Albert Lea city staff recognized Mayor Randy Erdman and councilors George Marin and John Severtson Monday with certificates and words of thanks for their time spent on behalf of the city.

The last meeting for the council members will be Dec. 22, after which Mayor-elect Mike Murtaugh and councilors Ellen Kehr and Larry Anderson will take their seats.

Community Development Director Bob Graham led the recognition with the heads of other city departments standing behind him.

“Through the city manager and in accordance with the City Charter, the council and staff have achieved great teamwork over the past four years and have been able to carry about significant projects for the benefit of the community,” Graham said.

Some of these significant projects include the new Albert Lea Comprehensive Plan, the land acquisition and road construction for the airport expansion project, the rental housing inspection ordinance, the crime-free housing ordinance, land acquisition for the Sunset Street extension and Fountain Centers, the Artspace Projects effort and the North Edgewater Park landfill cleanup, he said.

He also referenced the Wedgewood Cove Estates & Golf Course, the Freeborn Bank Building exterior renovation, the library expansion, community policing and the Broadway Ridge Renewal Fund.

“For Councilor Severtson, thank you specifically for your commitment to the rental housing inspection ordinance and the airport expansion project,” Graham said. “For Councilor Marin, thank you specifically for your commitment to the Sunset Street extension and Wedgewood Cove Estates.”

He thanked Erdman for his team leadership, for establishing positive political associations at the state level and for his downtown revitalization efforts.

Graham presented the councilors and Erdman with certificates of appreciation. Erdman was also presented with a photo of him with Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Albert Lea’s legislative representative.

He also expressed appreciation and commitment to the continuing council members and to Murtaugh, Kehr and Anderson.