logo
Council votes to move forward with downtown restrooms, other recreational facilities improvements

Council votes to move forward with downtown restrooms, other recreational facilities improvements

Yahoo11-02-2025

Feb. 11—More of the improvements to Albert Lea's recreational facilities are moving forward after action by the Albert Lea City Council on Monday.
First, the council voted 5-1 to approve plans and move forward with competitive quotes for the restrooms that are slated to be built downtown near the city's splash pad. Second Ward Councilor Larry Baker abstained from the vote because of his involvement with the bid through his employment at Arrow Building Center, and 1st Ward Councilor Rachel Christensen was absent.
Assistant Public Works Director Ryan Hajek said staff considered three designs for the project — one a prefabricated, modular design that would come fully assembled through a company called Green Flush; a second design through RCP Structures for prefabricated materials that the city could put together and a third option through Arrow Building Center that the city could build.
The option through Arrow Building Center was the lowest, for $196,295, with the fully assembled design through Green Flush estimated at $420,500. Some funds could be saved through city staff building the structure for the second and third options, Hajek said.
The council ultimately went with the cheapest option through Arrow Building Center.
The building would include a women's restroom with a sink and two stalls with toilets and a men's restroom with one toilet, one urinal and a sink. It would also include a storage and possible concessions area on one side with a mechanical room between the men's and women's restrooms.
Hajek said the doors would open toward the parking lot in the North Broadway parking lot with the storage room on the east side with a potential roll-up window. He noted the Albert Lea Farmers Market would be able to utilize the storage area, and the building would be constructed in the same area as the existing red shed, in which the farmer's market stores items currently.
Hajek said the budget for the project was $250,000.
It would also include upgrading electricity at the site to a 400 amp service and the cost for cameras, lights and other security measures.
"This has been a long time in the making," Baker said in the work session, noting people have wanted restrooms in the downtown area for many years.
City Manager Ian Rigg said while porta potties would still have to be brought in for large events such as the Fourth of July, the facility would cover a lot of everyday use otherwise.
The restrooms would be open year-round.
Other projects
The council also accepted a bid of $1.325 million from Brennan Construction of MN Inc. for remodeling at the city's arena and aquatic center.
Seven companies submitted bids with the low bid from Brennan and the high bid from Dean Snyder Construction for $1.58 million.
Of the cost, $296,500 is for the aquatic center, while $1,028,500 is for the arena.
City staff recommended adding a contingency of $132,500 — or 10% of the project bid — and contracting with Apex to manage the projects for almost $286,000, bringing the total cost for the remodeling to about $1.743 million. This portion of the improvements is about $3,650 under budget.
Cathy Malakowsky, enrichment and engagement director for the city, said projects already in the works include installing a new water heating system and electrical system in the arena and installing new LED lighting.
In the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center, the furnace in the lower level has been replaced, the air conditioning has been installed in the main dressing room, water conservation measures have been installed and the building has been sealed for energy efficiency.
Work still needs to be done in the theater to install accessible front doors and front windows, to upgrade lighting to LEDs and to update HVAC controls.
At the arena, frost testing has already been done and shower heads replaced. Water conservation measures are underway, and the building is being sealed.
Work still needs to be done at the arena on the e-ceiling, to install the new Colstrup rink floor and on the structural reinforcements, dehumidification changes, refrigeration and drainage. A new sound system also needs to be added.
Malakowsky said all of the recreational projects total about $9.795 million, which is about $177,000 over budget, even after a $250,000 donation from the Albert Lea Hockey Association.
The hockey association presented its donation at the start of the meeting.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Pittsburgh's Fourth of July festivities moving to North Shore for 2025 celebration
Pittsburgh's Fourth of July festivities moving to North Shore for 2025 celebration

CBS News

time24 minutes ago

  • CBS News

Pittsburgh's Fourth of July festivities moving to North Shore for 2025 celebration

