April 2, 2018 City Council Minutes
4:30 P.M.
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 April, 2018 at the hour of 4:30 P.M.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Councilors Briggs, Droba, Jaksa (arrived 4:32 P.M.), Pearson, and Mayor Anderson.
MEMBERS ABSENT: None.
| APPROVED agenda with addition | MOTION by Councilor Droba to approve the agenda with the following addition:
Motion seconded by Councilor Pearson and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED minutes of the March 19, 2018 regular City Council meeting | MOTION by Councilor Briggs to approve minutes of the regular City Council meeting of March 19, 2018. Motion seconded by Councilor Jaksa and carried unanimously. |
| ADOPTED Resolution No. 16-18 approving transfers, payment of claims, and accounts payable | MOTION by Councilor Pearson to adopt Resolution No. 16-18 approving transfers, payment of claims and accounts payable for the first monthly City Council meeting. Motion seconded by Councilor Jaksa. Mayor Anderson brought attention to the Nortrax, Inc. claim for the 710L Backhoe Loader that was split between three general ledger line items: 402-42210-5800, 403-40300-5702, and 403-40300-5703. Motion carried unanimously. |
CLAIMS
| Adam Hanson | Travel Expense-Fire |
289.85 |
63222 |
|
| Adam Mannausau | Travel Expense |
115.00 |
63223 |
|
| All Season Equipment Inc | Chainsaw Oil/Tools-Street/Garage |
215.86 |
63224 |
|
| Ameritas Life Ins Corp | Dental Insurance Premiums |
2,073.20 |
63225 |
|
| Auto Value Int’l Falls | Supplies-Water Plant |
6.99 |
63226 |
|
| BCBS of Minnesota | Amb Overpmt Refund |
216.06 |
63227 |
|
| BCBS of MN | Health Insurance Premiums |
4,540.00 |
63228 |
|
| Borderland Humane Society | Pound Operation |
2,250.00 |
63229 |
|
| Bound Tree Medical LLC | Ambulance Supplies |
1,285.12 |
63230 |
|
| Canon Financial Services Inc | Copier Mtc Agreement-LEC |
192.74 |
63231 |
|
| Chocolate Moose Restaurant Co | Crew Meals |
340.95 |
63232 |
|
| Chris Raboin | Police Benefit |
150.00 |
63233 |
|
| City of Fargo, North Dakota | Water Lab Tests |
210.00 |
63234 |
|
| City of Int’l Falls-Fund 101 | Lodging Tax Transfer |
514.19 |
63235 |
|
| City Water Department | City Buildings |
1,406.42 |
63236 |
|
| Clarey’s Safety Equip Inc | Chem Assessment Team-Supplies |
426.00 |
63237 |
|
| Convention & Visitors Bureau | Lodging Tax |
9,769.60 |
63238 |
|
| Entenmann-Rovin Co | Officer Badge-DeBenedet |
119.00 |
63239 |
|
| Forest Hill Cemetery Assoc. | Monthly Payment |
833.33 |
63240 |
|
| Galls, An Aramark Co., LLC | PKennedy/JMastin/Baldwin/Harris |
932.74 |
63241 |
|
| Graybar | Bldg Maint-VNP |
75.00 |
63242 |
|
| Harley Droba | Meeting/Travel Reimbursement |
1,061.37 |
63243 |
|
| Hawkins Inc | Chemicals |
1,367.03 |
63244 |
|
| IF Fire Dept Relief | Firefighters SBR Reimbursement |
2,548.70 |
63245 |
|
| Image Trend Inc | Field Bridge License Support |
4,000.00 |
63246 |
|
| Innovative Office Solutions LLC | Supplies-Admin/Fire/Ambulance |
435.64 |
63247 |
|
| IUOE Local 49 | Health Insurance Premiums |
28,704.00 |
63248 |
|
| J. N. Johnson Fire & Safety | Inspections-Animal Shelter/VNP |
230.10 |
63249 |
|
| Jacob Harris | Travel Expense-Fire |
194.93 |
