APPROVED agenda with addition

MOTION by Councilor Briggs to approve the agenda with addition as presented:

• New Business #8 – Approve Memorandum of Understanding between the City and Woodworkers Lodge W-33, IAMAW, Union for Firefighter Engineer work schedule change effective until December 31, 2020

Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously.

APPROVED minutes of the September 21, 2020 regular City Council meeting

MOTION by Councilor Ditsch to approve minutes of the regular City Council meeting of September 21, 2020. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously.

APPROVED minutes of the September 28, 2020 special City Council meeting

MOTION by Councilor Briggs to approve minutes of the special City Council meeting of September 28, 2020. Motion seconded by Councilor Ditsch and carried unanimously.

ADOPTED Resolution No. 88-20 approving transfers, payment of claims, and accounts payable

MOTION by Councilor Krause to adopt Resolution No. 88-20 approving transfers, payment of claims and accounts payable for the first monthly City Council meeting. Motion seconded by Councilor Briggs and carried unanimously.

Alex Air Apparatus Inc.

Non Spark Hazmat D – Handle

71.18  

69531 

Allied Generators 

Generator Maint/Insp-VNP/M Bldg/WP

3,773.49  

69532 

Amazon Capital Services 

Sup/Part-Pol/Pub Wrks/VNP/Amb/20-05

1,410.08  

69533 

Ameritas Life Ins Corp 

Dental Insurance Premiums 

1,837.16  

69534 

Andrea Skelly 

Building Permit Refund

103.40  

69535 

Battalion Distributing 

Supplies – Sanitary Sewer

58.40  

69536 

BCBS of MN

Health Insurance Premiums 

4,225.50  

69537 

Big Fish Print Solutions 

Business Cards – Building Official

51.38  

69538 

Borderland Humane Society 

Pound Operation 

2,250.00  

69539

Bound Tree Medical LLC

Ambulance Supplies 

1,313.73  

69540 

Bremer Cardmember Service 

Trvl/Sup/It/Tools-Pol/Adm/Fir/Wtr/VNP

2,573.08  

69541 

Cenex Voyager Fleet 

Gas/Wash-Grnds/Pol/Amb/WP/Bldg Off 

2,245.20  

69542 

Citizens for Backus/AB

Training – Police

373.59  

69543 

City of Int’l Falls – Fund 101

Lodging Tax Transfer 

349.55  

69544 

City Water Department 

City Buildings – Water Usage 

1,370.65  

69545 

CMS Medicare

Amb Overpayment Refund-27546977 

245.55

69546 

Convention & Visitors Bureau 

Lodging Tax 

6,641.50  

69547 

Crandall’s Septic Pumping 

Portable Johns – City Parks 

875.00  

69548 

Drug Task Force 

Misc. Expenses – Forfeiture

2,000.00  

69549 

Earl F Andersen 

No Parking Signs 

233.85  

69550 

Epic Threads 

Clothing Allowance – S Wherley

45.00  

69551 

Erickson’s Lawncare 

Fertilizing-VNP/KP/Cty Bch/SBP/River

4,800.00  

69552 

ESS Brothers & Sons Inc.

Water Dept. Supplies

5,922.00  

69553 

First Line Technology

Hazmat-SOS Kit Opiod/Fast Grab Decon

1,227.00  

69554 

Ford of Hibbing

2020 Ford Expl. 20-03 Police 

34,536.00  

69555 

Forestland Sales & Service 

Repairs – Police

21.00  

69556 

Gopher State One – Call

Monthly Billing 

357.75  

69557 

Hamilton Medical 

Supplies – Ambulance 

1,976.96  

69558 

Holiday Companies 

Gas-Grnds/St Sew/Fir/Hous/Str/Amb/Wtr

5,678.82  

69559 

Int’l Falls US Post Office

Permit #79 Escrow 

2,000.00  

69560 

Int’l Falls/Kooch Cty 

City Share Sept Project Costs

1,710,767.87  

69561 

IUOE Local 49

Health Insurance Premiums 

28,354.00  

69562 

KBM Geospatial

2020-10429 Intl Falls 2021 Improv Map

14,066.00  

69563 

Kooch Co Env Services Dept.

