A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of International Falls, Minnesota was held in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building on the 17th day of January, 2023 at the hour of 5:30 P.M.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Droba and Councilors Buller, Holden and Kalar. Councilor Wegner via Zoom conferencing.
MEMBERS ABSENT: None.
| APPROVED agenda with additions as presented | MOTION by Councilor Holden to approve agenda with the following additions:
Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED minutes of the Tuesday, January 3, 2023 City Council Organizational meeting | MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve minutes of the Tuesday, January 3, 2023 City Council Organizational meeting. Motion seconded by Councilor Kalar and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED minutes of the Tuesday, January 3, 2023 regular City Council meeting | MOTION by Councilor Holden to approve minutes of the Tuesday, January 3, 2023 regular City Council meeting. Motion seconded by Councilor Kalar and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED minutes of the Monday, January 9, 2023 Committee-of-the-Whole meeting | MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve minutes of the Monday, January 9, 2023 Committee-of-the-Whole meeting. Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously. |
| ADOPTED Resolution No. 04-2023 approving transfers, payment of claims, and accounts payable | MOTION by Councilor Kalar to adopt Resolution No. 04-2023 approving transfers, payment of claims and accounts payable for the second monthly City Council meeting. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller carried unanimously. |
CLAIMS
| Adam Hanson | Winterizing Fire Boats | 300.00 | 75050 |
| Adam Mannausau | CAT Team Travel Expenses | 105.00 | 75051 |
| All Season Equipment, Inc. | Tools – Street, M&R – Water Plant | 118.89 | 75052 |
| Amazon Capital Services | Supplies – Fire/Police/Building Official | 407.85 | 75053 |
| Anderson Law Offices, P.A. | Legal Services | 6,740.00 | 75054 |
| Andy Kittelson | Boot Allowance | 160.00 | 75055 |
| APG Media of MN | Deputy Admin Ads | 190.50 | 75056 |
| Aqua-Pure, Inc. | Quarterly Service | 1,000.00 | 75057 |
| Aramark Uniform & Career Apparel | Cleaning Services | 1,474.31 | 75058 |
| Auto Value Int’l Falls | Parts & Lubricant – Storm Sewer | 91.10 | 75059 |
| Ben Mortenson | CAT Team – Travel Expense | 105.00 | 75060 |
| Bolton & Menk, Inc. | Engineering Services | 8,837.50 | 75061 |
| Border Boxes | Shipping – Water Plant | 70.75 | 75062 |
| Brian Jespersen | Police Benefit | 150.00 | 75063 |
| Brian Youso | Police Benefit | 150.00 | 75064 |
| Cady Business Technologies | Annual Premium Support Plan – Mitel | 1,992.00 | 75065 |
| Cargill Inc. Salt | Ice Control: De-Icer Salt | 16,964.17 | 75066 |
| Cenex Voyaguer Fleet | Gas – Police | 3,792.60 | 75067 |
| CherryRoad Media, Inc. | Minutes, Meeting Dates, & Ads | 2,667.93 | 75068 |
| City of Int’l Falls Fund 401 | Water Funds Transfer | 66,666.66 | 75069 |
| City of Int’l Falls Fund 403 | Water Funds Transfer | 20,567.25 | 75070 |
| City of Ranier | Water – City Beach | 11.55 | 75071 |
| Civic Systems, LLC | Semi-Annual Software Support | 9,787.00 | 75072 |
| CivicPlus | Full Service Supplemental Subscription | 1,953.80 | 75073 |
| Costin Group, Inc. | Government Relations | 2,000.00 | 75074 |
| DSC Communications | M&R – Equipment & Pagers | 7,790.50 | 75075 |
