APPROVED agenda

MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve the agenda as presented. Motion seconded by Councilor Krause and carried unanimously.

APPROVED minutes of the April 20, 2020 regular City Council meeting

MOTION by Councilor Ditsch to approve minutes of the regular City Council meeting of April 20, 2020. Motion seconded by Councilor Krause and carried unanimously.

Councilor Nelson stepped away from the meeting.

ADOPTED Resolution No. 37-20 approving transfers, payment of claims, and accounts payable

MOTION by Councilor Krause to adopt Resolution No. 37-20 approving transfers, payment of claims and accounts payable for the first monthly City Council meeting. Motion seconded by Councilor Ditsch. Motion passed 4-0 with Councilor Ditsch, Krause, Buller and Mayor Droba voting ‘yea’.

Allied Generators 

Generator Maint – VNP/Wtr Plnt/ Mun Bldg

2,672.92  

68590 

Alpha Medical Equipment Inc.

Ambulance Supplies 

164.90  

68591 

Ameritas Life Ins Corp 

Dental Insurance Premiums 

1,927.48  

68592 

Andrew Holler 

Lawn Cleanup – 1717 1st Ave W

321.00  

68593 

Auto Value Int’l Falls 

Unit 032 – Parts, Supplies – Garage 

111.98  

68594 

Battalion Distributing 

Ambulance Supplies 

6.65  

68595 

BCBS of MN

Health Insurance Premiums 

4,459.00  

68596 

Border Boxes

Shipping – Water Plant

84.50  

68597 

Borderland Humane Society 

Pound Operation 

2,250.00  

68598 

Bound Tree Medical LLC

Ambulance Supplies 

2,323.80  

68599 

Bremer Cardmember Service 

Sup – Amb/Str/Adm, Lic Fee-Pol/Strm

4,050.77  

68600 

City of Int’l Falls – Fund 101

Lodging Tax Transfer 

72.93  

68601 

City Water Department 

City Buildings – Water Usage 

1,377.54  

68602 

Convention & Visitors Bureau 

Lodging Tax 

1,385.61  

68603 

Ford of Hibbing

2020 Ford Explorer. 20-02 Police

32,955.84  

68604 

Global Equipment Company 

Office Supplies – Eng, Storage Cabinets

5,696.99  

68605 

Grafix Shoppe 

2020 Ford Explorer Decals 

336.99  

68606 

Harriett Fry 

Ambulance Overpayment Refund 

76.55  

68607 

Holiday Companies 

Gas-Strm Sew/Fire/Str/Amb/Wtr/San Sew

4,018.19  

68608 

IF Recreation Commission

2nd Half 2019/2020 Funding 

41,500.00  

68609 

Innovative Office Solutions LLC

Supplies – Street/Administration

130.20  

68610 

Int’l Falls US Post Office

Permit #79 Escrow 

2,000.00  

68611 

IUOE Local 49

Health Insurance Premiums 

28,354.00  

68612 

Kooch County Hwy Dept.

Dyed Fuel – Grounds/Street/Garage

7,627.82  

68613 

Kooch County Sheriff’s Office 

Refund – Postage D Helgeson

9.25  

68614 

Lawson Products Inc.

Batteries/Safety Gloves – Electrical

242.60  

68615 

Life Blanket 

Adult Disposable Barrier Liners 

776.00  

68616 

Madden Galanter Hansen LLP

Legal Services 

1,069.75  

68617 

Mannco Trucking Inc.

Lowboy Rental 

110.00  

68618 

Marco 

Antivirus/Microsoft Exch

479.00  

68619 

Marco Technologies LLC

Contract/Print Copies – Fire/Admin/Pw 

1,218.26  

68620 

M-B Companies Inc.

Parts – VNP

593.34  

68621 

MedicareBlue Rx

Health Insurance Premiums 

1,715.00  

68622 

Menards International Falls

Maint/Sup – VNP/Str/P&R/Gar/St Lght/Wtr

464.22  

68623 

Midcontinent Communications 

Cable – Fire/Amb, Internet – Wtr Plnt 

362.58  

68624 

Minnesota Energy Resources 

Utilities 

1,607.14  

68625 

Minnesota Industries 

Safety Equip – Wtr/San Sew/Strm Sew

160.68  

68626 

MTI Distributing Inc.

Groundsmaster 3200 24HP AWD

21,603.29  

68627 

Range Paper Corp 

Supplies – Fire

169.78  

68628 

Rexel Energy Solutions 

Maint/Repair – VNP

1,975.00  

68629 

Roche’s Towing 

Led Top Lights 

500.72  

68630 

Steven M Shermoen 

Legal Fees 

7,762.00  

68631 

Sun Life Financial 

Life Insurance Premiums 

642.85  

68632 

Taylor’s Plumbing & Htg LLC

Bldg Maint – Fire Hall Hazmat/Mun Bldg

4,221.72  

68633 

The Dent Shop 

Backrack – Storm Sewer

707.18  

68634 

The Journal 

Agendas/Minutes/Covid/Sum Emp/Ads 

2,426.43  

68635 

The Nelson Trust 

Health Insurance Premiums 

36,480.00  

68636 

UHL Company Inc.

