COUNCIL

New council has first testy exchange of 2013

It didn’t take long for the Alexandria City Council to have its first testy exchange of 2013. It happened about five minutes into Monday’s meeting.

By Al Edenloff , January 16, 2013

I do solemnly swear...

Newly elected members of the Alexandria City Council took their oath of office Wednesday at City Hall. Mayor Sara Carlson is Alexandria’s second female mayor. Dorothy Kobs was the first, winning the position in 1987.

By Al Edenloff , January 04, 2013

Minnesota council elections set

The Minnesota Dairy Research and Promotion Council and the Minnesota Turkey Research and Promotion Council will conduct board elections in January.

December 19, 2012

City starts search for Ward 2 member

The search is on for who will be the new Ward 2 Alexandria City Council member. Incumbent Sara Carlson will be leaving the post on January 2 to serve as Alexandria mayor as a result of her election win.

By Al Edenloff , November 16, 2012

Council acts on bike ride, runway project, new well

A silent bike ride, airport runway improvements, a new water well and taxi cab increases. Those were just some of the topics that popped up at the Alexandria City Council’s three-hour-long meeting on April 23.

By Al Edenloff , May 02, 2012

Partners in crime fighting

Every month, the Alexandria Fire Department invites police officers to a simple meal during their training. They’re sharing more than food. They’re getting to know one another and they’re building partnerships. Alexandria Police Chief Rick Wyffels talked about how important that monthly contact is when he delivered his annual report at Monday’s Alexandria City Council meeting.

By Al Edenloff , April 13, 2012

Council acts on Rib Fest changes, motorcycle ride, assessor report

Besides hearing from Alexandria Police Chief Rick Wyffels, the Alexandria City Council acted on several other items at Monday’s meeting.

By Al Edenloff , April 13, 2012

Council member scolded about second-guessing staff

A discussion about a nuisance ordinance – and a council member’s decision to seek outside opinions about it – triggered a terse exchange among council members Monday night. The changes were recommended by City Attorney Tom Jacobson and the city’s legislative committee.

By Al Edenloff , March 30, 2012

City hears bad, good news about liquor sales

At first glance, the numbers look bleak: Sales at Alexandria’s two city-owned liquor stores fell from just over $5 million in 2010 to $4.6 million last year – a 9 percent drop. But other factors brighten the outlook: The city spent 10 percent less on beer, liquor and wine inventory than it did the previous year – $3.61 million compared to $4 million

By Al Edenloff , March 28, 2012

CITY COUNCIL UPDATE: Alexandria shelves local sales tax idea

Council seeks legislation to designate city as regional hub to get more aid. An idea to impose a local sales tax in Alexandria is scrapped for now. At its meeting Monday night, the Alexandria City Council heeded the recommendation of its legislative committee to not pursue the tax.

By Al Edenloff , March 14, 2012

Alexandria proposes 4.6 percent levy increase next year

Alexandria is proposing an overall tax levy increase of 4.6 percent next year.

By Al Edenloff , September 13, 2011

Eye clinic's tax abatment gets OK from Alexandria City Council

A tax abatement request to help build a new eye clinic in Alexandria received a green light Monday night.

By Al Edenloff , June 28, 2011

Alexandria City Council supports Broadway facelift

The Alexandria City Council took the next step toward rebuilding a five-block section of Broadway in 2014.

By Al Edenloff , May 24, 2011

New fire engine for Alexandria?

A new fire engine could soon be rolling into Alexandria. At its meeting Monday night, the Alexandria City Council voted to call for bids on a new pumper truck that's estimated to cost between $480,000 and $495,000. Fire Chief Jeff Karrow made the request, noting that it would replace a 1986 Ford pumper truck, Unit 22, that has far outlived its 20-year life expectancy and is now “nickel and diming” the department with constant repair bills. The department had to do some budget maneuvering to make sure it has enough money to pay for the truck if the bids come in under estimate. Read Wednesday's Echo Press for more council news.

By Al Edenloff , April 12, 2011

Council clears way for community events

The Alexandria City Council cleared the way for several different events that will be coming up soon – Memorial Day weekend events, the stock car racing season, a triathlon and a passion drama.

By Al Edenloff , April 06, 2011