| E. Koochiching San. Sewer District | City Beach & Water Plant | 207.00 | 75076 |
| Eckman – International Falls | M&R Equipment – Tahoe | 226.79 | 75077 |
| Eric Weingart | Ambulance Overpayment Refund | 442.40 | 75078 |
| Expert Billing, LLC | Ambulance Transports | 3,596.00 | 75079 |
| Falls Lumber Company | Tools – Water Plant | 28.79 | 75080 |
| Forestland Sales & Service | Parts – Water Plant/Street | 647.75 | 75081 |
| Friend’s Garbage Service, LLC | Monthly Garbage Service | 1,823.67 | 75082 |
| Frontier | Monthly Telephone Service | 2,864.59 | 75083 |
| Galls, an Aramark Co., LLC | Clothing – Fire/Sweney | 874.08 | 75084 |
| Gopher State One-Call | Monthly Billing–St.Lighting/Water | 21.60 | 75085 |
| Grotberg Electronics, LLC | Emergency Squad Equip. Removal | 400.00 | 75086 |
| H & L Mesabi | Parts – Street | 1,127.30 | 75087 |
| Hawkins, Inc. | Chemicals | 3,015.49 | 75088 |
| Innovative Office Solutions, LLC | Supplies – Wtr Plnt/Amb/Wtr Admin | 2,184.83 | 75089 |
| Int’l Assoc. for Property & Evidence | Membership – H. Olson | 65.00 | 75090 |
| Int’l Assoc. of Chiefs of Police | Membership Renewal | 190.00 | 75091 |
| Koerter’s Fuel & Car Wash | Gas – St/St.Lt./Pol/Sew/Wtr/W.Plt. | 9,521.70 | 75092 |
| Lawson Products, Inc. | Supplies – Safety | 181.87 | 75093 |
| League of Minnesota Cities | Conference Registration – Droba/Buller | 700.00 | 75094 |
| Linde Gas & Equipment, Inc. | Oxygen – Ambulance | 1,155.64 | 75095 |
| LMC Insurance Trust | WC Deductible | 500.00 | 75096 |
| MacQueen Equipment, Inc. | Parts – Street Department/San. Sewer | 215.67 | 75097 |
| Madden Galanter Hansen, LLP | Legal Services | 2,916.10 | 75098 |
| Mannco Trucking, Inc. | Parts – Unit141, Ladder 2– Fire | 392.40 | 75099 |
| Marco | Copier Agreement Police | 250.86 | 75100 |
| Menards International Falls | Tools – Fire/Wtr.Plt, Sup – St.Lt, Bldg | 577.84 | 75101 |
| Mershon Technology Interests | Supplies – Street | 219.00 | 75102 |
| Meyers Glass | Door Repair – Water/Gar, Boarding | 1,414.72 | 75103 |
| Michael Musich | Police Benefit | 150.00 | 75104 |
| Midcontinent Communications | Water Plant/Street Garage/Fire/Amb | 524.90 | 75105 |
| Minnesota Energy Resources | Utilities | 13,248.30 | 75106 |
| Minnesota Power | Utilities | 45,298.04 | 75107 |
| MN Bureau of Criminal Apprehen. | BCA Narcotics Investigation | 750.00 | 75108 |
| MN Dept. of Labor & Industry | Elevator Maintenance | 100.00 | 75109 |
| N Koochiching Area Sanitary Dist. | Effluent / Backwash / Surcharge | 79,413.04 | 75110 |
| NAPA Falls Supply | Parts – Fire/Gar, Rescue/L.2 – Fire | 1,365.02 | 75111 |
| Nick Kittelson | Boot Allowance | 160.00 | 75112 |
| Northern Lumber & Hardware | Sup – St/Strm, M&RO – St, Mailbox | 147.97 | 75113 |
| O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. | Unit Ladder 2, Parts – St/Fire/Pol/Wtr | 2,161.19 | 75114 |
| Paul Kennedy | Reimbursement – Equipment | 191.26 | 75115 |
| Pelland Welding, Inc. | Supplies – Street | 78.08 | 75116 |
| PowerPlan | Unit 710L Repairs | 3,093.69 | 75117 |
| R&R Specialties of Wisconsin | Maintenance – Kerry Park Arena | 1,297.20 | 75118 |
| Rainy Lake Oil | Off Road Fuel – Water, Oil – St Garage | 814.53 | 75119 |
| Range Paper Corp. | Clean Sup – Gar/VNP/Amb/Fire | 672.31 | 75120 |
| Rhory Gelo | Safety Boot Allowance | 160.00 | 75121 |
| Robert Heinlen | Safety Boot Allowance | 159.99 | 75122 |
| Royal Tire, Inc. | Maintenance – Street | 6,725.94 | 75123 |
