The Albert Lea Port Authority board voted to instate City Manager Paul Sparks as full-time executive director of the port authority &045; again.

Due to an unclear process during the last meeting, the port authority board, made up of city council members, held a special meeting to vote on the resolution and make it official.

Though the resolution again passed, the meeting allowed for further discussion regarding the resolution and the method in which it was offered.

After the resolution was reintroduced by Councilor Jeff Fjelstad, the meeting was opened up for public discussion.

Over 10 citizens testified to the council. Some opposed the resolution, some supported it, but all felt very strongly about their opinion.

Neil Lang said he came to the meeting to represent Albert Lea’s blue collar workers. According to Lang, separating the port authority director from the city manager is &uot;a step in the right direction.&uot;

&uot;But we need new people at the top,&uot; he added.

Ralph Olson supported the resolution. He called it a good step in the reorganization of Albert Lea’s economic development system.

Carole Bower who spoke in support of the resolution, said that when she has worked with Sparks he acted with professionalism and excellence.

Karen Trow said, &uot;I am not protesting the ‘who,’ but (I am protesting) the ‘process.’&uot;

Two councilors spoke after the public’s discussion.

Councilor Al Brooks directed some comments to the opposition in the city council chambers. &uot;What’s going on here is crazy,&uot; he said. &uot;You’re crucifying an individual who has done nothing but put his best effort to the city.&uot;

Councilor Randy Erdman said, &uot;Battlelines have been drawn…I’m not comfortable with that.&uot;

The port authority then voted in favor of the resolution. There was no opposition from the councilors.

One council member, George Marin, was absent from the meeting.

He was the only councilperson who voted against the resolution after its first introduction.

The instatement of Sparks as executive director of the port authority is contingent upon his resignation as city manager, which, according to Sparks, will be made within a week. However, he will remain city manager until a replacement is found.

(Contact Benjamin Dipman at ben.dipman@albertleatribune.com or 379-3439.)