October 6, 2010 Albert Lea Post Authority Minutes

By Tyler Golberg | October 6, 2010

October 6, 2010

ALBERT LEA PORT AUTHORITY

MINUTES

October 6, 2010

Albert Lea Business Development Center

 

1.  CALL TO ORDER AND NOTATION OF ROLL

The Regular Meeting of the Albert Lea Port Authority was called to order on Wednesday, October 6, 2010 at 7:30 a.m. by President Ellen Kehr.  Roll was noted by the Board Secretary.

COMMISSIONERS PRESENT:  Al Brooks, Jerry Ehn, Mike Moore, Vern Rasmussen, Jr., Nancy Skophammer, Keith Fligge and Ellen Kehr.

COMMISSIONERS ABSENT:   None

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS PRESENT:  Randy Kehr, business community representative

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS ABSENT:  Christopher Shoff, Freeborn County Representative and Lee Bjorndal, interim City of Albert Lea representative

STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:  Dan Dorman, Executive Director; Ryan Nolander, Assistant Director; Julie Dandrea, Board Secretary

STAFF MEMBERS ABSENT:  None

GUESTS:  Mike Lee, citizen

2.  APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE SEPTEMBER 1, 2010 MEETING

The minutes from the September 1, 2010 meeting were reviewed.  After clarifications from Commissioners Skophammer and Ehn, Commissioner Rasmussen made a motion to approve the minutes as amended, seconded by Commissioner Moore.  The motion carried 7 in favor; 0 opposed.

3.  RESOLUTION PA-10-17 AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF CLAIMS

The claims were presented for review.  Executive Director Dorman pointed out the payments made for window repair on the Gametec building, painting on the Ring Can building and payment to ZRT for road design at the ALEDA Industrial Park.  Commissioner Fligge made a motion to approve Resolution PA-10-17 authorizing payment of claims in the amount of $123,385.89, seconded by Commissioner Brooks.  The motion carried 7 in favor; 0 opposed.

4.  PROPOSED 2011 BUDGET

There were some adjustments made from the last review of the proposed budget primarily from the expected reduction in rent from Gametec.  Commissioner Fligge made a motion to approve the 2011 Proposed Budget as reviewed, seconded by Commissioner Rasmussen.  The motion carried 7 in favor; 0 opposed.  The budget will now go before the Albert Lea City Council for approval.

Mike Lee, citizen, arrived to the meeting at 7:43 a.m.

5.  EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

  • Project Lightning –   Albert Lea was the only Minnesota city participating in this request which came through DEED.  The company specifically asked that Albert Lea send them a proposal.  We pitched two sites that were suited for their specified needs.  This food company projects 30 jobs with expansion in the future.
  • Radiant Heat Project – This prospect is not very plausible.  Some of the incentives they’ve asked for are free rent and a $500,000 grant.
  • Succinic Acid Proposal – This company makes de-icer for the airplane industry.  This corn-based product would fit into our area well.
  • Lease Updates – Gametec was previously discussed.  Bridon Cordage moved out of the Ring Can building.
  • Special Meeting 10/14/10 with City – This meeting regarding the Blazing Star site has been postponed.
  • Commissioner Brook’s current city council and ALEDA board term ends on December 31, 2010.  This is the only term expiring this year.  Historically, the Mayor and City Council have worked together to appoint this seat.

6.  EX-OFFICIO UPDATE

Freeborn County

  • In absence of representative from the county, Executive Director Dorman spoke about the county’s approval for TIF for LKQ.

City of Albert Lea

  • President Kehr reported on street improvements.  City officials met with the township regarding 9th Street.  This is an eight ton road that needs to be a ten ton road and is planned to be replaced in 2012.  Bridge Street is an ongoing discussion with a plan needed for the infrastructure.  The city is looking for grants which need to be applied for now to be available in 2015.
  • Another idea for the Blazing Star Landing site that the city has discussed is to use it as central location to store emergency equipment.
  • The county and city met together to discuss the Stables’ area sewer needs.  President Kehr said the overall conversation was good and they’ve decided to build sub-committees and meet every six months
  • Vice President Rasmussen gave appreciation to Commissioner Brooks on his contributions as Mayor Pro Tem.  He also said the attorneys from Flaherty & Hood will be here tomorrow to meet with the city regarding the Alliant rate hike case.

Chamber of Commerce

  • Randy Kehr said the Minnesota Chamber meeting scheduled last month with the large Alliant users from Owatonna and Albert Lea areas has been changed to October 11th.
  • On October 14th, Charter Communications channel 2 will host a live forum between the two Albert Lea sheriff candidates.  Then on the 16th, Freeborn-Mower Cooperative services will partner with Austin and host a forum at 8:30 a.m. It will include six candidates from the three legislative races that affect Albert Lea.  KQAQ will also broadcast the event.
  • The Chamber of Commerce will partner with Albert Lea Schools and the Education Association of Albert Lea for their annual meeting on November 11th.  It will be held at America’s Best Value Inn.  Commissioner Fligge is the winner of the distinguished alumni award from Albert Lea High School.
  • Construction of the new Chamber of Commerce office in the Northbridge Mall has begun and they hope to be in by Thanksgiving.
  • Randy Kehr thanked Shirley Slater Shulte for running the city portion of the council meeting on government day.
  • Randy and Bob Graham have been in contact with a French filmmaker that is going to do a documentary on the Vitality Project.  They plan to be here in early November with a film crew.

7.  COMMISSIONERS’ ITEMS

  • Director Brooks spoke about board membership.  The by-laws state that two city councilors be on the ALEDA board.  He would like to see the mayor as one of those representatives.  Dan will ask Lee Bjorndal to review the charter, by-laws and state statutes.  Commissioner Ehn left at 8:30.
  • President Kehr asked the commissioners to return Executive Director Dorman’s evaluation sheets to Julie by the November meeting.  President Kehr will then compile the information and bring recommendations to the meeting in December.

8.  ADJOURNMENT

Commissioner Moore made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Commissioner Skophammer.  The motion carried 6 in favor; 0 opposed.  The meeting recessed at 8:35 a.m.

Filed and attested October 6, 2010.

 

Ellen Kehr, Board President                                              Julie Dandrea, Board Secretary

Posted in Minutes