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 21st day of August 2023 at the hour of 5:30 P.M.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Droba and Councilors Holden, Kalar and Wegner. Councilor Buller via Zoom.
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
| APPROVED agenda as presented | MOTION by Councilor Kalar to approve agenda as presented. Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED minutes of the Monday, August 7, 2023 regular City Council meeting | MOTION by Councilor Wegner to approve the minutes of Monday, August 7, 2023 regular City Council meeting. Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED minutes of the Monday, August 14, 2023 Committee-of-the-Whole meeting | MOTION by Councilor Holden to approve the minutes of Monday, August 14, 2023 Committee-of-the-Whole meeting. Motion seconded by Councilor Kalar and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED minutes of the Monday, August 16, 2023 special Committee-of-the-Whole meeting | MOTION by Councilor Kalar to approve the minutes of Monday, August 16, 2023 special Committee-of-the-Whole meeting. Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously. |
| ADOPTED Resolution No. 58-2023 approving transfers, payment of claims, and accounts payable | MOTION by Councilor Wegner to adopt Resolution No. 58-2023 approving transfers, payment of claims and accounts payable for the second monthly City Council meeting. Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously. |
CLAIMS
| A+ Pest Management | Pest Control | 700.54 | 76514 |
| Adam Mannausau | TAC Meeting | 108.00 | 76515 |
| Amazon Capital Services | Off Sup-Adm/Police, Sup-IT/Police | 324.06 | 76516 |
| Andrew Holler | Lawn Cleanup | 1,220.00 | 76517 |
| Aramark Uniform & Career Apparel | Cleaning Service | 1,224.84 | 76518 |
| Badiuk Equipment Inc | Maintenance-Fire Boat | 278.30 | 76519 |
| Bolton & Menk Inc | Engineering Services | 39,582.00 | 76520 |
| Border Boxes | Shipping-Street/Water Plant | 30.35 | 76521 |
| Bound Tree Medical LLC | Ambulance Supplies | 1,217.70 | 76522 |
| Brian Jesperson | Police Benefit | 150.00 | 76523 |
| Brian Youso | Police Benefit | 150.00 | 76524 |
| CherryRoad Media Inc. | Minutes/Proclamation | 723.58 | 76525 |
| Citizens for Backus/AB | Lease Agreement-Suite 305 | 6,244.76 | 76526 |
| City of Int’l Falls-Fund 401 | Water/Sewer Funds Transfer | 66,666.66 | 76527 |
| City of Int’l Falls-Fund 403 | Water/Sewer Funds Transfer | 20,567.25 | 76528 |
| Core & Main | Meters | 2,302.22 | 76529 |
| Crandall’s Septic Pumping | Portable Johns–City Parks | 465.00 | 76530 |
| D. Ervasti Sales Co., LLC | Supplies-Park & Rec | 1,418.78 | 76531 |
| Enterprise FM Trust | Water-2023 Chev Equin 26QD4Q | 14,343.29 | 76532 |
| Expert Billing LLC | Ambulance Transports | 3,712.00 | 76533 |
| Falls Lumber Company | Supplies-Street Lighting | 51.18 | 76534 |
| Forestland Sales & Service | Maint & Repair Equip-Grounds | 99.25 | 76535 |
| Frontier | Monthly Telephone Service | 2,448.19 | 76536 |
| Galls, an Aramark Co., LLC | Cloth-PT/Hulst/Baldwin/Maish/Amb | 1,105.17 | 76537 |
| Graybar | Supplies-Street Lighting | 57.30 | 76538 |
| Hawkins Inc. | Chemicals/Cylinder Chgs/M&R Equip | 4,313.33 | 76539 |
| IF Recreation Commission | Balance Fund 219 to Zero-Rec Comm | 8,728.28 | 76540 |
| Justin Franz | National Night Out Expenses | 223.63 | 76541 |
| KGHS/KSDM | City Talk | 150.00 | 76542 |
| Kraus-Anderson Construction Comp | Const Mgmt IF Bldg Improvements | 14,815.91 | 76543 |
| Lawson Products Inc. | Supplies-Street Lighting | 261.69 | 76544 |
| Macqueen Equipment Inc. | Maint & Repair Equipment-Water | 727.25 | 76545 |
| Madden Galanter Hansen LLP | Labor Relations Services-Arb/Adm | 10,045.32 | 76546 |
| Marco | Antivirus/Microsoft Exchange | 102.00 | 76547 |
| Menards International Falls | Sup/M&R Bldg-P&R/Fire/St Lght/Amb | 1,043.66 | 76548 |
| Mershon Technology Interests | Supplies-IT | 317.00 | 76549 |
| Meyers Glass | Ice Shelter Maint/Animal Control | 1,558.35 | 76550 |
| Michael Musich | Police Benefit | 150.00 | 76551 |
| Midcontinent Communications | Cable-Amb/Fire Hall, Internet-Police | 294.66 | 76552 |
| Mid-State Truck Service Inc | Maint/Repair Equip-San Sewer | 1,920.81 | 76553 |
