APPROVED agenda with additions

MOTION by Councilor Briggs to approve the agenda with additions as presented.

• Addition of #2 under New Business: Resolution No.
  -18 approving application for exempt permit for the Ranier Recreation Club to conduct tipboards on October 12 -14, 2018 at the Elks Lodge No. 1599
  
• Addition of #3 under New Business: Resolution No.
  -18 approving application for exempt permit for the Ranier Recreation Club to conduct a raffle on October 27, 2018 at the Elks Lodge No. 1599
  
• Addition of #12 under New Business: Approve 2019 Group Renewal and Rate Information from NESC/Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota and authorize signatures
  
• Addition of #13 under New Business: Consent to Mayor’s appointment of Joe Krause to the Legislation and Land Use Committee
  

Motion seconded by Councilor Jaksa and carried unanimously.

APPROVED minutes of the September 17, 2018 regular City Council meeting

MOTION by Councilor Briggs to approve minutes of the regular City Council meeting of September 17, 2018. Motion seconded by Councilor Jaksa and carried unanimously.

APPROVED minutes of the September 26, 2018 Special City Council meeting

MOTION by Councilor Krause to approve minutes of the Special City Council meeting of September 26, 2018. Motion seconded by Councilor Droba and carried unanimously.

ADOPTED Resolution No. 55-18 approving transfers, payment of claims, and accounts payable

MOTION by Councilor Jaksa to adopt Resolution No. 55-18 approving transfers, payment of claims and accounts payable for the first monthly City Council meeting. Motion seconded by Councilor Briggs. Motion passed 4-0-1 with Councilor Droba, Jaksa, Krause and Mayor Anderson voting “yea,” and Councilor Briggs abstaining.

Adrian Luce 

Travel Expense/Mileage Reimburse

271.86  

64480 

Alert-All Corp 

Fire Safety Week 

2,112.00  

64481 

Alex Air Apparatus Inc.

50 Ft Hose- 2 sets

336.40

64482 

All Season Equipment Inc.

Street-Tires/M&R Grounds-Tools

296.15  

64483 

Ameritas Life Ins Corp 

Dental Insurance Premiums 

1,997.12  

64484 

Auto Value Int’l Falls 

Water-Parts Water Plant-Supplies

89.38 

64485 

BCBS of MN

Health Insurance Premiums

3,632.00  

64486 

Border Boxes 

Shipping-Water Plant 

112.50  

64487 

Borderland Humane Society 

Pound Operation 

2,250.00  

64488 

Bound Tree Medical LLC

Ambulance Supplies 

1,091.09  

64489 

Brad Ettestad 

Meal Allow/Travel Exp Reimburse

588.96  

64490 

Brad Hagen 

Safety Boot Allowance 

110.00  

64491 

Brian Youso 

Police Benefit 

150.00  

64492 

Brigzy’s Bundles 

Firewood-City Beach 

50.00  

64493 

BW Distributing

Cleaning Supplies-Ambulance

79.99  

64494 

Chris Heibel 

Travel Expense/Mileage Reimburse

271.86  

64495 

Chris Raboin 

Police Benefit 

150.00  

64496 

City of Int’l Falls-Fund 101

Lodging Tax Transfer 

806.30  

64497 

Convention & Visitors Bureau 

Lodging Tax 

15,319.74  

64498 

Cynthia L. Jaksa 

City Wide Cleanup 

469.21  

64499 

Earl F Andersen 

Sup-Street/Park&Rec Bollard Sleeves

1,126.70  

64500 

Essentia Health  

Oxygen 

117.80  

64501 

Fairchild Sign 

Forms-Street Dept.

150.00  

64502 

Forest Hill Cemetery Assoc.

Monthly Payment 

833.33  

64503 

Galls, An Aramark Co., LLC

Clothing Allowance-Sears 

19.74  

64504 

Golden West Industrial Supply 

Reflective Fire Tape 

437.16  

64505 

Graybar 

Supplies-Street Lighting

196.98  

64506 

Greentech Manufacturing Inc.

Custom Fabrication-San Sew/Elect 

1,216.89  

64507 

Hawkins Inc.

Chemicals 

2,297.02  

64508 

IUOE Local 49

Health Insurance Premiums 

22,644.00  

64509 

Judith Gehrke 

Acct Deposit Refund

20.00  

64510 

K & K Meyers Inc.

