APPROVED agenda with additions and deletion

MOTION by Councilor Jaksa to approve the agenda with the following additions:

Consent Agenda-

#4 – Approve IRS mileage reimbursement rate for 2018

#5 – Approve LMCIT Liability Coverage Waiver Form to not waive limits on Municipal Tort Liability and authorize signatures

Motion seconded by Councilor Briggs and carried unanimously.

APPROVED minutes of the December 18, 2017 regular City Council meeting

MOTION by Councilor Briggs to approve minutes of the regular City Council meeting of December 18, 2017. Motion seconded by Councilor Jaksa and carried unanimously.

ADOPTED Resolution No. 01-18 approving transfers, payment of claims, and accounts payable

MOTION by Councilor Droba to adopt Resolution No. 01-18 approving transfers, payment of claims and accounts payable for the first monthly City Council meeting. Motion seconded by Councilor Briggs and carried unanimously.

ABE

VNP VRF Communications

1,374.60  

62589 

American Water Works Assoc 

Membership Dues 

79.00  

62590 

Ameritas Life Ins Corp 

Dental Insurance Premiums 

1,964.60  

62591 

Aqua-Pure Inc 

Controllers 

3,436.00  

62592 

Auto Value Int’l Falls

Supplies-Grounds/St Garage 

20.24  

62593 

BCBS of MN

Health Insurance Premiums 

4,540.00  

62594 

Border Boxes 

Shipping-Ambulance 

8.75  

62595 

Borderland Humane Society 

Pound Operation 

2,250.00  

62596 

Bound Tree Medical LLC

Ambulance Supplies/Holy Trinity 

1,986.43  

62597 

Chris Raboin 

Police Benefit 

150.00  

62598 

City of Int’l Falls-Fund 101

Lodging Tax Transfer 

227.76  

62599 

City Water Department 

City Water Accounts 

2,205.61

62600 

Coffee Landing Metro 

Crew Meals 

204.21  

62601 

Compass Minerals 

Winter Salt 

16,466.31  

62602 

Convention & Visitors Bureau 

Lodging Tax 

4,327.39  

62603 

Crysteel Manufacturing Inc 

Parts-Plow Truck 

1,067.00  

62604 

Dakota Supply Group

Water Maint 

215.00  

62605 

Door Service Inc 

Transmitters 

375.00  

62606 

DSC Communications

Chargers 

750.00  

62607 

Earl F Andersen 

Traffic Signs 

9,011.68  

62608 

Epic Threads 

Fire/Amb-Tshirts / Safety Vests 

2,590.00

62609 

Essentia Health  

Oxygen 

141.36  

62610 

Forest Hill Cemetery Assoc 

Monthly Payment 

833.37  

62611 

Galls, An Aramark Co., LLC

Clothing Allowance 

1,601.06  

62612 

Graybar 

Electric Heater/Supplies/Credit 

725.76  

62613

Hawkins Inc 

Chemicals 

32,089.20  

62614 

Innovative Office Solutions LLC

Supplies-Admin/Mayor/Council 

45.83  

62615 

Int’l Falls US Post Office

Permit #79 Escrow 

2,000.00  

62616 

Island View Realty 

Acct Dep Refund 

20.00  

62617

IUOE Local 49

Health Insurance Premiums 

24,880.00  

62618 

J. N. Johnson Fire & Safety 

Supplies – Fire Dept 

62.95  

62619 

K & K Meyers Inc 

Chamber Bldg New Door 

7,776.21  

62620 

Kooch County Diesel Inc 

Repairs- Highway Equipment 

75.00  

62621 

Lawson Products Inc 

Supplies-Street Lighting/Electrical 

327.81  

62622 

LMC Insurance Trust-WC

Ded.-Norstad/Butts/Kennedy/Hilfer 

1,700.97  

62623 

Marco 

Antivirus /Canon Copier 

106.39  

62624 

Melanie Clarity 

Sewing – Fire Dept

40.00  

62625 

Menards International Falls 

Supplies-St/Water/Fire/Gar/Bldg Off 

1,667.14  

62626 

Minnesota Energy Resources 

Utilities 

2,383.00  

62627 

Minnesota Industries 

Supplies-Street/Water 

61.78  

62628 

Minnesota Power

Utilities 

15,895.57  

62629 

MN Chiefs of Police Assoc

