in here that we could probably cover a little more adequately,

450
00:39:35,450 --> 00:39:42,110
even just random terminology. She's a bookkeeper. She does this for a living. I don't, right?

451
00:39:43,630 --> 00:39:48,250
You know, I mean, you're a financial guru of Mr. Murray. Well, at least you want to be, right?

452
00:39:49,870 --> 00:39:54,970
You know, it's like I have every faith that you understand every single syllable as she said,

453
00:39:55,190 --> 00:40:00,450
but I don't think that shared throughout the community. And so maybe more transparency and more

454
00:40:00,450 --> 00:40:04,090
more education of our citizens would be something that we can work on as well.

455
00:40:05,410 --> 00:40:07,250
I'll, I'll just put my wine in there.

456
00:40:07,610 --> 00:40:08,010
Thank you guys.

457
00:40:08,190 --> 00:40:08,970
Appreciate it.

458
00:40:08,970 --> 00:40:10,530
I appreciate you.

459
00:40:11,250 --> 00:40:14,170
We appreciate you coming and speaking to you also next, please.

460
00:40:17,360 --> 00:40:17,460
Hi.

461
00:40:17,780 --> 00:40:18,920
My name is Jeff Rension.

462
00:40:19,000 --> 00:40:20,060
We're on two or three Giles.

463
00:40:21,140 --> 00:40:26,000
My question is touched on earlier when you were saying about how the assessors doesn't

464
00:40:26,000 --> 00:40:32,980
testing. We have a unique situation. Three years ago, this coming January, we had a

465
00:40:32,980 --> 00:40:33,420
house fire.

466
00:40:37,380 --> 00:40:42,640
A refrigerator, stove, and everything in the basement. We had to get the whole house.

467
00:40:43,420 --> 00:40:49,100
We had to replace all the appliances, all the windows. But walls were still intact, the firemen

468
00:40:49,860 --> 00:40:54,780
punched holes in them to look for fires. Well, right now, we're in the process of moving

469
00:40:54,780 --> 00:41:03,620
back in that house our taxes on that structure have gone up 118% and a lot of

470
00:41:03,620 --> 00:41:08,140
that's due to what they increased the value of the house we didn't remodel

471
00:41:08,140 --> 00:41:12,400
this house because we just got a whim you know that's those old we need a new

472
00:41:12,400 --> 00:41:17,760
one no we need a stove because ours is in the basement we rebuilt from a fire

473
00:41:17,760 --> 00:41:24,260
from a loss we didn't rebuild because we wanted a nicer house it was a necessity

474
00:41:25,740 --> 00:41:31,380
We have the same square footage, we have the same bathrooms, we lost a bedroom because

475
00:41:31,380 --> 00:41:32,580
we made our kitchen a little bigger.

476
00:41:33,300 --> 00:41:37,360
But we basically total loss and total rebuild.

477
00:41:38,740 --> 00:41:44,380
And I got the numbers and the numbers aren't matter, but the whole point is we've got

478
00:41:44,380 --> 00:41:49,440
the same property, same square footage, same number of bathrooms.

479
00:41:50,500 --> 00:41:58,100
We didn't expand anything, and 118,000 are about, I'm sorry, 118% is a big increase.

480
00:41:58,580 --> 00:42:04,260
And the majority of that is from the assessor assessing it to such a much greater value,

481
00:42:04,680 --> 00:42:07,440
almost double what the property is worth before our fire.

482
00:42:08,440 --> 00:42:10,440
And we haven't been in that house for three years now.

483
00:42:12,480 --> 00:42:19,420
And that's a big chunk, I just, I think it has a lot to do with how the assessors are

484
00:42:19,420 --> 00:42:26,000
assessing? Yeah, yeah, we got to install a new refrigerator, but we didn't have one before.

485
00:42:27,420 --> 00:42:35,240
I think there's a big difference in, and if you're upgrading versus rebuilding from the casualty, and that's basically what we've done.

486
00:42:36,140 --> 00:42:46,480
And 118%, I understand increases, I understand all that, but I think 118 in this unique circumstance is a little bit extreme.

487
00:42:48,000 --> 00:42:51,040
in touch that was one of you said something about how the

488
00:42:51,040 --> 00:42:54,540
assessors as assessing we had the assessor come in now they said

489
00:42:54,540 --> 00:42:58,880
about April time or something we didn't have a amount yet at that

490
00:42:58,880 --> 00:43:02,960
time because they hadn't been in for another inspection they would

491
00:43:02,960 --> 00:43:06,120
come in and inspect as we did plumbing electrical you know the

492
00:43:06,120 --> 00:43:09,520
different permits had come in and expect but the last time he was

493
00:43:09,520 --> 00:43:13,200
in he said don't worry about the evaluation because it goes

494
00:43:13,200 --> 00:43:17,760
was by foot. We were concerned about losing a bedroom and having our value good

495
00:43:17,760 --> 00:43:21,980
out because we didn't have free bedroom anymore. He said, don't worry about it. It's

496
00:43:21,980 --> 00:43:27,340
square footage. We go by square footage of the property. Not by what rooms, not by what

497
00:43:27,340 --> 00:43:32,600
bathrooms. And the point is, we had the exact same floor pan. Just, yeah, we've got new

498
00:43:32,600 --> 00:43:37,340
floors because we didn't have floors. We could walk from the living room to the kitchen

499
00:43:37,340 --> 00:43:39,980
and through the walls, I mean, it was bearable.

500
00:43:40,840 --> 00:43:44,660
And I guess my thing part of it is how the assessors

501
00:43:44,660 --> 00:43:47,820
are assessing it, and 118 I think it's a little extreme.

502
00:43:48,700 --> 00:43:50,120
And I don't know what we can do about it.

503
00:43:50,320 --> 00:43:51,200
So that's just bumpy.

504
00:43:51,560 --> 00:43:55,060
Not my bitch, but my beef, whatever you're talking about.

505
00:43:55,120 --> 00:43:55,240
All right.

506
00:43:55,340 --> 00:43:57,920
Yeah, I just think it's an extreme situation

507
00:43:58,320 --> 00:44:00,800
and it's not a remodel, it's a rebuild.

508
00:44:01,100 --> 00:44:02,100
I think there's a difference there

509
00:44:02,100 --> 00:44:03,760
that needs to be taken into consideration.

510
00:44:04,320 --> 00:44:04,560
All right.

511
00:44:05,420 --> 00:44:06,840
Thank you for coming and sharing

512
00:44:06,840 --> 00:44:10,500
with us tonight and the next speaker welcome

513
00:44:17,090 --> 00:44:20,650
well I'm Virgil Logan live at

514
00:44:21,310 --> 00:44:28,590
217th Street it's a duplex and last year they raised it from 160,000 it was

515
00:44:28,590 --> 00:44:36,030
the 290,000 so I went last spring I went to their assessors meeting they come

516
00:44:36,030 --> 00:44:43,230
out and they looked but they lowered it to 209 or 235,000 which is still too much to

517
00:44:43,230 --> 00:44:53,050
me. I don't mind it raising some 10-20% but not that much. In the taxes are 61% higher than

518
00:44:53,050 --> 00:44:59,790
last year. It's over $1,000 more after paying taxes. And you try to do that on a retired

519
00:45:00,110 --> 00:45:06,950
Social security. Not easy. So, like the guys said, maybe moved Iowa.

520
00:45:10,040 --> 00:45:14,760
That's my complaint. So, thank you much. Thank you for sharing with us tonight.

521
00:45:17,280 --> 00:45:17,820
Next speaker.

522
00:45:29,290 --> 00:45:43,650
My name is Cynthia Gail. I live at 1520 Ashley Court. I'm getting ready to retire, I'm probably should retired years ago, but my property tax went about $1,200 this year, which is not okay.

523
00:45:44,670 --> 00:45:49,670
because obviously my wages or retirements,

524
00:45:49,670 --> 00:45:51,810
three of them are not gonna even equal that.

525
00:45:52,690 --> 00:45:55,070
But the other thing, I guess I'm gonna look at

526
00:45:55,070 --> 00:45:59,370
is the people that buy homes and they rent them out.

527
00:45:59,890 --> 00:46:01,750
No, they're not big apartment complexes,

528
00:46:01,910 --> 00:46:03,930
but they're people from Everett Lee.

529
00:46:04,630 --> 00:46:07,750
You go into it, I'm gonna just talk to me in my own care.

530
00:46:08,230 --> 00:46:11,350
You go into a trashed home house, you buy it,

531
00:46:11,350 --> 00:46:14,370
you clean it up, you fix it up, you buy a stove,

532
00:46:14,370 --> 00:46:16,330
you buy a refrigerator, wash your dryer,

533
00:46:17,010 --> 00:46:18,670
tear out the carpet, clean up the place,

534
00:46:19,290 --> 00:46:20,370
you rent it to somebody,

535
00:46:21,050 --> 00:46:23,510
we go through COVID and whatnot,

536
00:46:24,250 --> 00:46:26,610
and they get penalized, and then we go,

537
00:46:28,610 --> 00:46:30,350
and for some reason,

538
00:46:30,930 --> 00:46:32,430
somebody got this crazy idea

539
00:46:32,430 --> 00:46:36,370
that your $600 rent should be $1,000 rent now.

540
00:46:37,630 --> 00:46:39,910
Well, not everybody did that to their people.

541
00:46:41,350 --> 00:46:46,030
because some of the landlords and some of the people that own these homes or these properties

542
00:46:46,850 --> 00:46:51,810
care about their tenants. If they're furnishing a washroom dryer, a stolen refrigerator,

543
00:46:52,850 --> 00:47:00,450
they have to keep all that going. And you raise those taxes. These people are not all

544
00:47:01,730 --> 00:47:09,150
two husband and wife. They're raising children. They have families. But these people that own these

545
00:47:09,150 --> 00:47:14,470
maybe it's only ten. They're keeping all of that going for these people. They

546
00:47:14,470 --> 00:47:18,810
don't even have the heart to raise it from the 600 to the 1000 because they're

547
00:47:18,810 --> 00:47:22,970
not greedy. But then you give them these property taxes. Now they have no choice

548
00:47:22,970 --> 00:47:28,670
but to raise. We have to somehow this is, if you know what I think about psychology,

549
00:47:29,530 --> 00:47:35,990
a home is not a want. It's a basic need. So we say, oh the loss that we have to have

550
00:47:35,990 --> 00:47:40,710
this. The law said we have to that. You know what? Change the stupid law. Why can't you

551
00:47:40,710 --> 00:47:45,030
fight some of this? Oh, we have to have this raise. Well, I know we have a lot of fluff

552
00:47:45,690 --> 00:47:50,070
in this thing that you showed us. I've got to talk about fluff. I'm not going to talk about

553
00:47:50,070 --> 00:47:56,550
a trail or this or that. I am talking about a family having shelter. We have winter here

554
00:47:56,550 --> 00:48:02,050
in case you never noticed that. Change those laws. Do something. Don't say, oh, the law

555
00:48:02,050 --> 00:48:08,710
said, who makes the laws? Who can change the laws? We, the people. It's time for change.

556
00:48:09,570 --> 00:48:14,890
You don't up my stupid house insurance, whatever property taxes every single year.

557
00:48:15,730 --> 00:48:23,590
That is stupid. You're not raising my what do you call retirement pay? How many jobs do you want

558
00:48:23,590 --> 00:48:28,610
me to have to work? You know, you save all your life to have this nice home. You get this nice

559
00:48:28,610 --> 00:48:35,750
home and all of a sudden you get this burden. I work hard. And I invest a lot in

560
00:48:35,750 --> 00:48:40,650
students out of my own paycheck. And I don't care because if it makes them

561
00:48:40,650 --> 00:48:45,270
better, I'm willing to do it. But when I start to see people suffering over

562
00:48:45,270 --> 00:48:51,310
their homes, I can't sit home and say nothing. And you know what? I'm not the one

563
00:48:51,310 --> 00:48:56,050
renting out these homes. I'm not the one buying these homes. I am just here a voice

564
00:48:56,050 --> 00:49:01,650
for the people. And you are our elected officials. Where's your voice for the people?

565
00:49:02,870 --> 00:49:06,630
I'll have to say. Thank you for sharing with us tonight, Cindy.

566
00:49:08,630 --> 00:49:14,980
Yes. So because I know the council can't interact necessarily during this portion,

567
00:49:15,640 --> 00:49:18,860
I think it's worth saying that the vast majority of the complaints that came

568
00:49:18,860 --> 00:49:24,480
at the city council meeting this evening were regarding the assessments on our homes and

569
00:49:24,480 --> 00:49:30,240
businesses, all of that is done by the county of Freeborn County. The city does not

570
00:49:30,240 --> 00:49:37,740
assess properties, they don't raise those property taxes. So everybody that had the

571
00:49:37,740 --> 00:49:42,620
property tax increase concern, show up to the county and have the same at the county

572
00:49:42,620 --> 00:49:47,760
commissioners meeting because they do have direct impact on it. Not that it shouldn't happen

573
00:49:47,760 --> 00:49:51,180
here as well but that's where the change can actually be applied.

574
00:49:51,180 --> 00:49:57,780
Thank you for the third time would anyone like to speak tonight hearing

575
00:50:02,940 --> 00:50:03,540
none I

576
00:50:03,540 --> 00:50:05,620
will close the public hearing I'm

577
00:50:07,980 --> 00:50:09,840
going to open it up to the council for any

578
00:50:09,840 --> 00:50:15,080
comments or questions at this time and I would just like to start with thank

579
00:50:15,080 --> 00:50:18,200
you for each one of you that came and spoke tonight because we need to hear

580
00:50:18,200 --> 00:50:23,640
these things and you help us you know with our thoughts not just tonight but we'll

581
00:50:23,640 --> 00:50:28,380
be working on the next budget all year long so these things will resonate very

582
00:50:28,380 --> 00:50:30,520
well with it. So with that, we'll open up to the council.

583
00:50:31,540 --> 00:50:31,780
Your Honor.

584
00:50:32,540 --> 00:50:33,080
Councillor Baker.

585
00:50:34,480 --> 00:50:39,900
I just want to say my appreciation for everybody coming forward to speak.

586
00:50:41,220 --> 00:50:47,380
You know, every year when we come to do this, we have to decide what we're going to do as

587
00:50:47,380 --> 00:50:50,960
far as what we're going to do for expenditures, how we're going to set the tax levy.

588
00:50:50,960 --> 00:51:03,080
I just give you an example. I pay taxes to and since 2020 my taxes have gone up over

589
00:51:03,080 --> 00:51:12,960
$2600. So I see it. I've had conversations with the county assessor about how they

590
00:51:12,960 --> 00:51:19,500
go about and assess the homes. I have some questions that I still haven't been

591
00:51:19,500 --> 00:51:20,360
and able to get answered.