Sanitation Service – MSW

6.00

69564 

Lawson Products Inc.

Supplies/Tools – Street Lighting

244.75  

69565 

LVC Inc.

VNP Sprinkler Inspection

1,732.00  

69566 

Macqueen Equipment Inc.

2020 Trackless Mt 7 Municipal Tractor 

195,250.00  

69567 

Mannco Trucking Inc.

Lowboy Rental

962.50  

69568 

Marco 

Antivirus/Microsoft Exch, Comp-P Work 

2,141.30  

69569 

Marco – LEC

LEC – C368 Copier Agreement

243.98  

69570 

Marco Technologies LLC

Contract/Print Copies – Fire/Admin/PW

1,431.46  

69571 

Marie Ridgeway LICSW, LLC

Patrol Officer Training 

3,030.00  

69572 

Matt Buller 

Safety Boot Allowance 

110.00  

69573 

McCoy Const. & Forestry Inc.

John Deere 180G

225,934.75  

69574 

MEBULBS

Supplies – Street Lighting

1,502.40  

69575 

Med One Equipment Services

IV Tubing

325.00  

69576 

MedicareBlue Rx

Health Insurance Premiums 

1,437.30  

69577 

Menards International Falls 

Sup-Haz/Str/S Sew/Gar/W Plnt/Amb/Fir 

623.19  

69578 

Michael Bounds 

Travel Expense Reimbursement

379.70  

69579 

Midcontinent Communications 

Cable-Fire Hall/Amb, Internet-Wtr Plnt 

365.07  

69580 

Minnesota Ambulance Assoc.

Annual Membership Dues 

1,300.00  

69581 

Minnesota Energy Resources 

Utilities 

440.56  

69582 

Minnesota Industries 

Supplies – Street/Garage/San Sewer

162.14  

69583 

Minnesota Rural Water Assoc.

Annual Membership 

350.00  

69584 

ON2 Solutions

Banner Accessories 

789.85  

69585 

Roche’s Towing 

Towing – Police

245.00

69586 

Ronning’s  

Clothing Allowance – R Mastin/ J Mastin

346.92  

69587 

Shannon’s Inc.

Bldg Maint – St Garage

117.00  

69588 

Snap On – Marble MN

Tools/Parts – Street Garage

1,356.65  

69589 

Soundnorth 

Supplies – Street/ Water Plant

124.97  

69590 

Steve Boyum Construction 

16th St-7th Ave to 6th Ave

1,716.00  

69591 

Steven M Shermoen 

Legal Fees 

11,332.00  

69592 

Streicher’s Inc.

Clothing Allowance – Wherley/Lessard

539.88  

69593 

Stride Fitness & Health

Acct Deposit Refund 

20.00  

69594 

Stryker Sales Corp 

Ambulance Supplies 

7,582.31  

69595 

Sun Life Financial 

Life Insurance Premiums 

459.50  

69596 

Taylor’s Plumbing & Htg LLC

Bldg Maint – City Garage

300.00

69597 

The Dent Shop 

Unit 2 Police – Battery

204.95  

69598 

The Nelson Trust 

Health Insurance Premiums 

36,480.00  

69599 

Thomas Crane 

Ambulance Overpayment Refund 

300.00  

69600 

UHL Company Inc.

Bldg Maint – City Hall/Ice Shelter/VNP

12,409.61  

69601 

Verizon Wireless 

Monthly Cellular Service 

849.24  

69602 

Viking Electric Supply Inc.

Supplies/Tools – St Lighting/Fire

737.39  

69603 

Wagner Construction Inc.

Ready Mix – St Stabilization

1,869.00  

69604

Widseth 

Engineering Services 

146,693.18  

69605 

The following checks were issued under blanket authorization:

AFLAC 

Supplemental Insurance 

225.04

100726

AllState – American Heritage  

Supplemental Insurance 

9.64 

100727

Bremer Bank NA 

Federal Withholding

39,344.68

100728

IUOE Local Central Pension  

Retirement 

4,123.80

100729

Intl Falls Ambulance Service 

Dues 

147.00

100730

Justin Franz, Sec/Treas 

C.O.P.S. 

