The Albert Lea City Council on Monday unanimously accepted the feasibility report and called a March 11 public hearing for a $1.45 million Newton Avenue reconstruction and concrete pavement rehabilitation project.

The project includes removing pavement, utility infrastructure repair, storm drainage improvements, sidewalk replacement and reconstructing roadway to meet state aid/federal aid standards from Pearl Street to Second Avenue. Damaged or settled concrete pavement and curb and gutter will be replaced on Newton Avenue from Second Street to Fourth Street.

Assessments for the project will range from $590.73 to $39,129.

The average project assessment is $6,246, and the median assessment will be $1,086.

Assessments will be over 10 years, and the interest rate will be based on bonding this year. The project is expected to be paid for with assessments, municipal state aid funds and water and sewer funds.

In other action, the council:

• Had a first reading in the proposed raising of the minimum tobacco sales age from 18 to 21. Blue Zones Project of Albert Lea Organization Lead Ellen Kehr, Freeborn County Statewide Health Improvement Partnership Coordinator Lana Howe, Freeborn County Partners in Prevention Coordinator Jenny Hendrickson and Liz Heimer of the American Lung Association spoke in favor of the plan.

Possible council action on the proposal is not expected until at least March 25.

• Recognized local first responders for lifesaving efforts Oct. 25 and Dec. 3. Albert Lea Public Safety Director J.D. Carlson honored first responders from Albert Lea Fire Department, Albert Lea Police Department, Gold Cross Ambulance and Freeborn County dispatch in a presentation.

• Approved a tax abatement for 1727 Keystone Drive as part of the city’s policy to abate taxes for five years for people constructing a single-family home, duplex or multi-family complex between Jan. 1, 2017 and Dec. 31, 2019 in Albert Lea.

• Had a first reading to amend the city’s tree service license requirements and regulations. Under the amendment, general licensing requirements would include all people and businesses to be registered with the Minnesota Commission of Agriculture and provide certificates of public liability insurance for coverage concurrent with the license term.

• Had a first reading for a proposed ordinance addressing requirements and regulations for trees in boulevards and public property. The proposed ordinance also addresses shade tree pests and disease, damage and trimming trees in the boulevard. Other violations are also included.