March 17, 2025, City Council Minutes

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 March 2025 at the hour of 5:30 P.M.

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Mayor Dill and Councilors Buller, Holden, Kalar and Wegner.

MEMBERS ABSENT:  None.

 

APPROVED agenda as presented MOTION by Councilor Holden to approve the agenda as presented.  Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously.
   
APPROVED the following meeting minutes, as presented

 

MOTION by Councilor Kalar to approve the following meeting minutes:

·         Monday, March 3, 2025, regular City Council meeting

·         Monday, March 10, 2025, Committee-of-the-Whole meeting

Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously.

   
ADOPTED Resolution No. 20-2025 approving transfers, payment of claims, and accounts payable MOTION by Councilor Holden to adopt Resolution No. 20-2025 approving transfers, payment of claims, and accounts payable.  Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously.

CLAIMS

Align Chiropractic & Wellness Random DOT Drug & Alcohol          35.00 80659
Amazon Capital Services Office Supplies        309.75 80660
American Public Works Association Membership Renewal        470.25 80661
Andrew Holler Lawn Cleanup        413.00 80662
Bert’s Sup-Street, Unit 114       854.72 80663
Bolton & Menk Inc Engineering Services 146,483.50 80664
Border Boxes Shipping-Water Plant/Ambulance        324.25 80665
Bound Tree Medical LLC Ambulance Supplies     1,105.32 80666
Bremer Bank-Credit Card T&T-Bldg Off/Strm, License-Amb,     8,633.85 80667
Bremer Cardmember Service T&T-Admin, Sup-Admin/IT/M&C        284.69 80668
Brian Jespersen Police Benefit        150.00 80669
Brian Youso Police Benefit        150.00 80670
Bureau of Crim Apprehension Annual CJDN Remote Access        780.00 80671
Capitol Hill Associates Inc Representation MN State Legislative     2,000.00 80672
Cenex Voyageur Fleet Gas-Pol/St/Amb/Strm Sew/Haz/Hous     4,751.55 80673
CherryRoad Media Inc Council Mtg Dates, Minutes        770.76 80674
City of Int’l Falls-Fund 401 Water/Sewer Funds Transfer   66,666.66 80675
City of Int’l Falls-Fund 403 Water/Sewer Funds Transfer   29,166.67 80676
City of Ranier Water-City Beach          12.50 80677
Dakota Supply Group Fire Hydrants, Parts, Winter Blades   71,172.39 80678
DSC Communications Microphone        655.00 80679
dsgw Architecure Design Public Works Building        414.00 80680
Enterprise FM Trust Vehicle Leases   17,897.62 80681
ESX Technology Solutions, LLC MDR & Firewall     3,617.50 80682
Forestland Sales & Service Sup-Street, M&R-Park & Rec          94.63 80683
Friend’s Garbage Monthly Garbage Service     1,967.36 80684
Frontier Monthly Telephone Service     3,790.17 80685
Gall’s Cloth-Wahl/K Kost/M Kost/Thram     1,646.70 80686
Gopher State One-Call Monthly Billing          17.55 80687
Graybar M&R-VNP, Sup-Street Lighting        705.88 80688
Greentech Manufacturing Inc Sup-Street Dept          40.81 80689
Hawkins Inc Chemicals     1,926.59 80690
Hometown Billing LLC Ambulance Billing     2,492.00 80691
I-Falls Super One Foods Training-Water          17.49 80703
Innovative Office Solutions LLC Sup-Water Plant        936.09 80692
Linde Gas & Equipment Inc Oxygen-Ambulance     1,681.25 80693
LMC Insurance Trust-Liab Annual Liability and Auto Insurance        500.00 80694
LMC Insurance Trust-WC WC Deductible          77.16 80695
Lundgren Motors Inc Unit 16-01 Repairs        820.42 80696
Mannco Trucking Inc M&R-Street        940.20 80697
Melanie Clarity Sewing-Myers          24.00 80698
Menards International Falls Sup-GGB/St/VNP/Adm IT/Strm Sew        408.09 80699
Meyers Glass M&R-VNP        137.99 80700
Michael Musich Police Benefit        150.00 80701
