APPROVED agenda with additions

MOTION by Councilor Ditsch to approve the agenda with additions/deletion as presented.

Additions

1. Additional Airport Commission accounts payable/claims for 8/18/2020 (Council action)
2. Resolution No. __-20 Vacation Commission’s Report on damages and/or assessment for petition to vacate 18 ft. alley in Block 4, Franson’s Addition, and Order to Vacate (Council action to confirm, annul, or send back to Commission)
3. Approve Developer’s Agreement between Northern Border Investment, LLC and City of International Falls and authorize signatures (Council action)

Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously.

APPROVED minutes of the August 3, 2020 regular City Council meeting

MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve minutes of the August 3, 2020 regular City Council meeting. Motion seconded by Councilor Ditsch and carried unanimously.

APPROVED minutes of the August 10, 2020 special City Council meeting

MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve minutes of the August 10, 2020 special City Council meeting. Motion seconded by Councilor Ditsch and carried unanimously.

APPROVED minutes of the August 13, 2020 special City Council meeting

MOTION by Councilor Ditsch to approve minutes of the August 13, 2020 special City Council meeting. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously.

ADOPTED Resolution No. 70-20 approving transfers, payment of claims, and accounts payable

City Administrator Anderson explained that the Airport was adding two claims to reimburse the County and City for their previous payment of $2,371,226.65 that was used for airport projects until funding was received from the

FAA.

MOTION by Councilor Krause to adopt Resolution No. 70-20 approving transfers, payment of claims and accounts payable for the second monthly City Council meeting. Motion seconded by Councilor Ditsch and carried unanimously.

Adam Mannausau

CAT Team Travel Expense

201.52  

69237 

Alpha Medical Equipment Inc.

Ambulance Supplies

851.10  

69238 

Amazon Capital Services

Supplies – Street/Elect/Water/Safety/It

278.82  

69239 

AmeriPride Services

Cleaning Service

1,400.32  

69240 

Andrew Holler

Lawn Cleanup

876.00  

69241 

Austin Schaaf

Ambulance Overpayment Refund

166.82  

69242 

Bear’s Port Town Tire

Water – Tires

782.90  

69243 

Beverly Lintila

Ambulance Overpayment Refund

200.00  

69244 

Border Boxes

Shipping – Water Plant

58.00  

69245 

Bound Tree Medical LLC

Ambulance Supplies

298.13  

69246 

Brian Youso

Police Benefit

150.00  

69247 

Brock White Company LLC

ADA Domes/Storm Sewer Maint

2,107.92  

69248 

Cenex Voyaguer Fleet

Gas-Grnds/Pol/Str/Amb/Wtr/Build Off

3,000.51  

69249 

City of Int’l Falls – Fund 101

Water/Sewer Admin Expenses

9,951.67  

69250 

City of Int’l Falls – Fund 401

Water Funds Transfer

66,666.66  

69251 

City of Int’l Falls – Fund 403

Water Funds Transfer

25,760.42  

69252 

City of Ranier

Water – City Beach

115.33

69253 

CMS Medicare

Amb Overpayment Refund – 27312883

244.63  

69254 

Coca-Cola Bottling Co

Water for Dispenser

19.60  

69255 

Core & Main

Hydrants/Gate Valve/M&R – Wtr

57,994.25  

69256 

Crandall’s Septic Pumping

Portable Johns – City Parks

975.00  

69257 

Eagle Engraving

IFFD Fire Ground Tags

283.37  

69258 

Entenmann – Rovin Co

Officer Badge – Sergeant

243.00  

69259 

ESRI

ArcGIS 09/2020-09/2021

4,304.00  

69260 

Expert T Billing

Ambulance Transports

3,528.00  

69261 

Fairview Health Services

Fire Fit Tests – K. Rasmussen

34.00  

69262 

Falls Lumber Company

Pole Barn Project/Planters/Tools-Street

475.63  

69263 

Friend’s Garbage Service LLC

Monthly Garbage Service

1,797.12  

69264

Frontier

Monthly Telephone Service

2,509.10  

69265 

Galls, an Aramark Co., LLC

Clothing Allowance – Mortenson

333.65  

69266 

Gopher State One-Call

Monthly Billing

394.20  

69267 

Graybar

Hwy 53

1,688.95  

69268 

Hawkins Inc.

