City of International Falls City of International Falls
menu item Home Government Services Departments Meeting Calendar Photos Contact Menu Item
 
PUBLIC WORKS
Engineering Zoning Wetlands Building Inspector Street Water & Sewer Water Treatment Plant Calendar Parking Construction Projects
Engineering
Engineering Department Responsibilities
The Engineering Department staff works with the City Council to identify and prioritize projects for the purposes of expanding, improving and maintaining the City's infrastructure. Engineering department staff prepares plans, specifications and bidding documents, either in-house or with the help of consulting firms, as a precursor to hiring a contractor to construct improvement projects. Engineering Department staff provide construction management and financial administration of the City's capital improvement projects. The Public Works Director is also the Zoning and Wetlands Official.
Partnerships
Engineering Department staff work closely with MnDOT on local municipal state aid projects for project scheduling, project funding, and project plan review and approval. The Engineering Department staff works with MnDOT to improve and maintain state-owned Trunk Highways, Traffic Signal Systems and signage within the City limits.
Engineering Department staff work with Koochiching County to improve and maintain County State Aid roadways within the City limits. City staff and County staff often times work together on mutually beneficial projects, such as computer networking of the City/County offices and joint development of a Geographic Information System (GIS).
Engineering Department staff work the MnDNR, MnDOA, MnPCA, MnDOH, FAA, US Customs, US Immigration, etc. on multi-jurisdictional projects within the City limits.
Contact Person
The International Falls Public Works Director is Gary Skallman. Phone number: 218.283.2507. Fax number: 218.283.3590. Cell Phone number: 218-240-1412. E-mail: garys@ci.international-falls.mn.us
Office Location
The Engineering Department office is located in the Municipal Building at 600 4th Street. Signage on the west side of the building reads MUNICIPAL BUILDING.
Normal Working Hours
Engineering Department office hours are from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday.
Emergency or After Hours

Call the Fire Hall at 218.283.2929. The fire hall dispatcher, who is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, will contact the Public Works Director.

back to top
Zoning
back to top
Zoning Department Responsibilities
The Zoning Official interprets, administers and enforces the City's land use regulations and zoning regulations for the citizens of International Falls. The City is divided into zone districts, such as residential zones, commercial zones, manufacturing zones, etc. In each zone district, land and structures may be used only for the purposes provided under Permitted Uses, except those Uses listed under Conditional Uses. A copy of the City's Zoning map is available at the Municipal Building, located at 600 4th Street in International Falls. Examples of commonly asked questions relative to Land Use and Zoning issues are listed in the following:
  • Building Setbacks from property lines
  • Fence Setbacks from property lines
  • Maximum building size, building height, etc.
  • Conditional Use Permits
  • Zoning Variances
  • Sign/Billboard Permits
These questions can be answered by contacting the Zoning Official using the information contained herein.
Partnerships
The Zoning Official works closely with the Planning Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals.
The Zoning Official works with the Airport Commission Zoning Department when the subject property is within Airport property or Airport runway glide path, etc.
The Zoning Official works with the US Postmaster to determine property addresses within City limits. The Zoning Official works with Koochiching County Sheriff to determine 911-compliant addresses for property inside and outside of City limits.
Contact Person
The City of International Falls Zoning Official is Gary Skallman. Phone number: 218.283.2507. Fax number: 218.283.3590. E-mail address: garys@ci.international-falls.mn.us
Office Location
The Zoning Official office is located in the Municipal Building at 600 4th Street. Signage on the west side of the building reads MUNICIPAL BUILDING.
Normal Working Hours
Zoning Official normal working hours are from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday.
Emergency or After Hours Contact Information

Please leave a message in the Zoning Officials voice mailbox by calling 218.283.2507.