592
00:51:21,420 --> 00:51:28,660
So hopefully we can, you know, we deal with the county,

593
00:51:28,880 --> 00:51:32,300
we interact with the county so maybe we can come up

594
00:51:32,300 --> 00:51:34,220
and ask some of these questions also.

595
00:51:35,300 --> 00:51:38,480
I think it's important that everybody understand

596
00:51:38,480 --> 00:51:42,060
that we take this to heart.

597
00:51:42,420 --> 00:51:46,520
I mean, it's hard decision what we have to do here.

598
00:51:46,520 --> 00:51:59,320
And I understand you as you look at this and you talk about fluff, I'm not going to disagree with you on some of the stuff that maybe it's something that we don't need right now.

599
00:52:00,320 --> 00:52:13,520
But one thing I can honestly say that everybody on this council works as hard as they possibly can to make sure we keep the city portion taxes of that down.

600
00:52:13,520 --> 00:52:21,100
and I just you know it's hard it's a hard it's a hard thing to do you know

601
00:52:21,100 --> 00:52:25,180
when you have outside forces that that sometimes you can't do anything

602
00:52:25,180 --> 00:52:31,420
about there's there's things that you saw on the screen that that are

603
00:52:31,420 --> 00:52:38,340
probably wants we you know we're not to that point now we will get to it and

604
00:52:38,340 --> 00:52:42,740
and I feel confident that the council will address this in a right way but

605
00:52:42,740 --> 00:52:48,680
But again, I just want to say I appreciate everybody coming forward and laying it on us

606
00:52:48,680 --> 00:52:55,860
because we are the people that are elected to listen to what you have to say.

607
00:52:56,440 --> 00:53:01,440
And if there's something that we can do to try to help, I'm sure everybody on this

608
00:53:01,440 --> 00:53:04,960
council is more willing to make that step.

609
00:53:06,100 --> 00:53:07,540
That's all I need to say, Your Honor.

610
00:53:07,920 --> 00:53:08,820
Additional discussion.

611
00:53:09,860 --> 00:53:10,180
Your Honor.

612
00:53:10,560 --> 00:53:11,080
Councilor Anderson.

613
00:53:11,080 --> 00:53:15,960
I just like to say that in regards to one of the comments I'm one of those people that has some rental property

614
00:53:15,960 --> 00:53:20,540
So I definitely feel every tax increase but now that I've been on the budget committee. I actually see the city's portion

615
00:53:21,220 --> 00:53:25,360
Going up 5.9% is well, we don't want to see any increases, but

616
00:53:26,640 --> 00:53:30,240
That makes me sound like I'm pointing figures because there's other people that are involved in this

617
00:53:30,240 --> 00:53:33,560
It's the county and stuff like that. The question. I guess I have is

618
00:53:34,000 --> 00:53:36,380
I just more for the city manager. I would like to hear what

619
00:53:36,840 --> 00:53:40,720
What would we have to do to reduce the levy further even less than 5% even though

620
00:53:41,080 --> 00:53:46,340
Most of the increases that people are seeing have a lot more to do with their assessments than they do with that 5.9 percent

621
00:53:46,340 --> 00:53:48,700
But what would we have to do to reduce it further?

622
00:53:49,080 --> 00:54:11,570
City manager, there's no great answer, but there are a few areas that I think could be taken care of as they are considered temporary, but there's some risk associated with it.

623
00:54:11,570 --> 00:54:19,350
And one of them being $53,000 in debt service that's going towards the soil district's payment.

624
00:54:20,330 --> 00:54:22,570
That has still remained in the levy.

625
00:54:23,250 --> 00:54:33,330
Reason being is that we have not closed on the property sales at the blazing start that are intended to eventually reimburse that.

626
00:54:33,990 --> 00:54:40,490
So while we might get a reimbursement later, if it was put on the levy now, which would result in a decrease later.

627
00:54:41,870 --> 00:54:52,890
It could be taken now, a little bit of a risk, but it would lower it to from 5.95 to 5.3%.

628
00:54:55,060 --> 00:54:56,440
That is one.

629
00:54:56,920 --> 00:55:02,960
The other option is there could be reduction in the Broadway Ridge grants, but we know how

630
00:55:02,960 --> 00:55:08,080
that's being used and there could be reduction in the blight fund transfer, but we also know

631
00:55:08,080 --> 00:55:13,260
that long term depend upon what the outcome is for the grants for dealing with the old

632
00:55:13,260 --> 00:55:22,600
merit property that fund may be in jeopardy of going under within the next couple of years

633
00:55:22,600 --> 00:55:32,360
if we do not do the transfer. So there are a few options there. Some other items do not

634
00:55:32,360 --> 00:55:36,880
hit until 27. A couple other items are extraordinarily small.

635
00:55:39,280 --> 00:55:41,900
So at least when it comes to the

636
00:55:41,900 --> 00:55:42,960
general fund budget,

637
00:55:46,470 --> 00:55:53,410
those would probably be the top items which if I had to make any choice,

638
00:55:53,410 --> 00:56:00,030
if I was to be forced to make any choice, I would say the debt payment to the soil district,

639
00:56:00,030 --> 00:56:09,090
But I just want you to know that if hopefully this does not happen, but if we do not get

640
00:56:09,090 --> 00:56:15,010
the sales in the more immediate, it would have the sale proceeds in the more immediate

641
00:56:15,010 --> 00:56:19,770
by the time we do have to make the payment in February, that would be coming from reserves

642
00:56:20,710 --> 00:56:25,590
at that particular time to cover it until we do get the sale proceeds in.

643
00:56:26,290 --> 00:56:45,670
So there's a tiny bit of risk but it makes me just a little uncomfortable and I know it makes the finance director uncomfortable when it's not in the bank per se at the moment and then setting the budget to that prospect.

644
00:56:46,550 --> 00:56:50,990
So, all right. Thank you, Councillor Anderson.

645
00:56:51,330 --> 00:56:54,730
So it sounds to me that we'd be talking about the desolation of the Broadway Ridge fund,

646
00:56:55,070 --> 00:56:59,650
I mean pretty much, because based on the projects that are coming up, that would be exhausted.

647
00:57:00,390 --> 00:57:04,970
And the light fund as well, because that's, we're always hitting that for property removals

648
00:57:04,970 --> 00:57:09,330
when something comes up. I just don't see those as viable options, and it sounds like they

649
00:57:09,330 --> 00:57:14,590
wouldn't reduce the levee by more than a percent. We're already at 5.9. Would that go down

650
00:57:14,590 --> 00:57:17,210
down to like 4.9 and 4.7 probably.

651
00:57:19,330 --> 00:57:21,210
Thank you, honor.

652
00:57:21,450 --> 00:57:27,330
Every rough math, every 22,000 is a quarter of a percent.

653
00:57:28,230 --> 00:57:34,130
So removing the debt service to the Blazing Star soil district

654
00:57:35,260 --> 00:57:40,910
and banking on future sale proceeds would bring it down

655
00:57:43,810 --> 00:57:47,730
to get it down to five or just under five at some point.

656
00:57:47,930 --> 00:57:55,230
You would probably need about another 25, $28,000 to get it there.

657
00:57:56,310 --> 00:58:03,130
And which is the easiest to adjust for and to know the potential outcome would be the transfers to those particular funds.

658
00:58:08,470 --> 00:58:09,130
Your Honor.

659
00:58:09,130 --> 00:58:09,870
Further discussion.

660
00:58:10,110 --> 00:58:10,950
Councillor Christiansen.

661
00:58:11,050 --> 00:58:11,410
Thank you.

662
00:58:11,790 --> 00:58:17,350
During our work session we asked our building official if he could provide us more information

663
00:58:17,350 --> 00:58:26,770
and I'm wondering if he has that available for us about the new build permits or any information

664
00:58:26,770 --> 00:58:27,870
on that.

665
00:58:34,440 --> 00:58:36,040
Last wait, so answer to come forward.

666
00:58:43,340 --> 00:58:47,180
If I understood the earlier question you were looking for the number of new family dwellings

667
00:58:47,180 --> 00:58:49,320
built in the last year or the year before.

668
00:58:49,320 --> 00:58:51,800
I printed a couple quick reports.

669
00:58:53,000 --> 00:58:59,820
In 2024, we had just four new single family homes built.

670
00:59:01,380 --> 00:59:08,000
Interesting note, we did have 12 brand new mobile homes put into the Stony Creek estates

671
00:59:08,000 --> 00:59:12,220
in 2024, so we had 12 brand new news there, four brand new houses.

672
00:59:13,320 --> 00:59:22,340
I couldn't have planned this much better, but 2025 to date, four new homes, and 12 more brand

673
00:59:22,340 --> 00:59:29,960
new mobile homes, so that part of the low income housing is private enterprises, take care

674
00:59:29,960 --> 00:59:36,840
of that down there, 24 units in two years, so that's what we have so far, so okay, thank you.

675
00:59:37,360 --> 00:59:37,720
You're welcome.

676
00:59:37,720 --> 00:59:49,700
So thank you. So what that tells us is largely the increase is an increase in valuation not because we've had lots of new residential housing added.

677
00:59:50,620 --> 00:59:59,900
More likely than not. Of course it was like 1.6 million new I believe. And depending on the houses, you know there.

678
01:00:00,000 --> 01:00:10,280
It could be, it could be a lot of that was, and it's just as a matter of information. It doesn't impact how our discussion ends up.

679
01:00:14,080 --> 01:00:31,360
Thank you, Your Honor. I would say that that report those just on, on new houses that would not be, let's say, anything that would be like additions to, it does not have commercial or any industrial expansion, either which we do know has, has occurred.

680
01:00:31,360 --> 01:00:42,460
and take in place. So it is a very limited report, which I think if hopefully

681
01:00:44,900 --> 01:00:45,720
moving forward

682
01:00:45,720 --> 01:00:52,620
we will be able to get this information as they will have someone through the entire cycle

683
01:00:52,620 --> 01:00:59,940
of this process in the assessor's office for us to work with to get this information as it comes in in the following years.

684
01:00:59,940 --> 01:01:17,320
Unfortunately, that did not occur, and so we are at a loss as to how much is based off of permits for new construction, additions, major improvements, and how much of it was straight valuation based off of changes in the market.

685
01:01:18,840 --> 01:01:20,360
That's your question, Your Honor.

686
01:01:20,660 --> 01:01:26,800
Are we still going to discuss every one of these additional resolutions as they are presented

687
01:01:26,800 --> 01:01:29,740
or should we make any comments on them now?

688
01:01:30,900 --> 01:01:34,140
We'll bring up each resolution individually.

689
01:01:34,280 --> 01:01:38,240
And then each individually can be discussed if there is any, yes.

690
01:01:38,360 --> 01:01:38,640
All right.

691
01:01:38,800 --> 01:01:38,920
Good.

692
01:01:39,120 --> 01:01:39,420
Thank you.

693
01:01:41,620 --> 01:01:46,820
I would add though that if there's anything that would have an impact on the actual

694
01:01:46,820 --> 01:01:54,440
levy itself or any decisions on the levy that may be in the subsequent items that we

695
01:01:54,440 --> 01:01:59,540
do have that discussion on the subsequent resolutions because the first one in order

696
01:01:59,540 --> 01:02:04,420
unless you wish to take it out of order and do it last is the resolution on setting the

697
01:02:04,420 --> 01:02:04,780
levy.

698
01:02:09,630 --> 01:02:10,810
Councillor Christianson.

699
01:02:10,910 --> 01:02:11,250
Thank you.

700
01:02:11,590 --> 01:02:16,830
And I too want to join the others that have expressed their appreciation for people showing

701
01:02:16,830 --> 01:02:18,010
up and speaking up.

702
01:02:18,870 --> 01:02:20,030
This is hard.

703
01:02:20,030 --> 01:02:29,090
It is a difficult time and I think all of us are fully aware that it is not not easy these days financially for so many people.

704
01:02:31,010 --> 01:02:38,090
The fact is it's not just Albert Lee. You know, you talk about the, you know, what happens and people leave Albert Lee?

705
01:02:38,170 --> 01:02:44,370
Well, you know what, it's not necessarily any better anywhere else. Right now we are facing some real struggles.

706
01:02:44,370 --> 01:02:50,390
and I am really the one thing that's good baby that's going to happen from having

707
01:02:50,390 --> 01:02:54,990
some of these shocking numbers is that people will get more involved and get

708
01:02:54,990 --> 01:03:00,570
involved earlier and not just at well you know we're most effective at our

709
01:03:00,570 --> 01:03:04,810
local level but we need to talk to our state representatives we need to speak

710
01:03:04,810 --> 01:03:11,390
with our federal representatives. We have to rain in things and I am on the

711
01:03:11,390 --> 01:03:13,590
The Budget Committee, we've worked really hard on this.

712
01:03:14,290 --> 01:03:16,950
I don't think there is any fluff in this budget.

713
01:03:17,610 --> 01:03:24,630
Trails, yeah, that, except that's going to be funded largely through grants, not through our levy.

714
01:03:25,270 --> 01:03:32,250
And if we do this cleanup project on the old merit property, that too, that money is designated with grants.

715
01:03:32,870 --> 01:03:36,970
So that's not coming out of what we're asking everybody to pay for.

716
01:03:36,970 --> 01:03:42,870
Those things are also going to be subject to further approval and subject to getting those grant funds.

717
01:03:43,810 --> 01:03:52,190
So I just know the city, and I want to thank our city staff because they've worked really hard on this.

718
01:03:54,810 --> 01:03:59,450
And I think we do have a lot of good things going forward.

719
01:03:59,450 --> 01:04:07,170
sometimes you just have to get through a period of time until our tax base is actually expanding.

720
01:04:07,790 --> 01:04:16,890
And once we start getting those incomes in, once the tax increment financing starts rolling

721
01:04:16,890 --> 01:04:22,310
through, we are going to benefit from all of this. But yeah, I know it's painful right now,

722
01:04:22,430 --> 01:04:29,370
and I feel it too. And I want to thank everybody for being here and having their words with us.

723
01:04:30,810 --> 01:04:32,370
Okay. Additional discussion.

724
01:04:36,210 --> 01:04:41,070
Hearing none then, I would take a motion, or a resolution established in the tax

725
01:04:41,070 --> 01:04:42,710
library for 2026.

726
01:04:45,460 --> 01:04:46,480
So moved, Your Honor.

727
01:04:46,840 --> 01:04:48,400
Motion by Councillor Anterson, is there a second?

728
01:04:51,770 --> 01:04:52,910
I'll second that, Your Honor.

729
01:04:53,110 --> 01:04:56,390
Councillor Christensen, is there any further discussion, Your Honor?

730
01:04:57,030 --> 01:04:57,550
Councillor Howell.

731
01:04:57,830 --> 01:05:02,790
So I'll just say kind of what some of the other Councillors have already said, you know, people

732
01:05:02,790 --> 01:05:03,910
are struggling right now.

