A program designed to rehabilitate homes throughout the state could bring additional funding to help fix up owner-occupied properties in Albert Lea.

If the funding is obtained through the Small Cities Development Program, there will have been more than 100 homes renovated in Albert Lea with the program, said Albert Lea Housing and Redevelopment Executive Director Jon Ford. The upcoming grant round could cover 24 homes.

Ford spoke at the Monday Albert Lea City Council meeting about the program.

Homes in central Albert Lea would be eligible for funding, and homeowners have to fill out applications to see if they qualify.

The target area is bordered on the west by Minnesota Highway 13 and on the south by Main Street. It encompasses all of Fountain Street and the roads in between. Ford said it also includes a portion of College and Court streets.

“It’s a pretty broad target area,” Ford said. “We’re hoping we’ll be able to pull enough apps out there.”

He said the project has a significant impact, not only on the homeowners it benefits, but the surrounding properties as well.

When neighbors see the improvements being done, they often want to make improvements on their homes as well.

Ford said he tries to keep the contractors local, which also brings a benefit to local workers and supply companies.

The City Council authorized Ford to move ahead with the full application for funding and approved a waiver of building permit fees associated with the project estimated at $4,100.

Ford said waiving the fees acts as an in-kind match that will enhance the application.

In other action, the council:

• Ordered the advertisement of bids for the extension of the sanitary sewer and water to the northwest part of the city, where the new St. John’s on Fountain Lake is slated to be built this year.

The sewer and water would lay the groundwork for service to the Stables Area and other properties along Country Club Road.

• Accepted a feasibility report and called a public hearing for the neighborhood improvement project slated for this summer.

The project calls for a bituminous overlay, reconstruction and partial sidewalk and curb replacement on streets in the north and central parts of the city. The goal is to extend the life of the roadway to about 75 years.

The streets are Jefferson Avenue from Front Street to Madison Avenue, Court Street from Adams Avenue to Washington Avenue, Washington Avenue from Front Street to the Union Pacific Railroad line, College Street from Adams Avenue to Washington Avenue and Oline Drive from the west end to South Broadway.

The average age of the present overlays on the streets is 23, with the last one placed in 1991.

The hearing will be March 9.

• Accepted a feasibility report and called a public hearing for the state-aid street overlay project slated for this summer.

This project includes work on Vine Avenue from Abbott Street to Fountain Street and on Clark Street from West Avenue to St. Mary Avenue.

On Vine Avenue there will be a mill and overlay, and on Clark Street there will be a reconstruction.

The estimated project cost is $310,000 and would be paid for with assessments and state funding.

• Approved the installation of two handicap parking stalls at Hawthorne Elementary School

• Approved a union contract with the International Association of Firefighters for the Albert Lea Fire Department’s captains.

The agreement will last for two years and includes a 2 percent salary increase for 2015, along with a 1.25 cost of living adjustment and 1.25 lump sump increase for 2016.

The increase is the same as the one approved for the city’s other union and non-union employees.

• Received a check from Shell Rock River Watershed District Administrator Brett Behnke for the watershed’s portion of the new rain garden in Fountain Lake Park.

Behnke said the watershed received a grant for the project.

• Received an almost $24,000 rebate check from Alliant Energy for the replacement of the city’s boiler, as well as a feasibility study conducted.