The Albany City Council took the following action on Monday:

- Voted again to approve the Thornton Lake Estates subdivision plat to divide 24 acres into 78 single-family lots, create two open spaces, and allow the removal of 21 trees. The council voted in October 2007 to do the same thing, but some North Albany residents appealed the decision to the state Land Use Board of Appeals on a technicality. The vote then was 4-2, and the vote Monday was 4-3. Voting no were Sharon Konopa, Dick Olsen and Floyd Collins.

- Voted 4-2 to accept an offer by the Oregon Department of Transportation Rail Division to pay for crossing improvements on Water Avenue to allow better access to two developments in return for closure of other at-grade crossings in the area: at Jefferson and Madison, at Chicago Street, and at either Columbus or Burkhart.

- Asked the city manager to consult with the unidentified library benefactor, who has contributed about $8 million to securing a new public library on 14th Avenue S.E., about color preferences for the outside of the building. A number of people have complained about the green and brown color scheme.

- Approved waiving the competitive bidding process to buy furnishings and seismic code-rated shelving for the new library through a special procurement method. The process allows the city to receive a 64 percent discount from the list price, the shelves can be delivered more quickly, and the purchase price includes delivery and installation. The items to be purchased are: shelving, $180,250; panels, $140,550; and furniture, about $120,540.

- Approved the police department's request to spend $11,875 to buy a car for a detective, now that the department is increasing its staff by a corporal's position.

- Proclaimed Dec. 7 Association of Motorcyclists of Oregon Day in Albany in recognition of the 18th Toy Run to benefit children and families in the Albany area.

Cathy Ingalls