Chemicals

1,878.87  

69269 

Innovative Office Solutions LLC

Supplies – Police

14.65  

69270 

Jared Baldwin

CAT Team Travel Expense

35.00  

69271 

Koerter’s Amoco

Gas-Str/Gar/St Lght/Strm Sew/Wtr/Sew

1,559.84  

69272 

Kooch County Sheriff’s Office

Everbridge System

2,750.00  

69273 

Koochiching Economic Dev Auth

Cares Act Funding

46,200.00  

69274 

Laursen Asphalt Repair Equip LLC

Unit 183 – Parts

650.00  

69275 

Lawson Products Inc.

Supplies – Street Lighting

1,715.09  

69276 

Locators & Supplies

Marking Supplies

213.68  

69277 

Macqueen Equipment Inc.

Maintenance & Repair – Sweeper

2,604.82  

69278 

Marco

Computer – Finance

874.96  

69279 

Menards International Falls

M&R/Tls/Sup-Pole Barn/P&R/Grnd/Str

381.92  

69280 

Michael Musich

Police Benefit

150.00  

69281 

Minnesota Energy Resources

Utilities

515.75  

69282 

Minnesota Industries

Sup/Tools – Gar/Wtr/Grnds

113.69  

69283 

Minnesota Power

Utilities

25,056.64  

69284 

MN Dept. of Labor & Industry

Inspection – 2nd Ave & 22nd Street

36.00  

69285 

MTI Distributing Inc.

Parts – Park/Rec

598.94  

69286 

N Kooch Area Sanitary District

Effluent/Backwash/Surcharge

84,092.01  

69287 

Napa Falls Supply

Hydrant Maint/Skidsteer Parts

811.57  

69288 

Northern Lumber & Hardware

Pole Barn/Tools/Sup-VNP/Wtr/Str/Elec

2,415.07  

69289 

Northstar Companies

Face Mask/Gaiters

250.00  

69290 

ON2 Solutions

Maint/Repair – St Lighting

9,050.00  

69291 

O’Reilly Automotive Inc.

Units 113/12/171/32/131/81/152/20/121

1,596.16  

69292 

Pelland Welding, Inc.

Oil/Parts-Grnds, Pole Barn, Park & Rec

388.42  

69293 

PowerPlan

650K Parts

457.39  

69294 

Praxair Distribution Inc.

Oxygen – Ambulance

613.54  

69295 

Rainy Lake Medical Center

Medical Supplies

520.29  

69296 

Rainy Lake Oil

Fuel – Water/Sanitary/Street/Garage

789.05  

69297 

Range Paper Corp

Cleaning Supplies – Bldgs/Fire/Amb

1,992.69  

69298 

Streicher’s Inc.

Cloth Allow – Pt Wimmer

913.20  

69299 

Taylor’s Plumbing & Htg LLC

Bldg Maint – Library/Chamber

748.20  

69300 

Terry Christie

Police Benefit

150.00  

69301 

Terry Wood

Police Benefit

150.00

69302 

The Journal

Agendas/Min/Ord/RFP It/Vac/PW Post

3,586.12  

69303 

Verizon Wireless

Monthly Cellular Service

1,216.96  

69304 

Viking Electric Supply Inc.

Hwy 53/Tools – Street Lighting

342.06  

69305 

Widseth

Engineering Services

144,865.42  

69306 

Willi Kostiuk

Police Benefit

150.00  

69307 

WMG Lyfjaberg LLC

Medical Director

300.00  

69308 

Xerox Corporation

Maint Agreement – Fire/Wtr Plnt

133.31  

69309 

Ziegler Inc.

Parts-Street Dept.

