APPROVED agenda as presented

MOTION by Councilor Krause to approve the agenda as presented. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously.

APPROVED minutes of the December 16, 2019 regular City Council meeting

MOTION by Councilor Ditsch to approve minutes of the regular City Council meeting of December 16, 2019. Motion seconded by Councilor Krause and carried unanimously.

ADOPTED Resolution No. 03-20 approving transfers, payment of claims, and accounts payable

MOTION by Councilor Buller to adopt Resolution No. 03-20 approving transfers, payment of claims and accounts payable for the first monthly City Council meeting. Motion seconded by Councilor Nelson. Councilor Buller noted that the Airport runway expenses consisted primarily of tree removal services. Motion carried unanimously.

7 – Sigma Inc.

7 Sigma Airway Trainers 

8,864.56  

67753 

A+ Pest Management 

Pest Control 

425.00

67754 

Adam Mannausau 

Travel Expense 

105.00  

67755 

Andrew Holler 

Lawn Cleanup – J Crawford 1724 3rd

2,000.00  

67756 

Aqua – Pure Inc.

Quarterly Service – 4th Qtr. 2019

800.00  

67757 

Auto Value Int’l Falls 

Supplies – Water Plant

38.93  

67758 

BENCO Equipment – West Fargo

Maint/Repair Bldgs – Garage/VNP

585.00  

67759 

Bound Tree Medical LLC

Ambulance Supplies 

111.62  

67760 

Bremer Cardmember Service 

Sup-Amb, Pub Ed Trng-Amb, M&R-Str 

9,202.78  

67761

BW Distributing

Cleaning Supplies – Ambulance

392.95  

67762 

Cenex Voyager Fleet 

Gas – Grnds/Pol/Bld Off/Amb/Wtr Plnt

3,614.07  

67763 

Chocolate Moose Restaurant Co 

Crew Meals 

61.22  

67764 

City of Int’l Falls – Fund 101

Lodging Tax Transfer

231.86  

67765 

City Water Department 

City Buildings – Water Usage 

2,486.17  

67766 

CMS Medicare

Overpayment Refund – 25703509

375.06  

67767 

Compass Minerals 

Winter Salt 

23,738.66  

67768 

Convention & Visitors Bureau 

Lodging Tax 

4,405.34  

67769 

Core & Main 

Sensus Ann RNI/Sensus Analytic Enh

13,711.56  

67770 

Customs Credentials 

Full Color ID Cards

6.75  

67771 

Elizabath Lindgren 

Ambulance Overpayment Refund 

2,861.95  

67772 

Epic Threads 

Clothing Allowance – B. Franko

18.00  

67773 

Erik Drewes 

Boot Allowance 

110.00  

67774 

Forest Lake Printing 

Fire Dept. Clothing

2,407.50  

67775 

Galls, an Aramark Co., LLC

Clothing Allowance – Ambulance

608.98  

67776 

Gopher State One – Call

Monthly Billing 

32.40  

67777 

Grand Forks Fire Equip LLC

Clothing Repairs 

93.13  

67778 

Graybar 

Supplies-Str Light, Bldg Maint-VNP

1,665.03  

67779 

Hawkins Inc.

Chemicals 

1,811.95  

67780 

Heiman Fire Equipment Inc.

Cat Team – Helmets/Lights, Crdit Memo 

287.90  

67781 

Holiday Companies 

Gas – Fire/Pol/Str/Amb/Water

6,239.89  

67782 

Innovative Office Solutions LLC

Supplies-Mayor&Council/Pol/Eng/Wtr 

322.09  

67783 

Inventory Trading Co 

Fire Dept. Clothing

980.00  

67784 

Jesse Besch 

Travel Expense 

105.00  

67785 

K & K Meyers Inc.

Bldg Maint-Water/Door Repairs-Garage 

1,018.02  

67786 

Kantor Electric Inc.