| Minnesota Energy Resources | Utilities | 644.92 | 76554 |
| Minnesota Industries | Supplies-Street Dept | 94.60 | 76555 |
| MN Power | Utilities | 32,245.22 | 76556 |
| MN Bureau Criminal Apprehension | Predatory Offender Reg-Kennedy/Hulst | 50.00 | 76557 |
| Northern Lumber & Hardware | M&RO/Sup-St/Wtr/Gar/P&R, Police | 997.73 | 76558 |
| Office of MNIT Services | Wide Area Network (Wan) SE | 267.73 | 76559 |
| Open Text Inc | Anti-Virus-IT | 943.00 | 76560 |
| Otis Elevator Company | Pit and Code Work | 12,600.00 | 76561 |
| Pelland Welding, Inc. | Oil/P&R/Sup-St Garage/M&R/Water | 425.76 | 76562 |
| PowerPlan | 644K Parts | 73.47 | 76563 |
| Rainy Lake Houseboats Inc | Fuel for Fireboat | 254.10 | 76564 |
| Rainy Lake Medical Center | Medical Supplies | 524.80 | 76565 |
| Rainy Lake Oil | Fuel-Water Dept | 1,001.71 | 76566 |
| Range Paper Corp | Cleaning Supplies-VNP | 432.93 | 76567 |
| Robert Bahr | Top Soil | 3,000.00 | 76568 |
| Schlenner Wenner & Co | 2022 Audit | 19,750.00 | 76569 |
| Schmidt’s Small Engine | Maint Repair Other-Park & Rec | 30.00 | 76570 |
| Service Master of Intl Falls | Cleaning Services-VNP | 4,725.00 | 76571 |
| Shannon’s Inc | Supplies-Water Plant | 133.92 | 76572 |
| Sound North | Supplies-IT/Administration | 113.96 | 76573 |
| Streicher’s Inc | Clothing Allowance-Part time Officer | 67.95 | 76574 |
| Terry Christie | Police Benefit | 150.00 | 76575 |
| Terry Wood | Police Benefit | 150.00 | 76576 |
| The Sherwin Williams Co-Bemidji | Maintenance for Paint Machine | 647.20 | 76577 |
| Tom Lynch | Police Benefit | 150.00 | 76578 |
| UHL Company Inc | Office Sup-Admin-Bldg, Maint-VNP | 2,052.46 | 76579 |
| US Bank | Trustee Fees | 500.00 | 76580 |
| WEX Bank | Gas-P&R/St/Amb/Swr/Hous/Fire/VNP | 6,136.64 | 76581 |
| Widseth Smith Nolting | Engineering Services | 619.25 | 76582 |
| Willi Kostiuk | Police Benefit | 150.00 | 76583 |
| Xerox Corporation | Maint/Monthly Charge-Water Plant | 36.01 | 76584 |
| The following checks were issued under blanket authorization: | |||
| AFLAC | Supplemental Insurance | 182.08 | 101925 |
| American Heritage Life Ins Co | Supplemental Insurance | 9.64 | 101926 |
| Bay Bridge Administrators, LLC | Supplemental Insurance | 364.30 | 101927 |
| Bremer Bank, NA | Federal Withholding | 44,471.78 | 101928 |
| Central Pension Fund Source A | Retirement | 4,483.70 | 101929 |
| City of Int’l Falls | HRA–Police/Fire | 520.00 | 101930 |
| City of Int’l Falls | Health Insurance–49ers | 1,729.00 | 101931 |
| IAMAW District W3 | Union Dues | 1,845.50 | 101932 |
| IF Fire Dept Relief | Fire Department Relief | 406.00 | 101933 |
| Int’l Falls Ambulance Service | Dues | 147.00 | 101934 |
| I.U.O.E. Local 49ers | Health Reimbursement | 875.00 | 101935 |
| Justin Franz, Sec/Treas. | C.O.P.S. | 120.00 | 101936 |
| MN Child Support Payment Center | Wage Assignment | 673.72 | 101937 |
| MN Department of Revenue | State Withholding | 8,014.14 | 101938 |
| MSRS-Empower Retirement | Deferred Compensation | 8,050.00 | 101939 |
| NCPERS Minnesota | Life Insurance Premiums | 112.00 | 101940 |
| N. Kooch Area Sanitary District | Health Insurance Premiums | 285.00 | 101941 |
| PERA | Retirement | 34,921.05 | 101942 |
| United Way of NE MN Inc. | Employee Donation | 15.00 | 101943 |
| AUDIENCE | None. |
| PUBLIC HEARING | None. |
| OPENING BIDS | None. |
| OLD BUSINESS | None. |
| CONSENT AGENDA:
APPROVED as presented |
MOTION by Councilor Kalar to approve the Consent Agenda as presented:
Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously. |
| NEW BUSINESS: | |
| APPROVED 2023 Homecoming Parade/Activities and KAPE update presented by Janesa Balaski, Student Council Advisor/KAPE Project Coordinator | Jenesa Balaski and Bethanne Slatinski, Koochiching Area Prevention in Education (KAPE) coordinators updated the council on the upcoming drug free events for Homecoming the week of September 18 through September 22, 2023. Jenesa requested support from the city to use Smokey Bear Park for movie night on September 18 and closure of 3rd street for the Homecoming parade on September 22. Jenesa also shared the new no smoking signs have been posted at local parks throughout the city.
