APPROVED agenda with additions

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

• Consider Legislation and Land Use Committee recommendation: (Council action)

1. Resolution No. __-19 supporting action to ensure compliance with ordinance blight standards

• Town Hall Meeting for public input on recreation is Monday, March 25, 2019 at 6:30 P.M.
  

Motion seconded by Councilor Ditsch and carried unanimously.

APPROVED minutes of the March 4, 2019 Committee-of-the-Whole meeting

MOTION by Councilor Droba to approve minutes of the Committee-of-the-Whole meeting of March 4, 2019. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously.

APPROVED minutes of the March 4, 2019 regular City Council meeting

MOTION by Councilor Ditsch to approve minutes of the regular City Council meeting of March 4, 2019. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously. 

APPROVED minutes of the March 11, 2019 Committee-of-the-Whole meeting

MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve minutes of the Committee-of-the-Whole meeting of March 11, 2019. Motion seconded by Councilor Krause and carried unanimously. 

ADOPTED Resolution No. 14-19 approving transfers, payment of claims, and accounts payable

MOTION by Councilor Ditsch to adopt Resolution No. 14-19 approving transfers, payment of claims and accounts payable for the second monthly City Council meeting. Motion seconded by Councilor Droba and carried unanimously.

Adam Mannausau 

Office Supplies 

22.38  

65659 

Alex Air Apparatus Inc.

Supplies – Fire Dept.

119.73  

65660 

All Season Equipment Inc.

M&R – Water/Sewer Supplies – Street

335.85  

65661 

AmeriPride Services

Cleaning Service

1,007.85  

65662 

Auto Value Int’l Falls 

Parts/Supplies – Fire/Water/Street

90.85  

65663 

Axon Enterprises Inc.

Taser Cartridges 

577.68  

65664 

Barney’s Family Restaurant 

1323 3rd St-Overpayment Refund 

902.18  

65665 

Bound Tree Medical LLC

Ambulance Supplies 

871.10  

65666 

Bremer Cardmember Service 

Sup/Tools/Trav-M&C/Pol/Fire/Str/Amb

13,688.65  

65667 

Brian Youso 

Police Benefit 

150.00  

65668 

Cenex Voyaguer Fleet 

Gas-Grnds/Police/Str/Amb/Bldg Off

2,771.76

65669 

City of Int’l Falls-Fund 101

Water/Sewer Adm. Expenses

9,951.67  

65670 

City of Int’l Falls-Fund 401

Water/Sewer Adm. Expenses

66,666.66  

65671 

City of Int’l Falls-Fund 403

Water/Sewer Adm. Expenses

25,760.42  

65672 

City of Ranier

Water – City Beach 

11.00  

65673 

Clarey’s Safety Equip Inc.

Equipment-Fire 

371.57  

65674 

Core & Main 

Meters & Supplies 

1,117.99  

65675 

Dane Olson 

Travel Expense 

105.00  

65676 

Emergency Automotive Tech Inc.

2019 Chevy Tahoe

1,565.70  

65677 

Expert T Billing 

Ambulance Transports

2,072.00  

65678 

Forestland Sales & Service 

Gas – Water Dept.

67.68  

65679 

Friend’s Garbage Service LLC

Monthly Garbage Service 

1,731.60  

65680 

Frontier 

Monthly Telephone Service

2,992.16  

65681 

Gopher State One-Call 

Monthly Billing 

21.60  

65682 

Grafix Shoppe 

2019 Chevy Tahoe 

335.98  

65683 

Grand Forks Fire Equip LLC

Altair Gas Detector 

263.35  

65684 

Harold Scholler 

Travel Expense

802.54  

65685 

Hawk Labeling Systems 

Office Supplies – Fire/Ambulance

179.00  

65686 

Hippo Facilities Management 

Annual Licensing Fee 

3,437.31  

65687 

IF Recreation Commission

Budgeted Amount 

41,000.00  

65688 

Josh Mastin 

Travel & Training

199.00  

65689 

Koerter’s Amoco 

Gas-Str/Gar/Str Light/Wtr/P&R 

,012.57  

65690 

Kooch County Diesel Inc.

Unit 123-Repairs 

0.00  

65691 

Lawson Products Inc.

Supplies – Street Lighting

443.11  

65692 

League of Minnesota Cities

Conference Registration – Droba

324.00  

65693 

LMC Insurance Trust-Liability

Annual Liability and Auto Insurance

163,063.00  

65694 

Mannco Trucking Inc.

