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 16th day of August, 2021 at the hour of 5:30 P.M.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Councilors Ditsch, Holden, Krause, and Mayor Droba.
Councilor Buller, media and public via BlueJeans Conferencing. All members noted they could hear the others and the discussion.
MEMBERS ABSENT: None.
| APPROVED agenda | MOTION by Councilor Holden to approve the agenda. Motion seconded by Councilor Krause and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED minutes of the August 2, 2021 regular City Council meeting | MOTION by Councilor Ditsch to approve minutes of the August 2, 2021 regular City Council meeting. Motion seconded by Councilor Ditsch. Motion carried 4-0-1 with Councilors Buller, Ditsch, Holden and Mayor Droba voting ‘yea’ and Councilor Krause abstaining. |
| ADOPTED Resolution No. 54-2021 approving transfers, payment of claims, and accounts payable | MOTION by Councilor Krause to adopt Resolution No. 54-2021 approving transfers, payment of claims and accounts payable for the second monthly City Council meeting. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously. |
CLAIMS
| A. W. Kuettel & Sons, Inc | Vactor Garage Upgrades | 3,200.00 | 71595 |
| A+ Pest Management | Pest Control | 755.00 | 71596 |
| Acme Tools – Grand Forks | Maintenance Equip – Parks & Rec | 70.00 | 71597 |
| Adam Mannausau | CAT Team Training | 70.00 | 71598 |
| Adam McIntyre Painting | Smokey Bear, Light Poles | 38,735.00 | 71599 |
| Alex Air Apparatus Inc | Hose/Nozzles/Fittings | 1,298.32 | 71600 |
| Align Chiro & Wellness Center | Pre-Employment Physical J Ballejo | 95.00 | 71601 |
| All Season Equipment Inc | Maintenance & Repair – Park/Rec | 44.99 | 71602 |
| Amazon Capital Services | Supplies – IT/Ambulance/Police | 401.62 | 71603 |
| Andrew Holler | Lawn Cleanup/Wage Assignment | 420.00 | 71604 |
| Aramark Uniform & Career App | Cleaning Service | 1,019.00 | 71605 |
| ATCO International | Supplies – Street Lighting/Garage | 366.77 | 71606 |
| Ben Mortenson | CAT Team Training | 70.00 | 71607 |
| Bolton & Menk Inc | Asset Mgmt/Cap. Improve Plan – Wtr Plnt | 2,597.50 | 71608 |
| Border Boxes | Shipping – Water Plant | 126.00 | 71609 |
| Bound Tree Medical LLC | Ambulance Supplies | 1,109.27 | 71610 |
| Bowman Asphalt Products Inc | Pay Est. 2 2021 Local Street Improve | 239,281.25 | 71611 |
| Brian Jespersen | Police Benefit | 150.00 | 71612 |
| Brian Youso | Police Benefit | 150.00 | 71613 |
| BW Distributing | Maintenance & Repair Equip – Ambulance | 67.99 | 71614 |
| City of Int’l Falls – Fund 401 | Water Funds Transfer | 66,666.66 | 71615 |
| City of Int’l Falls – Fund 403 | Water Funds Transfer | 25,760.42 | 71616 |
| City of Ranier | Water – City Beach | 208.99 | 71617 |
| CMS Medicare | Ambulance Overpayment Refund | 699.90 | 71618 |
| Coca-Cola Bottling Co | Water for Dispenser | 19.60 | 71620 |
| Core & Main | Parts/Tools – Water/Sanitary Sewer | 22,834.03 | 71621 |
| Crandall’s Septic Pumping | Portable Johns – City Parks | 4,155.00 | 71622 |
| Earl F Andersen | Supplies – Street/Grounds/Park & Rec | 896.85 | 71623 |
| Emergency Apparatus Maint Inc | Inspect-Engine 2/0402/Rural 1/Rural 11/L-2 | 7,502.87 | 71624 |
| Erik Drewes | MN Pesticide Training Workshop | 155.00 | 71625 |
| Expert Billing LLC | Ambulance Transports | 3,741.00 | 71626 |
| Flaherty & Hood, PA | Job Class & Compensation Study | 1,413.75 | 71627 |
| Friend’s Garbage Service LLC | Monthly Garbage Service | 2,039.31 | 71628 |
| Frontier | Monthly Telephone Service | 2,660.37 | 71629 |
| Gopher State One – Call | Monthly Billing | 321.30 | 71630 |
| Graybar | Electrical/Sanitary Sewer Supplies | 447.02 | 71631 |
| I-Falls Super One Foods | National Night Out – Police | 1,197.66 | 71647 |
| Innovative Office Solutions LLC | Supplies – Admin/Police/Bldg Off | 607.66 | 71632 |
| Josh Mastin | Travel & Training | 35.00 | 71633 |
| Justin Franz | National Night Out Expenses | 196.22 | 71634 |
| Kiesler Police Supply | Mossberg Shotgun 12 GA | 484.83 | 71635 |
| Koerter’s Amoco | Gas-Str/Gar/Str Lght/P&R/Fire/W. Plnt/Sew | 2,483.99 | 71636 |
| Kooch Co Env Services Dept. | Demolition | 156.00 | 71637 |
| L & S Electric Inc | Vibration Analysis – Pumps Water Plant | 950.00 | 71638 |
| Locators & Supplies | Electrical Supplies | 793.95 | 71639 |
| Mark Rock & Concrete | Crusher Fines | 1,880.00 | 71640 |
| McCoy Const. & Forestry Inc | John Deere 180G | 885.00 | 71641 |
