May 2, 2012 Albert Lea Post Authority Minutes
May 2, 2012
ALBERT LEA PORT AUTHORITY
MINUTES
May 2, 2012
Albert Lea Business Development Center
1. CALL TO ORDER & NOTATION OF ROLL
The Regular Meeting of the Albert Lea Port Authority was called to order on Wednesday, May 2, 2012 at 7:30 a.m. by President Vern Rasmussen. Roll was noted by the Board Secretary.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Ellen Kehr, Vern Rasmussen, Jr., Al Brooks, Mike Moore, Jerry Ehn, Nancy Skophammer and Keith Fligge
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: None
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS PRESENT: Chad Adams, City of Albert Lea representative; Randy Kehr, business community representative; and Mike Lee, Freeborn County representative (arrived at 7:40)
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Dan Dorman, Executive Director; Ryan Nolander, Assistant Director; and Julie Dandrea, Board Secretary
STAFF MEMBERS ABSENT: None
GUESTS: Mike Murtaugh, Freeborn-Mower Coop; Rebecca Gisel, Alliant Energy; Chuck Paczkowski
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM APRIL 4, 2012 MEETING
The minutes from the April 4, 2012 meeting were reviewed. Commissioner Fligge made a motion to approve the minutes as presented, seconded by Commissioner Ehn. President Rasmussen asked for any discussion and hearing none, the motion carried 7 in favor; 0 opposed.
3. RESOLUTION 12-08 OUT-OF-STATE TRAVEL POLICY FOR BOARD MEMBERS
This was discussed at last month’s meeting and tabled until now to give the board time to review the policy. The auditors said to be in compliance with state statute a resolution must be passed regarding out-of-state travel for its board members. This mirrors the City’s policy. Commissioner Moore suggested yesterday to change references of “elected officials” to “commissioners.” Commissioner Ehn suggested inserting a time frame for submitting travel expenses. A 90-day time period to submit was agreed on. Commissioner Moore made a motion to approve the resolution as amended with the suggested changes, seconded by Commissioner Kehr. President Rasmussen asked for any more discussion or questions and hearing none, the motion carried 7 in favor; 0 opposed.
4. RESOLUTION PA-12-09 AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF CLAIMS
The claims were presented for review. Executive Director Dorman highlighted the property taxes and the expenses for construction of a bathroom in the ALEDA spec building which had previously been agreed upon when Zumbro River leased a portion of the building. Commissioner Moore asked about the payment to Clifton Larson. This is partial payment for the year-end audit. Commissioner Brooks made a motion to accept the claims as presented in the amount of $87,661.10 and Commissioner Moore seconded it. President Rasmussen asked for any discussion and hearing none, the motion carried 7 in favor; 0 opposed.
5. SET AMOUNT FOR DEPRECIATION OF CAPITAL EXPENSE THRESHOLD
The auditors suggested setting an amount for depreciation and thought $2,500.00 was an appropriate amount. No resolution is needed, but a vote is required. Commissioner Ehn made a motion acknowledging the recommended $2,500 threshold, seconded by Commissioner Moore. The motion passed 7 in favor; 0 opposed.
6. ANNUAL RETREAT
Just for information, the date is set for July 11th because the first Wednesday is on the 4th of July holiday. The board meetings will be first, followed by the Program of Work and then lunch. Executive Director Dorman asked the commissioners to let him know if there is anything they would like to see added or reviewed as we begin working on this.
7. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Enderes Tool – We are continuing to help where we can. Executive Director Dorman spoke with Todd Dahl recently and has talked with Steve Overgaard several times.
Plaza Street Sewer & Water – Executive Director Dorman has been working with DEED on a proposal. A person in Chicago from the EDA is coming next week to look over our proposal. Best case scenario would be the grant was large enough to get the Stables project done also. The project must be tied into tornado and flood damage. The EDA want projects that are shovel-ready so the dollars can get out the door quickly before they go away.
Bank Building – The city will put out an RFQ (Request for Qualifications). This will enable the city to weed out non-qualified respondents without a plan and the capital to do it. Right now the most likely use would be some type of housing upstairs.
Merrick/AmTech – This company has had many names over the years. Adams Avenue divides the plant into two areas. There is a human and animal side. 100% of the human side production is going to AmTech, Hudson, WI. With this acquisition, they plan to add 28 good paying jobs over the next couple of years. We are helping them with setting up a MIF revolving loan; hopefully, through Greater Jobs as LDO and the County using federal dollars. AmTech also wants to look at the JOBZ program because technically it would fit because they are adding that many jobs. Other options are being explored as well. One of two partners came to the Freeborn County board meeting yesterday. Unfortunately, the other partner died last week, but we’re hopeful that doesn’t change their plans.
Accounting Change – For information, Sandy Bera has taken a position with the City of Rochester so currently three different people at the City have split up her Port Authority responsibilities.
8. EX-OFFICIO UPDATE
Freeborn County – Mike Lee, Freeborn County Representative
· The County has rescinded their resolution and voted to fund 50% of the update to the Bridge Avenue corridor study so this can move forward.
· The county commissioner passed a resolution to install rumble strips in county roads. Mike has a list of which roads if needed.
· A public hearing is set regarding a revolving loan for AmTech on June 5th. Mike is excited about helping AmTech and getting this revolving loan fund in place.
· John Kluever has been in contact with Union Pacific and on June 5th will participate in a conference call regarding land acquisition and scheduled pickup of rail ties, etc.
City of Albert Lea – Chad Adams, City of Albert Lea Representative
· The Bridge Avenue corridor study and Freeborn Bank building topics have already been covered.
· Streetscape – Meetings will continue over the next couple of months until consensus is made with bump-outs, parking, etc. Spring of 2013 is when construction should start.
· Fire services study – The results are expected sometime in May with both short and long term recommendations.
· The community survey is due back in two weeks.
· A finance officer position has been posted which will be a supervisory role. As this person gets up to speed, the City will start phasing out the contract with their current finance director provider.
· Parking stalls downtown are not consistent in size. When all are made uniformly 9’ wide, there will be a net gain of two stalls per side. Also, the parallel parking spaces by the Legion will pick up more spaces if changed to diagonal parking.
· The consensus is to create a plaza downtown in the Water Street area more than on William Street between the bank building and the Shoff building.
Chamber of Commerce – Randy Kehr, business community representative
· The Chamber put a copy of a letter in its Business Monthly email that was sent to the City and County encouraging them to make a decision on Bridge Avenue while acknowledging that it is not an easy decision.
· There will be a workshop tomorrow on “Managing Change in Workplace” at the Northbridge Mall.
· June 1st is the date for the fireworks fundraiser.
· June 2nd from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. will be something new called “Open Streets Albert Lea.” Some of the streets will be closed off to traffic to encourage people to walk and meet their neighbors in the community. The Farmer’s Market will be open longer as well and the Blue Zone Walkway will be dedicated.
9. COMMISSIONER ITEMS
President Rasmussen announced that Albert Lea has been accepted to go to the Blandin Foundation Fall 2013 Retreat. This program helps people develop knowledge and leadership skills to work within their communities. He went a few years ago and said the program is very worthwhile. It’s set for September 2013.
10. ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Brooks made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Commissioner Kehr. The motion carried 7 in favor, 0 opposed. The meeting adjourned at 7:55 a.m.
Filed and attested May 2, 2012.
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President Board Secretary