| Soundnorth | Supplies – Water Department | 9.99 | 75124 |
| Steve Boyum Construction | Snow Removal | 3,630.00 | 75125 |
| Streicher’s Inc. | Clothing – J. Mastin | 113.99 | 75126 |
| Taylor’s Plumbing & Heating, LLC | Bldg Maintenance – Ice Shelter | 190.00 | 75127 |
| Terry Christie | Police Benefit | 150.00 | 75128 |
| Terry Wood | Police Benefit | 150.00 | 75129 |
| TK Elevator Corp. | Water Plant Elevator Maintenance | 798.05 | 75130 |
| Tom Lynch | Police Benefit | 150.00 | 75131 |
| US Bank | GO Bond Interest & Payment | 488,337.50 | 75132 |
| Verizon Wireless | Monthly Cellular Service | 1,747.38 | 75133 |
| Wagner Construction, Inc. | 22nd Streeet Improvements Proj. | 34,404.54 | 75134 |
| Wagner Construction, Inc. | Hwy Lane/Industrial Avenue Proj. | 72,780.80 | 75135 |
| Willi Kostiuk | Police Benefit | 150.00 | 75136 |
| WMG Lyfjaberg, LLC | Medical Director | 300.00 | 75137 |
| CGMC | 2023 Assessment Dues | 2,594.00 | 75148 |
|
The following checks were issued under blanket authorization: |
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| AFLAC | Supplemental Insurance | 179.58 | 101665 |
| All State – American Heritage | Supplemental Insurance | 9.64 | 101666 |
| Bay Ridge Administrators, LLC | Supplemental Insurance | 364.30 | 101667 |
| Bremer Bank NA | Federal Withholding | 42,826.82 | 101668 |
| I.U.O.E. Local Central Pen Fund | Retirement | 4,277.70 | 101669 |
| City of Int’l Falls | HRA – Police / Fire | 494.00 | 101670 |
| City of Int’l Falls | Health Insurance – 49ers | 364.00 | 101671 |
| IAMAW District W3 | Union Dues | 1,751.00 | 101672 |
| Int’l Falls Fire Department | Fire Dept. Relief | 406.00 | 101673 |
| Int’l Falls Ambulance Service | Dues | 161.00 | 101674 |
| I.U.O.E. Local 49ers | Health Reimbursement | 840.00 | 101675 |
| Justin Franz, Sec/Treas | C.O.P.S | 110.00 | 101676 |
| MN Child Support Pmt Center | Wage Assignment | 604.05 | 101677 |
| MN Department of Revenue | State Withholding | 8,315.00 | 101678 |
| Empower Retirement | Deferred Comp | 8,918.00 | 101679 |
| NCPERS Minnesota | Life Insurance Premiums | 112.00 | 101680 |
| N. Kooch Area Sanitary District | Health Insurance Premiums | 50.00 | 101681 |
| PERA | Retirement | 38,615.51 | 101682 |
| RCB Collections, Inc. | Wage Assignment | 133.61 | 101683 |
| United Way of NE MN Inc. | Employee Donation | 15.00 | 101684 |
| AUDIENCE | None. |
| PUBLIC HEARING | None. |
| OPENING BIDS:
ACCEPTED bid from Shannon’s Inc in the amount of $3,600 for Lots 17-22 Block 1, Plat of Fairview Addition of Koochiching, Parcel No. 92-1140-01170 |
MOTION by Councilor Buller to accept bid from Shannon’s Inc in the amount of $3,600 for Lots 17-22 Block 1, Plat of Fairview Addition of Koochiching, Parcel No. 92-1140-01170 and authorize the City Attorney to work with Shannon’s on a development agreement. Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously. |
| OLD BUSINESS | None. |
| CONSENT AGENDA:
APPROVED as presented |
MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve the Consent Agenda as presented:
· Approve/allow necessary expenses for 2023 travel and training for Public Works staff Motion seconded by Councilor Kalar and carried unanimously. |
| NEW BUSINESS:
APPROVED Mayoral Proclamation declaring January 29 – February 4, 2023 as Catholic Schools Week at St. Thomas Aquinas School |
MOTION by Councilor Holden to approve the Mayoral Proclamation declaring January 29 – February 4, 2023 as Catholic Schools Week at St. Thomas Aquinas School.