Midco Cable-Fire Hall/Amb, Internet-Wtr        500.67 80702
Minnesota Energy Resources Utilities     9,379.67 80704
Minnesota Industries Safety Equip-Street Garage          16.10 80705
MN Power Utilities   44,191.80 80706
N Kooch Area Sanitary District Effluent/Backwash/Surcharge   63,963.69 80707
NAPA Falls Supply Sup-Gar, Tools-Gar/Strm, Maint-St     1,388.58 80708
North Central Labs of Wisconsin Supplies-Water Plant        622.61 80709
Northern Lumber & Hardware Sup-St/Gar, Tools-St/Gar, M&R        555.17 80710
Pelland Welding, Inc Sup-Street/Garage        280.22 80711
Pro-Tec Design, Inc Sup-Street/Storm/Water        654.20 80712
Rainy Lake Medical Center Medical Supplies        278.31 80713
Range Paper Corp Cleaning Supplies-Fire/Ambulance        101.07 80714
Sand Creek Eap LLC Employee Assistance Program     2,806.75 80715
ServiceMaster of Intl Falls Cleaning Services-VNP        575.00 80716
Shannon’s Inc Bldg Maint-VNP     1,183.14 80717
Shred-N-Go Inc Recycling Police          83.93 80718
Silversmith Data Annual Hosting     3,258.00 80719
Soundnorth Sup-Street            9.99 80720
Taft Stettinius & Hollister TIF Matters     2,850.00 80721
Ted Brokaw Fuel          88.00 80722
Terry Christie Police Benefit        150.00 80723
TK Elevator Crop Maint-Water Plant        950.00 80724
Tom Lynch Police Benefit        150.00 80725
True North Equipment Maint-Grounds        163.83 80726
UHL Company Inc Bldg Maint-City Hall     3,233.72 80727
WMG Lyfjaberg LLC Medical Director        300.00 80728
The following checks were issued under blanket authorization:
AFLAC Supplemental Insurance        182.08 102603
American Heritage Life Ins Co Supplemental Insurance            9.64 102604
Bay Bridge Administrators LLC Supplemental Insurance        354.51 102605
Bremer Bank NA Federal Withholding   44,018.73 102606
Central Pension Fund Source A Retirement     5,052.00 102607
City of Int’l Falls HRA-Police/Fire          81.64 102608
City of Int’l Falls Health Insurance-49ers     4,207.00 102609
IAMAW District W3 Union Dues        860.00 102610
Int’l Falls Ambulance Service EMT Dues        154.00 102611
Int’l Union of Oper Engineers Union Dues        910.00 102612
Kane Kostiuk, Sec/Treas Cop Dues        140.00 102613
Law Enforcement Labor Services Union Dues        876.00 102614
MN Child Support Pmt Ctr Wage Assignment-Child Support        177.19 102615
MN Department of Revenue State Withholding SWT     8,625.08 102616
MSRS-Empower Retirement Empower Retirement     8,748.00 102617
NCPERS Minnesota PERA Life Insurance        128.00 102618
North Kooch Area Sanitary Dist Health Insurance Premiums        120.00 102619
PERA Public Employees Retirement   39,310.67 102620
United Way of NE Minnesota Inc United Way          42.00 102621

 

AUDIENCE: Tyler Weir, 1202 2nd Ave E asked Mayor and Council if they had applied for any grants or programs to assist with the cost of the renovations of the International Falls Police Department building.  City Administrator, Bergstrom advised that in fact Police Chief Kostiuk was currently working on one with Klobuchar’s office.  Weir mentioned the Law Enforcement Support Office (LESO) 1033 Program allows Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) to transfer excess military equipment to state and local law enforcement agencies at no cost.  Weir noted that Brian Curtice is the State Point of Contact for this program.  Weir also questioned what other city buildings currently needed repair. Bergstrom replied that a facilities assessment study had been completed and all buildings need some repair.  The city is prioritizing the spaces.  Weir finished with expressing his concerns with the repairs needed on the current buildings and stated taxpayers should know how much the repairs would be.
   