120.00

100731

MN Child Support Pmt Center 

Wage Assignment 

601.46

100732

MN Department of Revenue

State Withholding 

7,605.44

100733

Empower Retirement 

Deferred Comp 

7,175.00

100734

PERA 

Retirement 

33,793.69

100735

Sun Life Financial 

Supplemental Life Insurance 

687.17

100736

The Hartford 

Voluntary LTD Insurance 

543.18

100737

AUDIENCE

None.

PUBLIC HEARING:

“Use of Body – Worn Cameras Policy” for implementation by the International Falls Police Department

Chief Mastin explained that under Minnesota State Statute in order for a police department to enact the use of body-worn cameras, a policy must be in place. The City of International Falls’ draft policy is based on the League of Minnesota Cities’ model policy and follows the policies which other cities have adopted. Chief Mastin noted that Minnesota State Statute also requires a public comment period and hearing to allow for public comment on the draft “Use of Body – Worn Cameras Policy”.

Mayor Droba opened it up to receive public input and comment regarding the “Use of Body – Worn Cameras Policy” for implementation by the International Falls Police Department. No public input was received in-person or electronically. Councilor Buller stated that all comments he has heard on the use of body-worn cameras by police has been positive. Councilor Krause stated he would like this item to be pushed off to a separate meeting for discussion and public input as the matter has been controversial nationwide. Mayor Droba stated he believes it is just the opposite and if they had received a large amount of negative comments it would be grounds for a separate meeting with further discussion. Councilor Krause agreed and rescinded his request for a separate meeting.

John Vinar, local landlord, inquired as to whether dashboard cameras were currently being used in squad cars. Chief Mastin stated that the International Falls Police Department had dashboard cameras in squad cars under Chief Chris Raboin’s tenure as Chief of Police. Chief Mastin explained at that time the dashboard cameras were recorded onto VHS tapes and it was poor quality video, with the equipment being very costly to maintain. Chief Mastin stated that body-worn cameras cover a much wider scope and are not limited to traffic stops like dashboard cameras and the current technology is greatly improved with high quality video.

City Attorney Shermoen stated that body-worn cameras are very good for both the Police Department and the public and should be enacted as soon as possible for everyone’s protection and peace of mind.

Mayor Droba inquired as to how the Data Privacy Act comes into play with this type of video and potential evidence. Chief Mastin explained that at the end of each officer’s shift they will upload the body-worn camera footage from the duration of their shift to the “cloud” for storage. Each officer will be required to tag and flag each “encounter” accordingly in order to properly identify it for data privacy and records retention purposes. City Administrator Anderson noted that the City of International Falls has adopted the Minnesota Clerks and Finance Officers Association’s (MCFOA) “General Records Retention Schedule for Minnesota Cities”. City Administrator Anderson stated a link to this records retention policy is available on the City’s website for review alongside the draft “Use of Body – Worn Cameras Policy” and data practices ordinance.

MOTION by Councilor Ditsch to authorize use of body-worn cameras by the International Falls Police Department. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously.

OPENING BIDS:

APPROVED quote from ON2 Solutions to purchase Finelite LED fixtures to upgrade lighting in the Council Chambers for remote, virtual meetings payable from CARES funds

City Administrator Anderson shared the quote from ON2 Solutions to purchase Finelite LED fixtures to upgrade lighting in the Council Chambers for remote, virtual meetings. Mr. Anderson explained that this is a continuation of the audio-video teleconferencing/streaming/recording system commissioned from Small Town Tech and will further the abilities to hold remote, virtual meetings. Money received from the CARES Act will fund the project.

MOTION by Councilor Briggs to approve the quote of $7,900 from ON2 Solutions to purchase Finelite LED fixtures to upgrade lighting in the Council Chambers for remote, virtual meetings, payable from CARES Act funds. Motion seconded by Councilor Ditsch and carried unanimously.

