April 18, 2022 City Council Minutes

A+ Pest Management

APPROVED as presented

• Approve/allow necessary expenses for four (4) public works employees to attend the Northeast Minnesota Pruning Workshop at the University of MN Duluth on April 28, 2022
• Approve hiring of summer employees for Public Works/Administration/Housing, as presented:
  • Graci Bissonnette – Public Works
  • Brittany Foss – City Hall
  • Reid Hanson – Public Works
  • Brian Hoffies – Public Works
  • Hailey Horne – Public Works
  • Rylie Ritch – Public Works
  • Tanner Sether – Public Works
  • Parker Sivonen – Public Works
  • Connor Sutherland – Public Works
  • Savannah Valentine – Public Works

Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously.    

Voyageurs National Park Update – Superintendent Bob DeGross

Superintendent DeGross explained that zebra mussels, an aquatic invasive species (AIS), has been identified in Rainy Lake, which will require boats to be decontaminated at the Kettle Falls Portage.  There were other implications explained including how bait and fish from different bodies of water can be transported.

Superintendent DeGross invited the Council to join Voyageurs National Park on June 9, 2022 when the new Namakan vessel will be named and launched.

MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve the Transfer Agreement with Widseth for use of electronic media.  Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously. 

MOTION by Councilor Ditsch to adopt Resolution No. 26-2022 requesting encumbering funds for Municipal State Aid Street Project – 2nd Avenue West from 4th Street to 7th Street and 7th Street from 2nd Avenue West to 3rd Avenue West.  Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously. 

b.      APPROVED purchase of Larue D-50 loader mounted snow blower

Director Brokaw explained some of the benefits of the new plow truck include the ability for liquid application, which allows the City to reduce the amount of salt and sand applied to the road, increasing safety and more efficiently clearing the roads down to the bare pavement.

It was noted that the new snow blower will allow the City to minimize snow piles at intersections, also known as “roundabouts”, by efficiently loading the snow into dump trucks for quick removal without requiring the snow to be handled numerous times by loaders.  Councilor Holden expressed his excitement for the new snow blower, citing it is a much safer manner to load the snow into dump trucks than maneuvering loaders around traffic.

MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve the purchase of a single-axle plow truck and Larue D-50 loader mounted snow blower.  Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously.

There was lengthy discussion about the fact that the City of International Falls has been trying to get away from renting and maintaining buildings for other entities and noted that the City had previously attempted to sell the building to the Chamber of Commerce for $1.00, which they rejected.  It was noted that this is a prime location for a Chamber of Commerce and CVB given its proximity to the border and easy access for visitors.  After much discussion, the Council agreed it only makes sense to keep the CVB occupying this building and promoting tourism in the area.

MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve the five-year Lease Agreement with the Convention and Visitors’ Bureau (CVB).  Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously.

Mr. Wellcome noted that there is a meeting scheduled for April 26, 2022 with the Chamber of Commerce members to revote on the dissolution of the Chamber of Commerce.

Mayor Droba noted that in three years when the new contracts are up for approval, he would like to see the Council meet in Committee to allow for open discussion about the changes to the contracts, prior to them coming to the City Council for approval.  Motion carried unanimously.

Reports of the Administrator, Attorney, and Department Heads

The March 2022 Fire/Rescue/EMS Activity Report was available for review along with the International Falls Police Department Activity Report for March 2022.

Mayor Droba also noted that there was a legislative update and it is hopeful that a bonding bill will be approved given the state surplus, as well as a possibility for an increase to Local Government Aid (LGA).

Mayor Droba adjourned the meeting at 6:28 P.M.