Bldg Maint – Fire/Ambulance

94.00  

67787 

LVC Inc.

Supplies – Fire Dept.

91.50  

67788 

Madden Galanter Hansen LLP

Legal Services 

459.00  

67789 

Marco 

Antivirus/Microsoft Exchange

475.07  

67790 

Marco – LEC

LEC – C368 Copier Agreement

286.90  

67791 

Marco Technologies LLC

Contract/Print Copies – Fire/Admin/PW

1,143.86  

67792 

Menards International Falls 

Sup-Wtr/Str/St Lght/Bldg Of/Gar/Grnds 

991.74  

67793 

Mershon Technology Interests 

Supplies – Fire Dept.

119.00  

67794 

Meyers Glass 

Door Repair – Street Garage

680.00  

67795 

Midcontinent Communications 

Cable – Fire/Amb, Internet – Water 

861.58  

67796 

Minnesota Ambulance Association 

Annual Membership Dues 

950.00  

67797 

Minnesota Energy Resources 

Utilities 

1,533.18  

67798 

Minnesota Power

Repl 3 Opt 2 w/LED St Lights

150.00  

67799 

MN Dept. of Labor & Industry

Inspection – VNP/Strm Sew/San Sew

146.00  

67800 

N Kooch Area Sanitary District 

Effluent/Backwash/Surcharge 

195,977.63  

67802 

Northland Sales & Service 

Maint. Bldg – Ambulance

100.00  

67803 

O’Reilly Automotive Inc.

Sup/Parts-Gar/Str/Pol/Amb/Fire/Wtr 

1,227.75  

67804 

PBBS Equipment Corporation

Unit 83 – Parts 

334.38  

67805 

Pelland Welding, Inc. 

Tools – Grounds

886.90  

67806 

Pelland – Swenson

Step Repair – Library/Municipal Bldg

7,188.74  

67807 

PowerPlan

John Deere 690E

670.80  

67808 

Project Pride, c/o Cindy Youso

July – December 2019

3,381.17  

67809 

Range Paper Corp 

Cleaning Supplies – Amb/Fire/Str

537.84  

67810 

Ronning’s  

Clothing Allowance – J Mastin

115.00  

67811 

Rusty Blais 

Travel Expense 

152.16  

67812 

ServiceMaster of Intl Falls

Cleaning Services – VNP

3,500.00  

67813 

Shannon’s Inc.

Expansion Joint – Water Plant

3,984.24  

67814 

Soundnorth 

Supplies – Water Dept./Printer – Police

699.99  

67815 

Steven M. Shermoen

Legal Fees 

5,752.00  

67816 

Stryker Sales Corp 

Ambulance Supplies 

117.18  

67817 

Taylor’s Plumbing & Htg LLC

Bldg Maint – Municipal Bldg

569.29  

67818 

Verizon Wireless 

Monthly Cellular Service 

766.34  

67819 

Viking Electric Supply Inc.

Supplies – Street Lighting

36.00  

67820 

Viking Industrial Center 

Supplies – Sanitary

448.90  

67821 

Xerox Corporation

Maintenance Agreement – Garage Final

184.50  

67822 

Ziegler Inc.

Grader Lease – 12M3AWD/Parts – Cat

5,028.01  

67823 

American Water Works Assoc.

Membership Dues – Wilson

79.00  

67824 

Ameritas Life Ins Corp 

Dental Insurance Premiums

2,016.20  

67825 

BCBS of MN

Health Insurance Premiums 

3,992.00  

67826 

Borderland Humane Society 

Annual Contribution-2020/Pound Oper 

7,250.00  

67827 

Bronko Nagurski Foundation 

Appropriation 2020 

30,000.00  

67828 

Chamber of Commerce

Annual Contract 

42,474.00  

67829 

Citizens for Backus/AB

Appropriation 2020 

55,000.00  

67830 

Forest Hill Cemetery Assoc.

