April 1, 2009 Albert Lea Post Authority Minutes

By Tyler Golberg | April 1, 2009

April 1, 2009

ALBERT LEA PORT AUTHORITY

MINUTES 

7:30 a.m.

Albert Lea Business Development Center

 

  • The Regular Meeting of the Albert Lea Port Authority was called to order on Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 7:30 a.m. by President Ellen Kehr and roll was noted.

 

COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: President, Ellen Kehr; Commissioners: Al Brooks, Paul Field, Mike Moore, Vern Rasmussen Jr., and Nancy Skophammer.

COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Keith Fligge.  

 

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS PRESENT: Randy Kehr, Business Community representative; Victoria Simonsen, City of Albert Lea representative (arrived at 8:05 a.m.).

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS ABSENT: Christopher Shoff, Freeborn County representative. 

 

STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Dan Dorman, Executive Director; Ryan Nolander, Assistant Director; Nanciana Jensen, Board Secretary.

 

STAFF MEMBERS ABSENT: None

 

GUEST: John Kluever.

 

  • APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE MARCH 4th, 2009 REGULAR MEETING.

The minutes of the March 4, 2009 meeting were reviewed. Commissioner Rasmussen made a motion to accept the minutes as presented, seconded by Commissioner Field. The motion carried with 6 in favor and 0 opposed.

 

  • RESOLUTION PA-09-07 AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF CLAIMS.

The claims were presented for review and discussion followed. Commissioner Moore made a motion to approve Resolution PA-09-07 authorizing the payment of claims in the amount of $8,602.43, seconded by Commissioner Rasmussen. Discussion followed. The motion carried, with 6 in favor and 0 opposed.

 

  • PROJECT MAGNOLIA.

Executive Director Dorman reviewed information with the Board regarding the package proposal for Project Magnolia. In developing the proposal, he worked from the premise that the company would build a 300,000 square foot building and hire 300 employees. Discussion followed. Director Dorman said we should hear soon if we are one of the sites chosen for the next round. There was time for questions. Another discussion regarding workforce issues was held. It was suggested that a testimonial be added to the next package proposal, i.e. from Rainbow Play Systems as they are very satisfied with the work ethic and employees of Freeborn County. Executive Director will consider this for the next proposal.

 

  • PROPERTY TAXES.

Executive Director Dorman distributed an informational spreadsheet of the 2009 property taxes for the Port Authority. He informed the Board that he had also mailed a copy of tax statements to those companies who have a triple net lease with the Port Authority. Director Dorman noted that the reason the taxes on the ALEDA park seem so high is that there is an old assessment which was triggered when we purchased the property.

 

  • EX-OFFICIO UPDATES.

John Kluever – Freeborn County Administrator.

  • Discussions are open once again on the Shell Rock River dam project, and the portage around the dam. The County had received a letter from the DNR stating that they will issue a permit for the construction of a bridge without having access around the dam. County Engineer, Sue Miller will do the bidding on the bridge project, which will include the dam. There will be no portage around the dam, but there will be access to the Shell Rock River for fishermen.
  • ICE Contract – Freeborn County has received a 5 year contract with the Department of Homeland Security to house detainees until they can be transported to other areas. As of April 1, 2009, Freeborn County can begin to receive detainees from the Immigration Service. Our jail facility can hold up to 120 people. On a typical day, Freeborn County accommodates 40-45 inmates. Because of the size of our facility, Freeborn County had to negotiate a lesser amount of people, as the original number of detainees was 100-120. Freeborn County was able to negotiate that number down to 80. These additional people will max out the facility. The County will receive $77.00 per day per person. Because of the additional number of people held, Freeborn County will add 17-19 jobs. A typical stay for detainees is 60 days before they are moved. The crossroads of I-35 and I-90 was a factor in Freeborn County receiving the contract. Freeborn County will be able to negotiate rates once a year. John Kluever said it is potentially a very good thing for Freeborn County.
  • Budget – The Freeborn County administrator, department heads and elected officials will be working together on the budget. Discussion followed.

 

Randy Kehr – Chamber of Commerce.

