Mayor Droba explained that Isaac Sports Group (“ISG”) is currently working to determine these ongoing costs she explained, as well as how much the City would need to charge for daycare, ice time, kitchen rentals, and more to make this feasible.  Mayor Droba pointed to the fact that this would be a multi-use facility that would be used year-round, as opposed to the current arena that has limited uses and is only seasonally used.

Ms. Lundin in her capacity as the Director of the Backus Community Center welcomed the Mayor and Council to utilize the Backus Community Center to host a public hearing and input meeting where it can do a more formalized presentation to the public on the Kerry Park project.   Mayor Droba thanked Ms. Lundin and stated that the City is happy to host a presentation once the City has a full grasp on costs to answer the public’s questions.

City Administrator Bergstrom explained that the proposed Snow & Ice Policies have been in the works for several years.  These Snow & Ice Policies compile and consolidate existing City ordinances and rules, as well as state regulations on snow and ice removal into one easily accessible document.  It was stressed that these are not new rules, but most are either existing City Ordinances that have not been strongly enforced in the past or are state statutes.  City Administrator Bergstrom noted there is a sample violation letter enclosed for information and explains that violations in 2021-2022 will receive strictly a warning and no administrative fines.  The goal is to use this as an informational and educational period for the public on expectations for snow and ice removal, with the intention of beginning administrative fines in the winter of 2022-2023.

MOTION by Councilor Ditsch to approve the Snow & Ice Policies, as presented.  Motion seconded by Councilor Buller.  Councilor Buller noted that he liked that the City is using this winter (2021-2022) as an education period for the public, with no fines being imposed until next winter (2022-2023).  Motion carried unanimously.

1. Approve 2022 license renewals, as presented

·         Cine 5, Inc – restaurant license and theater license

·         Coffee Landing Café – restaurant license

·         Curb Appeal Lawn Care – snowplow license

·         D&S Pizza Inc dba Domino’s Pizza – restaurant license

Motion seconded by Councilor Ditsch and carried unanimously.

MOTION by Councilor Ditsch to approve the land transfer agreement between the City of International Falls and KOOTASCA Community Action, Inc.  Motion seconded by Councilor Buller.

Councilors noted that by transferring ownership to KOOTASCA, this will allow the building to go back on the tax roll.

Motion carried unanimously.

Director of Public Works Brokaw noted that this past summer the current pumps were coming on several times a day due to the City operating off just one water tank.  The pumps were sending abrupt shocks to the system, which caused many of the water breaks the City experienced over the summer.  Director Brokaw explained that the new VFDs will help prevent water breaks as they have a slow soft start that does not abruptly shock the system.

Motion carried unanimously.

Director of Public Works Brokaw explained that it has been over fifteen (15) years since the Water Plant intake was inspected and it should be routinely done every five to six (5-6) years.  Director Brokaw noted that this is a part of the City’s 5-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).

Motion carried unanimously.

• DG Retail, LLC dba Dollar General Store #15619 – cigarette license
• Koerter’s Inc dba Koerter’s Fuel & Car Wash – cigarette license and gasoline pumps license
• Super One Foods – cigarette license, restaurant license, and 3.2 off sale license
• VFW, Peter Graham #2948 – pool table license, club license, gambling license, restaurant license, Sunday liquor license, and juke box license

Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously.

Reports of the Administrator, Attorney, and Department Heads

Sherri Stensland, HR/Safety Director, stated she is working on OSHA requirements for the City of International Falls as an employer of over 100 people to have a COVID policy in place regarding vaccinations.  Ms. Stensland explained the options the City has and further explained that they may have to call a special City Council meeting before December 6, 2021 due to tight timelines set by OSHA for implementing said policy.  Ms. Stensland noted that there are currently lawsuits pending that could delay any action the City is required to take under these OSHA requirements.

The October 2021 International Falls Police Department Activity Report was available for review.

The October 2021 Fire/Rescue/EMS Department written report was available for review.