The Albert Lea City Council approved a resolution Monday supporting the Freeborn County Board of Commissioners’ efforts to seek out funding for the acquistion of 12.6 miles of Union Pacific Railroad property.

Commissioners hope to acquire the route — which may soon be abandoned — and turn it into a multi-use trail from Hartland to Albert Lea.

Albert Lea Mayor Vern Rasmussen said he is excited about the opportunity and what it could bring to the county. He called the trail a natural extension of the Blazing Star Trail.

The resolution passed unanimously.

If the trail comes into play, it is proposed to begin near 350th Street just south of Hartland to near a junction with the Union Pacific’s “Spine Line” that runs from St. Paul to Kansas City through Albert Lea.

The route would cross Front Street, where the city intends to paint a bike lane this spring.

Freeborn County has submitted a letter to the Union Pacific expressing interest in the route and will soon be submitting an application for grant funding to the Minnesota Parks and Trail Legacy Grant Program, which is funded through the Outdoor Heritage Fund. The funding would be used for property acquisition.

The resolution supports this application.

In other action, the City Council:

• Changed the agreement for the Fountain Lake Bookstore to be between the city and the Friends of the Albert Lea Library.

Previously, the agreement to operate the used bookstore and coffee service in the lower level of City Hall was between the city and the Albert Lea Public Library Foundation.

• Announced that on Feb. 24 people will be able to review the plan for the redevelopment of Broadway Avenue, from Front Street to Fountain Street, at the National Vitality Center.

The public will also be able to review the proposed sign ordinance amendment.

Minneapolis architect Pat Waddick will be available to draw sketches for downtown building owners, which include potential renovations and upgrades to the facades of the builing.

For information, call Community Development Director Bob Graham at 377-4316.

• Approved the feasibility report and called a public hearing for March 14 to seek feedback about the Myers Road construction project.

The project includes the complete removal and replacement of existing concrete pavement, sanitary sewer, storm sewer and watermain. It also includes the installation of a new drain system, new concrete aprons at driveways, pavement markings and sidewalks on the south and west side of the roadway.

Likewise, it incorporates the construction of a storm sewer system including a stormwater pond.

A neighborhood meeting about the project has been tentatively scheduled for March 8. A preliminary assessment hearing is slated for March 14.

Construction is anticipated to begin in May, lasting until October.

• Called a workshop for 5:30 p.m. March 2 at the City Hall Council Chambers to meet with the Freeborn County commissioners.