Equip Maint-Street 

167.80  

64511 

KGM Contractors Inc.

2018 Paving Projects-July/August 

8,926.50  

64512 

Kooch County Sheriff’s Office 

Squad Room Supplies 

93.24  

64513 

Lake Of The Wood County

2nd Half Property Tax-Miggins 

219.00  

64514 

Lisa Riggs 

Travel Expense 

105.00  

64515 

MacQueen Equipment Inc.

Parts/M&R-Sweeper 

545.26  

64516 

Maguire Iron Inc.

Ground Storage Tank – Pmt. 3-Final

4,283.72  

64517

Marco 

Antivirus/Microsoft Exchange 

80.00  

64518 

Melanie Clarity 

Sewing – Ambulance 

112.00  

64519 

Menards International Falls 

Sup/Tools-St Light/Str/Gar/Wtr/Eng 

367.21  

64520 

Michael Gedde 

Travel And Training Expense 

70.00  

64521 

Michael T. Metro 

EMS Delivery System Evaluation

2,250.00  

64522 

Minnesota Energy Resources 

Utilities 

291.93  

64523 

Minnesota Power 

Utilities 

25,963.69  

64524 

Nathan Myers 

Travel Expense/Mileage Reimburse

418.80

64525 

North Star Publishing 

City Wide Clean-Up Flyers 

436.82  

64526 

Northwest Tire 

Loader Tires – Street 

4,400.00  

64527 

Range Paper Corp 

Clean Sup-Amb/Bldg&Grds/VNP/Gar

1,124.33  

64528 

Robert Bahr 

Top Soil 

600.00  

64529

Roche’s Towing 

Lift Rental/Fuel for Rental

483.00  

64530 

ServiceMaster of Intl Falls

Cleaning Services-VNP

3,500.00  

64531 

Shawn Kelly 

Safety Boot Allowance 

110.00  

64532 

Steven M Shermoen 

Legal Fees 

10,989.50  

64533 

Streicher’s Inc.

Clothing Allowance-M Kostiuk 

52.98  

64534 

Sun Life Financial 

Life Insurance Premiums 

458.39  

64535 

Super One Foods 

Supplies-Street 

48.33  

64536 

Ted Brokaw 

Travel Expense-Sanitary Sewer 

927.45  

64537

Terry Wood 

Police Benefit 

150.00  

64538 

The Nelson Trust 

Health Insurance Premiums 

33,690.00  

64539 

UHL Company Inc.

Boiler Design-Water Plant 

1,250.00  

64540 

VESSCO Inc.

C6 Repair Kit 

148.00  

64541 

Wagner Construction Inc.

Ready Mix 

1,320.00  

64542 

Wherley Motors Inc.

2017 Ford Explorer-Police 

1,652.44  

64543 

The following checks were issued under blanket authorization:

AFLAC 

Supplemental Insurance 

232.65 

99922

AllState – American Heritage  

Supplemental Insurance

9.64 

99923

Bremer Bank NA 

Federal Withholding 

39,655.63

99924

I.U.O.E. Local Central Pension Fund 

Retirement 

2,535.41

99925

Grant DeBenedet, Sec/Treas 

C.O.P.S. 

120.00 

99926

Intl Falls Ambulance Service 

Dues 

210.00

99927

Minnesota Revenue

Wage Assignment-Levy Wage

564.34

99928

MN Child Support Pmt Center 

Wage Assignment 

438.84 

99929

MN Department of Revenue 

State Withholding 

8,351.78

99930

Empower Retirement 

Deferred Comp 

7,117.00

99931

PERA 

Retirement 

31,389.03

99932

Sun Life Financial

Supplemental Life Insurance 

499.86 

99933

Sun Life Financial Vol. LTD 

Vol. LTD Insurance 

513.02 

99934

AUDIENCE

Gary Coran, 1308 11^th Street, expressed his concerns on blight and inquired as to what can be done to help be part of the solution in ridding the town of blight. Fire Chief/Housing Inspector Mannausau and Building Official/Zoning Administrator Meyers explained the process for addressing blight violations including the tags, letters, and various timelines and legal due process. The Housing Inspector has issued over 130 violation notices this summer. Five cases are currently on the court calendar.