  Stephen Blair, 1307 7th Ave inquired if there had been any changes in the lease of the VNP building.  Mayor Dill commented that this may be due to speculation as well as the recent town hall meeting with Senator Grant Hauschild.  Blair asked if the lease had been cancelled.  Bergstrom answered “no.”  Blair stated he reached out to the county, and it appears that the lease rate has always been negotiable for the IFPD.  Blair felt that the issue with the IFPD was never about the money but the location, then asked why it was moving forward.  Mayor Dill stated the council voted 4-1 to proceed with the Kootasca building. Blair questioned that at the last meeting it was mentioned that the city had not spent any money on the project.  Blair inquired if the 10-page report from Kraus-Anderson was free.  Blair exited with a final comment, “Last week during lunch, at 11 A.M. not a single car was parked on the main street, it’s like a ghost town.”
   
  Joseph Kantor, 1607 13th Ave W stated that the police department was asking for money for all phases then asked what the total was going to be.  He questioned why IFPD was not able to share the building with the county.  Kantor stated the Water Treatment Plant needs upkeep and that would be the most expensive project this year.  Kantor expressed there is a lot of work that needs to be done and felt it would cost $12 million at minimum.  He questioned again where the money would come from.
   
  Russ Nagle, 601 10th St stated he has concerns of the conduct of the council, especially Councilor Kalar.  Nagle felt that Councilor Kalar should resign from the council after comments he had made on two occasions.  Nagle also felt that if nobody else was going to do or say anything about it, they should also resign.  He asked Mayor and Council if they knew what integrity was. Then replied with, “Doing the right thing, and none of you are doing the right thing.”  Mayor Dill advised that later in the agenda there would be discussion about code of conduct.
   
PUBLIC HEARING: None.
   
OPENING BIDS (AND/OR QUOTES)

Open and consider quotes for demolition of a trailer house located at 2210 3rd Avenue West

 

 

City Administrator Bergstrom advised there were three quotes received for demolition of the trailer house at 2210 3rd Ave W, and they would be opened in the order in which they had been received.  Bids were as follows:

  1. Travis Thompson – $3,894.00
  2. Steve Boyum Construction – $3,249.00
  3. J & J Contracting LLC – $3,930.00

 

City Attorney Nelson advised the council they could accept the lowest quote, or the property owner of the trailer park is willing to tear down the trailer house, with no cost to the city but asked for an extension to complete the demolition of May 15.

 

MOTION by Councilor Kalar to deny all bids and postpone until after May 15, 2025, to give the property owner of the trailer park time to demolish the trailer house.  Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously.

   
OLD BUSINESS: None.
   
CONSENT AGENDA as presented:

 

MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve necessary expenses for Mayor, Councilors, and Administrative Staff to attend the 2025 League of Minnesota Cities Annual Conference, June 25-27, in Duluth, MN.  Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously.
   
NEW BUSINESS:  
INFORMATIONAL architectural design services for band shell Bob Byman, Shorewood Drive and Jim Lucachick stated they both had a vested interest in how the band shell would be redone.  They had concerns with the length of time it has taken.  Lucachick advised that he has been an architect since 1977.  Lucachick asked where the city was with the band shell.  City Administrator Bergstrom advised she had met briefly with the adjuster on March 14 where they discussed the value of the replacement.  Bergstrom stated the dispute is over the approximate $570,000 value.  Byman did not want to sit on this another year, people in the community would donate their time.  Lucachick offered his services pro bono to assist with the project.  Mayor Dill stated at this time they did not have a settlement, but it was the councilors desire to move ahead as soon as possible.  Mayor Dill requested they continue to be in communication with the City Administrator.  Bergstrom noted that a next steps could be to form a sub- committee with councilors, staff and invite Lucachick to the table.  Mayor Dill questioned the $40,000 that had been paid to Bolten & Menk and inquired if there was any commitment with that. City Administrator Bergstrom updated that Bolten & Menk had assisted with the different processes as city engineers such as assessments, abatements, tear down and reviewing the quote from the insurance company.
   
