The Albert Lea City Council unanimously tabled a motion Monday that would prohibit private wells for domestic use on properties within the city served by Albert Lea’s water system.

Second Ward Councilor Larry Baker said the council will vote on the ban at its May 23 meeting, noting the delay was made to give the council more time to discuss the issue.

Existing private wells would be allowed to remain if the ban is approved.

Albert Lea City Manager Chad Adams said the ban is being proposed because city staff and the council must protect the health and welfare of the community.

“Significantly restricting or banning the use of private water wells for domestic use on properties served by the city water system is necessary to protect the integrity of the water system and provide clean water supplies for the health and welfare needs of the city and its residents,” Adams said.

He said there a few areas off Sunset Street from Lake Chapeau Drive to Minnesota Highway 13 that are more than 500 feet away from city water lines that will be allowed to construct private water wells.

“However, our plan is to extend water service to that area in the future as those lots are subdivided,” he said. “Thus, there are primarily a couple of large parcels in that area — one owned by the city — that are eligible for the private wells.”

Albert Lea City Engineer Steven Jahnke said city officials began looking at the ban late last year.

Baker said he supports the ban, “because it makes sense.”

In other action, the council:

Accepted donations for the construction of a dog park from Rotary Club President Sheila Schultz. The dog park is expected to open in June in Brookside Park.

Declared the 2016 Wind Down Wednesdays as community events. The declaration allows the Downtown Association to allow alcohol to be served on public streets. Individual vendors will be required to have a liquor license on file with the city clerk. Wind Down Wednesdays will be June 15, July 20 and Aug. 17.

Accepted a bid for 2016 bituminous materials.

Recognized the 2016 Albert Lea Police Department Citizens’ Academy graduates. The program, which began in May 2001, offers information on the Police Department’s policies and procedures. The free course offers an optional four-hour ride-along with an officer. Police officers instruct the students on police equipment, narcotics, use of force and investigations.

Amended an agreement with Houston County for Federal Aviation Administration Airport Improvement non-primary entitlement funds for Albert Lea Municipal Airport.

The amendment increases the amount the city can receive from $150,000 to $300,000. The city will receive Houston County’s entitlement funds for the construction of an arrival and departure building at the airport. The agreement was reportedly made because the city was short of federal funding, and Houston County does not have a 2016 federal project planned.

Heard a review of the city’s 2015 audited financial statement from Brad Falteysek, accountant at Abdo, Eick and Meyers, an accounting firm.

Heard an update of the Blue Zones initiative by Carole Bower and Ellen Kehr.