2020 Annual Allocation 

10,000.00  

67831 

Friends Against Abuse 

Appropriation 2020 

1,000.00  

67832 

Grant DeBenedet

Clothing Allowance

142.85  

67833 

IUOE Local 49

Health Insurance Premiums 

27,604.00  

67834 

KCC TV

Appropriation 2020 

10,000.00  

67835 

Northern Reliable Agency

Volunteer Fire Dept. Insurance

844.00  

67836 

Sun Life Financial

Life Insurance Premiums 

619.14  

67837 

The Nelson Trust 

Health Insurance Premiums 

36,480.00  

67838 

Thyssen Krupp Elevator Corp 

Water Plant Elevator Maint 

722.87  

67839 

The following checks were issued under blanket authorization:

AFLAC 

Supplemental Insurance 

218.90 

100435

AllState – American Heritage  

Supplemental Insurance 

9.64 

100436

Bremer Bank NA 

Federal Withholding 

43,662.57

100437

I.U.O.E Local Central Pension Fund 

Retirement 

3,234.42

100438

Grant DeBenedet, Sec/Treas

C.O.P.S. 

120.00

100439

IF Fire Dept. Relief

Volunteer Firemen Dues

406.00

100440

Intl Falls Ambulance Service 

Dues 

175.00

100441

MN Child Support Pmt Center 

Wage Assignment 

632.57

100442

MN Department of Revenue 

State Withholding 

8,348.38

100443

Empower Retirement 

Deferred Comp 

6,592.00

100444

PERA 

Retirement 

34,209.83

100445

Sun Life Financial 

Supplemental Life Insurance 

667.77

100446

The Hartford 

Voluntary LTD Insurance 

558.98

100447

AFLAC 

Supplemental Insurance 

218.90 

100448

AllState – American Heritage

Supplemental Insurance 

9.64 

100449

Bremer Bank NA 

Federal Withholding 

38,119.61

100450

I.U.O.E Local Central Pension Fund 

Retirement 

2,871.86

100451

Grant DeBenedet, Sec/Treas 

C.O.P.S. 

120.00

100452

Intl Falls Ambulance Service 

Dues 

182.00

100453

MN Child Support Pmt Center 

Wage Assignment 

632.57

100454

MN Department of Revenue 

State Withholding 

7,401.61

100455

Empower Retirement 

Deferred Comp 

6,158.00

100456

PERA 

Retirement 

31,065.05

100457

AUDIENCE

Bobbi Bernath, 1900 6^th Avenue, raised concerns about the ambulance traveling to various businesses in town to obtain food and other supplies and its impact on the Ambulance Fund deficit. City Administrator Anderson explained that the Ambulance staff work twelve-hour shifts and cannot leave in their personal vehicles to obtain food, as they are always on call in the event of an emergency. He also noted that many times they are traveling to pick up supplies for use at the Fire Hall.

PUBLIC HEARING

None.

OPENING BIDS

None.

OLD BUSINESS

None.

CONSENT AGENDA: APPROVED as presented

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

• Year 2020 license renewal, as presented
  • Hollers Property Maintenance-snowplow license
• Approve travel and continuing education training expenses for Kelly Meyers to attend the ICC Upper Great Plains Region III Educational Institute on February 3-7, 2020 in Chaska; the Energy Design Conference February 25, 26, 2020 in Duluth; and membership fee and attendance at quarterly Arrowhead Chapter Building Official Meetings
• Approve IRS mileage reimbursement rate for 2020
• Resolution No. 04-20, Delegating authority to make electronic fund transfers to Finance Officer and Deputy City Administrator for 2020

Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously.

NEW BUSINESS:

ADOPTED Mayoral Proclamation – January 2020 Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month and January 11, 2020 as National Human Trafficking Awareness Day

Nancy Lee, Rotary Club, was present to explain the significance and importance of recognizing human trafficking and those that are impacted by it. MOTION by Councilor Krause to adopt the Mayoral Proclamation declaring January 2020 Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month and January 11, 2020 as National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously.