63250 |
|
| Justin & Katie Chezick | Water & Sewer Rebate |
12.50 |
63251 |
|
| K & K Meyers Inc | Door Repair-Water Plant |
946.91 |
63252 |
|
| Lawson Products Inc | Supplies-Street Garage/St Lighting |
394.15 |
63253 |
|
| Maggert Machine Inc | Maint & Repair-Backhoe |
44.20 |
63254 |
|
| Mannco Trucking Inc | Haul Loader |
971.25 |
63255 |
|
| Marco | Antivirus/Microsoft Exch./Canon |
454.56 |
63256 |
|
| Menards International Falls | Water/W.Plant/Amb/Street/Fire |
200.68 |
63257 |
|
| Mesabi Bituminous Inc | Cold Mix |
4,156.50 |
63258 |
|
| Minnesota Energy Resources | Utilities |
9,772.32 |
63259 |
|
| Minnesota Power | Utilities |
24,058.72 |
63260 |
|
| MN Pollution Control Agency | Hazardous Waste Annual Fee |
575.76 |
63261 |
|
| Nortrax Inc | JohnDeere 644kLoader/710l Backhoe |
402,573.88 |
63262 |
|
| Otis Elevator Company | Service Contract-City Hall/Library |
2,653.36 |
63263 |
|
| Range Paper Corp | CleaningSupplies-Garage/Arena/VNP |
1,724.65 |
63264 |
|
| Rick Becvar | Travel Expense-Sanitary Sewer |
70.00 |
63265 |
|
| Rihm Kenworth | Parts 2018 Kenworth T440 / Vactor |
832.18 |
63266 |
|
| RMS Tritec LLC | Parts-Unit 941 |
1,751.43 |
63267 |
|
| Ryan Hilfer | Travel Expense-Sanitary Sewer |
70.00 |
63268 |
|
| Soundnorth | Supplies-Fire |
14.99 |
63269 |
|
| Steven M Shermoen | Legal Fees |
6,872.50 |
63270 |
|
| Streicher’s Inc | Clothing-MKostiuk/Mastin/Tilander |
833.81 |
63271 |
|
| Sun Life Financial | Life Insurance Premiums |
452.42 |
63272 |
|
| Ted Brokaw | Travel Expense-Sanitary Sewer |
927.01 |
63273 |
|
| The Journal | MSA 9th Ave/Crescent Dr. – Ads |
503.40 |
63274 |
|
| The Nelson Trust | Health Insurance Premiums |
33,690.00 |
63275 |
|
| Viking Electric Supply Inc | Supplies/Tools/Maintenance |
860.93 |
63276 |
|
| Volunteer Firefighters’ | Firefighters Insurance |
822.00 |
63277 |
|
| Widseth Smith Nolting | Sew/MSA9th/15th/Watermain/Cres. |
51,282.22 |
63278 |
|
| The following checks were issued under blanket authorization: | ||||
| AFLAC | Supplemental Insurance |
269.67 |
99727 |
|
| AllState – American Heritage | Supplemental Insurance |
9.64 |
99728 |
|
| Bremer Bank NA | Federal Withholding |
34,246.06 |
99729 |
|
| I.U.O.E. Local Central Pension Fund | Retirement |
2,631.90 |
99730 |
|
| Grant DeBenedet, Sec/Treas | C.O.P.S. |
120.00 |
99731 |
|
| Intl Falls Ambulance Service | Dues |
161.00 |
99732 |
|
| MN Child Support Pmt Center | Wage Assignment |
319.79 |
99733 |
|
| MN Department of Revenue | State Withholding |
7,183.92 |
99734 |
|
| Empower Retirement | Deferred Comp |
6,680.00 |
99735 |
|
| PERA | Retirement |
28,112.37 |
99736 |
|
| Sun Life Financial | Supplemental Life Insurance |
589.43 |
99737 |
|
| Sun Life Financial Vol. LTD | Vol. LTD Insurance |
513.02 |
99738 |
|
| AUDIENCE | None. |
| PUBLIC HEARING | None. |
| OPENING BIDS | None. |
| OLD BUSINESS: | |