  • Several people attended the MNDOT luncheon.
  • On March 17th, the Ag Lunch was held with several people in attendance.
  • Dunham Sports is starting on their new store, which will be located in the Northbridge Mall.
  • Dr. Leslie Leidall of the U of Minnesota visited the CEO group in March.
  • Rainbow Play Systems is still thrilled with our community.
  • On April 2nd at the high school, Dan Buettner, founder and author of Blue Zones will speak to the community.
  • Director Kehr said that the Chamber is currently working on a ‘green’ committee in order to have a proactive energy savings plan for the smaller businesses of Freeborn County.

Victoria Simonsen – City of Albert Lea.

  • The City of Albert Lea received $3 million in stimulus dollars from the Federal government for the airport project. They also received $2 million in discretionary funds. This funding allows for the runway project to begin this summer
  • City Council members held public meetings in their wards in order to receive input regarding City services which could affect the City budget.
  • Internally, Ms. Simonsen is hosting an employee group to gather their input regarding city services and budget concerns.
  • The City is hosting a survey regarding City services to determine what should be offered and what cut-backs could be made. The survey closes on April 7th and Ms. Simonsen hopes to present a budget recommendation to the City Council by the end of April.
  • Art Space – They are ready to schedule a conference call with city council members to discuss the completed Art Space survey.
  • Simonsen discussed Blue Zones with Board members.
  • The Edgewater Park project is coming to a close, and Richway Drive has been reopened. Ms. Simonsen will be in contact with Senator Dan Sparks regarding the possibility of the City keeping the remaining $800,000, which is the amount remaining after project costs, to use for the building of a pavilion and the addition of sewer and water to the park area.
  • The City of Albert Lea is gearing up for the summer season. The Albert Lea Thunder hockey team has finished their first season and will be returning in the fall of this year.
  • The City and County will be sharing an IT person as a cost cutting measure.
  • City staff is researching grants for police department usage.
  • Rental house inspections – 900 units have been accounted for, approximately 900 remain.
  • A couple of Albert Lea fire fighters have traveled to the Fargo-Moorhead area to assist other fire fighters from the area with the flooding situation. A couple more fire fighters may go to the area this week.
  • Library services are skyrocketing right now. They have had 3,000 people sign-in on computers this month.
  • There is still interest in the Freeborn Bank building. Discussion was held regarding how many people are eligible financially to move to Albert Lea to utilize the new Art Space.
  • Regarding the Snyders building – currently negotiations are being held between an interested party and building owners, George Dress and Greg Jensen.
  • The City is taking back hotel/motel inspections from the State, as the State can only inspect every three years. So far, the Super 8 and the Bel Aire Motel have been inspected.

 

  • EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT.
  1. Spec Building Update – bidding and finance.

The bids are out for the new spec building. Zenk, Read & Trygstad has had over 85 inquiries. The bids should be back within two weeks. Executive Director Dorman sent a letter out to all the banks in Freeborn County regarding a private placement revenue bond.

  1. Ring Can Building – roof and paint.

Executive Director Dorman informed the Board that the painting is in process, although  the roof has experienced another leak. Eventually a new roof will be needed.

  1. I35-I90 Business Park Grant Update

Director Dorman informed the Board that he has signed off on an application to try to get a wetland issue resolved, as there is 20,000 square feet of wetland in the Business Park impacted by the road. This issue has to be dealt with before the new road can be built. For the last two years, corn has been planted and farmed on the Business Park acreage, which included the wetland area, with no problems occurring.

Director Dorman informed the Board that he had spoken to County officials and asked if it was possible to change the State Park Road and was informed that this cannot be done. He then went back to the City regarding the placement of the road.  Discussion
followed. Currently there is no future road plans in the new comprehensive plan.

  1. Carpenter Lease.

Executive Director Dorman informed the Board that the Port Authority is currently in the process of working with them on a new lease. The company would like a three year lease. The parking lot has been maintained, but in reality, it needs replacement. Director Dorman is trying to work out a solution with Carpenter.

  • COMMISSIONER ITEMS.
  • Commissioner Field informed the Board that Wedgewood Cove has held some tours of the new facility; it is in the process of getting painted; the kitchen shows up on April 13th. There has been interest in the purchasing of lots. The street, sewer and water will go in this summer. So far, there are a total of 45 family golf memberships.
  • ADJOURNMENT.

Commissioner Rasmussen made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Commissioner  Moore. The motion carried with 6 to    approve and 0 opposed. The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 a.m.

Filed and attested April 1, 2009.

____________________________________                    ___________________________________

Ellen Kehr, President                                                  Nanciana Jensen, Board Secretary

Posted in Minutes