In reaction to the still-changing conceal and carry firearm law set to go into effect today, the city of Albert Lea banned city employees, other than police officers, from bringing handguns to work.

The city will not be able to stop citizens from carrying guns into city hall if they have a permit, but City Manager Paul Sparks said they are taking the action to make sure the city facilities are as safe as they can make them.

&uot;The city has limited control over the issue,&uot; Sparks said.

The new ordinance will disallow any city worker, other than a police officer, from carrying a gun into a city building. Workers are free to leave their firearms in their vehicle, which is private property.

The resolution passed unanimously.

Other council items:

-Parking problems around Albert Lea Medical Center will be researched further after a 5-2 vote.

Many citizens who live on Fountain Avenue complained that medical center workers and visitors parked in front of their houses and spots were hard to come by in the neighborhood around the hospital.

Medical center officials said they would be happy to work with the city on a plan to cut back on residential parking for their employees and visitors.

-The city manager, attorney and others will research what is necessary for a local option sales tax, after councilman Randy Erdman’s resolution was backed unanimously to do so.

&uot;I wanted to do this so we can be ready for a vote in the fall,&uot; Erdman said.

The city must get state approval and local voters must approve the plan in a referendum in order for the tax to be enacted. Erdman has proposed the tax as a way to fund lake improvements.

Erdman said he believes the referendum will give people the opportunity to have their voice heard on one of the biggest issues in the city.

&uot;(The lake) is called the crown jewel of the city,&uot; he said. &uot;Let’s see if they are ready to polish the gem.&uot;

-The city passed a resolution to give $5,000 to the Albert Lea Business Development Center (ALBDC) for a business plan competition, for which the winner will get backing from the center to utilize their plan. The ALBDC is a business incubator that provides support and space for fledgling companies.