| APPROVED Second and final reading of Contract Ordinance #964 approving low bid submitted by Bowman Asphalt Products, Inc. for $766,335 for the 9th Avenue Street Reconstruction, 11th Street to 17th Street | MOTION by Councilor Jaksa to approve the low bid submitted by Bowman Asphalt Products, Inc. for $766,335 for the 9th Avenue Street Reconstruction, 11th Street to 17th Street, approve the second reading and final reading of the Contract Ordinance #964 for said project, and authorize signatures. Motion seconded by Councilor Pearson and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED Second and final reading of Contract Ordinance #965 approving low bid submitted by Wagner Construction, Inc. for $718,723.75 for the Crescent Drive Street Improvements, Memorial Drive to and including the Cul De Sac | MOTION by Councilor Jaksa to approve the low bid submitted by Wagner Construction, Inc. for $718,723.75 for the Crescent Drive Street Improvements, Memorial Drive to and including the Cul De Sac, approve the second and final reading of the Contract Ordinance #965 for said project, and authorize signatures. Motion seconded by Councilor Pearson and carried unanimously. |
| REMOVED from Table and ADOPTED Resolution No. 17-18 approving application and permit for a 1 day to 4 day temporary on-sale liquor license for the Annual International Falls Bass Championship Tournament |
MOTION by Councilor Droba to remove from the table the Resolution application and permit for a 1 day to 4 day temporary on-sale liquor license for the Annual International Falls Bass Championship Tournament held August 23-25, 2018 at Smokey Bear Park, 600 Third Street, International Falls. Motion seconded by Councilor Briggs and carried unanimously.
MOTION by Councilor Droba to adopt Resolution No. 17-18 approving application and permit for a 1 day to 4 day temporary on-sale liquor license for the Annual International Falls Bass Championship Tournament held August 23-25, 2018 at Smokey Bear Park, 600 Third Street, International Falls. Motion seconded by Councilor Briggs and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED Consent Agenda as presented | MOTION by Councilor Droba to approve the Consent Agenda as presented:
Motion seconded by Councilor Pearson and carried unanimously. |
| NEW BUSINESS: | |
| AUTHORIZED signatures to the Minnesota Department of Human Services Attestations for Intergovernmental Transfers and Supplemental Payments form | MOTION by Councilor Droba to authorize signatures to the Minnesota Department of Human Services Attestations for Intergovernmental Transfers and Supplemental Payments form. Motion seconded by Councilor Jaksa. City Administrator Anderson explained that the purpose of this form is to allow the State of Minnesota to reimburse the City for the two percent tax that Medicaid will not pay. Motion carried unanimously. |
| 2018 Camp Hosts for City Beach | City Administrator Anderson notified the Council that Julia Andersen, who applied to be the 2018 camp host for City Beach, has notified him that she and her husband have found another opportunity elsewhere and no longer wish to be camp hosts at City Beach. City Administrator Anderson recommended the Council take no action on this matter and continue to search for camp hosts for City Beach. |
| Public Works and Infrastructure Committee recommendations: | |
|
MOTION by Councilor Droba to prorate the water and sewer charges for the month of February to $7.89 versus the minimum charge of $47.31 for Greg and Karen Miels, 703 15th Street. Motion seconded by Councilor Briggs.
