With the recent resignations of both the Albert Lea city manager and finance director, the Albert Lea City Council today will vote on who will authorize minimal city purchases over $500 and who will sign paperwork along with the mayor pro tem in the interim period before these positions are filled.

The policy had been recently changed to allow City Finance Director Rhonda Moen the ability to approve small city purchases, while previously that had been the responsibility of City Manager Jim Norman. However, because Moen has accepted a position in Owatonna, that has to be changed again.

During the council’s preagenda worksession Thursday, councilors voiced support for having City Attorney Lee Bjorndal step into those shoes.

Moen’s last day is Friday.

The city put an advertisement into the Tribune on Sunday for a new finance director, stating the position directs all aspects of “finance, utility billing operations, budgeting, cash management, investments, payroll and purchasing.”

Candidates must have a master’s degree in accounting, finance or related field with five years experience in governmental accounting or a bachelor’s degree in the same with several years of experience. A CPA or CPFO is preferred.

Candidates must also have significant experience in municipal accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, investing, auditing, municipal bonds, tax increment finance, CIP planning, assessments and risk management, the advertisement states.

Applications, which include a letter of interest, résumé and city application, will be accepted through Oct. 31.

During tonight’s meeting, the City Council will also:

• Vote whether to adopt a series of assessments from this summer’s construction projects throughout the city.

• Vote whether to amend the city’s assessment policy regarding sidewalk replacements to clarify the assessment changes made in 2009.

The amendment adds a life expectancy for commercial and industrial sidewalk and specifies residence owners will be assessed 50 percent for sidewalk replacement, while commercial and industrial will be assessed 100 percent.

• Vote whether to approve the purchase of Allied Radio Matrix for Emergency Response system radios from Freeborn County.

• Vote whether to approve professional services with Bolton & Menk Inc. for work on the central water tower.

The project involves inspecting the tank and preparing a report which details repair options and costs, preparing plans and specifications, and lastly, construction oversight.

Bolton & Menk Inc. was the low bidder for the project at $60,500.

• Vote whether to approve an agreement with the Albert Lea School District for rental of ice time at the city arena for the 2009-10 hockey season.

The district agrees to pay the city $50,000 for all ice time, in two payments.

• Vote whether to accept the quotes and authorize the repair of the two elevators in City Hall. The repair is budgeted for in one of the city’s building maintenance funds.

The lowest bid came in at $14,100 from Otis Elevator Co.