733
01:05:03,910 --> 01:05:10,170
It's really tough and adding this on top isn't easy for for any of us

734
01:05:11,410 --> 01:05:19,310
You know just like all of you and like Councillor Baker said we pay taxes to we got the state the same sticker shot when we got the

735
01:05:19,310 --> 01:05:21,410
The thing in the mail from the county

736
01:05:22,350 --> 01:05:23,830
So I own two properties

737
01:05:24,690 --> 01:05:29,630
One property the value on it stayed the same and my city taxes actually went down

738
01:05:29,630 --> 01:05:47,550
which was fantastic. Unfortunately, that property, the value on that property, isn't close to what the value of the other property is that skyrocketed and the valuation went up big time and the city taxes obviously went up because of that valuation increased too.

739
01:05:48,230 --> 01:05:54,030
That's not enough. That's on the county assessor's office, so I know we've repeated that many times.

740
01:05:54,030 --> 01:06:00,410
tax rates actually lower now for the city this year compared to last year a lot of that is because of

741
01:06:00,410 --> 01:06:06,190
increased tax base, but it's also because of the increased valuations of the properties. So

742
01:06:08,210 --> 01:06:15,270
originally when we passed the preliminary levy at 8%, we couldn't go above that. I said I wouldn't

743
01:06:15,930 --> 01:06:22,470
approve any levy increase that wasn't a significant decrease from that 8%, I think I threw out a

744
01:06:22,470 --> 01:06:29,330
number of like around 5% so since this is at 5.9 I will be in favor of it but it's

745
01:06:29,330 --> 01:06:35,730
a tough pill to swallow and you know the economy stinks right now and there's a lot of

746
01:06:35,730 --> 01:06:43,210
talk about affordability and it's difficult and raising taxes makes it even more difficult

747
01:06:43,210 --> 01:06:47,930
and it's not just the city. Counties raising your taxes the school districts raising your

748
01:06:47,930 --> 01:06:55,010
taxes the HRA is asking for more taxes and other organizations so we're one

749
01:06:55,010 --> 01:07:02,430
piece of it and I think 5.9% I'm in favor of it ultimately I wish it was at

750
01:07:02,430 --> 01:07:08,210
0% but we're not there thank you. Additional discussion you're not answer

751
01:07:08,210 --> 01:07:13,570
Baker I just I just have a question on what councilor Anderson brought up to ask

752
01:07:13,570 --> 01:07:22,870
the city manager. So that I know it's not a lot of percentage points, and you say it's a small risk,

753
01:07:24,150 --> 01:07:29,490
but I don't know, isn't a small risk worth taking it to shave a few more points off?

754
01:07:30,090 --> 01:07:34,870
I mean, I'm just asking the question. You know, and I served on the text for me for three years,

755
01:07:34,990 --> 01:07:42,390
so I understand what all you guys have gone through. But I know it isn't a lot, but you know,

756
01:07:42,390 --> 01:07:48,070
anything that we can do to help. I think that's an important way to look at it.

757
01:07:48,450 --> 01:07:52,710
At least my view, I'm not speaking for everybody else.

758
01:07:54,050 --> 01:07:54,690
City manager?

759
01:07:56,370 --> 01:08:02,610
Again, if you're talking about the soil district debt payment that would bring it down to 5.3

760
01:08:04,830 --> 01:08:13,150
that is about a $53,000 amount that would, if the sale proceeds do not come in time,

761
01:08:13,310 --> 01:08:19,570
it will have to come out of some sort of reserve, or it basically have to come out of reserve,

762
01:08:19,990 --> 01:08:25,050
which would be general fund, which we do have room, but again, because of what we're dealing

763
01:08:25,050 --> 01:08:32,410
with with blight, what we're dealing with with TIFF and the 300 block, all of that does

764
01:08:32,410 --> 01:08:38,130
make us a little nervous, you know, looking out, but I would say that the one

765
01:08:38,130 --> 01:08:41,890
advantage to that is that it's intended to be temporary because there's an

766
01:08:41,890 --> 01:08:46,610
agreement that's put in place where they have to eventually start paying the

767
01:08:46,610 --> 01:08:51,610
increment based off of a certain value regardless whether the building is built

768
01:08:51,610 --> 01:08:56,270
or how it's built or what comes out of the assessment there. They're locked in at

769
01:08:56,270 --> 01:08:59,030
making a payment, which will cover that moving forward.

770
01:09:00,190 --> 01:09:11,590
So it is a temporary pain on the levy, but if the council wishes to move forward now

771
01:09:11,590 --> 01:09:13,670
with that, that is a possibility.

772
01:09:14,030 --> 01:09:18,670
I just want to make sure the council is aware of any potential risks to the reward of

773
01:09:18,670 --> 01:09:19,250
doing so.

774
01:09:19,250 --> 01:09:28,450
but eventually they're going to have to pay that anyway correct correct okay so it's just a

775
01:09:28,450 --> 01:09:33,770
matter of when we'll see that money and so if we went into the reserves and got it when they get

776
01:09:33,770 --> 01:09:41,090
that when they get paid we'll just put that money back into the reserves correct I believe I'm

777
01:09:41,090 --> 01:09:48,290
following what you're saying yes but like I said it's we are nervous about it but it is a it is

778
01:09:48,290 --> 01:09:53,630
possible. I mean, I'd like to see you go that way to be real honest with you. That's

779
01:09:53,630 --> 01:10:00,230
mine. That's my opinion. I believe that if someone were to do that, they would ask for

780
01:10:00,230 --> 01:10:09,310
an amendment on that, on the motion in second. I'm possibly here on, I'm sorry. I'm possibly

781
01:10:09,310 --> 01:10:13,050
willing to amend my motion, if there's a consensus with that, but I'd like to hear what

782
01:10:13,050 --> 01:10:14,630
Christie's thoughts are on that as well.

783
01:10:14,810 --> 01:10:18,270
Our finance director, I think that would be a prudent ask.

784
01:10:23,570 --> 01:10:25,190
Finance director, Christie Brutland.

785
01:10:25,770 --> 01:10:30,530
So Ian and I, I mean, Ian and I did have a discussion about the soil district

786
01:10:30,530 --> 01:10:33,010
and whether we could hold off a year.

787
01:10:33,610 --> 01:10:38,170
I think that if, I think it would make me feel a little better,

788
01:10:38,670 --> 01:10:42,230
I mean, if it happens that we can't get it for 26,

789
01:10:42,530 --> 01:10:45,850
then I worry, well, what about the rest of the, you know,

790
01:10:45,850 --> 01:10:50,270
If it starts, if whatever the money we're waiting for,

791
01:10:50,330 --> 01:10:54,230
we don't get it in 26, are we gonna have a risk in 27, 28?

792
01:10:54,550 --> 01:11:00,630
So I think that, I think it's a calculated risk

793
01:11:00,630 --> 01:11:04,330
and I think that if, I would say we should probably

794
01:11:04,330 --> 01:11:07,990
amend and say that if the funds don't come in in 20, 26,

795
01:11:08,470 --> 01:11:13,730
that we're expecting that we kind of have a backup plan

796
01:11:13,730 --> 01:11:20,310
we're going to pay for that is what I would say. Am I okay with it?

797
01:11:22,350 --> 01:11:24,530
Yeah, I think I'd be okay with that.

798
01:11:25,010 --> 01:11:29,630
Cost for all. So would be safe. Say if these funds don't come in, we're kicking the can, and we're probably.

799
01:11:30,230 --> 01:11:32,430
So I think we're ready to stick to you about that same.

800
01:11:32,970 --> 01:11:40,570
So it's 53. We're looking at $53,000 correct. I mean, you could put in the resolution that if those funds don't come in in 2026,

801
01:11:40,570 --> 01:11:46,950
that you're going to make that payment with and then designate a fund to make that payment from.

802
01:11:47,530 --> 01:11:53,210
And there is some room in Fund 401, we could take it from, I'm a little hesitant on the general fund,

803
01:11:53,610 --> 01:11:58,450
but I think that would be a great use of Fund 401, which does have some excess funds right now.

804
01:11:59,990 --> 01:12:02,010
Any manager? Excuse me, thank you, Your Honor.

805
01:12:02,490 --> 01:12:10,390
I do not know if we have any of the debt service fund that would be in excess of what we need

806
01:12:10,390 --> 01:12:16,130
to hold anymore. Okay, the finance director shaking your head. No, so all right. So that

807
01:12:16,130 --> 01:12:20,570
would probably be the resources. I don't think we had to draw out of the building maintenance

808
01:12:20,570 --> 01:12:26,850
fund like we had to. We could pull it out of the building maintenance fund if that happened.

809
01:12:27,270 --> 01:12:34,510
I would, I would just hesitate making up that payment with the general fund just because

810
01:12:34,510 --> 01:12:37,630
of all the other things that are going on in the general fund.

811
01:12:40,750 --> 01:13:06,990
I would be willing to amend my motion with my original motion, but I also would like to say with that amendment that even if we drop this from 5.9 to 5.3 to 0, most people's property decks are still going to go up because the city's portion of this is very small, but I think it's important for the public to see that we take this seriously, and I will amend my emotion to remove that $53,000 soil district so that we can bring a levy from 5.9 to 5.3.

812
01:13:08,990 --> 01:13:15,570
Okay, so the resolution should be the debt levy should be $2,700,000.

813
01:13:16,110 --> 01:13:21,530
The general fund levy will stay at $6533 and the total general fund of debt levy should

814
01:13:21,530 --> 01:13:22,590
be $9,233.

815
01:13:23,810 --> 01:13:24,410
I'm looking at debt levy.

816
01:13:24,410 --> 01:13:25,630
But she said so moved.

817
01:13:26,430 --> 01:13:26,990
Did you get it?

818
01:13:27,070 --> 01:13:27,910
Did you get it?

819
01:13:29,870 --> 01:13:33,610
So again, the debt levy should be $2,700,000.

820
01:13:34,190 --> 01:13:36,970
The general fund levy will be $6,500,000.

821
01:13:36,970 --> 01:13:45,350
three for a total general fund in debt levy of 9,233,000, which is an increase of 5.3%.

822
01:13:49,580 --> 01:13:55,280
All right, so we have amended motion. Who had the second time that was a concert question.

823
01:13:55,620 --> 01:13:57,300
Okay, are you good with that amendment?

824
01:13:59,040 --> 01:14:08,620
I would have preferred to stay with the original, but I will okay that. I think what it points to.

825
01:14:09,200 --> 01:14:15,000
and this is something I want to bring up is there's a lot of moving parts in the

826
01:14:15,000 --> 01:14:20,060
budget thing. I want us to continue our budget committee meetings starting in

827
01:14:20,060 --> 01:14:26,500
January or early February. I don't want us to wait until June to start again.

828
01:14:28,280 --> 01:14:32,420
There's we will lose the momentum that we currently have because we've been

829
01:14:32,420 --> 01:14:36,540
focused on this intently so I want to continue meeting so I don't know if that

830
01:14:36,540 --> 01:14:42,860
that needs a separate motion or how we get that added in but I do absolutely want to

831
01:14:42,860 --> 01:14:43,360
do that.

832
01:14:43,840 --> 01:14:47,500
I think we just make sure that we do that next year in City Manager.

833
01:14:48,060 --> 01:14:53,980
I would suggest that when we appoint committees we put something together to that fact in

834
01:14:53,980 --> 01:14:54,800
the resolution.

835
01:14:55,360 --> 01:14:55,420
Okay.

836
01:14:55,640 --> 01:14:55,860
Okay.

837
01:14:58,080 --> 01:14:58,400
All right.

838
01:14:58,400 --> 01:14:59,980
Okay, so we have an-

839
01:15:00,000 --> 01:15:29,620
amended. Resolution for the tax liability for 2026 that has a first and second. Any further discussion by the council? Your honor. Councilor Ben B. I have said on the budget committee this year, I'm a first year council member, so I've been, it's been trial by fire. And I like John, I'm not a public speaker. I do not support the tax liability for 2026, mostly due to the general fund budget and the capital improvement plan.

840
01:15:29,620 --> 01:15:35,260
And in this past week, I asked some questions regarding the GIS position.

841
01:15:35,820 --> 01:15:38,520
I have not had any response on that.

842
01:15:39,340 --> 01:15:46,840
I asked about a detailed plan on the city center remodel.

843
01:15:47,480 --> 01:15:49,100
I have not seen anything on that.

844
01:15:49,940 --> 01:15:52,980
And then I'm going to say, right now, I do oppose working from home.

845
01:15:53,880 --> 01:15:58,100
I asked the question about the staff on how many people are working from home.

846
01:15:58,100 --> 01:16:02,440
what departments and the justification of why they are working from home.

847
01:16:03,800 --> 01:16:10,840
The only reason I realized rationalization I got that is that it was started in the pandemic and the pandemic is over.

848
01:16:13,070 --> 01:16:15,510
You know, times are tight for everybody, times are tough.

849
01:16:16,330 --> 01:16:23,470
And I think us as elected officials and city staff, we need to take that very seriously and listen to our constituents in this matter.

850
01:16:23,470 --> 01:16:30,850
here. So I will be voting no on a few items this evening and that is where I'm at.

851
01:16:31,970 --> 01:16:34,050
Thank you. Thank you. Further discussion from the council.

852
01:16:38,240 --> 01:16:39,680
Hearing none, we have an amended

853
01:16:39,680 --> 01:16:44,660
motion and a second on the floor. Clerk, please call the roll.

854
01:16:46,720 --> 01:16:47,360
Councillor Baker.

855
01:16:47,700 --> 01:16:50,680
Aye. Councillor Holland. Aye. Councillor Olson. Aye.

856
01:16:50,680 --> 01:16:50,740
Aye.

857
01:16:50,960 --> 01:16:51,760
Councillor Van Beek.

858
01:16:51,900 --> 01:16:52,080
Aye.

859
01:16:54,390 --> 01:16:55,270
Councillor Anderson.

860
01:16:55,770 --> 01:16:55,870
Aye.

861
01:16:56,410 --> 01:16:57,610
Councillor Mayor Murray.

862
01:16:58,570 --> 01:16:58,690
Aye.

863
01:16:58,970 --> 01:16:59,070
Aye.

864
01:16:59,070 --> 01:16:59,350
I'm sorry.

865
01:16:59,630 --> 01:17:00,570
I can't call it.

866
01:17:00,610 --> 01:17:01,250
Councillor Cresson.

867
01:17:01,390 --> 01:17:01,890
Aye.

868
01:17:02,930 --> 01:17:03,990
Motion carries.

869
01:17:05,430 --> 01:17:09,910
Item 2 is a resolution of proving the elderly housing and redevelopment authority.

870
01:17:10,870 --> 01:17:15,150
Final property tax levy for fiscal year 2026.

871
01:17:16,350 --> 01:17:19,710
I would entertain a resolution to approve this levy.

872
01:17:20,330 --> 01:17:20,870
Councillor Baker.