OLD BUSINESS:

APPROVED Second and final reading of Ordinance No. 39, 5th Series, An Ordinance Repealing Section 8-30 and Enacting Revised Section 8-30 of the Code of Ordinances for Regulating Recreational and Special Vehicles

MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve the second and final reading of Ordinance No. 39, 5th Series, An Ordinance Repealing Section 8-30 and Enacting Revised Section 8-30 of the Code of Ordinances for Regulating Recreational and Special Vehicles. Motion seconded by Councilor Krause.

In discussion, Councilor Krause commended City Administrator Anderson for all the research and work he did on the ordinance revisions. Councilor Krause also pointed out that this ordinance merely added language to better identify ATVs and state driving laws such as the legal driving age and speed limits still remain in effect.

City Administrator Anderson stated that golf carts would need a slow-moving emblem and a permit issued by the City every three years. City Administrator Anderson explained that the City currently does not have a fee adopted for golf cart permits and will therefore issue them with no fee until such time as an updated fee schedule is adopted.

Motion carried unanimously.

APPROVED Second and final reading of Ordinance No. 40, 5th Series, An Ordinance Amending the Code of Ordinances, Section 2-9, Salaries of Mayor and Councilor, by Adding Per-Meeting Pay

Mayor Droba explained that currently the Mayor receives $350.00 per month salary and Councilors receive $300.00 per month salary, along with a $700.00 annual contingency fee. If approved the monthly salary of the Mayor and Councilors would include additional pay on a per-meeting-basis [per meeting $45.00, half-day meeting $75.00 and full-day meeting $150.00].

MOTION by Councilor Briggs to approve the second and final reading of Ordinance No. 40, 5th Series, An Ordinance Amending the Code of Ordinances, Section 2-9, Salaries of Mayor and Councilor, by Adding Per-Meeting Pay. Motion seconded by Councilor Ditsch. Councilor Krause asked if this would be an automatic reimbursement or if this would be on a voucher system. Mayor Droba explained that City Councilors would have to seek reimbursement for the meetings they attend. Mayor Droba explained the reason for this change is to allow for anyone to be on the Council. Often Council members come to meetings in the middle of the workday, which can be costly to those who work and are not retired. Mayor Droba stated that without this change in place, it could discourage younger community members who work from seeking to be on the City Council. Motion carried unanimously.

COVID-19 Testing Information

City Administrator Anderson provided the Council and public with COVID-19 testing information based upon a citizen’s request at the last City Council meeting. He indicated the CARES Act requires the cost of COVID-19 testing be free to the patient.

CONSENT AGENDA: APPROVED as presented 

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

• Approve the 2021 Northeast Service Cooperative/BCBS health insurance renewal and authorize signatures
• Approve the 2021 Group BCBS Medicare Senior Gold health insurance renewal and authorize signatures

Motion seconded by Councilor Briggs and carried unanimously.

NEW BUSINESS:

Bob Discenza, landlord, expressed community concerns

Mr. Bob Discenza, local landlord, spoke at length about various community concerns. Mr. Discenza requested that the parking in front of his office at 519 4^th Avenue return to 4-hour parking rather than calendar parking. Mr. Discenza expressed his distaste for calendar parking on 5^th Street between 3^rd and 4^th Avenue, as both he and Mr. Nick Sivonen have apartment complexes with a total of 18 units and limited off-street parking, making it particularly difficult in the winter.

Mr. Discenza stated he does not like the City’s ordinance requiring that water bills remain in the owner’s name and stated this has created more work for him as a landlord.

Mr. Discenza stated he would like to see the City rethink the addition of the Fire Marshal position and imposing rental licensing fees. Mr. Discenza stated this would be a burden to the rental market as it would cause an increase in rent citywide.

APPROVED Mayoral Proclamation establishing October 2020 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month

MOTION by Councilor Briggs to approve the Mayoral Proclamation establishing October 2020 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Motion seconded by Councilor Ditsch and carried unanimously.

ADOPTED Resolution No. 89-20 approving delinquent water and sewer accounts to be certified to the County Auditor/Treasurer

MOTION by Councilor Buller to adopt Resolution No. 89-20 approving delinquent water and sewer accounts with interest to be certified to the County Auditor/Treasurer. Motion seconded by Councilor Krause.

