Council acts on later bar hours, sidewalks near Lincoln, new city attorney and more

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Bars in Alexandria will soon have the option of serving alcohol until 2 a.m. – one hour later than they've been allowed to in the past.

At its meeting Tuesday night, the Alexandria City Council voted 4-1 to approved an ordinance letting bars apply for a later last call license through the state. Two businesses, Bug-A-Boo Bay and Garden Center Lanes, requested the new ordinance, saying it will allow them to compete with other cities in the area.

Another big decision at the meeting was the council's 4-1 vote to proceed with the “Safe Routes to School” project. It will provide additional sidewalks, crosswalks, stop signs and street lighting near Lincoln Elementary School. Active Living Douglas County obtained a $268,432 grant for the project through the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) at no cost to the city. There will be no assessment to the benefiting property owners. Several residents in the area oppose the project, saying the sidewalks are unnecessary and would be a waste of money.

Read Friday's Echo Press for more details of the council's action and find out about other items on the agenda. The council:

--Appointed Tom Jacobson as city attorney, effective January 3, 2012. Long-time city attorney John Lervick, who is eying retirement, will fill Jacobson's former role as assistant city attorney.

--Agreed to apply for grants through the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, which helps first-time homebuyers.

--Approved an exception to platting for Zavadil Developments for a one-time split of property north of Lake Andrew, east of County Road 21.

--Approved a revised final plat for The Trails housing development, fourth addition.

--Approved an agreement with Kevin Howie to continue to serve as the operator for the city’s public access channel on the Charter cable TV system.

--Confirmed the second term of Jeff Karrow to serve as the fire chief of the Alexandria Fire Department.

--Agreed to upgrade the jet fuel filtering system at the airport.

--Appointed Jody Gray to the Lakes Area Recreation Board, effective next year.

--Approved end-of-the-year fund transfers to clear the city’s financial books for the new year.

--Approved a fund balance policy that will put the city in compliance with the Governmental Accounting Standards Board.

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