Councilor Droba informed the Council that he spoke with staff and is concerned that we do not have a policy that explains the charges as they pertain to the dates of the billing cycle and minimum charges. He believes we should look into prorating all customers as it pertains to the base rates. City Administrator Anderson stated that he believes if a change is going to be made it should not be a policy change, but a change to the ordinance. He also noted that this action would be contrary to what we have done the past twenty years or more and would set a precedent going forward. He does not see in the ordinance where it would permit or preclude the City Council from taking this action; therefore, he would defer to the City Attorney for his opinion and review of the ordinance. Councilor Jaksa explained that she would be voting no on this item because she believes process is important when you are making decisions regarding individual constituents and the ramifications for handling other constituents in the future. Motion carried 3-2 with Mayor Anderson and Councilors Briggs and Droba voting “yea” and Councilors Pearson and Jaksa voting “nay.” |
|
MOTION by Councilor Briggs to approve reducing Perry Mettler’s sewer charge by $500.00 due to the frozen water line at 1801 3rd Ave. since no water entered the sanitary sewer. Motion seconded by Mayor Anderson.
Councilor Jaksa feels that by approving these items it will turn the accounting department into a negotiating center. Councilor Jaksa feels a better option would be to build into the water rate structure a relief fund for people to access when they have a water break. Councilor Briggs feels this is an easy decision to make as they take each case based on its merit and in this case he believes the water did not go down the sewer, therefore the customer should not be charged. Councilor Jaksa believes that it could lead to the Council making many of these decisions. Councilor Pearson agreed, saying many people encounter these problems but do not come to the Council requesting a reduction in their bill. Councilor Briggs stated that every situation is different and we are looking at the merit of the case and the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee Recommendation. Councilor Droba explained that the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee looked at how much the sewer bill was inflated over the average sewer bill and that was how the reduction was determined. Motion failed 2-3 with Mayor Anderson and Councilor Briggs voting “yea” and Councilors Droba, Pearson, and Jaksa voting “nay.” |
|
MOTION by Councilor Briggs to approve reducing Kim Creed’s sewer charge by $1,183.58 due to the frozen water line at 1312 7th Ave. since no water entered the sanitary sewer. Motion seconded by Mayor Anderson. Motion failed 2-3 with Mayor Anderson and Councilor Briggs voting “yea” and Councilors Droba, Pearson, and Jaksa voting “nay.” |
|
MOTION by Councilor Droba to authorize the Public Works Dept. to expend funds from the Permanent Improvement Fund for Water Main to Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) the alley north of 3rd St. between 5th and 6th Ave.; Main Ave. between 21st and 22nd St.; 22nd Ave. between 1st Ave. East to 2nd Ave. East; and Highway 53 between 17th and 20th St. to replace or install new water main for looping purposes. Motion seconded by Councilor Jaksa and carried unanimously. |
|
MOTION by Councilor Droba to approve adjusted purchase price of $168,471.88 for the 710L Backhoe Loader from Nortrax, Inc. due to the loss of the transmission in the trade-in Backhoe with trade-in value loss of $8,500. Motion seconded by Councilor Pearson and carried unanimously. |
| REPORTS: Reports of the Administrator, Attorney, and Department Heads |
City Administrator Anderson gave a brief written report, highlighting that the Planning Commission of the City of Ranier met regarding the FTZ site, the Trunk Highway 53 Public Open House on Thursday, April 5, 2018 from 6:30 – 8:00 P.M. at the AmericInn, and the tentative agreement reached on a labor agreement between the City of International Falls and I.U.O.E Local 49. Councilor Jaksa noted that while she missed the last mediation session, she wanted to congratulate all involved.
Police Chief Mastin gave a brief written report for March 2018. Fire Chief Mannausau was not present; however, his brief written report for March 2018 was on hand for review. |
| Reports of Mayor and Council Committees | Councilor Droba felt the Budget and Finance Committee meeting with members of the Rotary and City of Ranier regarding the splash park went well and is moving forward. Councilor Droba gave handouts to the Council from the League of Minnesota Cities Legislative Conference he attended.
Mayor Anderson handed out a written Mayor’s Report dated April 2, 2018. |
| AUDIENCE | None. |
| ADJOURNMENT | Mayor Anderson reminded everyone that the next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 16, 2018 at 4:30 P.M and adjourned the meeting at 5:35 P.M. |
ATTEST: Robert W. Anderson, Mayor
Kenneth R. Anderson, City Administrator
