A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of International Falls, Minnesota was held in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building and via BlueJeans Conferencing on the 1st day of March, 2021 at the hour of 5:30 P.M.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Councilors Buller, Ditsch, Holden, Krause, and Mayor Droba. Media and public via BlueJeans Conferencing. All members noted they could hear the others and the discussion.
MEMBERS ABSENT: None.
| APPROVED agenda with addition | MOTION by Councilor Krause to approve the agenda with one addition as presented:
Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED minutes of the February 16, 2021 regular City Council meeting | MOTION by Councilor Ditsch to approve minutes of the regular City Council meeting of February 16, 2021. Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously. |
| AUDIENCE | Casey Maruk, resident of International Falls, was present to explain to the Council and the public that he will be holding a citywide cleanup at his own cost and assisting residents with cleanup of blighted property. The Council thanked Mr. Maruk for his initiative on the matter. |
| ADOPTED Resolution No. 11-2021 approving transfers, payment of claims, and accounts payable | MOTION by Councilor Krause to adopt Resolution No. 11-2021 approving transfers, payment of claims and accounts payable for the first monthly City Council meeting. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously. |
CLAIMS
| A+ Pest Management | Pest Control | 425.00 | 70541 |
| Alex Air Apparatus Inc | Hose/Fittings | 192.67 | 70542 |
| Align Chiropractic & Wellness Ctr | Pre-Employment Physical A Stevens | 95.00 | 70543 |
| Amazon Capital Services | Office Supplies – Housing/Bldg Official | 170.44 | 70544 |
| Ameritas Life Ins Corp | Dental Insurance Premiums | 1,837.16 | 70545 |
| BCBS of MN | Health Insurance Premiums | 4,343.50 | 70546 |
| Borderland Humane Society | Pound Operation | 2,250.00 | 70547 |
| Bound Tree Medical LLC | Ambulance Supplies | 979.48 | 70548 |
| Bremer Cardmember Service | Sup – W Plnt/Pol/Safety/Str/IT, M&R – Fire | 3,982.54 | 70549 |
| City of Int’l Falls – Fund 101 | Lodging Tax Transfer | 157.60 | 70550 |
| City Water Department | City Buildings – Water Usage | 1,181.08 | 70551 |
| Convention & Visitors Bureau | Lodging Tax | 2,994.48 | 70552 |
| Core & Main | Cobblestone W/S Service, Meter Parts | 9,611.37 | 70553 |
| EMS Regulatory Board | MN Education Program Application | 100.00 | 70554 |
| Forest Lake Printing | Police Department – Hats | 56.68 | 70555 |
| Galls, an Aramark Co., LLC | Clothing – Fire/Ambulance/Sweney | 646.56 | 70556 |
| Graybar | Supplies – Street Lighting | 679.64 | 70557 |
| H & L Mesabi | Grader Blades – Airport | 1,502.10 | 70558 |
| Holiday Companies | Gas – Strm & San Sew/Fire/Wtr/Str/Housing | 6,240.38 | 70559 |
| International Code Council | Training Materials – Building Official | 300.00 | 70560 |
| Int’l Falls US Post Office | Permit #79 Escrow | 2,000.00 | 70561 |
| Int’l Falls/Kooch Cty | City Share March 2021 Project Costs | 67,518.48 | 70562 |
| Ironhide Equipment Inc | Bobcat Skidster Parts – Unit 6 | 207.61 | 70563 |
| IUOE Local 49 | Health Insurance Premiums | 29,554.00 | 70564 |
| Lakes Gas Co #23 | Supplies – Water Department | 46.56 | 70565 |
| Lawson Products Inc | Supplies – Street Lighting | 154.74 | 70566 |
| LVC Inc | VNP Fire Alarm Troubleshoot/Repair | 506.16 | 70567 |
| Marco | Antivirus/Microsoft Exchange | 532.00 | 70568 |
| Marco Technologies LLC | Contract/Print Copies – Fire/Admin/PW | 1,271.66 | 70569 |
| Mark Leblanc | Meal Allowance | 10.00 | 70570 |
| MedicareBlue Rx | Health Insurance Premiums | 1,560.00 | 70571 |
| Melanie Clarity | Sewing – Fire Department | 94.00 | 70572 |
| Menards International Falls | Sup – Amb/Str/Bld Off/Fire/Safety/San Sew | 494.44 | 70573 |
| Midcontinent Communications | Cable – Fire Hall/Amb, Internet – Wtr Plnt | 135.07 | 70574 |
| Minnesota Energy Resources | Utilities | 3,236.48 | 70575 |