985.29

69310 

The following checks were issued under blanket authorization:

AFLAC 

Supplemental Insurance 

225.04

100678

AllState – American Heritage  

Supplemental Insurance 

9.64 

100679

Bremer Bank NA 

Federal Withholding 

40,795.02

100680

I.U.O.E. Local Central Pension Fund

Retirement 

4,121.05

100681

City of Int’l Falls

HRA – Police/Fire

546.00

100682

City of Int’l Falls

Health Insurance – 49ers

454.00

100683

IAMAW District W33 

Union Dues 

1,641.00

100684

IF Fire Dept. Relief

Volunteer Firemen Dues

336.00

100685 

Intl Falls Ambulance Service 

Dues 

182.00

100686

Int’l Operating Engineers 49ers 

Union Dues 

875.00

100687

I.U.O.E. Local 49ers 

Health Reimbursement 

200.00

100688

Justin Franz, Sec/Treas

C.O.P.S.

120.00 

100689

MN Child Support Payment Center

Wage Assignment 

601.46

100690

MN Department of Revenue 

State Withholding 

7,635.45

100691

Empower Retirement 

Deferred Comp 

7,075.00

100692

PERA 

Life Insurance 

96.00

100693

North Kooch Area Sanitary Dist.

Health Insurance

125.00 

100694

PERA 

Retirement

31,648.31

100695

AUDIENCE:

None.

PUBLIC HEARING:

None.

OLD BUSINESS:

Resolution No. 71-20 appointing Brian J. Briggs to fill the vacancy as Councilor At-Large

MOTION by Councilor Buller to adopt Resolution No. 71-20 appointing Brian J. Briggs to fill the vacancy as Councilor At-Large. Motion seconded by Councilor Ditsch and carried unanimously.

ADMINISTERED Oath of Office to Brian J. Briggs to be seated as the Councilor At-Large of International Falls

City Administrator Ken Anderson administered the Oath of Office to Brian J. Briggs. Mr. Briggs signed the Oath and was seated as Councilor At-Large of the City of International Falls.

INFORMATIONAL: Vacation Commission’s Report on damages and/or assessment for petition to vacate 18 ft. alley in Block 4, Franson’s Addition

City Attorney Steve Shermoen explained that the Vacation Commission was asked to reconvene to revisit their original report as it was determined an easement would be required over the entire width of the alley beginning at a point corresponding with the northerly line of Lot 12. Given the property containing easements does not have the same value as property without, they have valued the 450 sq. ft. parcel to have no benefit or damage to Northern Border Investments or the City of International Falls, also the same determination was made for the remaining southern end of the alley. The Vacation Commission finds the value of the alley to be vacated for Northern Border Investments at $29,030.00.

CONFIRMED Resolution No. 72-20 Vacation Commission’s Report on damages and/or assessment for petition to vacate 18 ft. alley in Block 4, Franson’s Addition, and Order to Vacate

MOTION by Councilor Ditsch to annul the Vacation Commission’s Report on damages and/or assessment for petition to vacate 18 ft. alley in Block 4, Franson’s Addition, and Order to Vacate. Motion fails due to lack of a second.

MOTION by Councilor Briggs to confirm Resolution No. 72-20 Vacation Commission’s Report on damages and/or assessment for petition to vacate 18 ft. alley in Block 4, Franson’s Addition, and Order to Vacate. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller.

Derek Briggs stated he at lives 1527 1^st Ave. across the street from the proposed Holiday/Circle K. Derek shared his concerns with the all the lights, higher traffic and high pressure lines. He feels the value of his property will decrease.

Jim Leinum stated his concerns regarding site plans for Holiday/Circle K which shows items that are not allowed in the state of Minnesota.

Councilor Ditsch shared that he received a call with concerns that the value of the homes in that area would decrease. Also, concerns about the bright lights all night and the increase of traffic.

Janell Stevens from 1614 1^st Ave. stated she had the same concerns regarding the value of her home and higher traffic volumes causing safety concerns for the children in the area.

Jace Baldwin, Northern Border Investment, shared that the property is commercially zoned.

Matt Koerbitz stated the site plan shows seven (7) spots for truck parking and high flow pumps. Matt stated that 1^st Ave. West is only a four (4) ton road and would not be able to accommodate truck traffic.

Building Official Kelly Meyers stated the plans are only proposed plans and not final. The truck parking is for oversized vehicles with boats, etc. Truck parking is not allowed in residential areas. Meyer’s also shared that all plans have to meet building and zoning ordinance codes.

