After seeing the community come together to overcome this weekend’s storms, the Albert Lea City Council voted Monday to waive the fee this week for residents who need to dispose of brush and broken trees.

The Albert Lea Transfer Station will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and during normal hours throughout the rest of the week to accept trees debris.

City residents may also drop off brush and tree debris at the Blazing Star Landing.

Residents are encouraged to use the Garfield Street entrance and follow the cones. If garbage or landfill material is dropped off at this site, it will be closed.

Fourth Ward Councilor Reid Olson, who volunteered for several hours at the Transfer Station Sunday, estimated that about 1,000 loads of branches were brought in Sunday afternoon.

He commended the people who brought in the loads for being polite and friendly to work with. He said the lines moved quickly.

Several of the councilors also acknowledged the community spirit that was evident  Sunday as neighbors helped neighbors clean up from the damage.

“Thank you to the community for all the help that’s been given out,” 1st Ward Councilor Vern Rasmussen said. “I’ve just been amazed at how much everyone has been willing to pitch in.”

Second Ward Councilor Larry Baker gave numerous stories of residents taking time Sunday to help others.

“I’m really proud to be a member of this community,” Baker said.

Albert Lea Mayor Mike Murtaugh talked of one man who was in the downtown area after the storms and saw a number of Destination Albert Lea flags that had come off the street poles. The man collected the downed flags and turned them in through the proper channels.

“It’s times of adversity where you really get to see the heart and soul of the community,” City Manager Jim Norman said.

He said he saw groups of good Samaritans going from house to house Sunday helping clean up down debris.

Third Ward Councilor Ellen Kehr said if people in Albert Lea have any damaged trees and they’re not sure if they belong to the city or themselves, they can call the city garage at 377-4377. A city worker will come and advise either way.

Murtaugh said residents are responsible for removing their own fallen trees; however, if they have city trees down in their yard, city crews will be responsible for the cleanup.

Damaged city trees that need to be removed will be marked with an orange X, and damaged trees belonging to residents and need to be removed will be marked with a white X.

Freeborn County residents

During the Monday meeting, the City Council also approved free brush and tree disposal for the rest of the week for Freeborn County residents who may have suffered damage from the weekend storms or the tornadoes on June 17.

County residents who have other demolition debris from downed houses or barns will be able to dispose of that material for the next two months at the Transfer Station for the Albert Lea resident rate.

“My thoughts really go out to anyone who might have lost anything in these past couple weeks due to the weather,” said 6th Ward Councilor Al Brooks. “I can’t imagine the re-building process some of these people are going to have to go through and replace everything they’ve lost.”