873
01:17:20,870 --> 01:17:28,030
here. Your honor. Thank you. You read my mind. First of all, I just want to talk about

874
01:17:28,030 --> 01:17:33,750
this a little bit before I make a motion. Can I get a motion first? Okay. All right.

875
01:17:33,950 --> 01:17:41,830
I want to make a motion to approve the HRA redevelopment authority. Final property level

876
01:17:41,830 --> 01:17:52,410
are levy to instead of 266,000 I want to go to two or 125,000 I'll make that more okay. So we have a

877
01:17:52,410 --> 01:18:01,210
motion amending the resolution for the housing authority to 125,000 instead of 266 is there a second?

878
01:18:01,330 --> 01:18:07,510
I will second. Second by Councillor Anderson. All right. No discussion. Councillor Baker. Now I can

879
01:18:07,510 --> 01:18:11,730
finish what I was going to say. I had a conversation and I've been thinking about this because I've

880
01:18:11,730 --> 01:18:15,930
been hearing from, you know, I've been hearing from people just like we all have about

881
01:18:15,930 --> 01:18:23,170
the taxes and the increase in the tax liability. And one of the things that we are trying

882
01:18:23,170 --> 01:18:31,710
to do is this community sees our shortage in housing and the HRA is trying to help, you

883
01:18:31,710 --> 01:18:37,990
know, improve that along with the city and other people in this community. One of the things

884
01:18:37,990 --> 01:18:44,470
that I had a conversation with the executive director, Dr. Mitchell yesterday, and I just

885
01:18:44,470 --> 01:18:48,770
mentioned to her the fact that, you know, the way the taxes and stuff are going with

886
01:18:48,770 --> 01:18:56,310
everybody, can we, I think it would be a good idea to lower this to 125 and she agreed.

887
01:18:57,130 --> 01:18:58,530
So that's why we're doing it.

888
01:18:59,270 --> 01:19:04,150
One of the things I would like to know from the city manager, being that this is lowered

889
01:19:04,150 --> 01:19:10,490
to 125 percentage points that we're looking at. I mean, I know that doesn't go with the city,

890
01:19:11,050 --> 01:19:18,670
but it's still a percentage that will be taken away from the taxes. So what is that like 1.1%

891
01:19:18,670 --> 01:19:21,990
or something like that? Probably one and a half. Pretty close.

892
01:19:26,170 --> 01:19:34,130
In comparison to the city levy, it would be equivalent to about a one-point

893
01:19:34,150 --> 01:19:45,030
I want to say six, reduction there because it's a hundred and forty-one thousand, so about

894
01:19:45,030 --> 01:19:51,430
one point six, one point seven, it'd be equivalent to one point seven percent decrease to our

895
01:19:51,430 --> 01:19:53,390
levy is what its equivalent would be.

896
01:19:54,830 --> 01:20:01,830
Okay, so that helped decrease the R part of the levy anyway, so about two point two percent.

897
01:20:01,830 --> 01:20:13,410
If my math is correct, I think it is okay. All right. I appreciate that and then one one other thing too. I think I I would like to see

898
01:20:15,070 --> 01:20:17,410
Something you know, we were looking for

899
01:20:18,210 --> 01:20:23,650
Filming the housing gap and then we have people here that are investing in the

900
01:20:25,810 --> 01:20:28,170
Housing as owners of

901
01:20:28,170 --> 01:20:35,270
of apartment complexes and stuff and if we get to the point where their taxes are pushing

902
01:20:35,270 --> 01:20:42,030
them out of the business of reinvesting in our community, I think we need to maybe take

903
01:20:42,030 --> 01:20:48,450
a look at that and see what we can do if anything to help them. I think that's pretty important

904
01:20:48,450 --> 01:20:53,950
for us because of the goal that we have to fill the housing needs that we have in this community

905
01:20:53,950 --> 01:21:00,790
to get people to come here, to live why they work in some of the new businesses that have opened.

906
01:21:00,950 --> 01:21:13,450
I think that would show a good, it would be a good note toward trying to help everybody in this community keep investing and moving forward.

907
01:21:14,110 --> 01:21:15,890
All right. Thank you. Additional discussion.

908
01:21:16,350 --> 01:21:16,530
You're welcome.

909
01:21:16,870 --> 01:21:17,470
Councillor Anderson.

910
01:21:18,150 --> 01:21:21,810
This is something that I mentioned in the work session, but I'm sure there's a wider audience right now.

911
01:21:21,810 --> 01:21:27,790
It's worth noting that last year's HRA Levy, a portion of that was meant to pay for the facade.

912
01:21:27,990 --> 01:21:32,630
The work that they've done down there, if anybody's driven by that, they can see that a lot of stuff has been done.

913
01:21:33,070 --> 01:21:38,650
But we got a lot more federal funds to take care of that, maybe end up using the HRA Levy last year for that.

914
01:21:39,550 --> 01:21:43,570
The initial thought was to put that money towards these redevelopment projects that we have.

915
01:21:43,630 --> 01:21:45,990
Because I think this is really exciting that we can fill in some of these holes,

916
01:21:45,990 --> 01:21:50,690
some of these empty lots that are littered around town that's, you know, water and sewer is sitting out

917
01:21:50,690 --> 01:21:55,090
front being unused and, you know, nobody's paying property tax here yet. Somebody's still plowing

918
01:21:55,090 --> 01:21:59,090
the road in front of it. It would be great to fill a lot of these holes for everybody. Broaden that

919
01:21:59,090 --> 01:22:05,230
base even further for next year without increasing property values to do it. But yeah, so I just

920
01:22:05,230 --> 01:22:09,550
think that this is one of the things that we have control of a very small part of people's tax

921
01:22:09,550 --> 01:22:15,870
increases and we're doing what we can. So I'm definitely supporting that. Which is why I seconded it.

922
01:22:15,990 --> 01:22:17,050
Thank you.

923
01:22:17,130 --> 01:22:18,010
Additional discussion.

924
01:22:18,390 --> 01:22:18,590
Your Honor.

925
01:22:19,090 --> 01:22:19,550
Councillor Holland.

926
01:22:20,530 --> 01:22:25,070
I'm going to vote no on this one, and it all comes down to transparency for me.

927
01:22:27,570 --> 01:22:35,230
So we're being asked to take more money out of the taxpayers' pockets for the HRA for a project

928
01:22:35,230 --> 01:22:41,010
that we don't have a plan and we don't know the finances.

929
01:22:41,230 --> 01:22:44,550
We don't know how much is in what they already have in their fund.

930
01:22:44,550 --> 01:22:50,110
We just, you know, in previous HRA levees, there's been a project involved whether it's

931
01:22:50,110 --> 01:22:56,270
the facade for the building or whatever, but just in general to take more taxpayer money

932
01:22:56,270 --> 01:23:03,850
give it to the HRA for redevelopment or whatever it is, but no specific plan or project.

933
01:23:04,410 --> 01:23:07,850
I just, I'm not comfortable doing that.

934
01:23:08,090 --> 01:23:13,850
So, and especially, you know, we haven't had the directors and ever been here from HRA to present

935
01:23:13,850 --> 01:23:19,150
to the council. Why not come and tell us about the things that you want to do with that tax payer money?

936
01:23:20,910 --> 01:23:28,370
And do they really need it? If they're so willing to chop it in half just with Councillor Baker

937
01:23:28,370 --> 01:23:37,470
going and asking her, I just don't think I'm just not comfortable with the levies. So what about

938
01:23:37,470 --> 01:23:37,670
I don't know.

939
01:23:38,630 --> 01:23:45,850
Councilor Baker, in reference to your, you know, when I understand how you feel and however you vote, you vote.

940
01:23:46,430 --> 01:23:54,850
But one of the things we do have a plan, and I think I talked about this briefly in the last meeting, but we do have a plan to put up a duplex.

941
01:23:56,610 --> 01:24:03,590
A three-bedroom duplex with bedroom in the basement, and it would be, it would be have single garages for it.

942
01:24:03,590 --> 01:24:12,250
with it and one of the things that we're working with is trying to get housing that's going to be within the

943
01:24:13,490 --> 01:24:19,970
range that most working force people can get afford and we're looking at these will be maybe

944
01:24:20,670 --> 01:24:24,690
210 to 120 thousand dollars in their nice units. So we do have a plan

945
01:24:25,310 --> 01:24:29,670
This has been a long time coming. We've had had a lot of

946
01:24:29,670 --> 01:24:36,650
a lot of hills and valleys to go through to get to where we're at but now, now this is

947
01:24:36,650 --> 01:24:43,470
where we're going and the only reason I called her is because, and I'm the chair, I got

948
01:24:43,470 --> 01:24:44,510
to thinking about this.

949
01:24:46,850 --> 01:24:52,690
We don't need that much money for this year. I mean, as soon

950
01:24:52,690 --> 01:24:58,670
as we get these things going, hopefully we'll have this thing done. The plan is to do

951
01:25:10,830 --> 01:25:25,950
the last couple of meetings but that's where we're at on that and so I just wanted to open that up and let people understand that we do have plans. We are going to be working with the city.

952
01:25:25,950 --> 01:25:41,850
We are going to bring it up at our next meeting to help the city with this money and the redeveloped redevelopment fund for the blight that we incur as the city and some of these houses that need to be taken down.

953
01:25:42,290 --> 01:25:45,630
So it's not that we're just collecting money and not doing anything with it.

954
01:25:45,970 --> 01:25:50,170
We have plans for it and we're going to push these forward and we're going to get some things done.

955
01:25:50,750 --> 01:25:51,270
Thank you, Your Honor.

956
01:25:51,630 --> 01:25:51,890
Thank you.

957
01:25:52,030 --> 01:25:52,750
Any other discussion?

958
01:25:53,910 --> 01:25:58,510
I just wanted to branch off of a concert maker.

959
01:25:59,090 --> 01:26:01,010
It's absolutely true that over the last several years,

960
01:26:01,010 --> 01:26:02,910
I've been on the HR Board for a couple of years now.

961
01:26:03,110 --> 01:26:04,530
And we had a lot of turnover.

962
01:26:04,570 --> 01:26:06,310
There was in-between directors.

963
01:26:06,310 --> 01:26:07,790
We were there for quite a while.

964
01:26:07,950 --> 01:26:10,070
So there's definitely a concert hall.

965
01:26:10,130 --> 01:26:12,730
It's right there's been a lack of a plan, lack of vision forward.

966
01:26:13,110 --> 01:26:15,150
Just when we're getting that vision on track,

967
01:26:15,150 --> 01:26:17,770
I don't want to deprive them of the funds that they might need.

968
01:26:18,070 --> 01:26:20,690
And I think it's great that we can maybe get by with a little bit less

969
01:26:20,690 --> 01:26:22,710
that's because they do have some set aside already.

970
01:26:23,350 --> 01:26:26,310
But this idea, I think if the city manager would correct me,

971
01:26:26,330 --> 01:26:29,410
I think we're setting $75,000 aside in the blight fund this year,

972
01:26:29,450 --> 01:26:29,830
is that correct?

973
01:26:30,210 --> 01:26:30,750
City manager.

974
01:26:32,590 --> 01:26:34,450
Actually, we are transferring, I believe,

975
01:26:34,450 --> 01:26:39,610
100,000 to the blight fund in order to keep it solvent

976
01:26:39,610 --> 01:26:40,790
for the next few years.

977
01:26:41,030 --> 01:26:44,510
So that's 1.2% probably roughly on our levy.

978
01:26:44,650 --> 01:26:46,410
And if we get away from the HRE in the future,

979
01:26:46,690 --> 01:26:49,570
to take care of that blight fund, as we tear down a house

980
01:26:49,570 --> 01:26:55,650
That's fallen in disrepair. We just put up another right away without having to collapse in the foundation keeping that already set

981
01:26:56,390 --> 01:26:59,610
It's possible and not I don't know exactly what the details would be

982
01:26:59,610 --> 01:27:05,970
But I think that could save the city some money in the future and that's a part of this long-term plan that maybe hasn't fully

983
01:27:05,970 --> 01:27:09,670
materialized yet here on it. All right any other discussion?

984
01:27:09,790 --> 01:27:10,310
Councillor Holland

985
01:27:10,890 --> 01:27:18,630
Did we ever get a number for what is in the HRA fund that they've accumulated over the many years with the levies

986
01:27:18,630 --> 01:27:22,190
like, do we know what that number is, what they have in the coffers already?

987
01:27:22,690 --> 01:27:24,290
That's never been presented to the councils.

988
01:27:24,830 --> 01:27:25,450
Councillor Baker?

989
01:27:25,730 --> 01:27:27,270
Yeah, I think I've mentioned it a couple of times.

990
01:27:27,770 --> 01:27:29,370
Right now, I think it's like 650.

991
01:27:30,750 --> 01:27:38,210
And we're looking at these houses, they're going to be 300, about 300,000 for the duplexes.

992
01:27:38,910 --> 01:27:45,310
And so if this happens, I mean, when this happens and say these are on the market and they

993
01:27:45,310 --> 01:27:50,450
sell right away, we're going to want to be able to be in a position so we can do some

994
01:27:50,450 --> 01:27:57,430
more because we do have more vacant lots that we can use and hit them back and do the

995
01:27:58,030 --> 01:28:00,350
tax base too. All right.

996
01:28:01,510 --> 01:28:02,490
Constra van Beek.

997
01:28:02,610 --> 01:28:09,330
Your Honor, thank you. I also sit on the HRA board and new home permits in 2025 or four

998
01:28:09,330 --> 01:28:15,230
homes. That's concerning. That's not getting ahead of the problem. I'm normally very

999
01:28:15,230 --> 01:28:29,430
and that's well known. I do support 125 because that's, that's concerning. You know, we need to get in front of this and get some housing built here, not really. So I will be supporting this.

1000
01:28:29,970 --> 01:28:32,770
Thank you. Well put. Mr Baker, I have one more thing.

1001
01:28:33,950 --> 01:28:34,090
Please.

1002
01:28:43,070 --> 01:28:54,710
We're going to have some, we're going to have some, we're going to have some money your way.

1003
01:28:57,240 --> 01:28:57,920
That'll be it, Your Honor.

1004
01:28:58,400 --> 01:29:02,480
All right. And just to note on that one, there's probably some legal

1005
01:29:02,480 --> 01:29:06,840
things that we have to figure out first because when you put money into the

1006
01:29:06,840 --> 01:29:11,120
Blight Fund and you tear something down you have to replace it is what we're

1007
01:29:11,120 --> 01:29:15,920
thinking and so let us you know let the city manager and our attorney dig into

1008
01:29:15,920 --> 01:29:21,160
that a little bit before you make any promises there well we're gonna we're gonna

1009
01:29:21,160 --> 01:29:26,680
bring it up yes that's fine okay here we know for the discussion we have an

1010
01:29:26,680 --> 01:29:32,120
amended motion on the floor to go for 125,000 for the HRA instead of the 266

1011
01:29:32,120 --> 01:29:33,920
Clerk, please call the roll.