MOTION by Councilor Kalar to approve KAPE use of Smokey Bear Park for movie night on September 18 and closure of 3rd street for Homecoming parade on September 22, 2023. Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED suspending City Ordinance Section 9-20 – Calendar Parking for the entire City of International Falls from September 16 – September 25 | MOTION by Councilor Wegner to approve suspending City Ordinance Section 9-20 – Calendar Parking for the entire City of International Falls from September 16 – September 25. Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously. |
| ADOPTED Resolution No. 59-2023 approving application for exempt permit for PCA Hunting & Raffle Contest, Inc., to conduct a raffle on November 21, 2023 | MOTION by Councilor Kalar to adopt Resolution No. 59-2023 approving application for exempt permit for PCA Hunting & Raffle Contest, Inc., to conduct a raffle on November 21, 2023 at PCA, 400 2nd Street. Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously. |
| ADOPTED Resolution No. 60-2023 declaring 1982 Ford Ladder Fire Truck as surplus property and authorizing sale to Lake Superior College for training and education of fire fighters | MOTION by Councilor Holden to adopt Resolution No. 60-2023 declaring 1982 Ford Ladder Fire Truck as surplus property and authorizing sale to Lake Superior College for training and education of fire fighters. Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously. |
| ADOPTED Resolution No. 61-2023 declaring Fire Turnout Gear as surplus property and authorizing sale to Lake Superior College for training and education of fire fighters | MOTION by Councilor Kalar to adopt Resolution No. 61-2023 declaring Fire Turnout Gear as surplus property and authorizing sale to Lake Superior College for training and education of fire fighters. Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED publication to hold a Public Hearing on September 18, 2023 to consider adopting a floodplain ordinance | MOTION by Councilor Kalar to approve publication to hold a Public Hearing on September 18, 2023 to consider adopting a floodplain ordinance. Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED Housing Site H property value of $54,000, declare as surplus property and authorize City Administrator to advertise the sale by sealed bid | City Administrator Bergstrom stated she was approached by a resident requesting to purchase Housing Site H – Parcel ID #92-118-03030. In order to sell the property, it needs to be declared as surplus property, determine an estimated value and authorize the city administrator to advertise the real estate for sale on bids.
Kelly Meyers Building Official stated he spoke with Koochiching County Assessor who valued the property at $18,000 per lot with a total of three lots on the parcel. MOTION by Councilor Holden to approve the value of Housing Site H property at $54,000. Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously. MOTION by Councilor Kalar to approve declaring Housing Site H as surplus property and authorize the City Administrator to advertise the sale by sealed bid. Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously. |
| Land Use & Legislation Committee recommendation(s):
a. APPROVED First Reading of Ordinance 48-5th Series, an Ordinance of the City of International Falls, Minnesota Granting a Franchise to Minnesota Power for the Operation of a Power Company |
MOTION by Councilor Holden to approve the First Reading of Ordinance 48-5th Series, an Ordinance of the City of International Falls, Minnesota Granting a Franchise to Minnesota Power for the Operation of a Power Company. Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously. |
| Public Works Committee recommendation:
a. APPROVED agreement with Bolton & Menk for Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP) grant assistance to pursue funds for the reconstruction of 9th Street from Hwy 53 to 14th Avenue |
MOTION by Councilor Kalar to approve an agreement with Bolton & Menk for Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP) grant assistance to pursue funds for the reconstruction of 9th Street from Hwy 53 to 14th Avenue.
Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously. |
| Committee-of-the-Whole recommendation:
a. APPROVED First Reading of Ordinance No. 49-5th Series an Ordinance Prohibiting Cannabis Use Within Public Property and Public Spaces |
MOTION by Councilor Holden to approve the First Reading of Ordinance No. 49-5th Series an Ordinance Prohibiting Cannabis Use Within Public Property and Public Spaces. Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously.
|
| Reports of the Administrator, Attorney, and Department Heads | City Administrator Bergstrom noted she is working with the Public Works Director to review the contracts regarding the use of Kerry Park and Convention & Visitors Bureau. |
| Reports of Mayor and Council Committees | Councilor Kalar thanked the Public Works staff for the great job they did for the Elks Corn and Brat feed.
Kalar also noted that there is a Public Kick-Off meeting for the Rainy River-Rainy Lake Watershed, One Watershed, One Plan (RR-Rl 1W1P) meeting schedule for September 7, 2023 at Ranier Community Building from 4:00 – 6:00pm. Mayor Droba noted he looks forward to conversations with the Recreation Hockey and others entity’s leasing city property. Mayor Droba shared a meet and greet was held on August 9, 2023 with U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and on August 16, 2023 the council met with Senator Grant Hauschild. |
| AUDIENCE | None. |
| ADJOURNMENT | Mayor Droba reminded everyone that the next regular City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at 5:30 P.M. in the City Council Chambers. Mayor Droba adjourned the meeting at 6:19 P.M. |
Harley M. Droba, Mayor
Attest:
Betty Bergstrom, City Administrator