Administration staff provided the Council with statistics to show the significant downward trend of water/sewer assessments since enacting the Ordinance requiring water bills remain in the homeowner’s name, rather than allowing them to be in the renter’s name. This change has provided the City with a large cost savings of both staff time and postage.

Motion carried unanimously.

ADOPTED Resolution No. 90-20 approving delinquent grass and blight invoices to be certified to the County Auditor/Treasurer

MOTION by Councilor Ditsch to adopt Resolution No. 90-20 approving delinquent grass and blight invoices with interest to be certified to the County Auditor/Treasurer. Motion seconded by Councilor Briggs and carried unanimously.

ADOPTED Resolution No. 91-20 declaring surplus equipment from the Public Works Department and authorize to sell and dispose of the excess property via Do-Bid online bids

MOTION by Councilor Buller to adopt Resolution No. 91-20 declaring equipment as surplus from the Public Works Department and authorize public auction online via Do-Bid online bids. Motion seconded by Councilor Krause and carried unanimously.

DENIED demolition application for removal of two structures at 2105 and 2107 3^rd Avenue West

City Administrator Anderson explained that the consideration of the demolition application for removal of two structures at 2105 and 2107 3^rd Avenue West was returned to the Legislation and Land Use Committee last month. The Land Use and Legislation Committee is recommending that this demolition application be denied for the City undertaking the building demolition of these two structures and the property owner be encouraged to have a private contractor do the work rather than the City.

MOTION by Councilor Ditsch to deny and reject the demolition application for removal of two structures at 2105 and 2107 3^rd Avenue West as per the recommendation of the Legislation and Land Use Committee. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously.

APPROVED Recreation Hockey Preparedness Plan and Use of Kerry Park Arena

MOTION by Councilor Briggs to approve the Recreation Hockey Preparedness Plan and authorize opening Kerry Park Arena for hockey meeting state and federal COVID-19 guidelines. Motion seconded by Councilor Krause and carried unanimously.

APPROVED Memorandum of Understanding between the City of International Falls and Woodworkers Lodge W-33, IAMAW, Union for Firefighter Engineer work schedule change

MOTION by Councilor Briggs to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of International Falls and Woodworkers Lodge W-33, IAMAW, Union for Firefighter Engineer work schedule change effective until December 31, 2020. Motion seconded by Councilor Ditsch and carried unanimously.

REPORTS:

Reports of the Administrator, Attorney, and Department Heads 

City Administrator Anderson stated that MnDOT is holding a virtual public meeting on October 14, 2020 at 5:00 P.M. to discuss Highway 53 Reconstruction slated for 2021 and specifics on driveway markings for businesses in the Highway 53 corridor.

City Administrator Anderson explained that the mill outage is currently in effect and Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) has been given authorization to have employees park on both sides of 2^nd Street without being ticketed for calendar parking.

City Administrator Anderson reminded the public that the Chamber of Commerce is holding a Candidate Forum at the Backus Community Center on October 7, 2020 at 6:30 P.M. which will cover candidates running for local offices.

City Attorney Shermoen stated he had no additional criminal cases that have been brought to court. Mr. Shermoen stated that the current criminal cases are moving through the court process at this time.

Reports of Mayor and Council Committees 

Councilor Briggs stated that it is still uncertain on whether the Airport Commission will be allowed to use any of the $1,000,000 in CARES Act funding they received on general operating expenses. Councilor Briggs stated that the City Administrator and Airport Commission Secretary will need to be in close contact about this matter.

Mayor Droba stated that 2020 local road projects are winding down and are slated to be completed for the season on October 15, 2020. Mayor Droba stated that contractors will be fined $500.00 per day for every day they are late on finishing their respective projects.

AUDIENCE 

John Vinar, owner of the new Frito Lay building at 1600 6^th Avenue, inquired as to the cost he was invoiced for the installation of a new sanitary sewer service at his building.

ADJOURNMENT 

Mayor Droba reminded everyone of the regular City Council meeting on Monday, October 19, 2020 at 5:30 P.M. Mayor Droba adjourned the meeting at 7:21 P.M.