The Albert Lea City Council has called a special meeting for Friday afternoon when they are slated to approve the contract for the city’s new manager.

At that time, negotiations are expected to be completed between the city and the council’s top choice for manager, Chad Adams, who is the Medina city administrator.

Adams on Saturday accepted the offer from the council to become Albert Lea’s new manager, pending negotiations.

The offer came after visits from six finalists on Friday and Saturday. The visits included interviews with the council on Saturday.

Albert Lea Mayor Vern Rasmussen said he didn’t think there would be any problems with the negotiations with Adams.

The council previously set the manager’s salary range between $90,000 and $110,000.

The meeting is slated for 4 p.m.

In other action, the City Council:

• Awarded a paint striping contract to Highway Technologies Inc. out of Minneapolis for the Front Street bike lanes.

Three bids, ranging from $21,000 to $23,000, were submitted for the project.

The lanes will go on Front Street from U.S. Highway 69 to Frank Avenue where they will connect to the Blazing Star Trail.

Third Ward Councilor Ellen Kehr said the city received $45,000 for this project. This will cover all of the initial costs plus additional re-striping costs in the future.

• Awarded the bituminous contract for the 2011 neighborhood improvement project. This includes the bituminous mill and overlay, scattered curb and gutter replacement and bituminous street installation on various streets in the southeast part of the city.

It also includes improvements on Botsford Avenue and Bay Oaks Drive.

Only one bid, from Ulland Brothers of Albert Lea was submitted for this project at about $472,000.

• Voted to put signs at the three boat landings owned by the city, warning people of invasive species, including curly leaf pondweed.

The intent of the signs is to promote proper cleaning of boats, jet skis and canoes, before entering the lake and after exiting the lake, according to background information from the city.

• Approved an agreement with the Albert Lea Knights Youth Baseball Club to operate the concession stand at Snyder Fields from April 25 through Aug. 31. The club will pay the city $50 per month for this lease.

• Approved a 30-minute parking stall in front of 204 S. Washington Ave. for Coldwell Banker, which recently moved into the building, along with North American Title.

• Amended the joint-powers agreement with the South Central Drug Investigation Unit to reflect minor additions, including a description of the SWAT team’s operations, along with specific insurance wordage.