City Administrator Anderson explained that Chapters 4, 6, and 10 of the City Code of Ordinances address blight and are currently in the process of being consolidated and re-written. The new code will include rental licensing and property maintenance standards to establish guidelines that are more stringent, clarify enforcement responsibilities, and identify compliance timelines.

Nancy Imhof, owner of Mason’s on Main, 339 3^rd Street, also expressed her concerns over blight and stressed that the main traffic corridors are her primary concern as that is what the tourists and visitors see when they enter the City. Mayor Anderson explained that Highway 53 is set to undergo a full rehabilitation when the road is reconstructed in the summer of 2020. Ms. Imhof asked that small, simple things be taken care of now in order to help restore pride in one’s property and the City as a whole.

PUBLIC HEARING:

First Reading of Ordinance No. __, Fifth Series, An Ordinance Amending the Code of Ordinances, Section 9-20, Calendar Parking, (c) to Amend the “Time of Change” Hours

MOTION by Councilor Droba to approve the First Reading of Ordinance No.__, Fifth Series, Amending the City Code, Chapter 9, Section 9-20, Calendar Parking, (c) to Amend the “Time of Change” Hours. Motion seconded by Councilor Jaksa. In response to Councilor Droba’s question, Administrator Anderson replied that the Council agenda item of September 17^th was to set the First Reading for October 1^st since the text of the ordinance was not prepared and available for public review. Therefore, the First Reading is listed on this agenda and includes the draft ordinance language in the packet. The second reading and final adoption will be considered October 15, 2018.

OPENING BIDS  

None. 

OLD BUSINESS 

None.

APPROVED Consent Agenda as presented 

MOTION by Councilor Jaksa to approve the Consent Agenda as presented:

1. Authorize travel and expenses for Brad Hagen to attend the Minnesota Fall Maintenance Equipment Expo in St. Cloud, MN on October 3 and 4, 2018

Motion seconded by Councilor Krause and carried unanimously.

NEW BUSINESS:

ADOPTED Resolution No. 56-18, application for Exempt Permit for the Broncos Hockey Boosters to conduct a raffle

MOTION by Councilor Krause to adopt Resolution No. 56-18 approving application for Exempt Permit for the Broncos Hockey Boosters to conduct a raffle with the drawing to be held on January 5, 2019 at Bronco Arena. Motion seconded by Councilor Briggs and carried unanimously.

ADOPTED Resolution No. 57-18, application for Exempt Permit for the Ranier Recreation Club, to conduct tipboard games

MOTION by Councilor Briggs to adopt Resolution No. 57-18 approving application for Exempt Permit for the Ranier Recreation Club to conduct tipboard games on October 12-14, 2018 at the Elks Lodge, 215 Third Street, International Falls, MN 56649. Motion seconded by Councilor Krause and carried unanimously.

ADOPTED Resolution No. 58-18, application for Exempt Permit for the Ranier Recreation Club, to conduct a raffle

MOTION by Councilor Jaksa to adopt Resolution No. 58-18 approving application for Exempt Permit for the Ranier Recreation Club to conduct a raffle with the drawing to be held on October 27, 2018 at the Elks Lodge, 215 Third Street, International Falls, MN 56649. Motion seconded by Councilor Krause and carried unanimously.

AUTHORIZED the City Attorney to proceed with blight enforcement at Larry Nichols’ Property

MOTION by Councilor Jaksa to authorize the City Attorney to proceed with blight enforcement at the following property:

• Larry Nichols, 2106 3^rd Avenue West, Parcel No. 92-111-06010.

Motion seconded by Councilor Briggs and carried unanimously.

APPROVED recommendation for hire of Heather Olson as Part-time Administrative Assistant for the Police Department

MOTION by Councilor Krause to approve Chief Mastin’s recommendations and hire of Heather Olson as the Part-time Administrative Assistant for the Police Department effective October 1, 2018. Motion seconded by Councilor Droba and carried unanimously.

ADOPTED Resolution No. 59-18 approving the International Falls Volunteer Firefighters to join the Voluntary Statewide Lump-Sum Volunteer Firefighter Retirement Plan

MOTION by Councilor Jaksa to adopt Resolution No. 59-18 approving the International Falls Volunteer Firefighters to join the Voluntary Statewide Lump-Sum Volunteer Firefighter Retirement Plan. Motion seconded by Councilor Krause. Chief Mannausau and Fire Relief Association President Justin Chezick explained the positive aspects of changing retirement plans including saving money that is currently paid out in service charges and fees to the independent investment company and the audit firm. Motion carried unanimously.