Voting Membership 

253.00  

62630 

MN Dept of Labor & Industry

Boiler Insp.-Water/Plant/St Garage 

270.00  

62631 

MTI Distributing Inc

Parts-VNP

60.13  

62632 

Municipal Code Corporation

Annual Fee-MyMunicode

275.00  

62633 

Northeast Service Cooperative 

Health Insurance Premiums 

4,448.00  

62634 

Powerplan 

672g John Deere-Rent 

4,000.00  

62635 

Quality Flow Systems Inc 

Liftstation Repair-Accident 

23,290.00  

62636 

Range Paper Corp 

Cleaning Supplies-Street Dept 

781.11  

62637 

Rhory Gelo 

Safety Boot Allowance 

100.00  

62638 

RMS Tritec LLC

Boomlift, 450AJ Rental

3,007.00  

62639 

Roche’s Towing 

Towing-Police 

80.00  

62640

Ronning’s  

Clothing Allowance-J Franz 

44.97  

62641 

Servicemaster of Intl Falls

Cleaning Services-VNP

3,665.00  

62642 

Shannon’s Inc 

Maint/Repair – Water 

56.80  

62643 

Skubic Bros. International 

Maint-Unit 062 

2,018.87  

62644 

Soundnorth 

Antenna-Unit 141 / Maint-Water 

110.00  

62645 

Steven M Shermoen 

Legal Fees 

6,656.50  

62646 

Sun Life Financial 

Life Insurance Premiums 

431.66  

62647 

Taylor’s Plumbing & Htg LLC

Bldg Maint-Municipal Bldg 

329.05

62648 

Terex Services 

Unit 083 – Maintenance 

1,589.71  

62649 

The Nelson Trust 

Health Insurance Premiums 

32,567.00  

62650 

The Sherwin Williams Co 

M/R-VNP

1,316.19  

62651 

Viking Electric Supply Inc 

Supplies-St Lighting 

84.02

62652 

Wherley Motors Inc  

2003 /2014 Ford Repairs 

816.30  

62653 

Widseth Smith Nolting 

Eng/MSA/San.Study/Watermain

33,999.20  

62654 

Ziegler Inc 

Parts-Street Dept 

140.02  

62655 

Fire Safety USA Inc

Down Payment on 2007 Fire Truck

220,000.00

62687

The following checks were issued under blanket authorization:

AFLAC 

Supplemental Insurance 

269.67

99623

AllState – American Heritage  

Supplemental Insurance 

9.64 

99624

Assurant Employee Benefits

Supplemental Insurance

441.58

99625

Bremer Bank NA 

Federal Withholding 

42,853.63

99626

I.U.O.E. Local Central Pension Fund 

Retirement 

2,352.13

99267

Grant DeBenedet, Sec/Treas 

C.O.P.S. 

110.00 

99628

IF Fire Dept Relief 

Dues 

448.00

99629

Intl Falls Ambulance Service 

Dues

154.00

99630

MN Child Support Pmt Center 

Wage Assignment 

319.79 

99631

MN Department of Revenue 

State Withholding 

7,947.18

99632

No Koochiching Area Sanitary Dist. 

Health Insurance Premiums 

233.60 

99634

PERA 

Retirement 

29,647.24

99635

Sun Life Financial

Supplemental Insurance

464.80

99636 

MSRS-Empower Deferred Comp 

Deferred Compensation 

6,448.00 

99637 

AUDIENCE

None.

PUBLIC HEARING

Motion by Councilor Droba to approve the First Reading of Ordinance No. __ Fifth Series, An Ordinance to Amend the Code of Ordinances by Repealing or Amending Existing Fees and Establishing a New Fee Schedule for Water Rates, Building and Zoning Permit fees. Motion seconded by Councilor Jaksa. Councilor Pearson then asked if the two items, water rates and building and zoning permit fees, can be acted upon separately. Councilor Droba then amended his motion to approve the First Reading of Ordinance No. __ Fifth Series, An Ordinance to Amend the Code of Ordinances by Repealing or Amending Existing Fees and Establishing a New Fee Schedule for Building and Zoning Permit fees. Motion seconded by Councilor Jaksa. Motion passed 4-1 with Councilor Briggs, Droba, Jaksa and Anderson voting “yea,” and Councilor Pearson voting “nay.”