1012
01:29:36,440 --> 01:29:37,200
Councillor Holland.

1013
01:29:37,680 --> 01:29:37,860
No.

1014
01:29:38,840 --> 01:29:39,820
Councillor Olson?

1015
01:29:40,040 --> 01:29:40,220
Aye.

1016
01:29:40,620 --> 01:29:41,560
Councillor Van Beek.

1017
01:29:41,680 --> 01:29:41,840
Aye.

1018
01:29:42,440 --> 01:29:43,040
Councillor Anderson.

1019
01:29:43,460 --> 01:29:43,580
Aye.

1020
01:29:44,380 --> 01:29:45,480
Councillor Crescentson.

1021
01:29:45,580 --> 01:29:45,720
Aye.

1022
01:29:46,260 --> 01:29:46,900
I think Councillor Baker?

1023
01:29:47,100 --> 01:29:47,260
Aye.

1024
01:29:47,860 --> 01:29:48,640
Mayor Murray.

1025
01:29:48,940 --> 01:29:49,080
Aye.

1026
01:29:49,260 --> 01:29:49,760
Motion carries.

1027
01:29:50,920 --> 01:29:57,400
Item 3 is a resolution adapting the 2026 general fund budget with someone like to make a

1028
01:29:57,400 --> 01:29:57,760
motion.

1029
01:29:59,320 --> 01:29:59,960
Zoom.

1030
01:30:00,000 --> 01:30:12,120
Moved, your honor. Motion by Councillor Anderson, is there a second? Second, your honor. Second by Councillor Baker. Any further discussion on the resolution adopting the 2026 general fund budget?

1031
01:30:17,720 --> 01:30:18,840
Never mind. Okay.

1032
01:30:21,030 --> 01:30:33,890
Very none. Clerk, please call the roll. Councillor Olson. Aye. Councilor Van Bake. Aye. Councillor Anderson. Aye. Councillor Christianson. Aye. Councillor Baker. Aye. Councillor Holland. Aye.

1033
01:30:33,890 --> 01:30:44,590
I'm motion carries item 4 is a resolution adopting the 2026 to 2030 capital improvement plan. Could I get a motion on adopting this?

1034
01:30:44,590 --> 01:30:58,090
Councillor Christensen. Your honor, I'd like to make a resolution adopting the 2026 to 2030 capital improvement plan but removing all the city center projects for further approval.

1035
01:30:58,090 --> 01:31:05,390
Okay, we have a motion on the floor, amending the capital improvement plan by removing the

1036
01:31:05,390 --> 01:31:08,110
city center projects. Is there a second to that?

1037
01:31:08,510 --> 01:31:08,830
I'll start.

1038
01:31:10,450 --> 01:31:13,150
Yeah, because it's a second.

1039
01:31:14,270 --> 01:31:17,150
Second by Councillor Van B. Okay, city manager.

1040
01:31:17,570 --> 01:31:24,720
Could I get clarification when you say removal to further approval because what you're saying

1041
01:31:24,720 --> 01:31:33,560
As you're removing it from the capital budget completely, when you say removal from the, so are you saying pending further council approval?

1042
01:31:33,940 --> 01:31:34,100
Yes.

1043
01:31:35,020 --> 01:31:38,860
Okay, I just, I wanted to make sure that, thank you.

1044
01:31:39,200 --> 01:31:43,060
Yes, sorry, because we do not have complete information yet.

1045
01:31:43,880 --> 01:31:44,060
Correct.

1046
01:31:44,260 --> 01:31:54,360
And so, rather than have piecemeal parts of it in the budget or the capital improvement plan, I would like it all to be requiring further

1047
01:31:54,360 --> 01:31:55,460
council approval.

1048
01:31:57,480 --> 01:32:01,540
I was actually going to suggest something similar that there's

1049
01:32:01,540 --> 01:32:05,340
already a hundred thousand dollar thing that limit anything over that comes back

1050
01:32:05,340 --> 01:32:09,540
to the city council for approval and almost everything in that project is

1051
01:32:09,540 --> 01:32:12,420
going to be over a hundred thousand dollars so we're going to get another look at

1052
01:32:12,420 --> 01:32:16,180
all that stuff anyways but in case there is anything that falls under that I was

1053
01:32:16,180 --> 01:32:19,300
going to make a similar motion so this is this is good then it will come up for

1054
01:32:19,300 --> 01:32:22,680
debate and it'll be more in the public light rather than just in a long-term

1055
01:32:22,680 --> 01:32:25,360
from capital plan, so I will be supporting it.

1056
01:32:25,540 --> 01:32:26,160
Further discussion?

1057
01:32:27,580 --> 01:32:28,360
City manager.

1058
01:32:28,700 --> 01:32:32,720
Can we make sure that the, I believe as Councillor Van Bick

1059
01:32:32,720 --> 01:32:37,320
made the second, that that was also his intention,

1060
01:32:37,760 --> 01:32:39,940
or he wishes to withdraw his second?

1061
01:32:40,040 --> 01:32:40,340
I want to withdraw.

1062
01:32:41,560 --> 01:32:43,960
You would like to withdraw your motion, okay?

1063
01:32:44,740 --> 01:32:46,740
Councillor Van Bick is going to withdraw his motion.

1064
01:32:46,920 --> 01:32:48,160
Is there a second to the motion?

1065
01:32:48,160 --> 01:32:48,860
Oh, second.

1066
01:32:49,600 --> 01:32:52,240
Councillor Anderson is going to make a second to the motion

1067
01:32:52,240 --> 01:32:56,360
made by concert Christians. Okay. Any further discussion?

1068
01:32:59,500 --> 01:33:00,140
Yes, Your Honor.

1069
01:33:00,500 --> 01:33:05,200
I'll start on Vick. I will not be supporting this capital improvement plan. There's too

1070
01:33:05,200 --> 01:33:11,540
many unanswered questions for me regarding many different aspects. I didn't even go into the idea

1071
01:33:11,540 --> 01:33:19,760
of electric vehicles being used here in Minnesota. No matter what brand they are, I am opposed to it.

1072
01:33:19,760 --> 01:33:26,300
I firmly believe that if we do go with those types of vehicles, we should at least purchase

1073
01:33:26,300 --> 01:33:32,200
them of a dealer, you know, through the state process, however, we can have one of our

1074
01:33:32,200 --> 01:33:36,060
local dealerships be able to do the warranty work and the service.

1075
01:33:36,580 --> 01:33:36,780
Right.

1076
01:33:38,460 --> 01:33:39,120
For the discussion.

1077
01:33:42,630 --> 01:33:42,810
Right.

1078
01:33:43,030 --> 01:33:48,410
So we have a motion on the floor, on the capital improvement plan, removing for future

1079
01:33:48,410 --> 01:34:01,170
discussion the City Hall project and a second requiring all City Hall center projects get further discussion for the discussion and separate approval.

1080
01:34:01,370 --> 01:34:04,650
Right. That's what I was trying to say.

1081
01:34:05,650 --> 01:34:09,610
So the City Center projects are still in the capital approval plan.

1082
01:34:09,610 --> 01:34:15,950
They're in but all of them would require a second level approval even those under a hundred thousand. Okay, so

1083
01:34:16,790 --> 01:34:17,910
They're still in the CIP

1084
01:34:18,530 --> 01:34:24,980
Correct. Okay any for the discussion or we good with that motion and second

1085
01:34:26,060 --> 01:34:28,040
Clerk, please call the roll

1086
01:34:28,940 --> 01:34:30,920
Councillor Bambique name

1087
01:34:31,880 --> 01:34:33,460
Councilor Anderson aye

1088
01:34:34,020 --> 01:34:36,880
Councillor Christiansen aye, aye, aye, aye, sir Holland

1089
01:34:38,220 --> 01:34:38,820
No

1090
01:34:39,960 --> 01:34:40,680
Councilor Olson.

1091
01:34:40,920 --> 01:34:41,060
Aye.

1092
01:34:41,960 --> 01:34:42,660
Mayor Murray.

1093
01:34:43,040 --> 01:34:43,940
Aye. Motion carries.

1094
01:34:44,620 --> 01:34:48,180
Item 5 is a resolution of mending the fee schedules for 2026.

1095
01:34:49,500 --> 01:34:49,940
Council?

1096
01:34:50,600 --> 01:34:51,560
Moved approved, Your Honor.

1097
01:34:51,840 --> 01:34:52,780
Motion by Councillor Baker.

1098
01:34:53,020 --> 01:34:53,500
Is there a second?

1099
01:34:54,400 --> 01:34:54,540
Okay.

1100
01:34:55,140 --> 01:34:56,140
I want to amend.

1101
01:34:56,480 --> 01:34:56,620
Yep.

1102
01:34:56,780 --> 01:34:57,120
Just wait.

1103
01:34:57,400 --> 01:34:58,540
Oh, you want to amend it?

1104
01:34:58,760 --> 01:35:00,740
I want to amend the...

1105
01:35:00,740 --> 01:35:01,380
What is it?

1106
01:35:01,660 --> 01:35:01,960
Off sale?

1107
01:35:03,120 --> 01:35:03,540
On sale?

1108
01:35:03,640 --> 01:35:03,780
On sale.

1109
01:35:04,040 --> 01:35:06,000
There's a resolution for that later.

1110
01:35:06,200 --> 01:35:06,400
Okay.

1111
01:35:06,400 --> 01:35:08,400
All right.

1112
01:35:09,120 --> 01:35:09,400
All right.

1113
01:35:09,500 --> 01:35:09,980
I'll make a motion.

1114
01:35:11,160 --> 01:35:12,700
Do we want to make that amendment?

1115
01:35:13,260 --> 01:35:15,680
We make that amendment on the actual resolution.

1116
01:35:15,840 --> 01:35:16,900
Look at it on the agenda.

1117
01:35:17,040 --> 01:35:17,240
You're on.

1118
01:35:17,480 --> 01:35:17,880
Okay.

1119
01:35:18,680 --> 01:35:19,240
All right.

1120
01:35:19,420 --> 01:35:20,960
So we're going to we've got a motion.

1121
01:35:21,120 --> 01:35:21,660
Is there a second?

1122
01:35:23,580 --> 01:35:23,980
Second.

1123
01:35:24,140 --> 01:35:25,600
Second by Councillor Christiansen.

1124
01:35:25,700 --> 01:35:26,540
Any further discussion?

1125
01:35:27,080 --> 01:35:27,140
All

1126
01:35:33,640 --> 01:35:33,760
right.

1127
01:35:33,960 --> 01:35:35,520
Hearing none, clerk, please call the roll.

1128
01:35:35,720 --> 01:35:36,220
Councillor Anderson.

1129
01:35:36,680 --> 01:35:36,800
Aye.

1130
01:35:37,120 --> 01:35:37,880
Councillor Christiansen.

1131
01:35:37,980 --> 01:35:38,120
Aye.

1132
01:35:38,400 --> 01:35:38,860
Councillor Baker.

1133
01:35:38,980 --> 01:35:39,100
Aye.

1134
01:35:39,100 --> 01:35:39,140
Aye.

1135
01:35:39,340 --> 01:35:40,160
That's our halloween.

1136
01:35:40,280 --> 01:35:40,400
Aye.

1137
01:35:40,760 --> 01:35:41,280
Mr. Olson.

1138
01:35:41,440 --> 01:35:41,600
Aye.

1139
01:35:41,880 --> 01:35:42,380
Mr. Van B.

1140
01:35:42,620 --> 01:35:42,840
Aye.

1141
01:35:43,220 --> 01:35:43,980
You may agree.

1142
01:35:44,240 --> 01:35:44,380
Aye.

1143
01:35:44,520 --> 01:35:45,120
Motion carries.

1144
01:35:45,820 --> 01:35:51,240
Item 6 is a resolution adopting the 2026 water sewer solid waste and airport budgets.

1145
01:35:51,440 --> 01:35:51,720
Council.

1146
01:35:53,160 --> 01:35:53,760
Move to approve.

1147
01:35:54,000 --> 01:35:54,960
Motion by Councillor Anderson.

1148
01:35:55,140 --> 01:35:55,680
Is there a second?

1149
01:35:55,920 --> 01:35:56,660
Second fact, Your Honor.

1150
01:35:56,980 --> 01:35:58,160
Seconded by Councillor Olson.

1151
01:35:58,600 --> 01:35:59,300
Any further discussion?

1152
01:36:00,520 --> 01:36:01,000
Your Honor.

1153
01:36:01,500 --> 01:36:02,000
Councillor Anderson.

1154
01:36:02,160 --> 01:36:05,780
It's worth mentioning for our wider audience what we discussed at the work session.

1155
01:36:06,180 --> 01:36:07,080
The water and sewer funds.

1156
01:36:07,080 --> 01:36:10,860
especially the sewer fund, there's $11 million in there, it looks like we don't need a 7% increase.

1157
01:36:11,080 --> 01:36:17,420
But again, this is all about planning ahead because at some point our waste water treatment plan is going

1158
01:36:17,420 --> 01:36:21,760
to be a huge increase and I think it's physically responsible for the city to make small increases,

1159
01:36:22,340 --> 01:36:24,200
bank up the money so it's not as much of a shock.

1160
01:36:24,360 --> 01:36:30,260
It would be much worse had the tab, a future council have to approve a 40% increase in those funds,

1161
01:36:30,260 --> 01:36:33,460
just to make up for what we didn't plan for in this time.

1162
01:36:33,460 --> 01:36:36,880
So all right, thank you. Any further discussion?

1163
01:36:38,540 --> 01:36:40,240
Clerk, please call the roll.

1164
01:36:40,400 --> 01:36:41,020
Mr. Kurshenson.

1165
01:36:41,340 --> 01:36:41,480
Aye.

1166
01:36:42,100 --> 01:36:42,680
Councillor Baker.

1167
01:36:42,960 --> 01:36:43,120
Aye.

1168
01:36:43,440 --> 01:36:43,880
Councillor Holland.

1169
01:36:44,360 --> 01:36:44,500
Aye.

1170
01:36:44,760 --> 01:36:45,320
Councillor Olson.

1171
01:36:45,460 --> 01:36:45,600
Aye.

1172
01:36:45,900 --> 01:36:46,300
Councillor Vandy.

1173
01:36:46,680 --> 01:36:46,860
Aye.

1174
01:36:48,140 --> 01:36:48,780
Councillor Anderson.

1175
01:36:49,120 --> 01:36:49,240
Aye.

1176
01:36:49,460 --> 01:36:51,140
Hi, motion carries.

1177
01:36:52,300 --> 01:37:00,100
Item B is an ordinance to rezone the land use map from single-family residents are one to industrial district I2 for PID.

1178
01:37:00,100 --> 01:37:06,260
34.435.0090, first reading, city manager.

