December 2, 2024 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 2nd day of December 2024 at the hour of 5:30 P.M.

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Mayor Droba and Councilors Buller, Holden, and Kalar.  Councilor Wegner via zoom.

MEMBERS ABSENT:  None

APPROVED agenda as presented with additions MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve the agenda as presented with additions:

·         Northdale Oil – gasoline pumps license, restaurant license, cigarette license, and off sale license

·         Zach Schmidt – snowplow license

Motion was seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously.

 
APPROVED minutes of the Monday, November 18, 2024, regular City Council meeting MOTION by Councilor Kalar to approve the minutes of Monday, November 18, 2024, regular City Council meeting.  Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously.
 
ADOPTED Resolution No. 69-2024 approving transfers, payment of claims, and accounts payable MOTION by Councilor Holden to adopt Resolution No. 69-2024 approving transfers, payment of claims, and accounts payable. Motion seconded by Councilor Kalar and carried unanimously.

CLAIMS

Amazon Capital Services Supplies-Police/Fire        202.97 79906
Anderson Law Offices, P.A. Legal Services-Criminal & Civil   19,120.96 79907
Auto Valu Int’l Falls Tools-Park & Rec            5.49 79908
BCBS of Mn Health Insurance Premiums     5,424.79 79909
Benedict Sign Co Daily Time Report Pads        409.64 79911
Border Boxes Shipping-Water Plant/Water Dept        207.25 79912
Borderland Humane Society Pound Operation     2,250.00 79913
Bound Tree Medical LLC Ambulance Supplies     1,609.56 79914
Carlson’s Auto Repair Repairs-Unit 201, 205, 15-06, 163     3,729.28 79915
CherryRoad Media Inc Minutes        809.86 79916
City of Int’l Falls-Fund 101 Lodging Tax Transfer        544.42 79917
City Water Department City Buildings-Water Usage     1,899.89 79918
Convention & Visitors Bureau Lodging Tax   10,343.94 79919
Core & Main Supplies-Water Dept        254.95 79920
Crandall’s Septic Pumping Armory Bldg        105.00 79921
Dean Buley Boot Allowance        160.00 79922
Derek Hell Water Operator Renewal          23.00 79923
DSC Communications Pager Maint     1,020.75 79924
ESRI ArcGIS Annual Subscription        381.00 79925
Forestland Sales & Service M&R Equip-Grnds, Boss Plow Parts        405.75 79926
Frontier Monthly Telephone Service     3,034.68 79927
Further Library     2,024.00 79929
Gall’s Cloth-Amb/Taylor/Bombeng/Baldwin     1,763.32 79930
Hach Company Chemicals        163.58 79931
Hanson Repair Winterized Boat        300.00 79932
Hawkins Inc Cylinder Chgs/Chemicals     1,090.00 79933
Innovative Office Solutions LLC Supplies-Water Plnt/Adm/Water Adm        430.60 79934
Int’l Falls/Kooch Cty City Share Nov 2024 Maj Capital   92,728.90 79935
ISD #361 Rec Comm WC Premium Overpmt     1,163.50 79936
IUOE Local 49 Health Insurance Premiums   31,476.96 79937
KGM Contractors Inc Patching Mix     5,536.32 79938
Kooch Co Env Services Dept Brush/Railroad Ties          88.00 79939
Kraus-Anderson Const Co IF Bldg Project 2220024-01   45,955.18 79940
Linde Gas & Equipment Inc Oxygen-Ambulance     1,185.13 79941
MacQueen Equipment Inc Credit, Rental-LR92     4,660.71 79942
Marco Antivirus/Microsoft Exchange          80.00 79943
Marco Technologies LLC Contract/Print/Copy- Fire/Adm/PW        194.81 79944
MedicareBlue RX Health Insurance Premiums     2,106.00 79945
Menards International Falls Tools-Fire, Sup-Fire/St Lght/Adm IT        701.76 79946
Midco Cable-Fire Hall/Amb, Internet-Wtr Plt        228.18 79947
Minnesota Dept of Health State Test Fee     6,400.00 79948
Minnesota Energy Resources Utilities        122.16 79949
Minnesota Industries Supplies-Storm/Street          38.09 79950
Minnesota Security Consortium Annual Subscription     1,300.00 79951
MN State Fire Chiefs Association Annual Membership        580.00 79952
North American Bank Company Inserting System Lease        181.75 79953
Peter Kalar Travel/Trng Reimbursement        432.28 79954
Pomp’s Tire Service Inv Tires     1,361.75 79955
PowerPlan Unit 710L Parts/Air Filters     1,002.15 79956
Rainy Lake Medical Center Medical Supplies     2,602.58 79957
Rainy Lake Oil Propane-Fire        359.21 79958
Range Paper Corp Supplies-Arena/Street/VNP     1,343.18 79959
Ronning’s Clothing Allowance-Baldwin          79.98 79960
Schlenner Wenner & Co VNP Workbook        171.60 79961
Soundnorth Supplies-Water/Adm IT/Adm Printer        165.97 79962
Sun Life Financial Life Insurance Premiums        575.71 79963
Taylor’s Plumbing & Heating LLC Bldg Maint-Municipal Bldg        195.00 79964
Teleflex Medical Ambulance Supplies     1,330.00 79965
The Nelson Trust Health Insurance Premiums   44,837.76 79966
UHL Company Inc Bldg Maint-VNP     4,636.50 79967
US Bank Equipment Finance Motorola Lease     8,290.55 79968
Vestis Cleaning Services     1,305.47 79969
Viking Electric Supply, LLC Sup-St Lt, M&R Repairs-Storm Sewer     2,245.29 79970
WEX Bank Gas-Housing/Amb/Grnds/Wtr/P&R/St     1,530.53 79971
The following checks were issued under blanket authorization:
AFLAC Supplemental Insurance        182.08 102487
American Heritage Life Ins Co Supplemental Insurance            9.64 102488
Bay Bridge Administrators LLC Supplemental Insurance        354.51 102489
Bremer Bank NA Federal Withholding   42,578.97 102490
Central Pension Fund Source A Retirement     4,312.90 102491
Intl Falls Ambulance Service EMT Dues        161.00 102492
Kane Kostiuk, Sec/Treas Cop Dues        140.00 102493
MN Child Support Pmt Ctr Wage Assignment-Child Support        424.54 102494
MN Department of Revenue State Withholding SWT     8,470.14 102495
MSRS-Empower Retirement Empower Retirement     8,463.00 102496
PERA Public Employee Retirement   38,162.44 102497
Sun Life Financial Supplemental Life Insurance        881.56 102498
The Hartford V-LTD Voluntary LTD Insurance        795.47 102499
United Way of NE Minnesota United Way          42.00 102500