Mayor Droba reminded everyone that they are only voting on the vacation of the alley.

Councilor Briggs stated he has concerns with the site plan but does not have issues with the vacation.

City Administrator Ken Anderson reminded the councilors that the decision being made is whether to vacate or not to vacate. Holiday/Circle K has only provided a concept plan. In the city council packet is a Developers Agreement for council approval. If the council wanted to have approval on the site plans it could be added to that document.

Tricia Heibel cautioned the council that if they set a precedent to approve site plans for commercial property that it should be done for all commercial property and not just this site.

Dave Edquist from Holiday/Circle K clarified that the truck parking is for motorhomes, vehicles with boats or snowmobile trailers. Regarding concerns for the high speed diesel pumps, those pumps are intended for the city diesel vehicles. Having high speed diesel pumps would decrease the amount of time it takes to fill heavy equipment vehicles. Holiday/Circle K is not looking to attract semi-trucks to their station.

Mayor Droba asked Dave Edquist if they would be able to accommodate the Dark Sky initiative to not pollute the outside area. Mr. Edquist shared they have zero cut-off lighting that does not throw light off the site. He also shared they could do landscaping on 1^st Street to help as a sound buffer.

Councilor Briggs stated Holiday is local. They have been here since 1952. They are only moving. Currently we have ten (10) gas stations and after they move there will still only be ten (10) gas stations. Currently only three (3) of the stations are local.

Mayor Droba shared the articles from the Chamber of Commerce (Chamber encourages support for all investments) and The Journal (Good for one, good for all).

Motion carried 4-1 with Councilors Briggs, Krause, Buller, and Mayor Droba voting ‘yea’ and Councilor Ditsch voting ‘nay’.

APPROVED Developer’s Agreement between Northern Border Investment, LLC and City of International Falls and authorize signatures

City Administrator Ken Anderson reviewed the Developer’s Agreement between Northern Border Investment, LLC and the City of International Falls. If Northern Border Investments sells the property the new owner would then be responsible to comply with the agreement.

City Attorney Steve Shermoen stated if all building codes are met does the council really want to review and approve the site plans?

Mayor Droba added the council would be able to address the concerns of the residents if they had the opportunity to review and approve the site plans.

MOTION by Councilor Buller approving the Developer’s Agreement between Northern Border Investment, LLC and the City of International Falls with the addition of city council approval of the site plan and authorize signatures.

Motion seconded by Councilor Briggs and carried unanimously.

REMOVED from the Table and DENIED removal of member from City Beach Citizens Advisory Committee

MOTION by Councilor Briggs to remove from the table removal of a member from City Beach Citizens Advisory Committee. Motion seconded by Councilor Ditsch and carried unanimously.

MOTION by Councilor Ditsch to remove member from the City Beach Citizens Advisory Committee. Motion seconded by Councilor Krause.

Laura Manka member of the City Beach Citizens Advisory Committee shared she had an altercation with an individual because pets were not leashed, people were on rocks that indicated to ‘Stay Off’. She also shared she apologized to Tony Korpi at the last City Beach meeting.

All Councilors and Mayor agreed they did not condone this type of behavior. Since the city does not have a Code of Conduct policy they felt the member should not be removed from the committee.

Motion failed with 0 ‘yeas’ and Councilors Ditsch, Briggs, Krause, Buller and Mayor Droba voting ‘nay’.

CONSENT AGENDA:

None.

NEW BUSINESS:

APPROVED Mayor’s appointment of Heather Weaver to Library Board of Trustees for vacant term expiring December 31, 2020

MOTION by Councilor Briggs approving Mayor’s appointment of Heather Weaver to Library Board of Trustees for the vacant term expiring December 31, 2020.

Motion seconded by Councilor Krause and carried unanimously.

APPROVED Mayor’s appointment of Councilor Briggs to the vacancy on the Human Resources Committee and Budget and Finance Committee

MOTION by Councilor Krause approving Mayor’s appointment of Councilor Briggs to the vacancy on the Human Resources and Budget and Finance Committee’s, with Councilor Briggs chairing the Human Resources Committee. Motion seconded by Councilor Ditsch. Motion passed 4-0-1 with Councilors Buller, Ditsch, Krause and Mayor Droba voting ‘yea’ and Councilor Briggs abstaining.

