Plans to improve fishing access from the first stretch of the Shell Rock River — popularly called “the channel” — are one step closer to becoming a reality after a 4-3 vote by the Albert Lea City Council to purchase property on East Main Street, formerly the location of the Mexico Lindo restaurant.

In what was a 4-3 vote, the City Council on Monday approved the purchase agreement for the land, which states the property will be sold for $25,000 from Emil Olson Farm Properties. The remainder of the value of the property, appraised at more than $470,000, will be donated to the city.

Under the agreement, the land will remain a park or other public recreational area, with a memorial to Emil Olson. The property cannot be sold for at least three years.

City Manager Victoria Simonsen said the city intends to work with the Shell Rock River Watershed District to remove the existing structure on the site and to transform the space into a public access on the channel.

She estimated it would cost $14,000 for asbestos removal on the building, and then city crews would demolish it during the winter months.

When it’s completed, the space could include public restrooms, a pavilion with tables, an area for nonmotorized boats to enter the channel, parking spaces and possibly a playground area. It might also incorporate a fish-cleaning station.

Councilors Vern Rasmussen and Reid Olson said while they think the property, 804 E. Main St., is a beautiful one, they are also concerned that the purchase agreement will “handcuff” city leaders from the long-term planning of that land.

Rasmussen said he wishes city staff could go back and negotiate that a certain portion of the land be used for something other than as a park.

Mayor Mike Murtaugh said he, too, would prefer some flexibility in how to use the piece of the property, especially the portion farther away from the channel.

Simonsen said city staff did initially try to negotiate having a parkland area on one portion and a commercial area on the other. The Emil Olson Farm Properties representatives indicated if the city was not interested in the land under the condition of having it for a park or public recreational area, they would give it to a nonprofit organization.

Councilor Al Brooks said he initially had some of the concerns shared by Rasmussen, Olson and Murtaugh, but now that he understands the land could also include some other amenities, such as a pavilion and public restrooms, to name a few, he supports it.

“My concern was that it would be a plain piece of dirt or grass,” Brooks said.

Councilor Larry Anderson said the project has the potential of improving the overall watershed.

Councilor Larry Baker said he wanted people to know this project has not come up suddenly. The city has been working on plans for the space for several years.

“I think this is a very good project,” Baker said. “I think this is something we should strive for.”

Councilor Ellen Kehr said she thinks the project is a wonderful opportunity.

Councilors Rasmussen, Olson and Murtaugh voted no on the item, with Baker, Kehr, Anderson and Brooks voting in favor.

The city next will pursue grants for the project.

Look to Wednesday’s Tribune for information about the remaining items on the City Council agenda.