Despite objections from one councilor, the Albert Lea City Council on Monday voted to move forward with a street improvement project on Fourth Avenue from west Ninth Street to Front Street.

The project calls for a bituminous mill and overlay, along with miscellaneous curb and gutter replacement. It also includes sidewalk installation on the street from Front Street to Plainview Lane.

Third Ward Councilor George Marin, whose ward covers the project, said he wished the council could put off the project for a year to better handle some of the flooding issues for homes on a portion of the road.

“There’s not one resident on that street that is in favor of this project,” Marin said. “Many of them feel like they cannot afford it at this time.”

Albert Lea City Manager Chad Adams said the city plans on providing an inlet to alleviate some of the concerns.

The construction is slated for May through August. The council voted to begin advertising for bids for the project, starting May 7.

In other action, the City Council:

• Authorized the advertisement of bids for the neighborhood improvement project in the Shoreland Heights neighborhood, including portions of Willamor Road, Ridge Road and Meredith Road, to name a few.

Estimated cost is $1.18 million with work to be completed from May through August. The project includes an overlay, curb and gutter replacement.

The bid opening is scheduled for May 7.

• Acknowledged a certificate of achievement by the Government Finance Officers Association for excellence in financial reporting for its comprehensive annual financial report.

The certificate is the highest form of recognition for governmental accounting and financial reporting.

The city has received this award every year since 1983.

• Passed a resolution supporting legislation authorizing the establishment of municipal street improvement districts.

According to city background information, the tool would provide a funding mechanism for property owners to pay a small fee over time to fund street maintenance, construction, reconstruction and facility upgrades.

• Called a public hearing for May 13 for the overlay project on West Ninth Street from U.S. Highway 69 to South Broadway Avenue.

• Extended a professional services agreement to April 30, 2014, with Mead & Hunt Inc. for ongoing work at the Albert Lea Municipal Airport.

• Approved an amendment to the city’s sign ordinance.

• Approved an amendment to an ordinance for zoning of the Albert Lea airport.

The amendment corrects some legal descriptions that had been submitted incorrectly to Freeborn County for recording.

• Passed a resolution declaring City Hometown Pride Cleanup Day to be April 27 at the city Transfer Station and Demolition Landfill.

City residents will be able to dispose of items free of charge or at reduced rates.

Reduced rates from 9 a.m. to noon that day will be the following:

— Free brush and yard waste, free household garbage, free demolition debris

— $10 per appliance and sofa beds

— $5 per furniture piece

— $3 per tire

• Waived the Blazing Star Trail joint powers board annual audit due to limited activity.