City of Pittsburgh moves Fourth of July festivities to the North Shore for 2025 celebration City of Pittsburgh moves Fourth of July festivities to the North Shore for 2025 celebration City of Pittsburgh moves Fourth of July festivities to the North Shore for 2025 celebration The city of Pittsburgh announced its Fourth of July festivities, which include a move to the North Shore for the 2025 celebration. City officials are planning to host most of the events at the North Shore Riverwalk this year, due to the construction going on at Point State Park. They're also planning for festivities at Emerald View Park's Grandview Bandstand. "Independence Day in Pittsburgh is more than just fireworks — it's a powerful celebration of community, freedom, and resilience," said Mayor Ed Gainey. "This year, we're bringing the energy to new locations across the city, with incredible entertainment, family fun, and heartfelt tributes to our veterans. I invite everyone to come out, enjoy the festivities, and celebrate what makes Pittsburgh such a strong, vibrant city." What activities will be available on July 4th on the North Shore? The activities will kick off at 4 p.m. on the North Shore, with festivities taking place such as a children's fun zone, hot-air balloon, musical performances and more. Fireworks will begin at 9:35 p.m. In addition to the July 4th activities, event organizers are holding the Trulieve Veterans Wellness Row that will give attendees to connect with various veteran-focused programs and resources, such as career development, housing and wellness. "We're honored to continue our partnership with the City of Pittsburgh for this year's Independence Day celebration," said Nick Rassler, Trulieve's PA Director of State Operations. "We are proud to support local veterans through the Trulieve Veterans Row initiative by connecting them with wellness resources, community support, and a space to reset."

Sen. Mike Lee proposes ousting every member of Congress when inflation rises too high
Sen. Mike Lee proposes ousting every member of Congress when inflation rises too high

Yahoo

time4 days ago

  • Yahoo

Sen. Mike Lee proposes ousting every member of Congress when inflation rises too high

WASHINGTON — Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, said he would introduce a constitutional amendment that would remove all members of Congress 'whenever inflation exceeds 3%,' or the deficit exceeds 3% of GDP, a proposal that has garnered support from figures such as multibillionaire Elon Musk. Under the proposal, lawmakers would be ineligible for reelection if the federal deficit increases above 3% of GDP, reviving a suggestion from Warren Buffett more than 10 years ago suggesting he could 'end the deficit in five minutes' by disqualifying lawmakers based on the nation's economic well-being. 'It's better to disqualify politicians than for an entire nation to suffer under the yoke of inflation,' Lee wrote in a post on X. 'Please let me know what you think. And share if you like the idea.' Musk later reposted Lee's proposal, stating: 'This is the way.' It's unknown when Lee could propose such an amendment, and it's not clear how much support he could garner among members of Congress. Some lawmakers could suggest it would be too complicated to remove all lawmakers from office at once depending on fluctuating inflation rates. The suggestion comes as the annual inflation rate lowered to 2.3% in April, the lowest rate since February 2021. But the inflation rate hovered at about 3% multiple times last year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Inflation rates were as high as 8.5% in 2022, raising concerns among fiscal conservatives in Congress. Lee has been among the most vocal about the national deficit, urging Republicans to submit massive changes to President Donald Trump's tax reconciliation bill to slash spending for a slate of government programs. Lee is among a handful of Senate Republicans who oppose the current reconciliation package as it is currently written, arguing it does not go far enough to reduce the national deficit. 'Federal spending has become excessive. The resulting inflation harms Americans and weaponizes government,' Lee wrote in a post on X. 'The Senate can make this bill better. It must now do so.' The Senate is set to vote on the reconciliation package in the coming weeks, with Republican leaders pushing to get the bill to Trump's desk before the Fourth of July. However, challenges remain as Republicans internally disagree on which programs to scale back on spending.

July 4th fireworks return to Brooklyn Bridge and East River — businesses ready for crowds
July 4th fireworks return to Brooklyn Bridge and East River — businesses ready for crowds

Yahoo

time5 days ago

  • Yahoo

July 4th fireworks return to Brooklyn Bridge and East River — businesses ready for crowds

NEW YORK (PIX11) — With just a month to go until July 4th, the annual question of where to find the best fireworks views has been answered: Macy's is bringing its iconic display back to the Brooklyn Bridge and East River, promising spectacular sights for spectators and a major boost for local businesses. Businesses along the waterfront are already looking forward to the crowds that will turn out for the event. More Local News 'That's the idea, to bring all the business in here, all the tourists coming over for the fourth of July,' said Frank Meza of L&B Spumoni Gardens. 'I hope everybody comes and is welcome,' he added. Nearby, Ignazio's Pizza is preparing for a bustling night as well. 'We are so excited for the fireworks, it'll be here in front of the restaurant. It's going to be busy,' said Jose Saquic. In a statement, Mayor Eric Adams emphasized the event's importance for the local economy: 'Each year, this dazzling display lights up our skyline, boosts our economy, and brings vital support to local businesses.' With multiple viewing spots across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, the fireworks are expected to be a major draw—and a much-needed boost for local shops and eateries. The city is also planning free public viewing opportunities, with more details to be announced in the coming weeks. As the city marks its 400th anniversary, DUMBO businesses are ready to open their doors and embrace the crowds. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store