Motion seconded by Councilor Kalar and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED appointment of Tim Wegner to the North Koochiching Area Sanitary District Board | MOTION by Councilor Holden to approve the appointment of Tim Wegner to the North Koochiching Area Sanitary District Board. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED final Backus Plat in Block 43 & 44, Plat of International Falls | Isaac Meyer, Kootasca Housing Development Director, Scarlet Bennett and Justin Eilers Alexander Baker project representatives shared that they have been working closely with Jason Fisher, City Engineer and Kelly Meyers, Building Official with the separation of the Backus/AB property. Kelly Meyers stated there are few minor adjustments that need to be completed on the plat such as typo’s and line colors. Meyers suggested moving forward with project.
MOTION by Councilor Holden to approve the final Backus Plat in Block 43 & 44 of International Falls. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously. |
| ADOPTED Resolution No. 05-2023 authorizing execution of a Development Agreement providing for the City’s tax increment financing assistance for the Alexander Baker Building project | MOTION by Councilor Holden to adopt Resolution No. 05-2023 authorizing execution of a Development Agreement providing for the City’s tax increment financing assistance for the Alexander Baker Building project. Motion seconded by Councilor Kalar and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED request to re-hire Kevin Zook as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) for the International Falls Ambulance Service | MOTION by Councilor Kalar to approve request to re-hire Kevin Zook as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) for the International Falls Ambulance Service. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED request to remove part-time Patrol Officers from the International Falls Police Department Roster | MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve request to remove part-time Patrol Officers from the International Falls Police Department Roster as presented. Motion seconded by Councilor Kalar and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED request to approve hiring for the position of full-time Patrol Officer | MOTION by Councilor Holden to approve hiring of Joshua Ballejo as full-time Patrol Officer effective January 18, 2023. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously. |
| Public Works Recommendations: | |
| APPROVED advertising for bids for rehabilitation of Lift Station #15 at 5th Avenue East | MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve advertising for bids for rehabilitation of Lift Station #15 at 5th Avenue East. Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED advertising for bids for the 2023 Local Roads and Utilities | MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve advertising for bids for the 2023 Local Roads and Utilities Projects to include:
Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously. |
| ADOPTED Resolution No. 06-2023 approving plans and ordering advertising for bids for the 2023 9th Avenue E. and 20th Street E | MOTION by Councilor Kalar to adopt Resolution No. 06-2023 approving plans and ordering advertising for bids for the 2023 9th Avenue E. and 20th Street E, as a petitioned special assessment project. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED 7th Street/2nd Avenue Municipal State Aid (MSA) Street and Utilities project | MOTION by Councilor Holden to approve 7th Street/2nd Avenue Municipal State Aid (MSA) Street and Utilities project. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED advertising for bids for the Demolition Landfill Closure project | MOTION by Councilor Kalar to approve advertising for bids for the Demolition Landfill Closure project. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED advertising for bids for the 2023 City Beach repair and Water Treatment Plant Clay Berm removal project | MOTION by Councilor Holden to approve advertising for bids for the 2023 City Beach repair and Water Treatment Plant Clay Berm removal project. Motion seconded by Councilor Kalar and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED radio lease program for mobile units and portable radios with Motorola to upgrade Public Works radio system from VHF to ARMER | MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve radio lease program for mobile units and portable radios with Motorola to upgrade Public Works radio system from VHF to ARMER upon review and approval from City Attorney Nelson. Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously. |