ACCEPTED letter of resignation from Councilor Holden as President Pro Tem and Chairman of the Budget & Finance Committee

 

 

 

MOTION by Councilor Kalar to accept letter of resignation from Councilor Holden as President Pro Tem and Chairman of the Budget & Finance Committee. Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner.  Motion passed 4-1 with Mayor Dill and Councilors Buller, Kalar, and Wegner voting “yay” and Councilor Holden abstaining.

 

Mayor Dill asked if any of the Councilors had any interest to be President Pro Tem or Chairman of the Budget and Finance Committee.  All Councilors stated, “no.”  Mayor Dill advised there would be no action at this time.

 

MOTION by Councilor Wegner to table the Selection of President Pro Tem as well as filling the vacant Budget & Finance Committee Chairman.  Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously.

   
APPROVED Memorandum of Cooperative Agreement for Implementation of the Rainy River-Rainy Lake comprehensive Watershed Management Plan Councilor Kalar commented there is no financial obligation if they agreed to the Watershed Management Plan.  It would be a Memorandum of Involvement including the city, county, and Ranier.

 

MOTION by Councilor Kalar to approve Memorandum of Cooperative Agreement of Implementation of the Rainy River-Rainy Lake comprehensive Watershed Management Plan.  Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously.

   
ADOPTED Resolution No. 21-2025 supporting the International Falls-Koochiching County Airport Commission for Bond Funding for the Reconstruction of Runway 4/22 and GA Apron, Phase 4 Project at the Falls International Airport MOTION by Councilor Holden to adopt resolution No. 21-2025 supporting the International Falls-Koochiching County Airport Commission for Bond Funding for the Reconstruction of Runway 4/22 and GA Apron, Phase 4 Project at the Falls International Airport.  Motion seconded by Councilor Buller.

 

Councilor Kalar commented that this had already been approved.  Bergstrom advised it was still part of the 2020 Capital bonding request, but an updated resolution was needed.

 

Motion passed 4-1 with Councilors Buller, Kalar, Holden, and Wegner voting “yay” and Mayor Dill abstaining.

   
INFORMATIONAL Water Treatment Plan Rehabilitation Open House Director of Public Works, Brokaw commented that he had wished there had been more involvement at the Water Treatment Plan Rehabilitation Open House.  Mayor Dill stated he was pleased with the presentation and was not questioning anything that needed to be done to get through the next 40 years. Mayor Dill’s concerns were how the rehabilitation project would be funded.  Mayor Dill shared he met with Senator Hauschild about getting assistance.  Also, lobbyist Rob Ecklund has drafts in the Senate as well.  Mayor Dill stressed the importance of the project, but the affordability would hinge on assistance.  Councilor Kalar commented that if there was a bonding bill, this would be the type of project they are looking for.  Mayor Dill stated if there was a bonding bill that would also create delays for the project.
   
Public Works Committee

Recommendation(s):

a.      APPROVED letter to Pleasant Hill Baptist Church regarding parking lot concerns

 

 

 

Mayor Dill stated the Pleasant Hill Baptist parking lot concerns have been ongoing since 2020.  Administrator Bergstrom updated that the project had taken place in 2020-2021.  It was a reconstruct in that area and Pleasant Hill Baptist Church allowed contractors to use their property.  They are now asking for money for repairs for their parking lot.  The city has met with them multiple times and offered them to reach out to the city’s insurance company.  A letter of the city’s findings needs to be sent to the church.  Mayor Dill advised that he had reviewed all correspondence regarding this matter and felt comfortable with the decision of the parking lot concerns.