back to top
Wetlandsback to top
Wetlands Department Responsibilities
The City Wetlands Official interprets, administers and enforces the City's wetlands regulations for the citizens of International Falls. The City's wetland regulations are based upon the State of MN Wetland Conservation Act (WCA). The City is divided into zones or districts, based upon existing land uses, existing vegetation, existing soil types, existing elevation relative to the flood plain, etc. If alteration of land or construction of a building is being considered, a determination as to the presence of wetlands should take place before work begins. Similarly, shoreline management regulations must be considered when working in their vicinity. The City's Wetland Delineation map is on file in the Engineering Department office at the Municipal Building, located at 600 4th Street in International Falls. Examples of commonly asked questions relative to Wetlands Regulations, Flood Plain Regulations and Shoreline Management Regulations are listed in the following:
  • What agency determines what is and is not a Wetland?
  • Is this property classified as Wetland?
  • Can I fill a Wetland?
  • Can I build in a Wetland?
  • What, if any, exemptions exist if I build in this Wetland?
  • Is wetland mitigation required, if so, in what form and to what extent?
  • Is this property in the Flood Plain?
  • Can I build in a Flood Plain?
  • To what extent, if any, can I alter the shoreline along Rainy River or Rainy Lake?
Answers to many of these questions can be found by visiting the State of MN Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) website at www.bwsr.state.mn.us.
Partnerships
The Wetlands Official works closely with Koochiching County Environmental Services Department (ESD).
The Wetlands Official works closely with Koochiching County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), which serves as a information clearinghouse and provides technical assistance to county residents, local businesses and other units of government, as requested.
The Koochiching County SWCD also assists with wetland identification and management, and is a member of the Technical Evaluation Panel.
The Wetlands Official works closely with the State of MN Department of Natural Resources, State of MN Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR), the State of MN Pollution Control Agency, the US Army Corps of Engineers and FEMA.
Contact Person
The contact person for the City of International Falls is David Serrano. Phone number: 218.324.0939. Fax number: 218.283.3590. E-mail: davids@ci.international-falls.mn.us
The contact person for the Koochiching County SWCD is Ryan Heinen. Phone number: 218.283.1175.
The contact person for the Koochiching County ESD is Richard Lehtinen. Phone number: 218.283.1157.
The contact person for the BWSR is Bill Best. Phone number: 218.723.4923. Website address: www.bwsr.state.mn.us.
Office Location
The Wetlands Official office is located in the Municipal Building at 600 4th Street. Signage on the west side of the building reads MUNICIPAL BUILDING.
Normal Working Hours
Wetland Official normal working hours are from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday.
Emergency or After Hours Contact Information

Please leave a message in the Wetlands Official's voice mailbox by calling 218.324.0939.

back to top
Building Inspectorback to top
Building Inspector Responsibilities
The Building Inspector interprets, administers and enforces the City Building Code and Plumbing Code, which are based upon the State of MN Building Code and Plumbing Code. The primary objective of the Building Official is to work with citizens, business owners, contractors, etc. to help them understand the importance of building codes and to help them incorporate the Code Provisions into their respective building projects.
Examples of projects for which Building Permits are required include all buildings and structures erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, etc. Building permit fees are based on the valuation of the project. The City of International Falls and it's residents are fortunate to have a Certified Building Official on staff who is licensed by the State of MN, experienced in the construction trade, knowledgeable, practical and easy to work with. When undertaking a project within the City that requires a Building Permit, please set aside some time at the beginning of your project to meet with the City's Building Official, in the end, you'll be glad that you did.
Examples of commonly asked questions relative to building codes, building inspection and building permits are listed in the following:
  • For what types of building projects do I need to get a building permit?
  • How and where do I obtain a building permit?
  • What information do I need to provide to the building official in order to obtain a building permit?
  • How much will the building permit cost?
  • What are the consequences of starting and/or finishing my project before obtaining a building permit?
  • What services will I receive from the City Building Inspector as a result of obtaining a building permit?
  • Do I need to obtain a building permit if my building project is outside of the International Falls City limits?
These questions and others can be answered by contacting the Building Inspector using the information contained herein.
Click here to see Blight Ordinances
Partnerships
The City Building Official utilizes State of MN Building Officials and State of MN Plumbing Officials as resources for verifying code updates, statute revisions, compliance requirements, etc. for the Building Code as well as the Plumbing Code.
Contact Person

                                    Building Inspector Kelly Meyers  E-mail: kellym@ci.international-falls.mn.us

                                      Phone: 218-283-0706. Fax: 218-283-3590. Cell phone: 218-244-6169.