APPROVED Biweekly Payroll on Tuesday

MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve payroll biweekly (every two weeks) on Tuesday, commencing on 01/14/2020. Motion seconded by Councilor Krause and carried unanimously.

ADOPTED Resolution No. 05-20 Designating Depositories

MOTION by Councilor Ditsch to adopt Resolution No. 05-20 designating depositories. Motion seconded by Councilor Nelson and carried unanimously.

ADOPTED Resolution No. 06-20 approving MnDOT Routine Maintenance Agreement for FY2020

MOTION by Councilor Buller to adopt Resolution No. 06-20 approving MnDOT Routine Maintenance Agreement for Fiscal Year 2020. Motion seconded by Councilor Krause and carried unanimously.

APPROVED Designation of Official Newspaper

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

APPROVED Legislation and Land Use Appointment

MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve the appointment of Mayor Droba to the Legislation and Land Use Committee, in place of Councilor Krause, with Councilor Ditsch chairing the Committee. Motion seconded by Councilor Nelson. Motion carried 4-0-1 with Councilors Buller, Ditsch, Nelson, and Mayor Droba voting “yea” and Councilor Krause abstaining.

APPROVED Human Resources Committee Appointment

MOTION by Councilor Ditsch to approve the appointment of Mayor Droba to the Human Resources Committee, in place of Councilor Krause. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller. Councilor Krause explained the change is to alleviate his workload, as he is already chairing the Budget and Finance Committee, which is a heavy workload. Mayor Droba and Councilor Krause both indicated they spoke at length about this and are both are satisfied with this new arrangement. Motion carried unanimously.

APPOINTED Van Pavleck to the Fire Civil Service Commission

MOTION by Councilor Buller to confirm the Mayor’s appointment of Van Pavleck to the Fire Civil Service Commission for a three-year term, January 1, 2020 – December 31, 2022. Motion seconded by Councilor Ditsch and carried unanimously.

RE-APPOINTED Arthur Holt to the Housing and Redevelopment Authority

MOTION by Councilor Ditsch to confirm the Mayor’s re-appointment of Arthur Holt to the Housing and Redevelopment Authority for a five-year term, January 1, 2020 – December 31, 2024. Motion seconded by Councilor Krause and carried unanimously.

RE-APPOINTED John Dalton, Ashley Kostiuk, and Darcy Sullivan to the International Falls Library Board

MOTION by Councilor Krause to confirm the Mayor’s re-appointment of John Dalton, Ashley Kostiuk, and Darcy Sullivan to the International Falls Library Board for three-year terms, January 1, 2020 – December 31, 2022. Motion seconded by Councilor Nelson and carried unanimously.

APPOINTED City Administrator Anderson to the Northeast Minnesota Area Transportation Partnership Board with Public Works Director Skallman as alternate

MOTION by Councilor Buller to confirm the Mayor’s appointment of City Administrator Ken Anderson to the Northeast Minnesota Area Transportation Partnership Board, with Public Works Director Gary Skallman serving as the alternate. Motion seconded by Councilor Krause and carried unanimously.

RE-APPOINTED Terry Murray to the North Koochiching Area Sanitary District Board

MOTION by Councilor Ditsch to confirm the Mayor’s re-appointment of Terry Murray to the North Koochiching Area Sanitary District Board for a three-year term, February 1, 2020 – January 31, 2023. Motion seconded by Councilor Krause and carried unanimously.

APPOINTED Chrystal Clance to the North Koochiching Area Sanitary District Board

MOTION by Councilor Buller to confirm the Mayor’s appointment of Chrystal Clance to the North Koochiching Area Sanitary District Board for a three-year term, February 1, 2020 – January 31, 2023. Motion seconded by Councilor Nelson and carried unanimously.