1179
01:37:08,950 --> 01:37:10,570
With me, your honor.

1180
01:37:14,100 --> 01:37:24,200
Okay, Albert Lee Economic Development Agency, also known as LIDA has applied to Rezone PID 34.435.0090.

1181
01:37:24,700 --> 01:37:29,460
No address from single-family residents to industrial district I2.

1182
01:37:29,980 --> 01:37:34,400
In order to effectively plan for future businesses and development or expansion, the property

1183
01:37:34,400 --> 01:37:38,860
directly but to the south also known as the Alita property and the remaining

1184
01:37:38,860 --> 01:37:43,780
port Authority number three or Alita Jobs Park currently zoned industrial

1185
01:37:43,780 --> 01:37:49,800
district which illuminates concerns about spot zoning. Port Authority

1186
01:37:49,800 --> 01:37:54,540
plate number three was platted in 2010 as a continuation of the jobs

1187
01:37:54,540 --> 01:37:58,560
parks. Its development included road infrastructure utilities and regional

1188
01:37:58,560 --> 01:38:02,940
retention ponds which has tracked a new industrial user such as vortex called

1189
01:38:02,940 --> 01:38:06,220
storage, design ready controls and green acres milling.

1190
01:38:07,460 --> 01:38:11,620
As the park has filled over time, the available parcel to the north is a reasonable location

1191
01:38:11,620 --> 01:38:16,240
for expansion, given the existing roadways and available utilities, the Plan Commission

1192
01:38:16,240 --> 01:38:22,040
held a hearing on December 2nd, and after considering the staff report in addition to the public

1193
01:38:22,040 --> 01:38:26,160
testimony, the Commission recommends approval based on the following that rezoning the property

1194
01:38:26,160 --> 01:38:30,740
will not have an adverse effect on the existing adjacent properties as the area is largely

1195
01:38:30,740 --> 01:38:37,740
industrial and the uses meet the general zoning requirements of the industrial park now just for

1196
01:38:37,740 --> 01:38:45,320
those listening now. There was more discussion at the work session in which there was discussion

1197
01:38:45,320 --> 01:38:52,440
about as for its abutment to residential property that increases certain setback requirements,

1198
01:38:53,180 --> 01:38:58,020
certain lighting requirements and certain sign requirements as well in the facility so it will not

1199
01:38:58,020 --> 01:39:04,740
be able to function just as, I would say, as openly as it would if it was an industrial

1200
01:39:04,740 --> 01:39:08,740
property next to other industrial properties or commercial properties.

1201
01:39:09,020 --> 01:39:14,880
So there are some added restrictions in consideration for its abutment to residential property.

1202
01:39:15,700 --> 01:39:24,940
And other concerns as for utilities or infrastructure, those that would be infrastructure improvements

1203
01:39:24,940 --> 01:39:31,920
that would be directly related to industrial use, as opposed to residential use, would be considered

1204
01:39:31,920 --> 01:39:38,500
separate from what would be normally charged or assessed during a residential road replacement.

1205
01:39:41,220 --> 01:39:42,960
Councillor, move to approve your honor.

1206
01:39:43,220 --> 01:39:44,660
Councillor Christianson, is there a second?

1207
01:39:46,140 --> 01:39:46,660
I'll second.

1208
01:39:46,840 --> 01:39:48,640
Second by Councillor Baker, any further discussion?

1209
01:39:50,420 --> 01:39:50,940
Councillor Anderson.

1210
01:39:51,240 --> 01:39:54,320
I would just like to say that this is in my ward and I've had a lot of pushback on this, a lot

1211
01:39:54,320 --> 01:39:56,660
not a cause, a lot of interested parties and concerned people.

1212
01:39:57,320 --> 01:40:01,400
I certainly share their concerns with this, I will not be supporting it at this time.

1213
01:40:02,160 --> 01:40:04,700
I would also invite the people that are against it.

1214
01:40:04,820 --> 01:40:08,160
If they want some of these details that we just discussed and they weren't able to participate

1215
01:40:08,160 --> 01:40:11,800
in the work session, just give me a call and we can continue to discuss it.

1216
01:40:12,520 --> 01:40:12,920
Thank you.

1217
01:40:14,260 --> 01:40:14,700
Councillor Baker.

1218
01:40:15,100 --> 01:40:20,960
Just one thing and I bring this up a lot, when we have the industrial around the residential

1219
01:40:20,960 --> 01:40:29,400
residential areas that we make sure that there's adequate screening for the people that will be across the street from this on the entrance.

1220
01:40:30,000 --> 01:40:36,080
So if just so, they don't have to look at nothing but an industrial building.

1221
01:40:37,160 --> 01:40:39,000
I mean, something to soften it up a little bit.

1222
01:40:42,060 --> 01:40:43,580
All right, thank you.

1223
01:40:43,900 --> 01:40:44,560
Further discussion?

1224
01:40:46,140 --> 01:40:46,900
Here are none.

1225
01:40:47,100 --> 01:40:49,380
All in favor, the motion is signified by saying aye.

1226
01:40:49,380 --> 01:40:50,340
Aye. Aye.

1227
01:40:50,900 --> 01:40:51,520
Opposed nay.

1228
01:40:51,840 --> 01:40:52,060
Aye.

1229
01:40:54,090 --> 01:40:55,470
S is 4 to 2.

1230
01:40:59,780 --> 01:41:05,360
Item C is a public hearing related to the city's proposed Broadway Ridge Grant Project

1231
01:41:06,260 --> 01:41:09,360
for 130 North Broadway Avenue.

1232
01:41:10,400 --> 01:41:13,000
We'll open the public hearing with the staff report.

1233
01:41:13,700 --> 01:41:14,720
City manager.

1234
01:41:15,300 --> 01:41:15,840
Thank you, honor.

1235
01:41:16,480 --> 01:41:19,160
Midway Enterprise has submitted a Broadway Ridge Grant renewal.

1236
01:41:22,460 --> 01:41:22,940
Excuse me.

1237
01:41:22,940 --> 01:41:27,540
the reimbursement up to 50% of costs associated with complete real-for-placement and new upper

1238
01:41:27,540 --> 01:41:31,020
story windows which will provide a matching grant of $50,000.

1239
01:41:31,580 --> 01:41:35,400
At the sign that proposed work has not been completed and funds will not be distributed

1240
01:41:35,400 --> 01:41:40,040
into all improvements have been reviewed and inspected by the city's zoning and building

1241
01:41:40,040 --> 01:41:42,740
official for compliance with application requirements.

1242
01:41:43,300 --> 01:41:45,600
Staff recommends approval of the attached resolution.

1243
01:41:46,480 --> 01:41:48,420
All right, any questions from the council?

1244
01:41:48,420 --> 01:42:02,220
Here he none for the first time would anyone like to speak regarding the resolution for a public hearing related to the city's proposed Broadway Ridge Grant project for 130 North Broadway Avenue.

1245
01:42:04,150 --> 01:42:10,540
For the second time would anyone like to speak for the third time would anyone like to speak.

1246
01:42:11,940 --> 01:42:13,440
We'll close the public hearing.

1247
01:42:14,860 --> 01:42:20,340
I would entertain a resolution approving the Broadway Ridge Grant for 130 North Broadway Avenue.

1248
01:42:20,340 --> 01:42:24,600
move to approve your motion by Councillor Baker is there a second second by

1249
01:42:24,600 --> 01:42:30,090
Councillor Anderson any further discussion all in favor of the motion signify

1250
01:42:30,090 --> 01:42:37,610
by say and I both nay motion carries item D is a public hearing related to the

1251
01:42:37,610 --> 01:42:42,710
city's proposed Broadway Ridge grant project for 137 North Broadway Avenue

1252
01:42:42,710 --> 01:42:47,970
will open the public hearing with the staff report city manager thank you

1253
01:42:47,970 --> 01:42:54,830
5K properties LLC is submitted a broadly-ridged renewal grant for reimbursement of 250% of

1254
01:42:54,830 --> 01:43:00,190
costs associated with window replacement as well as new front and rear entrances which will

1255
01:43:00,190 --> 01:43:05,250
provide the matching grant to 50,000. At the work session, I said that I thought that maybe

1256
01:43:05,250 --> 01:43:10,210
there was also roof replacement but there is not roof replacement. This is purely the windows

1257
01:43:10,210 --> 01:43:16,050
and the front entrance and rear entrance replacements. Significant improvements have been made to

1258
01:43:16,050 --> 01:43:18,230
to the interior as well, which will be calculated

1259
01:43:18,230 --> 01:43:20,870
into the match of eligible expenses.

1260
01:43:21,570 --> 01:43:23,530
At this time, the proposed work has not been completed

1261
01:43:23,530 --> 01:43:25,050
and the funds will not be distributed

1262
01:43:25,050 --> 01:43:27,110
until all improvements have been reviewed

1263
01:43:27,490 --> 01:43:29,970
and inspected by the city's zoning and building official

1264
01:43:29,970 --> 01:43:32,230
for compliance with application requirements.

1265
01:43:32,810 --> 01:43:35,310
Staff recommends approval of the attached resolution.

1266
01:43:36,050 --> 01:43:37,570
All right, for the first time,

1267
01:43:37,670 --> 01:43:40,050
would anyone like to speak regarding the public hearing

1268
01:43:40,050 --> 01:43:43,350
related to the city's proposed Broadway Ridge Grant Project

1269
01:43:43,350 --> 01:43:45,290
for 137 North Broadway Avenue.

1270
01:43:46,830 --> 01:43:48,910
For the second time, would anyone like to speak?

1271
01:43:50,710 --> 01:43:53,030
For the third time, would anyone like to speak?

1272
01:43:53,830 --> 01:43:54,990
We will close the public here.

1273
01:43:55,690 --> 01:43:57,710
I would entertain a resolution of proving

1274
01:43:57,710 --> 01:44:00,850
the Broadway-rigged grant for 137 North Broadway Avenue.

1275
01:44:01,010 --> 01:44:01,190
Council?

1276
01:44:01,550 --> 01:44:02,370
Move to prove your honor.

1277
01:44:02,410 --> 01:44:03,190
Motion by Councillor Baker.

1278
01:44:03,350 --> 01:44:03,790
Second?

1279
01:44:03,930 --> 01:44:04,150
Second.

1280
01:44:04,370 --> 01:44:05,530
Second by Councillor Holland.

1281
01:44:06,050 --> 01:44:08,130
Any further discussion or questions from the council?

1282
01:44:10,230 --> 01:44:11,610
Hearing none, all in favour of the motion,

1283
01:44:11,610 --> 01:44:18,770
motion signify by say and I I pose nay motion carries item E is a public hearing regarding housing tax

1284
01:44:18,770 --> 01:44:28,670
abatement on property within the city of Albert Lee 508 milrose circle. We will open the public hearing with the staff report city manager.

1285
01:44:29,630 --> 01:44:30,330
Thank you, honor.

1286
01:44:31,790 --> 01:44:41,170
We have public hearing is required before granting a housing tax abatement for personal 34-404-0080

1287
01:44:41,170 --> 01:44:44,390
zero in the city of Albert Lee for the construction of a new single family home.

1288
01:44:44,830 --> 01:44:49,330
The Bateman will assist in new construction and increase the tax base for the community.

1289
01:44:49,750 --> 01:44:50,810
Staff recommends approval.

1290
01:44:52,270 --> 01:44:57,410
Okay, for the first time, would anyone like to speak regarding the public hearing on the housing tax

1291
01:44:57,410 --> 01:44:59,910
abatement and property within the city of Albert Lee 505.

1292
01:45:17,600 --> 01:45:29,860
Wait, Milrose Circle. For the second time, would anyone like to speak? For the third time, would anyone like to speak? We'll close the public hearing. I would entertain a resolution.

1293
01:45:29,860 --> 01:45:33,000
and authorizing the housing tax abatement on property within the city of

1294
01:45:33,000 --> 01:45:36,520
Albert Lee for the purpose of funding costs for construction of the single

1295
01:45:36,520 --> 01:45:41,780
family home at 508 mill row circle motion by Councillor Holland is there a

1296
01:45:41,780 --> 01:45:48,520
second second by Councillor Anderson. City manager could you ask could you tell us

1297
01:45:48,520 --> 01:45:53,160
how along the abatement is? Yeah it's actually a couple of things I'd like to say

1298
01:45:53,160 --> 01:45:58,740
one is the abatement for new construction at 100% to three years if they do

1299
01:45:58,740 --> 01:46:06,320
certain other items such as it's an infill lot or it is maybe has added green

1300
01:46:06,320 --> 01:46:11,980
efficiencies to it above the standard. There is the potential to get 50% over

1301
01:46:11,980 --> 01:46:16,540
another three years but that is not in this application. Further I'd also like

1302
01:46:16,540 --> 01:46:22,220
to note that we do have abatement for rehab houses that if the values are

1303
01:46:22,220 --> 01:46:26,380
increased over 25%, which I know is something that had been brought up a lot in

1304
01:46:26,380 --> 01:46:45,000
in the public hearing on the budget as it relates to assessments, but if you fix up a property and it increases the value greater than 25%, there is a potential tax abatement that is longer than the three years for new construction, but rather it's six years for rehabilitation.

1305
01:46:45,960 --> 01:46:53,520
So just want to publicly state that as to an option if anyone is interested in improving their properties.

1306
01:46:53,520 --> 01:46:55,880
Thank you. Any further discussion on the motion?

1307
01:46:58,820 --> 01:47:00,260
Hearing none, all in favor of the motion.

1308
01:47:00,400 --> 01:47:01,460
Signified by say and aye.

1309
01:47:01,780 --> 01:47:02,200
Aye.

1310
01:47:02,620 --> 01:47:03,080
Opposed nay.

1311
01:47:03,560 --> 01:47:04,420
Motion carries.

1312
01:47:05,240 --> 01:47:09,060
Item F is a public hearing regarding declaring property without public purpose,

1313
01:47:09,220 --> 01:47:14,580
waiving and planning commission review and authorizing sale of 610, 4th Street East.

1314
01:47:15,000 --> 01:47:16,940
We'll open the public hearing with the staff report.

1315
01:47:17,660 --> 01:47:18,460
City manager.

1316
01:47:19,340 --> 01:47:20,180
Thank you, honor.

1317
01:47:20,480 --> 01:47:25,360
This hearing is to determine if the property at 610, 4th Street East continues to have

1318
01:47:25,360 --> 01:47:30,980
a public use. There has been a proposal sent to the city manager in response to an RFP for

1319
01:47:30,980 --> 01:47:37,080
development of new housing. Ownership by the city is not necessary and converting to affordable

1320
01:47:37,080 --> 01:47:40,860
housing better serves the public's interest. Staff recommends approval.

1321
01:47:42,100 --> 01:47:46,620
Okay, for the first time, would anyone like to speak on the public hearing regarding

1322
01:47:46,620 --> 01:47:51,640
declaring property without public purpose, waiving planning commission review and authorizing sale of

1323
01:47:51,640 --> 01:47:53,860
610, 4th Street East.

