Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously.

MOTION by Councilor Kalar to approve letter of support for KCC-TV’s grant application and any funds not covered by the grant be considered at an IFEDA meeting.  Motion seconded by Councilor Holden.

Discussion ensued regarding how long it would take to get the funds if the grant application was approved and if the IFEDA could cover the entire cost of the equipment.

Councilor Kalar amended his original motion.  MOTION by Councilor Kalar to move to a Special IFEDA meeting to consider purchasing audio equipment for KCC-TV.  Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously.

A Special IFEDA meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 13, 2024, immediately following the Committee-of-the-Whole meeting.

• There is a lack of water treatment plant contractors available to bid work in Northern Minnesota, and the CMAR process will likely get more interest from contractors.
• The CMAR process allows an experienced contractor to be involved in the design process, allowing the city to benefit from the experience and expertise of construction professionals.
• The CMAR provides up to date price estimates through the design process to help achieve goals and budget for the project.
• The CMAR can develop bid packages to help promote participation from local contractors.
• The CMAR process eliminates the risk of obtaining unexpected, high project costs on bid day.

MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) project delivery method for the Water Treatment Plant Facilities Improvement project.  Motion seconded by Councilor Kalar and carried unanimously.

a. APPROVED forming negotiating committees to represent the city for upcoming union negotiations

b. APPROVED negotiating committees to negotiate on behalf of the city

c. APPROVED Employee Handbook

d. DENIED advertising and hiring a part-time, seasonal Police Department Office Assistant

e. DENIED first reading of an ordinance amending the Midcontinent Communications Franchise Agreement

Mayor Droba appointed the following members to represent the city during upcoming union negotiations for IUOE Local 49ers union:

• City Administrator Betty Bergstrom
• Human Resources/Safety Director Sherri Stensland
• Public Works Director Ted Brokaw
• Councilor Walt Buller
• Alternate – Councilor Pete Kalar

MOTION by Councilor Wegner to approve the Mayoral appointment for the IUOE Local 49rs negotiating committee to represent the city for upcoming union negotiations.  Motion seconded by Councilor Kalar and carried unanimously.

Mayor Droba appointed the following members to represent the city during upcoming union negotiations for IAMAW District Lodge 5, Woodworkers Local W-33 for the Police Department:

• City Administrator Betty Bergstrom
• Human Resources/Safety Director Sherri Stensland
• Police Chief Mike Kostiuk
• Councilor Mike Holden
• Alternate – Councilor Pete Kalar

MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve the Mayoral appointment for the IAMAW District Lodge 5, Woodworkers Local W-33 for the Police Department negotiating committee to represent the city for the upcoming union negotiations.  Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously.

Mayor Droba appointed the following members to represent the city during upcoming union negotiations for Woodworkers Lodge W-33, IAMAW, AFL-CIO Firefighter Engineers and Paramedics:

• City Administrator Betty Bergstrom
• Human Resources/Safety Director Sherri Stensland
• Fire/EMS/Director Chief Adam Mannausau
• Councilor Tim Wegner
• Alternate – Councilor Pete Kalar

MOTION by Councilor Kalar to approve the Mayoral appointment for the Woodworkers Lodge W-33, IAMAW, AFL-CIO Firefighter Engineers and Paramedics negotiating committee to represent the city for the upcoming union negotiations.  Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously.

MOTION by Councilor Kalar to approve negotiating committees to negotiate on behalf of the city.   Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously.

MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve the Employee Handbook.  Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously.

MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve advertising and hiring a part-time, seasonal Police Department Office Assistant.  Motion fails due to a lack of a second motion.

MOTION by Councilor Wegner to approve first reading of an ordinance amending the Midcontinent Communications Franchise Agreement.  Motion seconded by Councilor Buller.  Motion failed 2-3 with Councilor Buller and Mayor Droba voting ‘yea’ and Councilors Holden, Kalar and Councilor Wegner voting ‘nay’.

Councilor Wegner noted Koochiching County is exploring options of an ambulance taxing district for the unorganized county areas that receive ambulance services.

Councilor Wegner stated the Airport Steering Committee met, and that there are positive developments happening.  Councilor Buller added that the committee is working on the airport contracts.  He shared they have agreed to start looking at the contracts earlier in the year and not wait until October.