 

MOTION by Councilor Kalar approving a letter be sent to Pleasant Hill Baptist Church with the findings of the parking lot concerns.  Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously.

   
b.      ADOPTED Resolution No. 22-2025 PFA 2025 Reimbursement MOTION by Councilor Buller to adopt Resolution No. 22-2025 PFA 2025 Reimbursement resolution establishing procedures relating to compliance with reimbursement bond regulations under the internal revenue code for the 9th Street & 6th Street Watermain projects.  Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously.
   
c.        ADOPTED Resolution No. 23-2025 authorizing execution of the Minnesota Clean Water Partnership Project Loan Agreement MOTION by Councilor Wegner to adopt Resolution No. 22-2025 authorizing execution of the Minnesota Clean Water Partnership Project Loan Agreement for the International Falls Sanitary Sewer Lines Improvement Project.  Motion seconded by Councilor Kalar and carried unanimously.
   
d.      ADOPTED Resolution No. 24-2025 calling for Capital Improvement Plan Public Hearing on Intention to Issue General Obligation Capital Improvement Bonds Mayor Dill wanted to confirm that this would be a hearing for the 2 bonds, 9th Street and Public Works Rehab which had already been approved.  George Eilertson, Northland Securities stated that the resolution would be to call for a Public Hearing on April 21.  The public hearing would be for projects at the public works garage, and vactor garage.

 

MOTION by Councilor Kalar to adopt Resolution No 24-2025 calling for Capital Improvement Plan Public Hearing on Intention to Issue General Obligation Capital Improvement Bonds scheduled for Monday, April 21, 2025, at 5:30 P.M., in the City Hall Council Chambers at 600 Fourth Street, International Falls, MN.  Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously.

   
e.       APPROVED agreement to transfer the donated level 2 charger back to Minnesota Power and a charging station easement agreement MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve agreement to transfer the donated level 2 charger back to Minnesota Power and approve a charging station easement agreement for the new DC Fast Charging station.  Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously.
   
f.        APPROVED water department trailer purchase in the amount of $9,650 MOTION by Councilor Holden to approve water department trailer purchase in the amount of $9,650 from All Season Equipment from Fund 403 Water Capital Outlay.  Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously.
   
Committee-of-the-Whole

Recommendation(s):

  1. APPROVED to not move forward with the General Obligation Bond Proceeds ($1M) Grant Agreement, Design Grant for the International Falls Health and Wellness Center Project
 

 

Mayor Dill advised that he had spoken with both Rep. Skraba and Senator Hauschild and the grant has to be used for its intended purpose.  If the council decides to not use the money, then it would be sent back to the House. Councilor Holden questioned if the money was not used if the city could use for another project.  Mayor Dill advised that no, it could not be used for something else.  Bergstrom advised that Brokaw was working with DEED and they are ready to move forward with engineer and design if the city is ready to move forward.  Councilor Buller asked if the amount would cover the design.  Brokaw advised that the $1 million covers the design of the Wellness Center only.   Dill commented that personally he would like to see this be offered for the water treatment plant rehab but that would mean the council would need to walk away from the $1 M. Our lobbyist would then go to legislature and state with a request of $4.8 million for the Water Treatment Plant, stating however the city gave back the $1 million.  Perhaps use as a bargaining tool to assist with other projects.  Bergstrom commented that a facility study was done on Kerry Park, and it is in desperate need of repairs.  If the council does not move forward with the design of the Wellness Center, something would need done with the repairs needed at Kerry Park.  Councilor Buller had concerns that if they did not move forward with design, they would not be able to submit for other bonding.  Mayor Dill stated his concern was geared around the fact that he did not feel the community would approve to take on anymore debt.  Councilor Kalar expressed his only concern was that the city had gotten the bonding money for the design and now stating we don’t want it.  Mayor Dill said the conversation should be around the long-term affordability of this project as it effects the levy.

 

MOTION by Councilor Wegner to not proceed with the design of the International Falls Health and Wellness Center project and return the General Obligation Bond Proceeds ($1M) Grant.  Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously.

   
INFORMATIONAL Resolution No. 27-13 code of conduct Mayor Dill discussed resolution 27-13 a Resolution adopting Code of Conduct for each member of the City Council adopted on July 1, 2013.  Dill stated that before he was seated as Mayor, he received a packet which included the resolution which he signed stating he received and reviewed it and asked the other councilors if they had received the same.  Mayor Dill spoke of concerns of things being said and caught on the microphone.  Dill was not comfortable making accusations but asked what the resolution means to the council.  City Attorney Nelson stated it was not uncommon for cities to have a code of conduct.  The city can enforce decorum, they are used simultaneously.  Any member could make a motion to “censure.”  Noting the city does not have bylaws or specific list for decorum except for code of conduct.
   
