In September 2009, I had a plumber do some work on the boiler in our furnace. In the routine discussions that go on at a time like that the plumber told me that Albert Lea had a major problem coming up as a fracture had developed in the sewer line leading from Albert Lea to the treatment plant. As he stated it, the pipe had collapsed and a temporary repair was made by placing a sheet of metal over the damage and then covering it with cement.

Our city officials said nothing about this major problem until about a month ago when they announced that a major problem existed in the sewer line and 5,100 feet of the pipeline had to be replaced. Bids were submitted for this work, and the low bid accepted was for $1.3 million. At that time the city announced this expense would be handled from the sewer fund. My question to the city is this: Does the city have $1.3 million in the sewer fund and if not will we be soon informed that a major change in sewer rates is to be asked for? When major problems of this nature arise I believe the city should inform the public immediately. Large expenses of this nature should hold priority over bicycle paths, an item that the city was not sure they could find the funds for.

Russell O. Anderson

Albert Lea