Q: Does Albert Lea have a curfew for juveniles?
A: Yes, Albert Lea has a curfew ordinance. According to the City’s curfew ordinance, 38.161, “Between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. of the following day, it is unlawful for any minor person under the age of 16 years to be in or upon the public streets, alleys, parks, playgrounds or other public grounds, public places and public buildings; places of amusement and entertainment; vacant lots or other unsupervised places; or any private premises, other than upon where such person’s usual place of residence is located, without the knowledge, consent and approval of the owner or person in charge of or responsible for the private property.” The hours for those 16 and 17 years of age are 12:00 midnight to 5:00 a.m. and have the same conditions listed above. The curfew does not apply to any minor who is: 1) accompanied by a parent, guardian or other adult that has custody of the minor, 2) engaged in their legitimate employment or when returning home on a direct route during the ½ hour after finishing work, 3) engaged in an emergency errand at the direction of a parent/guardian/adult person having custody, 4) traveling interstate, 5) lawfully attending or going to or returning from school, church, or community-sponsored athletic, musical or social activities or events.
Q: My car was towed and impounded. Where is it and how do I get my car back?
A: The Albert Lea Police Department uses Allen’s Tow and Travel located at 128 Garfield Ave. for general towing and vehicle impounding. To claim your vehicle, you must first pick up a release form from the dispatch center at the Freeborn County Law Enforcement Center located at 411 S. Broadway Ave. Please, be prepared to show identification, proof of ownership, and proof of insurance. The release form can then be taken to Allen’s Tow and Travel. Allen’s Tow and Travel assesses a tow and impound fee. Once they are given the fee and the release form, you will be allowed to take your vehicle.
Q: Where is the jail located?
A: All persons arrested on local charges are lodged at the Freeborn County Adult Detention Center located at 411 S. Broadway Ave. The jail entrance is located on the back of the building at the intersection of Pearl St. and Newton Ave. Look for the door nearest the large chain link gate.
Q: What is 12 hour parking?
A: The City of Albert Lea has an ordinance that prohibits parking on the city streets for more than a 12 hour period. This ordinance is designed to allow the City of Albert Lea to clear the streets of snow, clean the streets, and prevent junk vehicles from accumulating on the City streets. According to the 12 hour parking ordinance, 62-68, “any vehicle moved less than one block in a limited time parking zone shall be deemed to have remained stationary.” Remember that it is illegal to remove tire marking chalk.
Q: Are Recreational Fires Allowed in the City of Albert Lea?
A: Yes, with the following conditions:
Section 302.1 Definitions.
RECREATIONAL FIRE. An outdoor fire burning materials other than rubbish where the fuel being burned is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, barbeque grill or barbeque pit and has a total fuel area of 3 feet (914 mm) or less in diameter and 2 feet (610 mm) or less in height for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes.
307.3.2 Location. Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet (7620 mm) of a structure or combustible material unless the fire is contained in a barbeque pit. Conditions which could cause a fire to spread within 25 feet (7620 mm) of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.
Fire-extinguishing equipment. Buckets, shovels, garden hoses or a fire extinguisher with a minimum 4-A rating shall be readily available for use at recreational fires.
307.4 Attendance. Open burning, bonfires or recreational fires shall be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished. A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher complying with Section 906 with a minimum 4-A rating or other approved on site fire-extinguishing equipment, such as dirt, sand, water barrel, garden hose or water truck, shall be available for immediate utilization.
Discontinuance. The Chief is authorized to require that recreational fires be immediately discontinued if such fires are determined by the Chief to constitute a hazardous condition.
Revised May 12, 2004
Q: Why is my carbon monoxide/smoke detector chirping?
A: If it is sounding normally exit immediately and call 911. If it is chirping once every thirty seconds or so, it is probably a bad battery. We recommend replacing batteries once a year.
Q: Can I burn my leaves or yard waste?
A: No. The city will take most yard waste at the city landfill for a small fee.