Parts – Street/Fire/Unit 124/Unit 151

1,418.21  

65695 

MedicareBlue RX

Health Insurance Premiums 

1,883.00  

65696 

Menards International Falls 

Maint/Sup-Wtr/Fire/Off Rem/Amb/Sew

442.74  

65697 

Meyers Glass 

Bldg Maint – Chamber Bldg

85.00  

65698 

Michael Musich 

Police Benefit 

150.00  

65699

Minnesota Dept. of Health

State Test Fee 

4,232.00  

65700 

Minnesota Energy Resources 

Utilities 

9,527.00  

65701 

Minnesota Industries 

Safety Equip/Tools/Sup-Str/Wtr/Elect

201.49  

65702 

Minnesota Power 

Utilities 

9,913.28  

65703 

MN Dept. of Labor & Industry

Boiler Inspection – Mun Bldg/Lib/VNP

290.00  

65704 

N Kooch Area Sanitary District 

Effluent/Backwash/Surcharge 

73,203.39  

65705 

NAPA Falls Supply

Mnt/Lub/Tls-Pol/Str/Wtr/Gar/Grd/Fire

542.47  

65706 

Northern Lumber & Hardware

Supplies/Maint – Wtr/Gar/Str/Off Rem

51.96  

65707 

ON2 Solutions

Holophane 

27,500.00  

65708 

O’Reilly Automotive Inc.

Parts/Sup/Tools-Units021/644K/124/43

802.58  

65709 

Partek Solutions 

Supplies – Police

142.88  

65710

Pelland Welding, Inc. 

Parts – Street Dept.

97.43  

65711 

PERA of Minnesota

Volunteer Fire Contribution

90.00  

65712 

Pitney Bowes 

Qtrly Lease-Inserting & Mail System

691.14  

65713 

PowerPlan

Parts – Units 710JD/644K/644J/672G

1,244.32  

65714 

Praxair Distribution Inc.

Oxygen 

144.49  

65715 

Rainy Lake Medical Center 

Medical Supplies 

577.49  

65716 

Robert Anderson 

Travel Expense 

1,199.61  

65717 

Sears & Northland Sales & Service

Tools – Street Dept.

70.08  

65718 

Small Town Tech Inc.

Maint & Repair – VNP

180.00  

65719 

Streicher’s Inc.

Cloth Alw-Offer/Lessard/Franz/Kostuik 

1,104.75  

65720 

Ted Brokaw 

Travel Expense 

995.16  

65721 

Terry Christie 

Police Benefit 

150.00

65722 

Terry Wood 

Police Benefit 

150.00  

65723 

The Journal 

Agendas/Minutes/Council Sound Sys

1,158.64  

65724 

Viking Electric Supply Inc.

Supplies/Maint & Repairs-Fire/Electric  

817.79  

65725 

Wherley Motors Inc.

2017 Ford Explorer-Police

419.07  

65726 

Widseth Smith Nolting 

PI – Wtr/Sew/Str Lght/MSA

45,948.25  

65727 

Willi Kostiuk 

Police Benefit 

150.00  

65728 

WMG Lyfjaberg LLC

Medical Director 

300.00  

65729 

Xerox Corporation 

Mthly Chgs-Fire/Wtr Plnt/Str/Adm/Wtr

341.65  

65730 

Zach Scofield 

Travel Expense 

449.52  

65731 

Zuercher Technologies LLC

Zuercher Suite Software 

6,507.00  

65732 

The following checks were issued under blanket authorization:

AFLAC 

Supplemental Insurance

218.61 

100103

AllState – American Heritage  

Supplemental Insurance 

9.64 

100104

Bremer Bank NA 

Federal Withholding 

39,695.60

100105

I.U.O.E. Local Central Pension Fund 

Retirement 

3,131.71

100106

City of Int’l Falls

HRA – Police/Fire

546.00

100107

City of Int’l Falls

Health Insurance – 49ers

304.00

100108

Grant DeBenedet, Sec/Treas 

C.O.P.S. 

120.00 

100109

IAMAW District W33

Union Dues

1,635.00

100110

IF Fire Dept. Relief

Volunteer Firemen Dues 

364.00

100111

Intl Falls Ambulance Service 

Dues

175.00

100112

Int’l Operating Engineers 49ers

Union Dues

875.00

100113

I.U.O.E. Local 49ers

Health Reimbursement

200.00

100114

MN Benefits Association

Supplemental Life Insurance

25.43

100115

MN Child Support Payment Center

Wage Assignment 

211.34

100116

MN Department of Revenue 

State Withholding 

7,911.03

100117

Empower Retirement 

Deferred Comp 

7,192.00

100118

PERA 

Life Insurance 

48.00

100119

PERA 

Retirement 

30,948.81

100120

Rodenburg Law Firm

Wage Assignment

198.94 

100121 

AUDIENCE

Evan Johnson approached the Council asking what the funds are used for in the Permanent Improvement Fund account. Mayor Anderson explained that the funds are used for water, sewer, streets and sidewalks. Evan inquired about what is being done to bring new businesses to the City. Mayor Anderson explained that the County and City are working together to bring new businesses and that they also work with KEDA to ensure existing businesses stay in International Falls, MN.