Motion by Councilor Droba to approve the First Reading of Ordinance No. __ Fifth Series, An Ordinance to Amend the Code of Ordinances by Repealing or Amending Existing Fees and Establishing a New Fee Schedule for Water Rates. Motion seconded by Councilor Pearson. Councilor Jaksa noted the many hours spent on this topic and feels that the Council has done their due diligence looking at the various options. Councilor Droba credited the staff for their hard work on this project and stated that while the Council does not want to raise the rates it is necessary to care for the infrastructure and they believe this is a modest increase. Mayor Anderson also noted that rates have not been increased since February 2015 and it is necessary to comply with the DNR’s required conservation rates. Motion carried unanimously.

OPENING BIDS

None. 

OLD BUSINESS

None.

APPROVED Consent Agenda as presented

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

1. Year 2018 license renewal, as presented
2. Approve travel and continuing education training expenses for Kelly Meyers to attend the ICC Upper Great Plains Region III Educational Institute on February 13 – 16, 2018; the Energy Design Conference February 19 – 21, 2018; and quarterly Arrowhead Chapter Building Official Meetings
3. Approve travel and training expenses for Ted Brokaw to attend various conferences and seminars in 2018 per attached request
4. Approve IRS mileage reimbursement rate for 2018
5. Approve LMCIT Liability Coverage Waiver Form to not waive limits on Municipal Tort Liability and authorize signatures.

Motion seconded by Councilor Jaksa and carried unanimously.

NEW BUSINESS:

APPROVED Payroll Dates- biweekly

MOTION by Councilor Briggs to approve the payroll dates – biweekly on Tuesday, commencing 1/2/2018. Motion seconded by Councilor Jaksa and carried unanimously.

ADOPTED Resolution No. 02-18 approving designated depositories of City monies

MOTION by Councilor Jaksa to adopt Resolution No. 02-18 approving the designated depositories of City monies to be Bremer, Bremer Investment Management & Trust, Wells Fargo, Border State Bank of International Falls, Edward Jones, and Minnesota Municipal Money Market Fund (the 4M Fund). Motion seconded by Councilor Pearson and carried unanimously.

APPROVED Designation of official newspaper

MOTION by Councilor Pearson to approve the designation of The Journal as the official newspaper for required publications. Motion seconded by Councilor Droba and carried unanimously.

APPROVED re-appointment of Mike Rud to the Fire Civil Service Commission

MOTION by Councilor Droba to approve the Mayor’s re-appointment of Mike Rud to the Fire Civil Service Commission for a term of January 1, 2018-December 31, 2020. Motion seconded by Councilor Briggs and carried unanimously.

APPROVED re-appointment of Barbara Albert to the Housing and Redevelopment Commission

MOTION by Councilor Briggs to approve the Mayor’s re-appointment of Barbara Albert to the Housing and Redevelopment Commission for a term of January 1, 2018-December 31, 2022. Motion seconded by Councilor Droba and carried unanimously.

APPROVED re-appointment of Ted Saxton to the Library Board of Trustees

MOTION by Councilor Pearson to approve the Mayor’s re-appointment of Ted Saxton to the Library Board of Trustees for a term of January 1, 2018-December 31, 2020. Motion seconded by Councilor Droba and carried unanimously.

APPROVED re-appointment of Paul Nevanen to the Library Board of Trustees

MOTION by Councilor Briggs to approve the Mayor’s re-appointment of Paul Nevanen to the Library Board of Trustees for a term of January 1, 2018-December 31, 2020. Motion seconded by Councilor Pearson. Councilor Jaksa voiced concerns about the fact that Mr. Nevanen is on so many City appointed board and commissions, limiting the variety of people we have representing the citizens. Motion carried unanimously.

APPROVED re-appointment of Julie Ehrman to the Planning Commission

MOTION by Councilor Briggs to approve the Mayor’s re-appointment of Julie Ehrman to the Planning Commission for a term of January 1, 2018-December 31, 2020. Motion seconded by Councilor Droba and carried unanimously.

APPROVED re-appointment of Peter Schultz to the Planning Commission

MOTION by Councilor Briggs to approve the Mayor’s re-appointment of Peter Schultz to the Planning Commission for a term of January 1, 2018-December 31, 2020. Motion seconded by Councilor Pearson and carried unanimously.

APPROVED re-appointment of Paul Nevanen to the Planning Commission

MOTION by Councilor Droba to approve the Mayor’s re-appointment of Paul Nevanen to the Planning Commission for a term of January 1, 2018-December 31, 2020. Motion seconded by Councilor Pearson. Motion passed 4-1 with Councilor Briggs, Droba, Pearson and Anderson voting “yea,” and Councilor Jaksa voting “nay.”

