Emma Rud, International Union of Operating Engineer’s Local #49 Union Steward presented a petition, signed by thirteen of the twenty members, to reinstate employees after temporary loss of CDL.  The petition stated ‘The undersigned employees of the City of International Falls Public Works are in favor of two employees being reinstated to their current positions upon obtaining a valid Minnesota Commercial Vehicle Driver’s License.  We are in total agreement to help the City of International Falls Public Works Department, in any way we can, to continue to operate efficiently and as safe as possible.  We are looking forward to them returning to these positions to serve the citizens of the City of International Falls as they have in the past.’

Dan Manick, International Union of Operating Engineer’s Local #49 area Business Representative stated he felt more negotiating was needed in regards to the two employees that have temporarily lost their Minnesota Commercial Vehicle Driver’s License.  Mr. Manick stated they are highly skilled employees and asked that the Council amend the agreement that was presented to the Council.

Tabled the Second and Final Reading of Contract Ordinance #975 for 22^nd Street Reconstruction and Highway Lane Reconstruction Project, including the Main Avenue South bid alternate and Court Lane bid alternate

MOTION by Councilor Holden to table Second and Final Reading of Contract Ordinance #975 for 22^nd Street Reconstruction and Highway Lane Reconstruction Project, including the Main Avenue South bid alternate and Court Lane bid alternate.  Motion seconded by Councilor Krause and carried unanimously.

APPROVED Resolution 51­-2021 application for exempt permit for Auxiliary to VFW Peter Graham POST 2948 to conduct a raffle on November 8, 2021

Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously.

Councilor Ditsch questioned whether the agreement should be tabled for further discussion.

City Attorney Shermoen shared that Public Works Director Brokaw feels he would have to hire another employee to cover for the two employees who are not able to satisfy their full duties without a valid CDL.  Mr. Shermoen felt it was worthy of delaying approval for further discussion since other employees have a CDL.

City Administration Bergstrom stated that several meetings and email correspondence have been exchanged in regards to the positions.  Administrator Bergstrom stated the City does not want the employees to lose their jobs, but the Public Works Director has a service to provide for citizens and feels it will be difficult without these two employees having a CDL.

Councilor Holden stated that the City of International Falls has had a great working relationship with IUOE Local 49 and feels this process and agreement is disrespectful to the union given these positions require very little use of a CDL.

Mayor Droba stated that the Public Works department has amazing employees, but stated this is no reflection on them as employees.  Mayor Droba concurred that an end date seems appropriate.

MOTION by Councilor Holden to amend the original motion to reinstate the employee to their previous position and respective rate of pay upon reinstatement of a valid Minnesota Commercial Vehicle Driver’s License.  Motion seconded by Councilor Krause and carried unanimously.

MOTION by Councilor Holden to approve a Letter of Agreement between the City of International Falls and International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 49, Public Works & Administrative Office Staff to reinstate the employee to their previous position and respective rate of pay upon reinstatement of a valid Minnesota Commercial Vehicle Driver’s License.  Motion seconded by Councilor Krause.  Motion carried 3-1 with Councilors Ditsch, Holden and Krause voting ‘yea’ and Mayor Droba voting ‘nay’.

Reports of the Administrator, Attorney, and Department Heads