Development could soon be available in several new places in Albert Lea.

The Albert Lea City Council Monday approved a first reading into amending its policy so development could take place in flood fringe zones, which is not allowed under current policy.

The sites are near Godfather’s Pizza in the East Main Street corridor, Blazing Star Landing and an area southeast of Freeborn County Government Center.

“This change would allow developers or owners to develop structures within the fringe area, outside of the floodway, if flood zone rules and building codes are followed,” said Albert Lea City Manager Chad Adams in a report.

He said the change would allow the city to increase the elevation of East Main Street in association with development of the corridor, which could help prevent flooding in the area. 

“That was kind of the driving force behind that,” he said.

Part of one of the proposed sites for the new fire station is in the area southeast of the Government Center, but Adams said that was coincidental.

Adams said filling has taken place in fringe zone areas to assist developers.

“That’s not uncommon for these fringe zone areas,” he said. “It is uncommon to go into flood plains and (do) a lot of raising soils and filling stuff. That ultimately has a large impact on the watershed when you start doing that, but these fringe zones are a pretty minimal area.”

Adams said the city has had the option to implement the change under state law but has not updated its ordinance.

Final action on the proposal could be taken at the May 29 council meeting.

“We’ve seen other communities do it, and it allows for more buildable areas for private development, and it does not create a substantial risk for our stormwater,” Adams said.

In other action, the council:

• Amended an agreement so the city can have a new contract with the city of Alden for administrative services related to a rental license ordinance, minimum housing ordinance and public nuisance ordinance. The city provides rental inspection services to Alden.

• Recommended low bidders for bituminous materials to Portage, Wisconsin-based MEIGS Paving Asphalts & Emulsions for $424.68 per ton and $376.65 per ton.

• Waived landfill and building permit fees for 2018 Shinefest Week of Service, which will be Sunday to May 24.

“This year’s week of service will impact the neighborhood around Memorial Park by completing a variety of projects, including cleaning, repairing and painting for property owners in the surrounding area,” Adams said in a report. “The goal of the project is to share neighborly values and goodwill to all who live in the neighborhood.”

Brush, lawn waste, garbage and demolition material generated from the event are expected to be donated by a local sanitation company, but some materials might not be covered by the donation, leading to the request for the waiving of the fees.

• Approved plans and specifications and ordered bids for the Bay Oaks Drive and Sundance Lane reconstruction project, Lakeview Boulevard work and re-paving the parking lot at the intersection of St. Mary Avenue and West Main Street and the Department of Human Services lot at the intersection of St. Mary Avenue and William Street.

• Witnessed the recognition of 2018 Albert Lea Citizens’ Police Academy graduates.

• Presented a certificate of commendation to the Albert Lea Wastewater Treatment Plant.

• Oversaw the recognition of the city as a Southeast Minnesota Best Place to Work.

• Approved being a part of a committee for the One Watershed, One Plan program. The Shell Rock River Board of Managers last week approved applying for a grant for the program. The goal of the initiative is to align local water planning on watershed boundaries with state strategies toward privatized and measurable implementation plans.