| Minnesota Industries | Supplies – Water Department | 9.33 | 70576 |
| MN Dept. of Labor & Industry | Pressure Vessel | 40.00 | 70577 |
| Northern Reliable Agency | Volunteer Fire Department Insurance | 844.00 | 70578 |
| Northland Counseling Center | Police Evaluation – R Stenson/A Stevens | 436.00 | 70579 |
| Rainy Lake Medical Center | Pharmaceutical Supplies | 10.29 | 70580 |
| Range Paper Corp | Supplies – Ambulance/Fire | 266.09 | 70581 |
| Ronning’s | Clothing Allowance – M Bounds | 25.00 | 70582 |
| Scalzo Architects | 2045 Locker Rm/Lunch Rm City Garage | 3,111.25 | 70583 |
| Soundnorth | Supplies – Housing/IT/Police | 180.97 | 70584 |
| State of MN Dept. of Public Safety | Program Fees | 100.00 | 70585 |
| Steven M Shermoen | Legal Fees | 9,007.00 | 70586 |
| Streicher’s Inc | Clothing – Wherley/Franz/Stenson/Stevens | 1,717.50 | 70587 |
| Sun Life Financial | Life Insurance Premiums | 465.38 | 70588 |
| TC Lighting Supplies & Recycling | Recycling | 80.95 | 70589 |
| The Nelson Trust | Health Insurance Premiums | 38,912.00 | 70590 |
| Volunteer Firefighters | Firefighters Insurance | 1,000.00 | 70591 |
| WMG Lyfjaberg LLC | Medical Director | 300.00 | 70592 |
| Ziegler Inc | Grader Lease – 12M3AWD | 5,000.00 | 70593 |
| Lakes Gas Co #23 | Re-Issue Check #69758 | 25.14 | 70594 |
| The following checks were issued under blanket authorization: | |||
| AFLAC | Supplemental Insurance | 225.04 | 100885 |
| AllState – American Heritage | Supplemental Insurance | 9.64 | 100886 |
| Bremer Bank NA | Federal Withholding | 41,083.54 | 100887 |
| I.U.O.E. Local Central Pen Fund | Retirement | 4,244.10 | 100888 |
| Intl Falls Ambulance Service | Dues | 175.00 | 100889 |
| Justin Franz, Sec/Treas | C.O.P.S | 120.00 | 100890 |
| MN Child Support Pmt Center | Wage Assignment | 601.46 | 100891 |
| MN Department of Revenue | State Withholding | 7,641.98 | 100892 |
| Empower Retirement | Deferred Comp | 7,175.00 | 100893 |
| PERA | Retirement | 33,396.16 | 100894 |
| Sun Life Financial | Supplemental Life Insurance | 705.45 | 100895 |
| The Hartford | Voluntary LTD Insurance | 653.12 | 100896 |
| PUBLIC HEARING | None. |
| OPENING BIDS | None. |
| OLD BUSINESS:
Second and final reading of Contract Ordinance #973, an Ordinance Setting Rates Collected as Revenue Supporting Utility Operations |
MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve the second and final reading of Contract Ordinance #973, Setting Rates Collected as Revenue Supporting Utility Operations. Motion seconded by Councilor Ditsch and carried unanimously. |
| CONSENT AGENDA: APPROVED as presented |
MOTION by Councilor Krause to approve the Consent Agenda as presented: · License renewal for Cine 5, Inc. – restaurant license and theater license · Approve Financial Planning Agreement with Northland Securities, Inc. – Tax Abatement for Cobblestone Hotel Project · Approve Financial Planning Agreement with Northland Securities, Inc. – Tax Abatement for IF Properties, LLC · Updated contact information for DEED Shovel Ready Flyer for Multi-Modal Distribution Center Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously. |
| NEW BUSINESS: | |
| APPROVED license application from Espresso Lane, LLC dba The Library for restaurant license, effective March 1, 2021 | MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve the license application from Espresso Lane, LLC dba The Library for restaurant license, effective March 1, 2021. Motion seconded by Councilor Krause. Motion passed 4-0-1 with Councilors Buller, Ditsch, Holden, and Krause voting ‘yea’ and Mayor Droba abstaining. |
| APPROVED Order for Correction Action in the Matter of a Hazardous House at 1717 1st Avenue West, International Falls, Minnesota | MOTION by Councilor Holden to approve the Order for Corrective Action in the Matter of a Hazardous House, located at 1717 1st Avenue West, International Falls. Motion seconded by Councilor Ditsch. It was agreed that the Order would not be immediately filed in District Court, and the timing of that would be at the discretion of the Building Official and City Attorney. Motion carried unanimously. |
