The reconstruction of West Ninth Street is one step closer to becoming a reality.

The Albert Lea City Council on Monday awarded a $560,000 contract for the project to Ulland Bros. Inc.

The project now waits for the approval of the Albert Lea Township before moving forward.

City Manager Chad Adams said the street project calls for the bituminous reclamation and overlay on the street from U.S. Highway 69 to Fourth Avenue and a mill and overlay from Fourth Avenue to South Broadway.

Ulland Bros. was the only company to submit a bid for the project.

The engineer’s estimate was $612,000.

In other action, the City Council:

• Amended the planned development district ordinance for Thorne Crest Retirement Community to allow for an expansion.

Plans call for the addition of a wellness center, a conference room and an indoor parking garage. They also call for the demolition of the existing convent building and detached garages.

• Approved an easement to allow the Shell Rock River Watershed District to maintain an electric fish barrier slated for the Green Lea Golf Course property. The council also approved a temporary easement with the Shell Rock River Watershed District for the use of city property to store construction materials for the project.

• Approved an easement agreement with Adrian and Yvonne Hestness for the construction of an electrical cabinet on their property in downtown Albert Lea.

• Approved a currency exchange license with Reyes Multiservices Inc. The company will operate a currency exchange business at 101 S. Newton Ave.

• Heard an annual assessment report by Rebecca Gisel from Alliant Energy regarding partnerships during the last year.