 

AUDIENCE: None.
 
PUBLIC HEARING: None.
OPENING BIDS (AND/OR QUOTES):

OPEN and consider bid(s) for demolition of property located at 801 7th Street

Mayor Droba asked City Administrator Betty Bergstrom to open the bids that have been received for the demolition of the property located at 801 7th Street.  Administrator Bergstrom stated that the home has been placard and that this past weekend the home burnt in a fire and the contractors had the option to re-bid the project with the structure of the current state.  Noting all contractors did re-bid.  Administrator Bergstrom opened the bids in the order in which they were received. Bid results are as follows:

  • Travis Thompson – $7,849.00
  • Steve Boyum Construction – $12,100.00
  • J & J Construction – $9,500.00

Mayor Droba asked for clarification from City Attorney Chelsea Nelson that the steps the city is taking are correct.   Attorney Nelson confirmed that the city can accept bids and move forward with the demo of the house and garage.  Mayor Droba asked Fire Marshall Baldwin if he can confirm that the county is working with him to have the home demolished.  Fire Marshall Baldwin confirmed that Nathan Heibel, Land Commissioner has been very helpful, and he is also working with Koochiching County Attorney Jeff Naglosky.  Baldwin stated, that this property has 6 feet of water in the basement, and we are facing winter weather conditions, it needs to be demoed before the weather or other issues arise that won’t allow the demolition to take place. Councilor Kalar agreed that it is time to move on and quit exhausting our resources on this property.

Councilor Buller stated his concerns accepting the low bid without knowing the city would be reimbursed for the demolition.

 
APPROVED low bid from Travis Thompson for the demolition of the property located at 801 7th Street MOTION by Councilor Kalar to approve the low bid for the demolition of the property located at 801 7th Street from Travis Thompson in the amount of $7,849.00.  Motion was seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously.
 
OLD BUSINESS: None.
 
CONSENT AGENDA:

APPROVED as presented

 

MOTION by Councilor Holden to approve the Consent Agenda as presented:

·         Approve 2025 license renewals:

o   Forestland Sales & Service Inc dba Pizza Barn – restaurant license

o   Jasen Mayfield – snowplow license

o   KNV Restaurants Inc dba Subway IF – restaurant license

o   Menards #3507 – fireworks license

o   Soundnorth LLC – pawnbroker license w/est business

o   Tomczak’s Brick Oven – itinerant restaurant license

·         Approve/allow necessary expenses for Human Resources/Safety Director to attend the 2025 Upper Midwest Employment Law Institute in St Paul, MN, May 19-20, 2025

Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

APPROVED the Chamber of Commerce request for city support for 2025 Icebox Days Celebration

 

Shannon Arnold, Administrator of the Chamber of Commerce requested use of Smokey Bear Park and collaboration with the City for Icebox Days Festival January 17-29, 2025.

MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve collaboration with the International Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and use of Smokey Bear Park for the 2025 Icebox Days Celebration planned for January 17-29, 2025.  Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously.

 
APPROVED Year 2025 license renewals that may include tobacco and/or liquor applications MOTION by Councilor Kalar to approve the following 2025 license renewals:

  • Bootlegger’s Fuel & Liquor – cigarette license, gasoline pumps license and restaurant license
  • Bootlegger’s Liquor LLC – off sale liquor license
  • DG Retail, LLC dba Dollar General Store #15619 – cigarette license
  • Forestland Sales & Service Inc – cigarette license and gasoline pumps license
  • IF Properties LLC dba AmericInn by Wyndham – wind on sale license, 3.2 on sale restaurant and bar, and restaurant license
  • Mid West Dabbin Cabbin – cigarette license

Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously.

 
APPROVED extending offer of employment for the part-time, seasonal Parks & Facilities Assistant position MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve extending offer of employment for the part-time, seasonal Parks & Facilities position to Alysa Padgett.  Motion seconded by Councilor Kalar and carried unanimously.
 
ADOPTED Resolution No. 70-2024 approving application and permit for at 1 day to 4 day temporary on-sale liquor license for Falls Memorial Hospital dba Rainy Lake Medical Center MOTION by Councilor Holden to adopt Resolution No. 70 -2024 approving application and permit for at 1 day to 4 day temporary on-sale liquor license for Falls Memorial Hospital dba Rainy Lake Medical Center for a Christmas Party at the St. Thomas Aquinas Hall on January 11, 2025.  Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously.
 
ADOPTED Resolution No. 71-2024 approving application and permit for at 1 day to 4 day temporary on-sale liquor license for St. Thomas Aquinas Church MOTION by Councilor Buller to adopt Resolution No. 71 -2024 approving application and permit for a 1 day to 4 day temporary on-sale liquor license for St. Thomas Aquinas Church for a Dueling Piano event scheduled for February 1, 2025.  Motion seconded by Councilor Kalar and carried unanimously.
 
RECESS the regular City Council meeting for the Truth-in-Taxation meeting Mayor Droba called for a recess and a motion from the regular City Council meeting for the Truth-in-Taxation meeting.

MOTION by Councilor Buller to recess the regular City Council meeting at 6:00 P.M. for the Truth-in-Taxation meeting.  Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously.

 
REOPEN the regular City Council meeting Mayor Droba reopened the regular City Council meeting at 6:50 P.M.
 
ADOPTED Resolution No. 72-2024 approving Municipal State Aid Street (MSAS) Funds Advance MOTION by Councilor Buller to adopt Resolution No. 72-2024 approving Municipal State Aid Street (MSAS) Funds Advance for Project #134-106-002 and Project #134-108-001, 2nd Avenue East and 7th Street projects.  Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously.
 
ADOPTED Resolution No. 73-2024 approving Municipal State Aid Street (MSAS) Funds Advance MOTION by Councilor Buller to adopt Resolution No. 73-2024 approving Municipal State Aid Street (MSAS) Funds Advance for Project #134-594-001, 9th Street project.  Motion seconded by Councilor Kalar and carried unanimously.
 
Public Works Committee recommendation(s):

  1. APPROVED an upgrade to the current charging station and installation of DC Fast Charging Equipment by Minnesota Power
 

MOTION by Councilor Holden to approve an upgrade to the current charging station and installation of DC Fast Charging Equipment by Minnesota Power.  Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously.

 
APPROVED Northdale Oil gasoline pumps license, restaurant license, and cigarette license MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve Northdale Oil gasoline pumps license, restaurant license, and cigarette license.  Motion seconded by Councilor Kalar and carried unanimously.
 
APPROVED Northdale Oil off sale license MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve Northdale Oil off sale license pending approval from the State of Minnesota and obtaining the proper building and zoning permits from the City.  Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously.
 
APPROVED Zach Schmidt snowplow license MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve Zach Schmidt snowplow license.  Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously.
 
Reports of the Administrator, Attorney, and Department Heads None.
 
Reports of Mayor and Council Committees Mayor Droba reported that Rainy Lake Medical Center oversaw the Christmas parade on Friday, November 29, 2024 which had a great turn out and he was honored to be able to announce the count down to the tree lighting in Smokey Bear Park.  Mayor Droba thanked the International Falls Fire Department for the great fireworks.
 
AUDIENCE None.
 
ADJOURNMENT The next regular City Council meeting is Monday, December 16, 2024, at 5:30 P.M.  Mayor Droba adjourned the meeting at 7:04 P.M.

                                                           

Harley M. Droba, Mayor

Attest:

                                                           

Betty Bergstrom, City Administrator

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