| ADOPTED Resolution No. 12-2021 approving the Falls Memorial Hospital Foundation Inc., dba Rainy Lake Medical Center Foundation application for exempt permit to sell raffle tickets, with the drawing to be held Wednesday, September 1, 2021 at 1400 Highway 71 | MOTION by Councilor Krause to adopt Resolution No. 12-2021 approving the Falls Memorial Hospital Foundation Inc., dba Rainy Lake Medical Center Foundation application for an exempt permit to sell raffle tickets, with the drawing to be held Wednesday, September 1, 2021 at Rainy Lake Medical Center, 1400 Highway 71, International Falls. Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously. |
| ADOPTED Resolution No. 13-2021 approving the Bronco Bass Fishing Club application for exempt permit to sell raffle tickets, with the drawing to be held Wednesday, August 11, 2021 at 300 7th Street | MOTION by Councilor Holden to adopt Resolution No. 13-2021 approving the Bronco Bass Fishing Club application for an exempt permit to sell raffle tickets, with the drawing to be held Wednesday, August 11, 2021 at the Philosopher’s Club, 300 7th Street, International Falls. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously. |
| ADOPTED Resolution No. 14-2021 supporting MnDOT funding assistance through the Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP) | MOTION by Councilor Buller to adopt Resolution No. 14-2021 supporting MnDOT funding assistance through the Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP). Motion seconded by Councilor Krause and carried unanimously. |
| ADOPTED Resolution No. 15-2021 supporting G.O. Bond Proceeds Grant Agreement – Construction Grant for the Reconstruction Runway 13/31 Phase 3 Project | MOTION by Councilor Buller to adopt Resolution No. 15-2021 supporting G.O. Bond Proceeds Grant Agreement – Construction Grant for the Reconstruction Runway 13/31 Phase 3 Project. Motion seconded by Councilor Krause and carried unanimously. |
| ADOPTED Resolution No. 16-2021 approving salary change for Interim City Administrator Betty Bergstrom | MOTION by Councilor Ditsch to adopt Resolution No. 16-2021 approving a change in salary for Interim City Administrator Betty Bergstrom to the current City Administrator salary effective Monday, March 8, 2021, per the Human Resource Committee’s recommendation. Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously. |
| Human Resources Committee recommendations: | |
| a. APPROVED the one-year Labor Agreement between the City of International Falls and the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local #49, for the Public Works and Administrative Office Clerical Staff, January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021 | MOTION by Councilor Ditsch to approve the one-year (January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021) Labor Agreement between the City of International Falls and the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local #49, for the Public Works and Administrative Office Clerical Staff. Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously. |
| b. Discuss if there is a need for assistance from search firm to fill City Administrator vacancy | The City Council discussed the process of filling the position of City Administrator and how it was handled previously. Councilor Ditsch stressed that he would like the City to begin the process now and not delay. Councilor Krause stated he would like to have the City Administrator job description and duties discussed at a Committee-of-the-Whole meeting
MOTION by Councilor Ditsch to have a Request for Proposals (RFP) compiled and distributed to firms for City Administrator recruitment services. Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously. |
| c. Advertise job opening and seek applicants to fill vacancy in City Administrator position | No action taken on this item. |
