Bituminous overlays would occur across city

The Albert Lea City Council voted unanimously Monday to move ahead with several road improvements slated for this summer throughout the city — but not without some discussion about whether the improvements were necessary and about how they should be paid for.

The first project involves a bituminous overlay, reconstruction, miscellaneous curb and gutter replacements and miscellaneous sidewalk replacements on streets in the north and central parts of the city.

The streets are the following:

• Jefferson Avenue from Front Street to Madison Avenue

• Court Street from Adams Avenue to Washington Avenue

• Washington Avenue from Front Street to the Union Pacific railroad

• Sykes Street from T.H. Hanson Avenue to the east end

• College Street from Adams Avenue to Washington Avenue

• Mill Street from Euclid Avenue to Washington Avenue

• Oline Drive from the west end to South Broadway

• Bel Aire Drive from U.S. Highway 69 to the sound end.

According to background information provided by the city, the average age of the road in these areas is 48 years old. The last overlays were conducted in 1991. City Engineer Steven Jahnke said overlays are typically put on every 20 to 30 years to extend the life of the road.

The estimated cost of the project is $1.47 million.

The councilors had brief discussion about whether to amend the city’s assessment policy, which will likely continue at a workshop.

Third Ward Councilor George Marin questioned whether to do Bel Aire Drive because it only includes two properties, and he questioned whether it would ever be paid for by the motel, which is presently not in business.

The second project includes Vine Avenue from Abbott Street to Fountain Street and Clark Street from West Avenue to about 185 feet east of St. Mary Avenue.

Jahnke said Vine Avenue was last overlaid in 1995. This section of Clark Street was paved in 1963 and has not been overlaid.

The estimated cost is $313,000.

He said that in both projects cracks from the existing street will reappear after a few years through the overlay but will be filled in through crack and chip sealing.

In other action, the council:

• Authorized the removal of houses at 2513 South Shore Drive and 702 Water St.

The homes had previously been placarded as unfit for human habitation.

• Voted to amend the city code regarding storm water management because of a requirement by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

• Approved a resolution supporting a transportation bill that contains new dedicated funding for city streets.

• Authorized the Albert Lea Fire Department to submit an application for a $11,000 grant through the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community 2015 Public Safety Grant program.

If awarded, the grant would replace a thermal imaging camera owned by the department that is about 11 years old.

• Approved an agreement between the city and Freeborn County to remove a house at 820 Freeborn Ave.