Albert Lea and Freeborn County may soon be collaborating more when it comes to information technology.

The Albert Lea City Council tonight is slated to vote on whether to approve an amendment to the sharing agreement between the two entities. City and county officials first entered into a sharing agreement for information system staff in March 2009.

The amendment allows Freeborn County to provide the city with Internet for $150 per month, plus an additional $49 monthly fee for the connection to the state router.

All city business locations, including City Hall, City Arena, City Garage and the Wastewater Treatment Plant will be serviced.

Certain city software will also be incorporated into the county hardware network while other city hardware is decommissioned.

In other action, the City Council will:

• Vote whether to approve a two-year maintenance agreement with the Minnesota Department of Transportation for U.S. Highway 65 and Minnesota Highway 13, which are the highway designations for Main Street.

Staff reportedly requested a rate increase for the city’s efforts to maintain these two highways; however, MnDOT stated it would not consider an increase until the next biennium.

• Vote on a request from the Freeborn County Humane Society to hold the second annual Buckets on Broadway fundraiser on Friday at the intersection of Broadway Avenue and Main Street.

The event is proposed to be from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Vote on a request from Country Financial to set up a canopy, table and chairs in front of 137 E. William St. from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 26.

• Hear a presentation of appreciation to City Development Director Bob Graham from Freeborn County Thrive Initiative representatives.

• Present Police Chief Dwaine Winkels with a life-saving award for his actions concerning a city employee on June 21.