PUBLIC HEARING 

None.

OPENING BIDS:

CONSIDERED Proposals for Professional Services to install an audio/visual system for the City Council Chambers and APPROVED payment from the Mayor/Council Dept. – Professional Services

Council members considered proposals from Small Town Tech of Int’l Falls, MN with a bid of $8,635.83 and NLFX Professional of Bemidji, MN with a bid of $37,648.00 to install an audio/visual system for the City Council Chambers. MOTION by Councilor Droba to accept Small Town Tech’s bid with the funds coming from Mayor/Council Department Professional Services. Motion seconded by Councilor Ditsch. Mayor Anderson stated updating the audio/visual system is not a priority nor was it budgeted for 2019, so he would be voting “nay.” Motion passed 4-1 with Councilor Ditsch, Droba, Krause, and Buller voting “yea,” and Mayor Anderson voting “nay.”

OLD BUSINESS 

None.

CONSENT AGENDA: APPROVED as presented

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

• Approve/allow necessary expenses for two public works employees to attend the Electric Safety in the Work Place seminar in Bemidji, MN on April 9, 2019
• Approve/allow necessary expenses for two public works employees to attend an equipment demonstration in Duluth, MN on March 20, 2019.

Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously.

NEW BUSINESS:

Open Book meeting to discuss property valuation/assessment at the County Assessor’s Office, on Wednesday, May 9, 2018, from 9:00 a.m. to Noon

Mayor Anderson shared that an Open Book meeting to discuss property valuation/assessment is scheduled at the County Assessor’s Office, on Wednesday, May 9, 2018, from 9:00 a.m. to Noon. Councilor Droba stated if anyone has concerns with the value the Assessor has place on their building and land, then this is the meeting to attend.

APPROVED International Falls Bass Championship Tournament use of Smokey Bear Park August 22-24, 2019, Matt Buller

Matt Buller requested use of Smokey Bear Park on August 22-24 for the International Falls Bass Championship Tournament. MOTION by Councilor Krause to approve International Falls Bass Championship Tournament use of Smokey Bear Park August 22-24, 2019. Motion seconded by Councilor Ditsch. Councilor Droba encouraged close communication with the Street Commissioner. Motion passed 4-0-1 with Councilor Ditsch, Droba, Krause and Mayor Anderson voting “yea,” and Councilor Buller abstaining due to his participation in the event.

APPROVED Resolution No. 15-19 approving the International Falls Bass Championship application for exempt permit to sell raffle tickets, with the drawing to be held Saturday, August 24, 2019 at Smokey Bear Park, 600 Third Street, International Falls

MOTION by Councilor Ditsch to adopt Resolution No. 15-19 to approve the International Falls Bass Championship application for exempt permit to sell raffle tickets, with the drawing to be held Saturday, August 24, 2019 at Smokey Bear Park, 600 Third Street, International Falls. Motion seconded by Councilor Droba. Motion passed 4-0-1 with Councilor Ditsch, Droba, Krause and Mayor Anderson voting “yea,” and Councilor Buller abstaining.

APPROVED Resolution No. 16-19 approving the International Falls Bass Championship 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 22-24, 2019 at Smokey Bear Park, 600 Third Street, International Falls

MOTION by Councilor Droba to approve Resolution No. 16-19 approving the International Falls Bass Championship 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 22-24, 2019 at Smokey Bear Park, 600 Third Street, International Falls. Motion seconded by Councilor Krause. Motion passed 4-0-1 with Councilor Ditsch, Droba, Krause and Mayor Anderson voting “yea,” and Councilor Buller abstaining.

APPROVED Mayor’s appointments to the Ad Hoc Commercial, Residential Building & Property Blight Advisory Committee effective April 1, 2019 through March 31, 2021

MOTION by Councilor Ditsch to approve Mayor’s appointments to the Ad Hoc Commercial, Residential Building & Property Blight Advisory Committee effective April 1, 2019 through March 31, 2021. Councilor Krause recommended that Councilor Ditsch be the Chair of the Ad Hoc Commercial, Residential Building & Property Blight Advisory Committee. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously.

APPROVED
Resolution No. 17-19 supporting action to ensure compliance with ordinance blight standards

MOTION by Councilor Krause to adopt Resolution No. 17-19 supporting action to ensure compliance with ordinance blight standards. Motion seconded by Councilor Ditsch and carried unanimously.