| Menards International Falls | Sup/M&R-P&R/San/Str Lght/Fire/Grnd/Gar | 412.11 | 71642 |
| Meyers Glass | Door Repair – Fire | 1,221.23 | 71643 |
| Michael Musich | Police Benefit | 150.00 | 71644 |
| Michael Wallace | Travel Expense – Sanitary Sewer | 140.00 | 71645 |
| Midcontinent Communications | Internet – Water Plant | 230.00 | 71646 |
| Minnesota Child Support | ID 0014487664, Locator Code 27 | 30.00 | 71648 |
| Minnesota Dept. of Health | Class D Cert – Hilfer/Mostad/S. Kelly | 96.00 | 71649 |
| Minnesota Energy Resources | Utilities | 518.99 | 71650 |
| Minnesota Power | Utilities | 25,944.96 | 71651 |
| MN Pollution Control Agency | SD Collection System Operator – B Kelly | 55.00 | 71652 |
| N Kooch Area Sanitary District | Effluent/Backwash/Surcharge | 74,490.77 | 71653 |
| NAPA Falls Supply | Parts/Supplies – Street/Fire | 135.66 | 71654 |
| Northern Lumber & Hardware | Maint/Tools/Sup-Str/Fire/Elec/Parks/Wtr | 465.49 | 71655 |
| Office of MNIT Services | Wide Area Network(Wan) Services | 267.73 | 71656 |
| O’Reilly Automotive Inc | Parts/Lube/Sup-Gar/Grnds/Fire/Str/Wtr/Pol | 896.71 | 71657 |
| Pelland Welding, Inc. | Supplies/Parts/Tools – Garage/VNP/San Sew | 584.26 | 71658 |
| Praxair Distribution Inc | Oxygen – Ambulance | 1,002.60 | 71659 |
| Precise MRM LLC | Field Service Installation | 1,500.00 | 71660 |
| Rainy Lake Houseboats Inc | Fuel for Fireboat | 348.66 | 71661 |
| Rainy Lake Medical Center | Medical/Pharmaceutical Supplies | 844.56 | 71662 |
| Range Paper Corp | Cleaning Supplies – Ambulance/VNP/Garage | 1,538.83 | 71663 |
| Scalzo Architects | 2129 – Vactor Garage | 438.75 | 71664 |
| Schlenner Wenner & Co | Additional Audit Work 2020 | 425.00 | 71665 |
| ServiceMaster of Intl Falls | Cleaning Services – VNP | 3,500.00 | 71666 |
| Sjoblom Landscape & Nursery | Trees/Labor | 5,949.99 | 71667 |
| Soundnorth | Supplies – IT | 34.98 | 71668 |
| Streicher’s Inc | Clothing Allowance – Hulst/Olson | 544.88 | 71669 |
| Ted Brokaw | Travel Expense – Sanitary Sewer | 924.84 | 71670 |
| Terry Christie | Police Benefit | 150.00 | 71671 |
| Terry Wood | Police Benefit | 150.00 | 71672 |
| Tom Lynch | Police Benefit | 150.00 | 71673 |
| Top That! By Loni | Smokey Bear Maintenance | 225.00 | 71674 |
| UHL Company Inc | Bldg Maint – City Hall/VNP | 3,242.15 | 71675 |
| Up North Builders | City Hall Bath/Wall Repair/Bldg Off Door | 3,847.72 | 71676 |
| Viking Electric Supply Inc | M&R/Sup – St Lighting/San Sew/W. Plant | 1,619.83 | 71677 |
| Viking Industrial Center | Supplies – Water Dept. | 206.12 | 71678 |
| Widseth | Engineering Services | 112,219.32 | 71679 |
| Willi Kostiuk | Police Benefit | 150.00 | 71680 |
| Xerox Corporation | Maint/Monthly Charge – Water Plant | 46.93 | 71681 |
| The following checks were issued under blanket authorization: | |||
| AFLAC | Supplemental Insurance | 204.58 | 101069 |
| AllState – American Heritage | Supplemental Insurance | 9.64 | 101070 |
| Bremer Bank NA | Federal Withholding | 40,745.84 | 101071 |
| I.U.O.E. Local Central Pen Fund | Retirement | 4,035.30 | 101072 |
| City of Int’l Falls | HRA – Police/Fire | 572.00 | 101073 |
| City of Int’l Falls | Health Insurance – 49ers | 404.00 | 101074 |
| IAMAW District W33 | Union Dues | 1,657.00 | 101075 |
| IF Fire Dept. Relief | Volunteer Firemen Dues | 308.00 | 101076 |
| Intl Falls Ambulance Service | Dues | 161.00 | 101077 |
| I.U.O.E. Local 49ers | Health Reimbursement | 840.00 | 101078 |
| Justin Franz, Sec/Treas | C.O.P.S | 120.00 | 101079 |
| MN Child Support Pmt Center | Wage Assignment | 614.39 | 101080 |
| MN Department of Revenue | State Withholding | 7,367.64 | 101081 |
| Empower Retirement | Deferred Comp | 8,743.00 | 101082 |
| PERA | Life Insurance | 112.00 | 101083 |
| North Kooch Area Sanitary Dist | Health Insurance | 425.00 | 101084 |
| PERA | Retirement | 31,555.87 | 101085 |
| AUDIENCE | None. |
| PUBLIC HEARING | None. |
| OPENING BIDS | None. |
| OLD BUSINESS:
APPROVED Second and Final reading of Ordinance No. 44, 5th Series amending Ordinance 26, 5th Series to correct the legal description of the land being annexed to the City of International Falls |
MOTION by Councilor Ditsch to approve the second and final reading of Ordinance No. 44, 5th Series amending Ordinance 26, 5th Series to correct the legal description of the land being annexed to the City of International Falls. Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously. |
