On the agenda: Changes to city charter

City News August 22, 2025

At its meeting Monday, the Albert Lea City Council consider three changes to the city charter as recommended by the Charter Commission (photo above).

1. The first change addresses filling vacancies on the council: If a councilor resigns, the council would appoint a replacement until voters choose a new councilor in the next general election instead of holding a special election. This change would prevent the cost of a special election and allow for filling the vacancy sooner.

2. The second change addresses a process: Only the mayor, with the city clerk attesting, would need to sign resolutions and ordinances instead of the current requirement for signatures by the mayor and two council members. This change would simplify the process.

3. The third change addresses how the city disposes of property that it no longer needs: The city would be able to dispose of excess property, such as chairs and desks, by giving it to other government units or private organizations as long as it serves a public purpose. This change would allow the property to be re-used instead of discarded as trash.

For details, see the agenda packet on the city website.

The Aug. 25 work session starts at 5:30 p.m. and the regular meeting at 7 p.m. Both are open to the public and held in the council chambers on the top floor of City Hall, 221 E. Clark St. The meeting will be available live and as a recording on ALTV.