Though members of Destination: Albert Lea were hoping for quick action on a sales tax proposal, the city council opted Monday to mull over the idea until its next meeting and invited the opinions of the general public.

Tuesday, October 23, 2001

Though members of Destination: Albert Lea were hoping for quick action on a sales tax proposal, the city council opted Monday to mull over the idea until its next meeting and invited the opinions of the general public.

The proposed 1 percent tax would raise millions of dollars over the next 20 years with the bulk of it going to clean up the city’s four lakes. The rest would go to improve the appearance of downtown and preserve the area’s historic significance.

According to DAL member Randy Erdman, the tax must have the support of the city if it can pass through the legislature and survive a referendum vote.

Most of the councilors appeared undecided as they asked about details of the proposal.

Councilor Ron Sorenson led the way, focusing his questions on control of the money raised by the tax. Erdman replied, &uot;The control of the money is all city council, period.&uot;

Sorenson also asked for a list of projects to which the estimated $2.1 million in first year revenue could be applied.

&uot;Do you have any specific plans for the money that would be raised, or do we just raise the money and then find the projects?&uot; Sorenson asked.

Mary Ellen Johnson, one of the DAL presenters, told him that professional consultants from the University of Minnesota or the League of Minnesota Cities would likely help the group and the city work together to identify the best uses for the revenue as long as the projects focused on downtown and lake improvements.

Sorenson also wondered if the business community, particularly retailers, would support the sales tax hike. Allen Pelvit, executive director of the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce, told Sorenson that the chamber has not yet taken a position on the idea.

Sorenson suggested the public should have a chance to weigh in on the proposal before any council action.

&uot;At this point, I’m not for it or against it,&uot; he said. &uot;I would like to hear more from the community. We’ve had a chance to hear the proposal for the first time tonight, now let’s hear what the community has to say.&uot;

Councilor Al Brooks asked the DAL presenters why they were proposing a 1 percent tax rather than a half percent.

&uot;Do you think it would be more acceptable in the community at a half percent? Have you looked at that or thought about that?&uot; Brooks asked.

Johnson answered Brooks by explaining that the scope of the projects requires a slightly larger tax to make a quicker impact. Taxpayers would see some improvements in the first couple of years and feel gratified that their tax money is actually being put to good use. She also said that once the projects are done, the tax expires.

But Johnson admitted that any tax, whether 1 percent or a half, is tough for taxpayers to embrace.

&uot;Nobody wants a tax. I can’t believe I’m up here asking for one,&uot; she told the council. &uot;But we believe that this is the only way to get these projects going.&uot;

Brooks said he appreciated the grass-roots effort behind the idea.

&uot;I think it’s a good idea. This is one of the first times as a councilor that I can give the people a chance to do what they want to do,&uot; he said.

Councilor George Marin joined Brooks in support of the sales tax. While he understands the cautious approach advocated by Sorenson, Marin said the time for action has arrived.

&uot;I boldly proclaim my support for this,&uot; he said, sparking a smattering of applause from the audience. Marin said he’s especially pleased that the voters will have the chance to make the ultimate decision in a 2002 referendum.

&uot;This is about the true meaning of democracy. I’d like to put this before our constituents,&uot; he said.

The council called a public hearing for Nov. 12 at the next regular council meeting. Erdman said the sales tax proposal must be approved by the end of November to allow for the drafting of appropriate legislation in time for the next session in January.

In other council news:

— The council decided to ease the winter parking restrictions on Harriet Lane, a narrow dead-end street just west of Albert Lea Medical Center. Vehicles will be prohibited from parking on the north side of the street from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day during the winter months, beginning Dec. 1 and ending March 31. Councilor David McPherson said the new restrictions should allow snow plows easier access to the street while maintaining residential parking.

— The council approved a contract for $100,000 with SEH, Inc. for a thorough environmental assessment of the fire-damaged Farmland Foods plant. About 75 percent of the cost of the contract will be reimbursed by the state and federal government, said City Manager Paul Sparks.

— The council approved a cost-sharing agreement with the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Office or Aeronautics for two airport projects: Update of the Airport Master Plan and the construction of a snow removal equipment storage building. Together the projects exceed $165,000. The city’s share of the cost is almost $25,000.

— The council passed a resolution allowing MnDOT to turn back of a portion County Road 46 extending to the east edge of the Trails Travel Center property. The city will be responsible for maintaining the road beginning winter 2002 after MnDOT completes planned repairs of the road.

Sparks said the area has become more urban and developed, and therefore more appropriate for the city to control and maintain.