Motion seconded by Councilor Kalar and carried unanimously.

The following checks were issued under blanket authorization:

38,090.32

Accept comment on adding a floodplain ordinance to establish floodplain regulations for the City of International Falls

City Administrator Bergstrom shared the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has been in effect for several years and in order for the city to enroll in the program the city is required to establish a floodplain ordinance outlining the floodplain regulations for the city.  Bergstrom noted the Floodplain could affect some areas of the City along Rainy River and residents would benefit from available funding and the ability to purchase flood insurance.  Administrator Bergstrom further noted that there is no cost to the City to participate in the NFIP.

Mayor Droba asked for public comment.

Ed Bates from 108 Riverview Blvd asked if enrolling in the National Flood Insurance Program would allow insurance companies more leverage to require residents to carry flood insurance.  City Attorney Nelson stated homeowners would not be required to have additional flood insurance.

Mayor Droba asked for any additional comments.  No additional public comment was received.

Mayor Droba closed the public hearing at 5:42 P.M.

APPROVED low quote of $56,653.00 from KGM Contractors, Inc., for the Sidewalk Replacement at 4^th Avenue and 4^th Street project

MOTION by Councilor Holden to approve the low quote of $56,653.00 from KGM Contractors, Inc., for the Sidewalk Replacement at 4^th Avenue and 4^th Street project. Motion seconded by Councilor Kalar and carried unanimously.

• Tyler Weir on 8/4/2023, bid amount of $1,000
• Debra A. Dunn on 9/5/2023, bid amount of $4,000
• Slab Town Investments 9/18/2023, bid amount of $10,000

City Administrator Bergstrom stated the individuals who submitted a bid and were present could increase their bid amount.  Debra Dunn increased her bid to $11,0000.  Slab Town Investments increased their bid to $12,000.  Debra Dunn increased her bid to $13,000.  No other bids were received.

APPROVED as presented

• Approve the 2024 Group BCBS Medicare Senior Gold health insurance renewal and authorize signatures.

Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously.

a.       APPROVED job description for seasonal part-time position for the Public Works Department and authorize advertisement of vacant positions

MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve the job description for the seasonal part-time position for the Public Works Department and authorize advertisement of vacant positions. Motion seconded by Councilor Kalar and carried unanimously.

a.      APPROVED 2023 Christmas Holiday schedule

MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve the 2023 Christmas Holiday schedule. Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously.

Councilor Kalar shared that he, Mayor Droba, City Administrator Bergstrom and Councilor Buller were in attendance at the groundbreaking ceremony of the apartments being built at AB Backus.

Mayor Droba noted he received an email from the Airport Commission with concerns regarding the budget cuts that the City is proposing for 2024.

Mayor Droba shared he and City Administrator Bergstrom met with members of the Senate Bonding Committee regarding the Kerry Park Health & Wellness Center project and the International Bridge.

Mayor Droba shared that he and City Administrator Bergstrom attended a meeting in Fort Frances on Friday, September 8th to meet with the new owners (Aazhogan Limited Partnership) of the former mill property and International Bridge for a walkthrough of the development sites.  Others in attendance at that meeting included Member of Parliament Marcus Powlowski, Fort Frances Mayor Andrew Hallikas, and Fort Frances administrative staff.