INFORMATIONAL Resolution No. 56-11 GASB 54 and establishing fund balance policy Mayor Dill addressed that two years ago at a Truth & Taxation meeting, Mayor Droba was upset about Resolution 56-11 GASB 54, establishing fund balance policy.  At the end of the year there should be 50% of the general fund balance in reserves.  Mayor Dill advised that he pulled the fund balance sheet for the end of 2024, and it was concerning.  Dill stated he saw a general fund issue that did not point to the ambulance.  He wanted to make it clear that this issue was that of Mayor and Councils, not department heads.
   
INFORMATIONAL auditor and hiring an outside consulting firm Mayor Dill stated an outside consulting firm should be considered if the city is not in check.   Councilor Holden advised he had gone through all reports and that the city uses the same audit company as the school.  Holden stated they have been receiving a good report.  Mayor Dill stated that when getting the “clean bill of health” the auditors are looking for other things.  City Administrator Bergstrom stated the city’s audit begins March 31, 2025, and encourages all members of the council to complete the questionnaire and state their specific concerns.  The city has a contract with the auditor to conduct the 2024 audit.  Bergstrom advised she was not sure if the city could get out of that contract.  Dill advised he did not have any issues with the current audit company Schlenner and Wenner, but perhaps including a third-party auditor is needed.
   
Other Business: None.
Reports of the Administrator, Attorney, and Depart Heads None.
Reports of Mayor & Council None.
   
AUDIENCE Susan Wadaga, 107 Park Avenue commended the council on their vote to return the $1 million dollars for the design of the Wellness Center.  Wadaga noted it was a hard decision.  Wadaga asked what the percentage of the reserve was at currently.  Mayor Dill advised it was calculated at the end of the year and he would defer to anyone if they knew what metric was used.  Bergstrom stated the auditor could better explain the metrics.
   
  Nancy Imhof, owner of Mason’s on Main 339 3rd Street asked what the number is for the general fund balance.  Mayor Dill responded that the city would have that number through end of February, but he wanted to add a great deal of caution to that as money comes and goes at different times throughout the month.  Finance Officer, Emma Rud stated the GASB-54 resolution establishes a fund balance policy and advised it should not slip below 50% threshold of general fund.  That percentage includes fixed assets and other notable things, it is not something that she can calculate herself.  Mayor Dill stated there were certainly times throughout the year the general fund balances were below the threshold and if the city got called on the carpet, it would be safe to say the city would likely be insolvent.  Imhof stated that all projects should be put on hold until the city can afford them.  Imhof also wanted to address her concerns with the Law Enforcement building going into Kootasca building stating it was a terrible location and not user friendly.  Imhof felt the best solution would be for IFPD to return to old Law Enforcement Center.
   
  Stephen Blair, 1307 7th Ave stated the band shell in the city of Cloquet resembled the one in International Falls. Also, Blair made mention to the number of illegal entries and drug smuggling going on at our local border.  Mayor Dill advised there have been joint efforts between the USA and Canada between Pembina and Pidgeon River patrolling both borders.
   
  Lois Lundin, 2222 3rd Ave requested clarification on hiring an outside consulting firm.  Lundin asked if this would be in addition to the current company performing the 2024 audit.  Mayor Dill advised that if the council thought action needed to be taken regarding the city fund balances then he would lobby to get the city help.  Lundin commented that even though the matter did not need action tonight, the issue would not go away.  Mayor Dill stated he would add as an agenda item in the future if needed.
   
ADJOURNMENT The next regular City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 7, 2025, at 5:30 P.M.  Mayor Dill adjourned the meeting at 7:06 P.M.

                                                            

Drake Dill, Mayor

Attest:

                                                           

Betty Bergstrom, City Administrator