1324
01:47:58,240 --> 01:48:00,320
For the second time, what anyone like to speak?

1325
01:48:03,230 --> 01:48:05,430
For the third time, what anyone like to speak?

1326
01:48:06,630 --> 01:48:08,110
We'll close the public hearing.

1327
01:48:08,750 --> 01:48:11,190
I would entertain a resolution declaring property

1328
01:48:11,190 --> 01:48:14,390
without public purpose, wave planning commission review

1329
01:48:14,390 --> 01:48:17,990
and authorize sale of 610, 4th Street East.

1330
01:48:18,110 --> 01:48:18,310
Council?

1331
01:48:19,110 --> 01:48:20,110
No proof of your honor.

1332
01:48:20,370 --> 01:48:21,530
Most by Councillor Anderson.

1333
01:48:23,210 --> 01:48:23,890
Is there a second?

1334
01:48:23,890 --> 01:48:24,190
Second.

1335
01:48:25,930 --> 01:48:26,450
Second.

1336
01:48:26,470 --> 01:48:27,850
Second by Councillor Christensen.

1337
01:48:28,550 --> 01:48:29,550
Any further discussion?

1338
01:48:34,290 --> 01:48:38,150
Here and none I'd just like to mention I will be abstaining from this vote as I am helping

1339
01:48:38,150 --> 01:48:41,430
the builder work on some of his finances on this.

1340
01:48:42,310 --> 01:48:45,870
With that said, all in favour of the motion signified by saying aye.

1341
01:48:46,270 --> 01:48:46,450
Aye.

1342
01:48:47,090 --> 01:48:47,650
I abstain.

1343
01:48:48,030 --> 01:48:48,550
Any nays?

1344
01:48:49,610 --> 01:48:50,330
Motion carries.

1345
01:48:51,510 --> 01:48:56,750
Item G is a resolution deferring special assessment for certain property based upon age

1346
01:48:56,750 --> 01:49:06,070
or disability. City Manager. Thank you, Your Honor. The property owner of Partial 34.134.002.020,

1347
01:49:06,130 --> 01:49:12,090
or 2417 Marshall Street, Southeast, has applied for deferment regarding the assessment on their

1348
01:49:12,090 --> 01:49:18,150
property for a street project, 2501, the neighborhood improvement project. Staff has reviewed their

1349
01:49:18,150 --> 01:49:22,310
application and the property are qualified based on guidelines established by the city policy.

1350
01:49:22,310 --> 01:49:24,010
the staff recommends approval.

1351
01:49:24,530 --> 01:49:24,790
Council.

1352
01:49:25,930 --> 01:49:26,530
Move the approval.

1353
01:49:26,790 --> 01:49:28,270
Motion by Councillor Baker, is there a second?

1354
01:49:28,630 --> 01:49:28,950
Second.

1355
01:49:29,250 --> 01:49:31,190
Second by Councillor Howell, and any further discussion?

1356
01:49:33,150 --> 01:49:34,490
Hearing none, I want to favor the motion,

1357
01:49:34,690 --> 01:49:35,750
signify by say and aye.

1358
01:49:36,150 --> 01:49:36,430
Aye.

1359
01:49:36,790 --> 01:49:37,270
Opposed nay.

1360
01:49:37,910 --> 01:49:38,490
Motion carries.

1361
01:49:38,810 --> 01:49:40,970
Item H is a resolution ordering preparation

1362
01:49:40,970 --> 01:49:44,690
of the feasibility reports for the 2026 improvements.

1363
01:49:45,450 --> 01:49:45,990
City manager.

1364
01:49:46,950 --> 01:49:47,750
Thank you, honor.

1365
01:49:48,170 --> 01:49:49,710
We have a resolution ordering feasibility reports

1366
01:49:49,710 --> 01:49:50,990
for 2026 improvements.

1367
01:49:50,990 --> 01:50:03,310
Since these resolutions would order the preparation of the reports for improvements proposed for the 2026 construction season, the projects are in the CIP and have been reviewed and prioritized by the City Council.

1368
01:50:04,150 --> 01:50:20,350
These projects would be the Valley Avenue Marshall Street Reconstruction Project, the 2026 Neighborhood Improvement Project, the 2026 State Aid Street Overlay Projects, Saint Mary, Project 2603, which is Saint Mary and 14 Street Reconstruction Project.

1369
01:50:21,590 --> 01:50:27,070
job 2604, sorenson, road, water, main, replacement project, and the lead service line replacement

1370
01:50:27,070 --> 01:50:27,730
project.

1371
01:50:27,950 --> 01:50:28,330
From

1372
01:50:30,920 --> 01:50:31,260
the approval?

1373
01:50:31,560 --> 01:50:32,560
Oh, yes, excuse me.

1374
01:50:32,660 --> 01:50:33,980
Yes, staff recommends approval.

1375
01:50:34,260 --> 01:50:34,500
All right.

1376
01:50:35,040 --> 01:50:35,400
Council.

1377
01:50:35,800 --> 01:50:36,620
Move the approval, Your Honor.

1378
01:50:36,740 --> 01:50:37,520
Motion by Councillor Baker.

1379
01:50:37,700 --> 01:50:38,140
Is there a second?

1380
01:50:38,240 --> 01:50:39,020
Second fact, Your Honor.

1381
01:50:39,180 --> 01:50:40,140
Second by Councillor Olson.

1382
01:50:40,420 --> 01:50:41,080
Any further discussion?

1383
01:50:43,000 --> 01:50:43,620
Hearing none.

1384
01:50:43,720 --> 01:50:44,520
I'll unfair for the motion.

1385
01:50:44,680 --> 01:50:45,760
Signify it by saying aye.

1386
01:50:46,160 --> 01:50:46,380
Aye.

1387
01:50:46,680 --> 01:50:47,220
Opposed nay.

1388
01:50:47,960 --> 01:50:48,500
Motion carries.

1389
01:50:49,280 --> 01:50:50,680
Item aye is a resolution of many.

1390
01:50:50,680 --> 01:50:57,220
the professional agreement with Bolton-Mank Inc. for work order number 4-2025, miscellaneous.

1391
01:50:57,680 --> 01:50:58,240
City manager?

1392
01:50:59,300 --> 01:50:59,960
Thank you, honor.

1393
01:51:00,460 --> 01:51:06,920
The replacement of snow removal equipment building door is in the CIP for year 2027, using a 70-30 state grant.

1394
01:51:07,760 --> 01:51:13,960
In November, Minnesota DOT Aeronautics notified the city that funding for the door replacement project is available.

1395
01:51:14,520 --> 01:51:17,380
At the project could be completed in 2026 instead.

1396
01:51:17,380 --> 01:51:23,060
The project would involve replacing 14-foot doors with one wider door with larger equipment over the years.

1397
01:51:23,060 --> 01:51:27,200
It has become very difficult to enter and exit the building as well as door seasonal equipment.

1398
01:51:27,820 --> 01:51:32,340
The airport had discussed seeking funding for replacement for replacement,

1399
01:51:32,620 --> 01:51:40,160
excuse me, replacement snow removal equipment building which was estimated between 900,000 to 1.1 million.

1400
01:51:40,800 --> 01:51:46,740
The current building is newer and is in good shape, but basically needs the doors replaced in order to fit the equipment.

1401
01:51:47,520 --> 01:51:53,220
This contract is for design services for $35,000 and $96.

1402
01:51:53,880 --> 01:52:04,940
The total project cost is estimated to be $359,500 with $251,650 coming from the state and

1403
01:52:04,940 --> 01:52:08,100
$107,850 coming from the city.

1404
01:52:08,940 --> 01:52:15,540
The state grant will be coming back to the council in early 2026 for final approval and staff recommends approval of this agreement.

1405
01:52:15,540 --> 01:52:23,860
Council move to approve your honor motion by Councillor Anderson is there a second second back your honor second by Councillor Olson any for the discussion your honor

1406
01:52:23,860 --> 01:52:29,080
Councillor Anderson I think it's worth knowing real quick for the public will came up in our work session by moving this forward

1407
01:52:29,080 --> 01:52:35,300
We're insured to get that $251,000 grant and we were going to do it anyways the year after is that correct city manager

1408
01:52:35,300 --> 01:52:41,800
City manager correct and we know we'll actually get the grant funding as opposed to if we waited at 2027

1409
01:52:41,800 --> 01:52:48,980
Okay. Okay. All right. Any other discussion? Here and none. I'm fair with motion signified by say and I.

1410
01:52:49,280 --> 01:53:00,380
Aye. Aye. Opposed nay? Motion carries. Item J is resolution temporarily reducing on sale liquor license fees for 2026 and 2027 city manager.

1411
01:53:01,060 --> 01:53:09,140
Thank you, honor. The increase to on sale and off sale liquor license fees requires a public hearing that hearing was held on November 24th 2025.

1412
01:53:09,140 --> 01:53:14,060
five has been 21 years since the last increase for the on sale liquor license fees.

1413
01:53:14,880 --> 01:53:17,680
When it was increased, it was up to $2,000.

1414
01:53:18,260 --> 01:53:23,440
Adjusting for inflation that amount of $2,000 exceeds $3,400.

1415
01:53:24,420 --> 01:53:28,120
To not raise the fee would have passed costs onto the general public to increase greater

1416
01:53:28,120 --> 01:53:34,740
than $3,400, even if justified against collective costs, would increase the fee beyond its same

1417
01:53:34,740 --> 01:53:42,960
purchasing power in 2021, pardon me, 2004, that is an error.

1418
01:53:44,200 --> 01:53:50,320
Additionally, software advancements may create some efficiencies, not requiring the increase of $3,400 to match inflation.

1419
01:53:50,920 --> 01:53:56,220
And we estimate that $2,800 is what would be necessary for cost and for comparison with other communities.

1420
01:53:57,140 --> 01:54:03,920
At during the workshop, it was recommended that we actually breaking it up into three increments

1421
01:54:03,920 --> 01:54:14,660
in which that if the applicants apply, turn in a full application with all accurate attached

1422
01:54:14,660 --> 01:54:23,860
information such as their insurance accurately, it would by the third Monday of August, so

1423
01:54:23,860 --> 01:54:29,860
So that way it could be passed on the 4th Monday of August by Council, that in 2026 the

1424
01:54:29,860 --> 01:54:37,540
fee amount would be 2200, that in 2027 the amount would be 2400, and in 2028 the amount

1425
01:54:37,540 --> 01:54:38,700
would be 2600.

1426
01:54:39,340 --> 01:54:43,980
I believe was what was asked and when someone makes a motion if they could confirm that.

1427
01:54:45,050 --> 01:54:52,000
This discount only applies for license renewal as there is some efficiency in renewal and

1428
01:54:52,000 --> 01:54:57,140
And also those that submit it's in time as stated, the third Monday of August.

1429
01:54:58,140 --> 01:54:59,900
All right, Council, move to approve.

1430
01:54:59,940 --> 01:55:03,580
Councilor Baker, we're going to move to approve and you're going to add what?

1431
01:55:03,840 --> 01:55:07,620
Well, I'm going to add another year, it was supposed to be 200.

1432
01:55:07,620 --> 01:55:08,680
Can you say all four of them?

1433
01:55:08,800 --> 01:55:09,180
All four.

1434
01:55:09,540 --> 01:55:09,960
Yeah.

1435
01:55:10,280 --> 01:55:11,140
No, just state them.

1436
01:55:12,240 --> 01:55:12,680
2026.

1437
01:55:13,020 --> 01:55:15,300
2026 would be 2,600.

1438
01:55:16,300 --> 01:55:16,740
2222.

1439
01:55:17,960 --> 01:55:19,940
I'm sorry, it's getting late.

1440
01:55:21,960 --> 01:55:26,440
20, 20, 20, 20, 27 will be 24,

1441
01:55:26,620 --> 01:55:29,780
100, 20, 28 will be 26 under and 20,

1442
01:55:29,880 --> 01:55:31,760
29 will go to the full 2800.

1443
01:55:32,000 --> 01:55:32,700
Is that your motion?

1444
01:55:32,980 --> 01:55:33,380
Yes.

1445
01:55:34,420 --> 01:55:34,720
Right.

1446
01:55:34,900 --> 01:55:35,200
Thank you.

1447
01:55:35,520 --> 01:55:36,260
Is there a second?

1448
01:55:36,460 --> 01:55:37,420
I'll second back, Your Honor.

1449
01:55:37,580 --> 01:55:38,580
Second by Councillor Olson.

1450
01:55:38,720 --> 01:55:38,920
Okay.

1451
01:55:39,000 --> 01:55:39,780
Any further discussion?

1452
01:55:41,880 --> 01:55:42,500
Hearing none.

1453
01:55:42,600 --> 01:55:44,520
All in favor of the motion as amended,

1454
01:55:44,760 --> 01:55:45,780
signify by saying aye.

1455
01:55:46,140 --> 01:55:46,380
Aye.

1456
01:55:46,880 --> 01:55:48,400
Paul's name, motion carries.

1457
01:55:49,140 --> 01:55:53,260
Item K as a resolution accepting donations as presented to the City of Albert Lee.

1458
01:55:53,960 --> 01:55:54,400
City Manager.

1459
01:55:55,080 --> 01:55:55,540
Thank you, Your Honor.

1460
01:55:55,660 --> 01:56:08,600
The City of Albert Lee is generally authorized to accept donations pursuant to Minnesota State Statute sections 465.03 for the benefit of its citizens staff recommends acceptance of the following donations as submitted for Council review and approval.

1461
01:56:09,020 --> 01:56:16,700
The State White Health Improvement Partnership, known as SHIP, of Freeborn County is donating the equivalent of 27,000.

1462
01:56:16,700 --> 01:56:22,720
$7.31 and 20 cents for drinking fountains, bike racks, and benches throughout the community.

1463
01:56:24,800 --> 01:56:25,440
Is there a motion?

1464
01:56:26,040 --> 01:56:27,220
Move to approve, Your Honor.

1465
01:56:27,460 --> 01:56:28,340
motion by the Councilor Christensen.

1466
01:56:28,580 --> 01:56:29,060
Is there a second?

1467
01:56:29,360 --> 01:56:30,040
Second, Your Honor.

1468
01:56:30,100 --> 01:56:31,020
Second by Councillor Anderson.

1469
01:56:31,300 --> 01:56:32,000
Any further discussion?

1470
01:56:33,280 --> 01:56:35,540
All in favor, the motion is signified by say-n-i.

1471
01:56:35,860 --> 01:56:36,100
Aye.

1472
01:56:36,480 --> 01:56:36,940
All's name?

1473
01:56:37,300 --> 01:56:37,880
Motion carries.