| ADOPTED Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Management Plan | MOTION by Councilor Holden to adopt Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Management Plan. Motion seconded by Councilor Kalar and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED purchasing a 24’ tri-axle 50 ton trailer from Towmaster Trailers for $46,106.95 | MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve the purchase of a 24’ tri-axle 50-ton trailer from Towmaster Trailers for $46,106.95, state bid price, as a budgeted item. Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED purchasing a Towmaster TC-12HD dump trailer from McCoy Equipment for $15,900 | MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve the purchase of a Towmaster TC-12HD dump trailer from McCoy Equipment for $15,900, as a budgeted item. Motion seconded by Councilor Kalar and carried unanimously. |
| INFORMATIONAL: Rainy River Intake Inspection report | Public Works Director Brokaw shared the Rainy River Intake Inspection report for the city of International Falls. |
| Committee-of-the-Whole recommendations: | |
| APPROVED first reading of Contract Ordinance setting rates collected as revenue supporting utility operations | MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve the first reading of Contract Ordinance setting rates collected as revenue supporting utility operations. Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED Resolution No. 07-2023 to join the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities | MOTION by Councilor Holden to approve Resolution No.07-2023 to join the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED completing a Quiet Title Action on city property | MOTION by Councilor Buller to authorize the City Attorney complete a Quiet Title Action on city property, legally described as: Lots 1,3,4,5,8,9 and the North one-half of Lot 10, Auditors Plat No. 19 (city garage). Motion seconded by Councilor Kalar and carried unanimously. |
| TABLED having a title opinion done on all titles “held” by the City of International Falls or that the City of International Falls has an interest in | City Attorney Nelson suggested the city have a title opinion done on all titles “held” by the City or that the City has interest in to confirm ownership. The title opinion would show if any defects exist, that could cause the City not to have a clear title on a property. The Mayor and Councilors stated they were in support of the title opinion but wanted to know what the cost would be.
MOTION by Councilor Buller to table having a title opinion done on all titles “held” by the City of International Falls or that the City of International Falls has an interest in until the City Attorney provides a report showing the cost to have the title opinion completed. Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously. |
| INFORMATIONAL:
Town Hall Meeting discussing the Community’s current Opiod/ATOD challenges |
Mayor Droba shared that there is a Town Hall Meeting to discuss the community’s current Opiod/ATOD challenges and a call for prevention scheduled on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at 6:30 P.M. at Backus Community Center. Mayor Droba encourage the council members and the community to attend. |
| REPORTS:
Reports of the Attorney, Administrator and Department Heads |
City Attorney Nelson shared she will be presenting a report at the first council meeting each moth showing what she has been working on.
The International Falls Police Department Activity Report for December 2022 was available for review along with the December 2022 Fire/Rescue/EMS Activity Report. The 2022 Annual Police Report was available for review. |
| Reports of Mayor and Council Committees | Mayor Droba shared that conversations are still ongoing for the Kerry Park project as well as determining dates to further discuss the project at the Capital.
Mayor Droba encouraged participation with the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities as they advocate for small rural Minnesota. |
| AUDIENCE | None. |
| ADJOURNMENT | Mayor Droba concluded with the next regular City Council meeting scheduled for Monday, February 6, 2023 at 5:30 P.M. in the City Council Chambers. Mayor Droba adjourned the meeting at 6.45 P.M. |
Harley M. Droba, Mayor
Attest:
Betty Bergstrom, City Administrator