| APPROVED updates to Exhibit A of Ordinance No. 26, 5th Series, Annexation of land for resubmittal to Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) | MOTION by Councilor Krause to approve updates to Exhibit A of Ordinance No. 26, 5th Series, Annexation of land for resubmittal to Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH). Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously. |
| Update on Property Acquisition | City Attorney Shermoen gave an update on the acquisition of property located at 801 3rd Avenue. City Attorney Shermoen said there is an verbal agreement in place and the seller’s attorney is making some minor changes, but he hopes to have the purchase agreement on the March 15, 2021 City Council agenda for approval. |
| RE-APPOINTED Councilors Buller and Krause to the Forest Hill Cemetery Board | MOTION by Councilor Holden to confirm the Mayor’s re-appointment of Councilors Buller and Krause to the Forest Hill Cemetery Board for one-year terms, January 1, 2021 – December 31, 2021. Motion seconded by Councilor Ditsch. Motion passed 3-0-2 with Councilors Ditsch, Holden, and Mayor Droba voting ‘yea’ and Councilors Buller and Krause abstaining. |
| REPORTS:
Reports of the Administrator, Attorney, and Department Heads |
City Administrator Anderson thanked the Council and staff for the reception held for him for his pending retirement. City Administrator Anderson thanked everyone for making his seven years serving as the City Administrator a productive and enjoyable experience. Administrator Anderson noted he hoped he made a positive impact during his tenure and is excited for the community and its prospects with some of the pending projects on the horizon. City Administrator Anderson noted that the Council approved the Labor Agreement with IUOE Local #49 and he will get copies of the fully executed and signed contract to the City Council.
City Attorney Shermoen thanked City Administrator Anderson for all his years of service. Shermoen stated it has been a pleasure to work with Anderson and believes the City is in a much better place due to his assistance over the years. City Attorney Shermoen noted he did not have an updated blight report due to little change in the statuses of criminal blight cases. Shermoen noted that he has been meeting weekly with the Building Official and Fire Marshal on issues and plans of action regarding housing matters. |
| Reports of Mayor and Council Committees | Councilor Ditsch noted that he was not certain if resuming the Commercial, Residential Building, and Property Blight Ad Hoc Advisory Committee was in the best interest of the City with the addition of a full-time Fire Marshal and was concerned about the Committee attempting to micro-manage the Fire Marshal. It was discussed that the future role of the Blight Ad-Hoc Committee should be discussed at a Committee-of-the-Whole meeting, with Councilor Krause noting that the Ad Hoc Blight Committee could be used for organizing community cleanups and mobilizing volunteers such as Mr. Maruk to help in struggling neighborhoods.
Councilor Krause noted that Jeff Hausmann, local landlord, in coordination with Shannon Arnold, realtor, is seeking vacant buildable lots to purchase to construct rental units on.
Fire Marshal Baldwin gave an update on the implementation of vacant property registration in conjunction with the transition to the property maintenance code. Baldwin noted that the first administrative citation has been issued in an effort to help curb the number of violations taken to court.
Mayor Droba thanked City Administrator Anderson for his past seven years of service to the City of International Falls and presented him with a certificate of appreciation. |
| AUDIENCE | Casey Maruk noted that he will be hosting a free car wash at Koerter’s Fuel on Sunday, March 28, 2021 from 10:30 A.M. until 6:00 P.M. to jumpstart his spring cleanup efforts. |
| ADJOURNMENT | Mayor Droba reminded everyone that the next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 15, 2021 at 5:30 P.M. and adjourned the meeting at 6:33 P.M. |
Harley M. Droba, Mayor
ATTEST:
Betty Bergstrom, Interim City Administrator