 
                                     The City of International Falls Building Official is E-Gads Inc. (Guy Sharpe)
Office Location
The Building Inspector office is in the third floor of the Municipal Building, which is located at 600 4th Street. Signage on the west wall of the building reads MUNICIPAL BUILDING.
Normal Working Hours
Building Official office hours are from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The Building Inspector is occasionally away from the office performing inspections. The Building Official will gladly schedule appointments at your job site or in his office.
Emergency or After Hours Contact Information

Please leave a message in the Building Inspector's voice mailbox by calling 218-283-0706.

back to top
Streetback to top
sanderstreet equipmentstreet employees
Street Department Responsibilities
The Street Department staff constructs, maintains and repairs the following components of the City's infrastructure:
  • Streets and alleys
  • Street lights, alley lights and traffic signals
  • Sidewalks and curb and gutter
  • Stop signs, street signs, informational signs, etc.
  • City Buildings
  • City Parks, City Playgrounds and City Recreational Facilities
  • City Beach
  • Snow plowing, snow removal, sanding
The City of International Falls has upgraded the winter snow/ice removal fleet with the purchase of a new sander truck. The cab/chassis is a 2005 International 4300 with an International DT 466, 210 H.P. engine. The sander/hydraulics package is a Hi-Way E2020XT-304 with a 5.8 cubic yard stainless steel hopper. The unit that is being replaced is a 1986 Ford with a 1998 Hendrickson sander. This is the second sander unit to be used on this chassis.
This unit is used in conjunction with a larger sander/plow truck to provide traction and ice removal at controlled intersections throughout the city and on driving lanes of our main thoroughfares.
Partnerships
Street Department staff works jointly with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to plow snow, sand and maintain state-owned Trunk Highways within the City limits. Street Department staff also works jointly with MnDOT to maintain state-owned Traffic Signal systems within the City limits.
Street Department staff works jointly with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MnDNR) to operate and maintain public boat landings on Rainy River and Rainy Lake.
Street Department staff works jointly with the Minnesota Department of Aeronautics, US Customs and Einarson's Flying Service to operate and maintain the Pat Roche Memorial Float Plane Base and Customs Port of Entry on Rainy River.
Contact person
The City of International Falls Street Department Commissioner is Steve Johnson. Phone number: 218.283.4403. Fax number: 218.283.8932. E-mail: stevej@ci.international-falls.mn.us
Office Location
The Street Department headquarters is located at 200 7th Street. Signage on the building reads CITY GARAGE.
Normal working hours
Street Department normal working hours are from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm, Monday - Friday
Emergency or After Hours Contact Information

Call the Fire Hall at 218.283.2929. The fire hall dispatcher, who is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, will contact the Street Department supervisor.

back to top
Water & Sewerback to top
Water & Sewer Department Responsibilities
public works employeesThe Water and Sewer Department staff constructs, maintains and repairs the following components of the City's infrastructure:
  • Water Mains and shut off valves
  • Fire Hydrants
  • Elevated Water Storage Tanks
  • Sanitary Sewer Mains and Manholes
  • Lift Stations
  • Storm Sewer Mains, Manholes and Outfalls
  • Culverts and Ditches
Partnerships
water towerwater towerWater & Sewer Department staff works jointly with the North Koochiching Sanitary Sewer District to maintain the sanitary sewer system infrastructure.

Water & Sewer Department staff works jointly with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MnDNR) to maintain storm sewer outfalls along Rainy River and Rainy Lake.

Water & Sewer Department staff works jointly with the City of Ranier and Koochiching County to maintain the water main system infrastructure outside of City Limits.
Contact person
The City of International Falls Water & Sewer Department Commissioner is Rich Christie. Phone number: 218.283.9461. Fax number: 218.283.3590. E-mail: richc@ci.international-falls.mn.us
Office Location
The Water and Sewer Department headquarters is located at 1801 1st Ave. E. Signage on the building reads CITY WATER & SEWER DEPARTMENT.
Normal Working Hours
Water & Sewer Department normal working hours are from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm, Monday - Friday.
Emergency or After Hours Contact Information

Call the Fire Hall at 218.283.2929. The fire hall dispatcher, who is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, will contact the Water & Sewer Department supervisor.