1474
01:56:38,600 --> 01:56:43,500
Item Al is a resolution authorizing interfund loan for advance of certain cost and connection

1475
01:56:43,500 --> 01:56:46,820
with the recreational facilities and solar projects.

1476
01:56:47,000 --> 01:56:47,520
City manager.

1477
01:56:48,240 --> 01:56:48,940
Thank you, honor.

1478
01:56:49,360 --> 01:56:52,160
The hourly city council approved recreational facility

1479
01:56:52,160 --> 01:56:55,100
and solar projects in 2024 at the approximate cost

1480
01:56:55,100 --> 01:57:00,300
of $12.25 million with the city expecting about $2.455

1481
01:57:01,200 --> 01:57:02,420
million in federal incentives.

1482
01:57:03,160 --> 01:57:05,280
The city bonded for $9.8 million.

1483
01:57:05,920 --> 01:57:08,520
Because the city cannot apply for the federal incentives

1484
01:57:08,520 --> 01:57:09,880
until the projects are complete,

1485
01:57:10,440 --> 01:57:11,460
there will be a gap in funding

1486
01:57:11,460 --> 01:57:12,840
until receiving the incentives.

1487
01:57:13,500 --> 01:57:17,620
With the projects nearing completion, the city has used almost all of the bond proceeds

1488
01:57:17,620 --> 01:57:22,260
and the fund will be a negative balance by December 31, 2025.

1489
01:57:22,960 --> 01:57:29,320
To cover the funding gap, the staff are recommending an inter-fund loan from the sewer fund to

1490
01:57:29,320 --> 01:57:33,880
the recreational facilities fund to cover expenses until receiving the federal incentives.

1491
01:57:35,300 --> 01:57:35,780
Council?

1492
01:57:36,460 --> 01:57:37,160
Move to approve.

1493
01:57:37,500 --> 01:57:38,360
Motion by Councillor Anderson.

1494
01:57:38,640 --> 01:57:39,080
Is there a second?

1495
01:57:39,220 --> 01:57:40,680
Second by Councillor Baker.

1496
01:57:40,900 --> 01:57:41,620
Any further discussion?

1497
01:57:42,060 --> 01:57:42,220
Your Honor.

1498
01:57:42,780 --> 01:57:43,220
Councillor Holy.

1499
01:57:43,380 --> 01:57:44,900
Just a question for the city manager.

1500
01:57:45,880 --> 01:57:50,340
I know it says the city is expecting the nearly 2.5 million in federal incentives.

1501
01:57:50,940 --> 01:57:53,900
Is there any risk at all that the city will not receive?

1502
01:57:54,320 --> 01:57:58,920
Those federal incentives considering the environment right now and our federal government

1503
01:57:58,920 --> 01:58:00,780
in regards to green energy?

1504
01:58:00,780 --> 01:58:02,120
the city manager.

1505
01:58:03,820 --> 01:58:12,040
The recent changes to the inflation reduction act and the incentives that were attached to

1506
01:58:12,040 --> 01:58:17,420
it were passed in what they called the big beautiful bill earlier this year.

1507
01:58:18,040 --> 01:58:26,800
Those changes and those deadlines we do not feel will affect this project that we will be within

1508
01:58:26,800 --> 01:58:34,360
and those timelines and those guidelines for the 40% incentive.

1509
01:58:35,180 --> 01:58:36,340
Okay, thank you.

1510
01:58:36,860 --> 01:58:38,140
Any further discussion?

1511
01:58:40,440 --> 01:58:41,760
Hearing none, I'm in favor of the motion.

1512
01:58:41,940 --> 01:58:43,000
Signified by say aye.

1513
01:58:43,480 --> 01:58:43,740
Aye.

1514
01:58:44,140 --> 01:58:44,600
Opposed, aye.

1515
01:58:45,220 --> 01:58:46,060
Motion carries.

1516
01:58:46,840 --> 01:58:47,160
All right.

1517
01:58:47,940 --> 01:58:49,420
Item 9, Mayor and Council Report.

1518
01:58:49,680 --> 01:58:50,260
It's Councillor Holland.

1519
01:58:50,920 --> 01:58:51,840
4-3.

1520
01:58:52,060 --> 01:58:52,960
Well, hey, Mr. Mayor.

1521
01:58:53,100 --> 01:58:53,700
Thank you very much.

1522
01:58:53,860 --> 01:58:55,440
Hope everybody had a happy Thanksgiving.

1523
01:58:55,440 --> 01:59:00,120
It is almost 9 o'clock now, so in the interest of time, I'm going to say nothing further.

1524
01:59:01,060 --> 01:59:01,800
How's your Baker?

1525
01:59:02,960 --> 01:59:03,160
Thank you.

1526
01:59:03,500 --> 01:59:05,000
I can't say that.

1527
01:59:07,500 --> 01:59:13,680
But I will say I got a couple of ward items that I will get all that information over to the city manager tomorrow.

1528
01:59:14,660 --> 01:59:15,600
And he can take care of them.

1529
01:59:16,820 --> 01:59:21,940
And we did have a lead meeting this last Wednesday.

1530
01:59:22,640 --> 01:59:28,540
And I'm going to say it again, things are moving forward, you know, there's a lot of promises.

1531
01:59:28,980 --> 01:59:31,000
There's a lot of interest in Albert E still.

1532
01:59:32,300 --> 01:59:39,360
So just trust, trust the fact that eventually you're going to see some more action.

1533
01:59:39,960 --> 01:59:40,280
Thank you.

1534
01:59:40,740 --> 01:59:40,900
All right.

1535
01:59:41,200 --> 01:59:42,400
Word one, Councillor Christensen.

1536
01:59:42,800 --> 01:59:43,120
Thank you.

1537
01:59:43,180 --> 01:59:44,820
I'm going to brief also.

1538
01:59:45,160 --> 01:59:50,980
I do want to just say there's lots of great music going on in our area now in a shout out

1539
01:59:50,980 --> 01:59:55,540
to first Lutheran Church for hosting Billy McLaughlin and simple gifts last night.

1540
01:59:55,540 --> 01:59:59,660
It was a great concert. Thank you. All right, work sex.

1541
02:00:00,000 --> 02:00:06,860
Councilor Anderson. Your Honor, I'm going to abstain and pass the torch. Ward 5, Councilor

1542
02:00:06,860 --> 02:00:13,160
Van Bek. Thank you, Your Honor. I've already used my code of words for this week, so I'm

1543
02:00:13,160 --> 02:00:20,520
going to abstain also. Ward 4, Councilor Ossin. All right, I've got an airport meeting next week.

1544
02:00:20,760 --> 02:00:25,540
I received an email during the meeting tonight, so I'll somebody I look into for somebody

1545
02:00:25,540 --> 02:00:31,020
there. Are there in that? Storms out there, drive safe, give our snow plows plenty of room.

1546
02:00:31,640 --> 02:00:36,320
They get out third, do their best job, and the staff is efficient when they start, when they

1547
02:00:36,320 --> 02:00:41,620
stop. So they're trying to use their time as best they can. So your street's not plowed right

1548
02:00:41,620 --> 02:00:48,100
away. There's a reason why they, why they time it the way they do to be as efficient as possible.

1549
02:00:48,420 --> 02:00:54,000
That's it, Your Honor. All right. Thank you. On the 25th of November, I had to lead a project review

1550
02:00:54,000 --> 02:00:57,600
where we went through everything that we're working on right now and it's quite

1551
02:00:57,600 --> 02:01:02,320
an extensive list. So pretty excited to see the things that Alita continues to

1552
02:01:02,320 --> 02:01:09,040
work on. On the 25th also we had a special meeting working on the search for

1553
02:01:09,040 --> 02:01:15,780
a new executive director with Alita. And then on the 25th I also attended the

1554
02:01:15,780 --> 02:01:22,180
District 241 Facilities meeting. We're looking at just building usage around the

1555
02:01:22,180 --> 02:01:27,400
community. On the 28th and 29th was Black Friday and small business Saturday

1556
02:01:27,400 --> 02:01:31,160
within the community. The snow kind of got in the way a little bit on Saturday,

1557
02:01:31,280 --> 02:01:33,880
but I heard a number of people in the community said they had a very good

1558
02:01:33,880 --> 02:01:39,120
Black Friday and a good partial day on Saturday, but I think the snow got the

1559
02:01:39,120 --> 02:01:42,460
best of a lot of them. So keep supporting your small businesses and

1560
02:01:42,460 --> 02:01:46,620
Albert Lee all through Christmas here and all year round. They need our help.

1561
02:01:47,200 --> 02:01:51,260
People want things to stay open. The only way they do that is if we get out and

1562
02:01:51,260 --> 02:01:56,280
support them. So get out, support your local community by local right here in

1563
02:01:56,280 --> 02:02:02,220
Albert Lee. On the first of December I attended a pro-manufacturing meeting on

1564
02:02:02,220 --> 02:02:05,300
some things they're working on with the city manager and the elite of

1565
02:02:05,300 --> 02:02:10,960
director. And then on the third of December we had a regular meeting with the

1566
02:02:10,960 --> 02:02:15,480
LIDA. And as Councillor Baker mentioned went through a number of projects that

1567
02:02:15,480 --> 02:02:18,760
were working on. We think there's some good announcements that'll be coming

1568
02:02:18,760 --> 02:02:20,560
and forward here over the next several months.

1569
02:02:21,220 --> 02:02:24,080
And we continue to work on more and more things all the time.

1570
02:02:24,540 --> 02:02:26,060
As I remind people all the time,

1571
02:02:26,320 --> 02:02:27,640
Albert Lee is open for business

1572
02:02:28,060 --> 02:02:29,320
and people out there know that.

1573
02:02:29,560 --> 02:02:32,560
And so we're pretty excited about what's going on there.

1574
02:02:32,940 --> 02:02:35,500
And then on Saturday, I worked with Ruby's pantry

1575
02:02:35,500 --> 02:02:37,120
out at the Fairgrounds.

1576
02:02:37,560 --> 02:02:40,700
And for about three hours, we put food together

1577
02:02:40,700 --> 02:02:42,640
and passed out food as cars came along.

1578
02:02:43,120 --> 02:02:46,180
I think we had 200 and some families come through

1579
02:02:46,180 --> 02:02:50,040
and it was a little cold out there to start but we started working hard and

1580
02:02:50,040 --> 02:02:54,480
pretty soon we were warmed up and everything was good so good program I know we

1581
02:02:54,480 --> 02:02:57,460
got some other food banks and things like that going on in the community so

1582
02:02:57,460 --> 02:03:01,200
thank everybody for what they're doing there and thank all the volunteers and the

1583
02:03:01,200 --> 02:03:07,040
people that came and helped us out with Ruby's pantry. With that I had two

1584
02:03:07,040 --> 02:03:11,780
events on a calendar coming up do not forget, Albert Lee Holiday Bizarre is

1585
02:03:11,780 --> 02:03:18,160
this Thursday, December 11 in downtown Albert Lee. The event will go from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

1586
02:03:18,520 --> 02:03:24,340
with live reindeer, horse-drawn trolley rides and more. The Santa Claus cruise starts at 6 p.m.

1587
02:03:24,500 --> 02:03:29,660
along Broadway and follows the Santa... Santa Cruz, the following Santa Cruz, there will be a

1588
02:03:29,660 --> 02:03:35,640
tree lighting at Central Park with Christmas caroling. And then also it's coming to the end of the

1589
02:03:35,640 --> 02:03:41,660
year and there will be some open seats on the number of city boards and commissions that we have here.

1590
02:03:41,780 --> 02:03:46,840
The board's and openings are the airport advisory board, the advisory planning commission,

1591
02:03:47,100 --> 02:03:52,480
the library advisory board, park and rec advisory board, and the senior center advisory

1592
02:03:52,480 --> 02:03:53,060
board.

1593
02:03:53,180 --> 02:03:58,520
If anyone is interested in serving on one of these boards, the applications are on the

1594
02:03:58,520 --> 02:04:04,000
city website, under boards and commissions, you can learn more about them on the website.

1595
02:04:04,220 --> 02:04:08,480
With that, we'll move along to item 10, city manager report.

1596
02:04:09,220 --> 02:04:12,560
Thank you, I don't have much to report.

1597
02:04:12,860 --> 02:04:16,320
I think a good chunk of the work has been presented and discussed.

1598
02:04:16,700 --> 02:04:24,180
I just want to thank the council members, the public staff.

1599
02:04:24,720 --> 02:04:27,820
This has been a very trying budget.

1600
02:04:28,300 --> 02:04:32,340
I think that there are a lot of factors that are beyond our control.

1601
02:04:33,200 --> 02:04:36,660
And quite frankly, there are a number of people that are taking the brunt of it.

1602
02:04:37,180 --> 02:04:44,300
So this has not been easy, and I think some more appreciation to what everyone has had

1603
02:04:44,300 --> 02:04:48,780
to go through and deal with this and do with the CAND to hold things down as best possible

1604
02:04:49,500 --> 02:04:50,640
is really needed.

1605
02:04:50,840 --> 02:04:57,180
And I do appreciate the Council members and their efforts in working with staff on this.

1606
02:04:59,560 --> 02:05:04,340
In addition to that, I hope that people can make it out on December 20th to the care of

1607
02:05:04,340 --> 02:05:07,740
New Year's celebration at the Albert Lee High School.

1608
02:05:07,880 --> 02:05:14,700
We will be posting a agenda for that in hopes that members of the council will come

1609
02:05:14,700 --> 02:05:15,720
to that event.

1610
02:05:15,920 --> 02:05:19,200
And I believe, Mr. Mayor, you will be speaking as well.

1611
02:05:19,440 --> 02:05:27,860
So please check your calendars Saturday, December 20th for see if you can attend with that

1612
02:05:27,860 --> 02:05:28,200
your honor.

1613
02:05:28,960 --> 02:05:29,320
All right.

1614
02:05:29,520 --> 02:05:32,960
Item 11 is approval of claims A is a resolution of approving claims.

1615
02:05:32,960 --> 02:05:37,040
One is a presentation of claims over 25,000 city manager.

1616
02:05:37,840 --> 02:05:38,560
Thank you, honor.

1617
02:05:39,100 --> 02:06:02,600
We have $30,723.57 to home-serve USA Corp, water and sewer protection plan services, $58,959.13 to BCM construction and corporate payment estimate number eight, led service line replacement project, $59,796 and $0.7 to bring in construction payment estimate number eight for

1618
02:06:02,600 --> 02:06:12,040
Recreational Facilities Project, Arena Lobby, $115,562.43 to MTI Distributing,

1619
02:06:12,260 --> 02:06:17,680
Incorporated, this is the 2025 Torral Ground Master, 410D Parks.

1620
02:06:19,490 --> 02:06:32,580
We have $121,541.15 to H&M Underground Solutions, Payment Estimate Number 3 for Lead

1621
02:06:32,580 --> 02:06:36,800
dollars and 98 cents to Southeast Service Cooperative. This is health insurance.