APPROVED Resolution No. 73-20 approving application for exempt permit for Bucks Safety Process, Inc., to conduct a raffle on November 11, 2020 at PCA, 400 2^nd Street

MOTION by Councilor Briggs approving Resolution No. 73-20 approving application for exempt permit for Bucks Safety Process, Inc., to conduct a raffle on November 11, 2020 at PCA, 400 2^nd Street.
Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously.

APPROVED proposal from Small Town Tech for audio video teleconferencing/streaming/recording system installation in the Council Chambers

City Administrator Ken Anderson shared the proposals from Small Town Tech and NLfx Professional for audio video teleconferencing/streaming/recording system installation in the Council Chambers. Money received from the CARES Act will fund the project. Anderson stated that NLfx featured the ability to zoom on documents from the ceiling.

Eric Kulig from Small Town Tech shared that the two cameras in the quote are very high tech and they will work well on zooming in on larger documents.

MOTION by Councilor Ditsch approving proposal from NLfx for audio video teleconferencing/streaming/recording system installation in the Council Chambers. Motion seconded by Councilor Krause. In discussion, Mayor Droba stated it would be nice to have more than 8 tablets at the proposed prices of $335 and the Council agreed. Motion failed 2-3 with Councilor Ditsch and Krause voting ‘yea’, and Councilor Briggs, Buller and Mayor Droba voting ‘nay’.

MOTION by Councilor Briggs approving proposal from Small Town Tech for audio video teleconferencing/streaming/recording system installation in the Council Chambers. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously.

ADOPTED Resolution No. 74-20 approving Code of Conduct Policy for Advisory Boards/Committees/Commission

MOTION by Councilor Ditsch adopting Resolution No. 74-20 approving Code of Conduct Policy for Advisory Boards/Committees/Commissions.
Motion seconded by Councilor Briggs and carried unanimously.

ADOPTED Social Media Policy

MOTION by Councilor Briggs adopting the Social Media Policy. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously.

APPROVED Donation Agreement for Minnesota Power electric vehicle charging station and authorize signatures

City Administrator Ken Anderson explained the Donation Agreement received from Minnesota Power for electric vehicle charging station at 302 3^rd Street. Minnesota Power will reimburse 80% of the installation costs up to $1,500.00.

MOTION by Councilor Briggs approving the Donation Agreement for Minnesota Power electric vehicle charging station and authorize signatures. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously.

INFORMATIONAL: Petition for ordinance allowing chickens/ballot question

City Attorney Steve Shermoen explained that the petition allowing chickens as a ballot question does not meet the charter requirements. No verification under oath is listed, residents ward is missing. Exact wording of ordinance is also required. Mr. Shermoen contacted the League of Minnesota Cities and they stated they could not add the question to the election ballot as submitted.

Mayor Droba stated concerns of one person signing for multiple family members.

Mayor Droba and Councilors determined it would be unlawful to take action at this time.

City Administrator Ken Anderson stated he left Mr. Carlson a message explaining the missing data on the petition. He would try and contact Mr. Carlson again.

OTHER BUSINESS:

APPROVED Fireworks to be held on September 5, 2020 at 9:00 P.M. behind Falls High School

Mayor Droba requested Fireworks to be held on September 5, 2020 at 9:00 P.M. over the Labor Day Weekend behind Falls High School.

MOTION by Councilor Ditsch approving Fireworks to be held on September 5, 2020 at 9:00 P.M. behind the Falls High School. Motion seconded by Councilor Krause and carried unanimously.

REPORTS:

Reports of the Administrator, Attorney, and Department Heads 

The International Falls Police Department July 2020 Activity Report was available for review.

The July 2020 Fire/Rescue/EMS Department written report was available for review.

The Blight written report dated August 14, 2020 was available for review.

Reports of Mayor and Council Committees

None.

AUDIENCE 

None.

ADJOURNMENT 

Mayor Droba reminded everyone that the next City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday September 8, 2020 at 5:30 P.M. The Mayor adjourned the meeting at 7:33 P.M.