The Albert Lea City Council on Monday expanded the list of places within the city where alcohol can be served with a liquor license during a community event.

Generally, alcohol is prohibited in public places, except for at identified locations, where it can be served by an entity with a liquor license.

Those identified locations now include the National Guard Armory, City Arena, the Freeborn County Fairgrounds, Bancroft Bay Park, the cottage and new pavilion at Edgewater Park and the Fountain Lake Park and gazebo.

The vote does not mean any changes for individual park users; it only affects community-type events. It will remain illegal to consume alcohol without a license in other parks within the city.

Councilors Larry Baker and Reid Olson emphasized that the crux of the ordinance is the same as it has been in the past — the only difference is where it applies.

The decision came after a couple months of discussion and consideration by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.

Albert Lea Police Chief Dwaine Winkels said he was supportive of whatever the council approved.

In other action, the City Council:

• Approved an agreement with AEM Financial Solutions LLC for temporary finance director services.

The company will provide the city with eight to 10 hours per week of services at a rate of $110 for the first 50 hours and $122 per hour thereafter. Travel time will be billed at $60 per hour.

• Amended the city’s signatories to include Mayor Vern Rasmussen, Mayor Pro Tem Al Brooks, City Attorney Lee Bjorndal and Sandy Bera in the Finance Department.

• Approved the election judges and polling places within the city for the 2011 special primary and general elections for the vacant 5th Ward county commissioner seat.

The seat includes the 3rd and 6th Wards.

• Approved a request from Albert Lea Community Theater to place a lit sign in the North Broadway Avenue parking lot a week before upcoming plays.

The dates the sign will be out are Feb. 15-22, May 3-10 and July 11-19.

• Adopted a series of assessments for unpaid utility bills and other miscellaneous charges.

• Approved a request for an alternate date for the Prescription Take Back Day in case of snow. The event is scheduled for Saturday, and organizers are proposing Dec. 4 as the alternate day.

• Approved an amendment to a city ordinance regarding applications for municipal licenses.