Bldg Maint – Mun Bldgs/VNP

3,952.96  

68637 

UnitedHealthcare

Ambulance Overpayment – Refund

1,574.88  

68638 

Verizon Wireless 

Monthly Cellular Service 

804.40  

68639 

Widseth 

Engineering Services 

89,249.28  

68640 

William Tomczak 

Safety Boot Allowance 

110.00  

68641 

Ziegler Inc.

Grder Lease-12M3AWD, Parts-Lease Equip

1,994.20  

68642 

The following checks were issued under blanket authorization:

AFLAC 

Supplemental Insurance 

225.04

100565

AllState – American Heritage  

Supplemental Insurance 

9.64 

100566

Bremer Bank NA 

Federal Withholding 

35,072.23

100567

IUOE Local Central Pension

Retirement 

4,118.65

100568

Grant DeBenedet, Sec/Treas 

C.O.P.S. 

120.00

100569

IF Fire Dept. Relief

Volunteer Fireman Dues

14.00

100570

Intl Falls Ambulance Service 

Dues 

147.00

100571

MN Child Support Pmt Center 

Wage Assignment 

500.68

100572

MN Department of Revenue 

State Withholding 

6,658.51

100573

Empower Retirement 

Deferred Comp 

6,825.00

100574

PERA 

Retirement 

29,961.62

100575

Sun Life Financial 

Supplemental Life Insurance 

654.75

100576

The Hartford 

Voluntary LTD Insurance 

545.26

100577

AUDIENCE

None.

PUBLIC HEARING:

APPROVED Second and Final Reading of Ordinance No. 37, Fifth Series, An amendment to Code of Ordinances, Section 10-58, Regulation of Tobacco Sales and Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems by increasing the lawful age from 18 to 21 and regulating e-cigarettes and vaping

MOTION by Councilor Buller approving Second and Final Reading of Ordinance No. 37, Fifth Series, an amendment to Code of Ordinances, Section 10-58, Regulation of Tobacco Sales and Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems by increasing the lawful age from 18 to 21 and regulating e-cigarettes and vaping. Motion seconded by Councilor Krause. Motion passed 4-0 with Councilor Ditsch, Krause, Buller and Mayor Droba voting ‘yea’.

OPENING BIDS

None.

OLD BUSINESS

None.

CONSENT AGENDA: APPROVED as presented

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

1. Approved hiring Cole Anderson as a summer employee
2. Resolution No. 30-20 approving Public Employees Retirement Association Firefighter Engineer Declaration for part-time spare Jacob D. Harris

Motion seconded by Councilor Buller. Motion passed 4-0 with Councilor Ditsch, Krause, Buller and Mayor Droba voting ‘yea’.

Councilor Nelson returned to the meeting.  

NEW BUSINESS:

APPROVED Request by Voyageurs E-Bike Rentals & Tours LLC to rent electric bikes from City/IFEDA property near VNP Headquarters Building

Dan Olson owner of Voyageurs E-Bike Rentals & Tours explained he would like to place a trailer with up to 16 electric bikes for rent to the public on property at or adjacent to the VNP Headquarters building. Bob DeGross Park Superintendent asked that everyone be mindful of parking around the VNP and that questions from the public be addressed by Voyageurs E-Bike Rentals & Tours and not by the staff at VNP. City Administrator Anderson shared that the site is owned by the city and is public property that will be used by a private for-profit business. Site would be used in current state (gravel road). Anderson recommended that Voyageurs E-Bike Rental & Tours LLC provide a certificate of insurance naming the City of International Falls as an additional insured in the minimum amount of $1,000,000.00.

MOTION by Councilor Buller approving request by Voyageurs E-Bike Rentals and Tours LLC to rent electric bikes from City/IFEDA property near VNP Headquarters Building. Motion seconded by Councilor Krause.

MOTION amended by Mayor Droba to include an agreement to be signed by Voyageurs E-Bike Rental & Tours LLC. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously.

MOTION approving request by Voyageurs E-Bike Rentals and Tours LLC to rent electric bikes from City/IFEDA property near VNP Headquarters Building with signed agreement carried unanimously.

TABLED Phased Opening Plan for the International Falls Public Library

MOTION by Councilor Krause to table Phased Opening Plan for the International Falls Public Library until May 18^th due to the extension of Governor Walz ‘Stay at Home’ order. Motion seconded by Councilor Nelson and carried unanimously.