APPROVED re-appointment of David Peterson to the Police Civil Service Commission

MOTION by Councilor Droba to approve the Mayor’s re-appointment of David Peterson to the Police Civil Service Commission for a term of January 1, 2018-December 31, 2020. Motion seconded by Councilor Pearson and carried unanimously.

APPROVED re-appointment of Clint Chase to the Zoning Board of Appeals

MOTION by Councilor Briggs to approve the Mayor’s re-appointment of Clint Chase to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a term of January 1, 2018-December 31, 2022. Motion seconded by Councilor Pearson and carried unanimously.

APPROVED appointment of Fire Relief Association Members 

MOTION by Councilor Droba to approve the appointment of Mayor Anderson, City Administrator Anderson, and Fire Chief Mannausau to the International Falls Fire Relief Association Board of Trustees. Motion seconded by Councilor Pearson and carried unanimously.

ADOPTED Resolution No. 03-18 approving application for exempt permit for MN Deer Hunters Association, Trails End Chapter

MOTION by Councilor Briggs to adopt Resolution

No. 03-18 approving application for exempt permit for MN Deer Hunters Association, Trails End Chapter to conduct a raffle with the drawing to be held on April 6, 2018 at the Backus Community Building, International Falls. Motion seconded by Councilor Pearson and carried unanimously.

AUTHORIZED the Police Department to seek quotes for two 2018 Police Package Patrol Vehicles 

MOTION by Councilor Briggs to authorize the Police Department to seek quotes for acquisition of two 2018 Police Package Patrol Vehicles (sedan and SUV). Motion seconded by Councilor Droba. City Administrator Anderson indicated that it will take a while to get the quotes back, vehicles ready and outfitted, so the Chief is seeking quotes soon. Motion passed 4-1 with Councilor Briggs, Droba, Jaksa and Anderson voting “yea,” and Councilor Pearson voting “nay.”

APPROVED Budget and Finance Committee recommendations:

1. Down payment amount for acquisition of used 2007 Ladder Truck from Fire Safety USA

MOTION by Councilor Droba to approve the $220,000 down payment amount for acquisition of a used 2007 75 foot Ladder Truck available from Fire Safety USA. Motion seconded by Councilor Jaksa. Motion passed 4-1 with Councilor Briggs, Droba, Jaksa and Anderson voting “yea,” and Councilor Pearson voting “nay.”

1. Purchase of Fire Department Turnout Gear to replace damaged gear

MOTION by Councilor Droba to approve the purchase of 22 turnout gear to replace the gear that was damaged/contaminated and deemed noncompliant after the Rainy Lake Oil Fire, not to exceed $50,000. Motion seconded by Councilor Pearson. Chief Mannausau informed the Council that once fire gear is saturated with oil they cannot get re-certified for use. City Administrator Anderson stated that an insurance claim was filed that day with the LMCIT in an attempt to recover costs for the loss. Motion carried unanimously.

RE-SCHEDULED International Falls EDA meeting on January 16, 2018

Councilor Briggs, EDA President, re-scheduled the International Falls EDA meeting on January 16, 2018 to 3:30 P.M., rather than following the Council meeting. City Attorney Shermoen indicated that he would be out of the area, but available via conference call.

REPORTS:

Reports of the Administrator, Attorney, and Department Heads 

City Administrator Anderson reminded everyone of the Office Clerk job opening, with the application period closing on January 12, 2018 at 4:00 P.M. Administrator Anderson also informed the Council that there is tentative agreement on two labor contracts with the Police Department and the Fire Fighters/Paramedics.

Attorney Shermoen indicated that the “Icebox of the Nation” trademark expires at the end of January, which will cost $850.00 to renew. MOTION by Councilor Jaksa to have Attorney Shermoen process the renewal for the “Icebox of the Nation” trademark. Motion seconded by Councilor Pearson and carried unanimously. Attorney Shermoen brought up the issue of the development agreement currently in place with Mariner Farms. He said they have defaulted on the terms in the agreement. The Council discussed the possibility of terminating the agreement at the January 16^th IFEDA meeting.

Fire Chief Mannausau gave a brief report for December 2017 and an annual summary for 2017.

Reports of Mayor and Council Committees 

Mayor Anderson handed out a written Mayor’s Report dated January 2, 2018. 

AUDIENCE 

None. 

ADJOURNMENT 

Mayor Anderson adjourned the meeting at 5:49 P.M.