RE-APPOINTED Joann Dornhecker and Brian Youso to the International Falls Planning Commission

MOTION by Councilor Nelson to confirm the Mayor’s re-appointment of Joann Dornhecker and Brian Youso to the International Falls Planning Commission for three-year terms, January 1, 2020-December 31, 2022. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously.

APPOINTED Tara Besch to the International Falls Planning Commission

MOTION by Councilor Krause to confirm the Mayor’s appointment of Tara Besch to the International Falls Planning Commission for a three-year term, January 1, 2020-December 31, 2022. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously.

APPOINTED Hailey Silvers to the International Falls Planning Commission

MOTION by Councilor Ditsch to confirm the Mayor’s appointment of Hailey Silvers to the International Falls Planning Commission to fill a term expiring December 31, 2020. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously.

APPOINTED Terry Wood to the Police Civil Service Commission

MOTION by Councilor Krause to confirm the Mayor’s appointment of Terry Wood to the Police Civil Service Commission for a three-year term, January 1, 2020 – December 31, 2022. Motion seconded by Councilor Nelson and carried unanimously.

RE-APPOINTED Michael Klaphake to the International Falls Zoning Board of Appeals

MOTION by Councilor Krause to confirm the Mayor’s re-appointment of Michael Klaphake to the International Falls Zoning Board of Appeals for a five-year term, January 1, 2020 – December 31, 2024. Motion seconded by Councilor Ditsch and carried unanimously.

APPOINTED Leonard Peterson to the International Falls Zoning Board of Appeals

MOTION by Councilor Ditsch to confirm the Mayor’s appointment of Leonard Peterson to the International Falls Zoning Board of Appeals to fill a term expiring December 31, 2021. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously.

OTHER BUSINESS: 

Councilor Ditsch – Blight update and request 

Councilor Ditsch stated that he wants to see the blight planning efforts begin much sooner this year than in the past. Councilor Ditsch requested the Council each find five areas in their respective wards that require attention due to blight and report back to him.

REPORTS:

Reports of the Administrator, Attorney, and Department Heads

City Administrator Anderson explained that the Transportation Alternatives grant application was submitted to ARDC. Anderson noted that there is a Planning Commission meeting following this meeting to review the Comprehensive Plan and it will likely be on the January 21, 2020 City Council agenda for final approval.

City Administrator Anderson explained that he received an email from Tricia Heibel, President of the Chamber of Commerce, requesting the City’s continued participation for the 40^th Annual Icebox Days Winter Festival. MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve City participation and assistance with the 40^th Annual Icebox Days Winter Festival. Motion seconded by Councilor Krause and carried unanimously.

Reports of Mayor and Council Committees 

Mayor Droba explained that it was decided at the last Committee-of-the-Whole meeting that the Police Chief and Fire Chief would no longer be present at the Council meetings to present their written reports. Mayor Droba explained that this is a means of being considerate of employees’ time and the regular Committee-of-the-Whole meetings will allow the Council the opportunity to ask the Chiefs questions that may arise.

Mayor Droba said that he has been invited to promote International Falls and the Icebox Days events by doing a segment with Fox21 News in Duluth, MN and requested the Council approve associated travel expenses. MOTION by Councilor Krause to approve travel expenses for Mayor Droba to go to Duluth, MN to promote the area on Fox21 News. Motion seconded by Councilor Ditsch and carried unanimously.

Mayor Droba stated that he spoke with Midcontinent Communications about the poor reception residents have had as of late. Midcontinent has told him that necessary equipment arrived and is set to be installed tonight, which will hopefully resolve the issue.

Mayor Droba stated that the Recreation Commission has completed the first reading of the amended Joint Powers Agreement and will hold its second reading to finalize it at the next monthly meeting.

AUDIENCE 

None. 

ADJOURNMENT 

Mayor Droba reminded everyone of the next regular City Council meeting on TUESDAY, January 21, 2020 at 5:30 P.M. Mayor Droba adjourned the meeting at 6:18 P.M.