APPROVED Resolution No. 39-20, Approve State of Minnesota Department of Transportation and City of International Falls and Koochiching County
Cooperative Construction Agreement for the Highway 53 Reconstruction project, State Project No.: 3606-56; MnDOT Contract No.: 1036509

MOTION by Councilor Buller approving Resolution No. 39-20, Approve State of Minnesota Department of Transportation and City of International Falls and Koochiching County
Cooperative Construction Agreement for the Highway 53 Reconstruction project, State Project No.: 3606-56; MnDOT Contract No.: 1036509. Motion seconded by Councilor Krause and carried unanimously.

APPROVED Resolution No. 40-20, Approve State of Minnesota Department of Transportation and City of International Falls Detour Agreement for Trunk Highway No. 53 Detour, State Project No.: 3606-48; MnDOT Contract No.: 1036896

MOTION by Councilor Nelson approving Resolution No. 40-20, Approve State of Minnesota Department of Transportation and City of International Falls Detour Agreement for Trunk Highway No. 53 Detour, State Project No.: 3606-48; MnDOT Contract No.: 1036896. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously.

TABLED opening of City Beach

City Administrator Anderson stated the Camp Host Amanda Steffen would be available to complete her duties as Camp Host as long as her husband was able to perform his Fish Guiding service on Rainy Lake. Anderson spoke with Derek Foss the Public Health Supervisor at Koochiching County and he stated they would continue to check the water quality as they have in the past. Bill Mason shared with City Administrator Anderson that he has lifeguards hired for the summer of 2020. All Councilor’s and Mayor agreed in opening City Beach but wanted to wait for orders from Governor Walz. They were also in agreement for Amanda Steffen to relocate here as Camp Host prior to the Governors orders.

MOTION by Councilor Nelson to table the opening of City Beach. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously.

APPROVED Smokey Bear mask

Mayor Droba shared that Loni Bright had made a mask with materials that were donated to her for Smokey Bear. Mayor stated that Smokey Bear has always sent a message to our community by the apparel that he wears.

MOTION by Councilor Krause approving Smokey Bear to wear a mask. Motion seconded by Councilor Ditsch and carried unanimously.

DISCUSSION of July 4^th Celebration

Mayor Droba stated the 4^th of July Commission will be meeting in the next few weeks to discuss options for the celebration. Mayor Droba shared the parade route could be extended, fireworks could still occur, more of the city parks could be used to prevent so many people in one area, and possibly having food vendors. Councilor Ditsch stated he is against any mass groups. Councilor Nelson suggested no chip piles and we should not try to attract people from outside the area. Mayor will bring all suggestions/concerns to the 4^th of July Commission.

TABLED approval of the Special Assessment Policy

MOTION by Councilor Buller to table the approval of the Special Assessment Policy so it can be reviewed by the Director of Public Works and Widseth. Motion seconded by Councilor Krause and carried unanimously.

Other:

Preparedness Plan

City Administrator Anderson presented the COVID-19 Preparedness Plan for the Administration Office and the Public Works Department. He stated the Fire Chief has ordered infrared thermometers. Councilor Buller addressed his concerns with the Public Works Department returning to work on May 4, 2020 before the council had reviewed and approved the preparedness plan. The Council will meet on May 7, 2020 at 5:00 P.M. for an Emergency City Council Meeting to discuss further. The Public Works Department will return to the previous schedule.

Ordinance No. 38, 5^th Series – Opening Food Service Lobbies

Councilor Krause asked the council if the lobbies could be opened back up. Ordinance No. 38, 5^th Series closed the lobbies to the public. Council will review at the Emergency City Council Meeting on May 7, 2020 at 5:00 P.M.

Blight

Councilor Ditsch stated the residential blight process is moving along well. He stated concerns with three businesses. Friends Garbage, Northern Lumber and Meyers Glass. City Administrator Anderson shared that a certified letter was already sent to one of the businesses on May 4, 2020.

REPORTS:

Reports of the Administrator, Attorney, and Department Heads 

City Administrator Anderson shared The Daily Journal will be going to one publication per week. He also stated he has been working on the Bond Issues.

City Attorney Shermoen had nothing to report.

The Blight Report dated May 4, 2020 was available for review.

Reports of Mayor and Council Committees

Mayor Droba shared he will be assigning one person to the Recreation Commission Board.

Mayor Droba stated he has received several repeat phone calls about the deer population in the City of International Falls and calendar parking not being enforced. Mayor spoke with Police Chief Mastin regarding calendar parking. Community members shared with Mayor Droba how grateful they were with the open and informative communication regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

AUDIENCE

None.

ADJOURNMENT 

Mayor Droba reminded everyone of the Emergency City Council meeting on Thursday, May 7, 2020 at 5:00 P.M. and the next regular City Council meeting on Monday, May 18, 2020 at 5:30 P.M. Mayor Droba adjourned the meeting at 7:04 P.M.