back to top
Water Treatment Plant
back to top
water treatmentwater treatment
Mission Statement
To provide for Public Health, Public Safety, and Economic Development by efficiently producing and delivering a high quality drinking water at a fair price.
Water Treatment Plant Responsibilities
As part of operating the Water Treatment Plant, in accordance with State and Federal drinking water standards, the City water treatment plant staff performs the following tasks:
  • Maintain water intake line from Rainy River
  • Water filtration and water treatment
  • Water quality assurance and water quality testing by city staff, independent labs and the State of MN
  • Submit testing documentation to the State of MN for review and audit Consumer Confidence Report
  • Maintain on-site water storage capabilities including the ground storage tank
  • Maintain pumps to distribute clean, safe drinking water to the distribution system
  • Maintain plant equipment in accordance with all applicable State and Federal standards
Partnerships
Water Treatment Plant staff works jointly with the Minnesota Department of Health and the US EPA to ensure conformance with Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) standards.
Water Treatment Plant staff work jointly with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MnDNR) to maintain a high quality of influent water from Rainy River into the Water Treatment Plant.
Contacts

                                                                                

 

 

Bruce Wilson

Chief Operator

Class A Licensure

Phone: 218-283-2990

Fax: 218-283-2606

brucew@ci.international-falls.mn.us

 

LeRoy Rognerud

Water Technician

Class A Licensure

leer@ci.international-falls.mn.us

 

Harold Scholler

Water Technician

Class A Licensure

harolds@ci.international-falls.mn.us

Plant Location
The Water Treatment Plant is located at 390 Highway 11 East, just west of Second Bridge. Signage on the building reads WATER TREATMENT FACILITY. The Plant is locked at all times; there is an intercom at the main door that can be used to contact plant personnel in the building.
Normal Working Hours
Water Treatment Plant normal working hours are from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm, Monday - Sunday.
Emergency or After Hours Contact Information

Call the Fire Hall at 218.283.2929. The fire hall dispatcher, who is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, will contact the Water Treatment Plant supervisor.

back to top
Calendar Parkingback to top
Calendar Parking restrictions are implemented and enforced by the City for several reasons, a few of which are listed in the following:
As you may or may not know, the City's Street Sweeper cleans the streets from approximately 4:00 am until 12:00 noon, Monday through Friday. Sweeper hours are expanded during the spring and summer months, when the presence of sand, gravel and other undesirable debris is greatest.
Similarly, during the winter months, snow removal and sanding operations take place between 2:00 am and 10:00 am. Often times, depending on the amount of snowfall and extent of icy roads, hours of operation for snow removal and street sanding are expanded to meet winter's demands.
To facilitate access to the roadway for the Street Sweeper as well as for Snow Plows and Sander Trucks, the City implemented and enforces calendar parking. The Public Works Department depends on automobile owner's compliance with calendar parking in order to facilitate our street maintenance tasks. Sometimes cleaning the streets serves primarily aesthetic purposes, other times, clearing the streets serves a vital Public Safety interest.
A complete listing of all provisions relating to Calendar Parking is listed in the City Code, which is accessible via the HOME PAGE, under the GOVERNMENT folder, by clicking on CITY CODE. For your reference, an excerpt of the City Code relative to Calendar Parking is listed in the following:

City Code Sec. 9-20. CALENDAR PARKING
  1. Streets affected. The council shall, by resolution, designate the streets upon which calendar parking shall be observed and shall provide that the same be duly sign-posted.
  2. Unlawful acts.
  3. It is unlawful to park a vehicle on the side of a street bearing odd-numbered U.S. Post Office addresses on any even-numbered date when streets have been duly sign-posted.
  4. It is unlawful to park a vehicle on the side of a street bearing even-numbered U.S. Post Office addresses on any odd-numbered date when streets have been duly sign-posted.
  5. Time of change. The hours of 8:00 o'clock p.m. to 12:00 o'clock midnight of each day shall be the hours of change wherein all vehicles affected by calendar parking must be parked on the proper side of the street for the subsequent day. Therefore, no vehicle shall be in violation of this Section if parked illegally during such hours.
  6. Suspension. Calendar parking may be suspended by giving notice thereof to local news media as to the street, streets, time or times of such suspension.
Partnerships
The Public Works Department works closely with the Police Department to encourage compliance with calendar parking restrictions.
Contact Persons
The International Falls Public Works Director is Gary Skallman. Phone number: 218.283.3261. Fax number is 218.283.3590. E-mail: garys@ci.international-falls.mn.us.
The International Falls Police Chief is Michael Musich. Phone number: 218.283.1150. Fax number: 218.283.7004. E-mail: mikem@ci.international-falls.mn.us.
Office Location
The Public Works Director's office is located in the Municipal Building at 600 4th Street. Signage on the west side of the building reads MUNICIPAL BUILDING.
The Police Chief's office is located in the Law Enforcement Center (LEC), Koochiching County Courthouse, located at 715 4th St.
Normal Working Hours
City Engineer normal working hours are from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday.
Police Chief normal working hours are from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday.
Emergency or After Hours Contact Information
Please leave a message in the Public Works Director's voice mailbox by calling 218.283.3261.

Please contact the Police Chief at the LEC by calling 218.283.1150.

back to top
Construction Projectsback to top
 2007 Public Works Projects
Public Works Improvement Projects are designed, bid and awarded depending, in part, whether or not project funding is comprised of local funds, state funds, federal funds, or a combination thereof. Municipal Improvement Projects are categorized, in the following list, by the type of utility or infrastructure that is being constructed. For more specific information, please call Gary Skallman, Director of Public Works at (218) 240-1412.
UTILITY Project Description Status of Completion
Strom Sewer projects
  • 3rd Ave East, 15th Street to 16th Street
  • 13th Street, 7th Ave to 200' East
  • 15th Street, 15th Ave to 700' West
  • 12th Street, 14th Ave to 15th Ave
 
Watermain Replacement
  • 5th Street, 5th Ave to 11th Ave
  • 8th Street, 4th Ave to 5th Ave
 
Sanitary Sewer
  • Manhole rehabilitation at various locations city wide
 
ROADWAY Project Description Status of Completion
Street Stabilization
  • 8th Ave, 20th Street to Ridge View Drive
  • Ridge View Drive, 8th Ave to 350' East
  • Glenwood Ave, 8th Ave to West end
  • Fern Wood Lane, Glenwood Ave to North end
  
Bituminous Paving
  • Center Street, TH 11 to Park Ave
  • Service Road at Holiday Inn
  • 7th Street, 11th Ave to 12th Ave
  • Patching at various locations city wide
 
Municipal State Aid Project
  • 9th Ave, 3rd Street to 5th Street
  • 4th Street, 8th Ave to 9th Ave Complete reconstruction with new bituminous paving, curb and gutter, sidewalks and street lighting
 
Alley Reconstruction
  • Repair at various locations city wide
 
Electrical
  • Upgrading of street lighting and poles on 11th Street, 14th Ave to TH 11-71
  • Upgrading of street lighting and poles on Municipal State Aid Project
  • Adding of new circuits at Kerry Park Arena
  • Adding of new circuits at Smokey Bear Park
 
Sidewalk, Curb and Gutter
  • Replacement at various location city-wide
  
BUILDING Project Description Status of Completion
General Government Buildings
  • Roof replacement on Senior Citizen's Building
  • Exterior repairs, tuck pointing and sealing of municipal and library buildings
  • Windows and/or doors on street and water shops
 
PARK/REC. FACILITY Project Description Status of Completion
Riverside Park
  • Construct a walking trail
  
8th Street Playground
  • Install playground equipment
  
City Beach
  • General improvements
  
Holler
  • Finish grading of baseball fields
  
2006 Completions
  • Watermain looping - 15th Street East Area, seeding and/or sodding, driveway and street repairs
  • 4th Ave - 2nd Street to 4th Street, apply final bituminous wear course, plant trees and install tree grates
  • Storm Sewer - 20th and 21st Streets, TH 53 to 6th Ave, seeding and/or sodding, driveway and street repairs
 
back to top  
 
img
site map user login
Site Designed byNorth Star Interactive:
North Star Interactive		 Site Hosted by:Marco
Marco