APPROVED the Northeast Minnesota Emergency Communications Board Regional Advisory Committee (RAC) 2018 Bylaws and authorized signatures

MOTION by Councilor Jaksa to approve the Northeast Minnesota Emergency Communications Board Regional Advisory Committee (RAC) 2018 Bylaws and authorize signatures. Motion seconded by Councilor Droba and carried unanimously.

Redevelopment Agreement Between the City of International Falls and Prospective Buyer of the Tee Pee Motel with Conditions

City Attorney Shermoen briefed the Council on his discussions with the current owner and prospective buyer of the Tee Pee Motel and their work towards reaching an agreement to demolish the structure due to the fire. Councilor Droba stressed that he felt it was unfair to the citizens of International Falls to have the City assume liability or cover the costs of demolition of the Tee Pee, when the current owners of the Tee Pee received insurance monies due to the fire. Councilor Droba believes the costs for demolishing the property should be the current property owners’ responsibility unless there is some assurance that the new owners will develop the site. Mayor Anderson noted the site will be cleaned up and this will encourage re-investment. He also stated the burned debris can only be taken to the County landfill site and not the City site. At this time no agreement has been reached between the parties, therefore there is no action that can be taken at this time.

Setting public hearing to consider annexation of property into the City of International Falls

City Attorney Shermoen stated that he hopes to report at the next City Council meeting the best way to proceed towards annexation of properties currently located outside the city limits of the City of International Falls.

APPROVED Resolution 9 – 18, A Resolution Proposed by the City of International Falls regarding Ownership of a line that serves as a Primary Collector and Interceptor Carrying Wastewater proposed for adoption by the NKASD Board of Director’s

MOTION by Councilor Droba to approve Resolution 9 – 18, A Resolution Proposed by the City of International Falls regarding Ownership of a line that serves as a Primary Collector and Interceptor Carrying Wastewater that is proposed for adoption by the NKASD Board of Director’s. Motion seconded by Councilor Briggs and carried unanimously.

APPROVED proposal for Phase 2 study of Fire/Rescue/EMS Dept. by consultant Mike Metro

MOTION by Councilor Jaksa to approve the proposal for Phase 2 study of Fire/Rescue/EMS Dept. by consultant Mike Metro. Motion seconded by Councilor Briggs. Motion passed 4-1 with Councilors Briggs, Jaksa, Krause, and Mayor Anderson voting “yea,” and Councilor Droba voting “nay”.

APPROVED 2019 Group Renewal and Rate Information from NESC/Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota

MOTION by Councilor Jaksa to approve 2019 Group Renewal and Rate Information Agreements from NESC/Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota and authorize signatures. Motion seconded by Councilor Krause and carried unanimously.

APPROVED Mayor’s appointment of Joe Krause to the Legislation and Land Use Committee

MOTION by Councilor Jaksa to approve Mayor’s appointment of Joe Krause to the Legislation and Land Use Committee. Motion seconded by Councilor Droba. Motion passed 4-0-1 with Councilor Briggs, Droba, Jaksa, and Mayor Anderson voting “yea,” and Councilor Krause abstaining.

OTHER BUSINESS:

Concerns of ATVs on City streets 

Councilor Jaksa relayed concerns expressed to her by citizens of the danger of ATVs driving on the edge of city streets near private property and the threat it poses to children and public safety.

REPORTS:

Reports of the Administrator, Attorney, and Department Heads 

Chief Mannausau stated that he spoke with Scott Eldien, local Minnesota Energy worker, and Mr. Eldien stated that the corporate office for Minnesota Energy will be generating a report on the gas main infrastructure to have available at the next meeting.

Reports of Mayor and Council Committees

Councilor Jaksa thanked all that volunteered their time and services to the City-wide cleanup and felt it was a great success.

AUDIENCE

None. 

ADJOURNMENT 

Mayor Anderson reminded everyone that there is a Committee-of-the-Whole meeting October 8, 2018 at 2:00 P.M., a Public Information Meeting on the proposed one percent Sales and Use Tax at 7:00 P.M. on October 8, 2018 in the Council Chambers, and the next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 15, 2018 at 4:30 P.M and adjourned the meeting at 6:36 P.M.