APPROVED Resolution No. 18-19 Approving Minnesota Participating Addendum/Contract No. 147347 for Wireless Communication and Equipment and authorize signatures (NASPO ValuePoint/Verizon)

MOTION by Councilor Krause to adopt Resolution No. 18-19 approving Minnesota Participating Addendum/Contract No. 147347 for Wireless Communication and Equipment and authorize signatures (NASPO ValuePoint/Verizon). Motion seconded by Councilor Ditsch and carried unanimously.

APPROVED Independent Contractor Agreement with Jacob Clarity effective February 25, 2019

MOTION by Councilor Ditsch to approve Independent Contractor Agreement with Jacob Clarity effective February 25, 2019, with the requested changes to the contract by removing the last sentence at the bottom of page 1. Motion seconded by Councilor Krause and carried unanimously.

Public Works and Infrastructure Committee recommendations:

1. APPROVED Inflow and Infiltration Investigation and Elimination Agreement as amended for submittal to NKASD and authorize signatures

MOTION by Councilor Droba to approve Inflow and Infiltration Investigation and Elimination Agreement as amended for submittal to NKASD and authorize signatures. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously.

1. APPROVED Kerry Park Arena use for the Elementary School Carnival Committee on May 30 with set-up on May 29, 2019 at no cost, clean-up by school, and re-examination of use of all public facilities and fees for use
   

Brittany Eldien requested use of Kerry Park Arena for the Elementary School Carnival. MOTION by Councilor Krause allowing Kerry Park Arena use for the Elementary School Carnival Committee on May 30 with set-up on May 29, 2019 at no cost, clean-up by school, and re-examination of use of all public facilities and fees for use. Councilor Droba requested that a Public Works employee ensure the building is clean and everything is functioning prior to the event. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously.

1. ADOPTED Resolution No. 19-19 Supporting Koochiching County plans for reconstruction of CSAH 24 (2nd Ave. East) from CSAH 47 (15^th Street) to 19^th Street

MOTION by Councilor Droba to adopt Resolution No. 19-19 Supporting Koochiching County plans for reconstruction of CSAH 24 (2nd Ave. East) from CSAH 47 (15^th Street) to 19^th Street. Motion seconded by Councilor Krause and carried unanimously.

1. APPROVED insert of conceptual sidewalk and trail plans and map in the draft Comprehensive Plan
   

MOTION by Councilor Ditsch approving insert of conceptual sidewalk and trail plans and map in the draft Comprehensive Plan. Motion seconded by Councilor Droba and carried unanimously.

OTHER BUSINESS:

APPROVED appointment of Councilor Buller to the North Koochiching Area Sanitary District and Councilor Ditsch to the Legislation and Land Use Committee

Councilor Ditsch requested that he be removed from the North Koochiching Area Sanitary District board and recommended that Councilor Buller replace him. Councilor Buller requested that he be removed from the Legislation and Land Use Committee and recommended Councilor Ditsch to replace him. MOTION by Councilor Droba to approve the Mayor’s appointment of Councilor Buller to the North Koochiching Area Sanitary District and to appoint Councilor Ditsch to the Legislation and Land Use Committee. Motion seconded by Councilor Krause and carried unanimously.

REPORTS:

Reports of the Administrator, Attorney, and Department Heads 

City Administrator Anderson stated that he spoke with Jim Stavseth, Forrest Hill Cemetery Chair regarding non-payment for 2019. Mayor Anderson requested City Administrator Anderson get a copy of the bylaws and recommended appointing Councilor Krause to the Forrest Hill Cemetery board with those changes outlined in the bylaws.

City Administrator Anderson reviewed Police Chief Mastin written police report for February 2019.

Reports of Mayor and Council Committees 

Mayor Anderson handed out a written Mayor’s Report dated March 18, 2019.

Mayor Anderson also shared that he would not be able to attend the North Koochiching Area Sanitary District meeting on March 20. The agenda includes a motion to approve an engineering peer review. Mayor Anderson stated he does not support the peer review due to the costs as those monies could better be spent elsewhere.

AUDIENCE 

Evan Johnson inquired about the decline in population and number of households. Evan asked what is the Councils plan to improve these declining numbers. Mayor Anderson stated that they are waiting for the 2020 Census report to be completed before any action would be taken.

Mayor Anderson and Councilors thanked Evan for attending the Council meeting. Everyone was impressed with all the research he did prior to the meeting and addressing his concerns for the future of the City of Int’l Falls.

ADJOURNMENT 

Mayor Anderson reminded everyone that the next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 1, 2019 at 4:30 P.M and adjourned the meeting at 6:07 P.M.