| CONSENT AGENDA | None. |
| NEW BUSINESS:
APPROVED supporting the application to MNDOT requesting road closure for the “Home for the Holidays” Parade, use of Smokey Bear Park, and fireworks |
Robert and Andrea Pastor, Rainy Lake Medical Center, presented information regarding the annual “Home for the Holidays” parade scheduled for Friday, November 26, 2021. Ms. Pastor noted that the intention is to make the celebration bigger and better than years past, with $5,000 donated towards the cost of fireworks, and there is a possibility they may have reindeer at the event. Ms. Pastor said that approval for the road closure and use of the park is necessary before additional plans are made for the event. Ms. Pastor requested that the City address the ability for the event to have a bonfire in Smokey Bear Park, as ordinances previously prohibited fires in City parks. The City Council noted it would ensure there was a way for the group to have a bonfire as a part of the event.
MOTION by Councilor Krause to approve supporting the application to MNDOT requesting road closure for the “Home for the Holidays” Parade scheduled to begin at 6:00 P.M. on Friday, November 26, 2021, as well as authorize use of Smokey Bear Park, and approve fireworks. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously. |
| Acknowledged promotion to Sergeant position, as presented by Chief Kostiuk | Chief Kostiuk announced the promotion of Officer Scott Wherley to Sergeant effective August 17, 2021, as a result of Sergeant Lessard’s promotion to Police Captain. Chief Kostiuk noted that Officer Wherley comes with extensive experience including serving 14-years in Beltrami County law enforcement and 5-years working as a Koochiching County Child Protective Services (CPS) Social Worker. |
| APPROVED Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Entitlement Grant No.
3-27-0043-037-21 for Federal Fiscal Year 2021 |
MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Entitlement Grant No.
3-27-0043-037-21 for Federal Fiscal Year 2021 in the amount of $1,061,251.00. Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED request to replace 2011 Tandem Dump Truck | It was noted that the City’s 2011 Tandem Dump Truck was rear-ended and damaged beyond repair; therefore, the Public Works Department is looking to replace the truck. The quote from Nuss Truck & Equipment for a replacement truck was in the amount of $143,869.00 plus taxes and applicable fees.
MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve the request to replace the 2011 Tandem Dump Truck that was damaged. Motion seconded by Councilor Ditsch and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED purchase of Zamboni batteries | Councilor Buller explained that the current Zamboni batteries will likely not last through the end of the season; therefore, it is important to purchase them now. Councilor Buller stated that per the contracts with the Recreation Commission and Recreation Hockey, the City owns the Zamboni and is responsible for maintenance to the Zamboni. Councilor Buller noted that the City will pay half of the cost of the batteries, with Recreation Hockey covering a percentage and the Recreation Commission covering the remainder.
MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve the purchase of Zamboni batteries, payable from the Parks and Recreation Fund 211. Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously. |
| ADOPTED Resolution No. 55-2021 approving application for exempt permit for International Falls Figure Skating Club to conduct a raffle, with the drawing to be held on March 27, 2022 at Bronco Arena | MOTION by Councilor Holden to adopt Resolution No. 55-2021 approving application for exempt permit for the International Falls Figure Skating Club to conduct a raffle, with the drawing to be held on March 27, 2022 at Bronco Arena, 1515 11th Street. Motion seconded by Councilor Krause and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED Resolution No. 56-2021 approving application for exempt permit for Bucks Safety Process, Inc., to conduct a raffle on November 16, 2021 at PCA, 400 2nd Street | MOTION by Councilor Ditsch approving Resolution No. 56-2021 approving application for exempt permit for Bucks Safety Process, Inc., to conduct a raffle on November 16, 2021, at PCA, 400 2nd Street. Motion seconded by Councilor Krause and carried unanimously. |
| Public Works Committee recommendation: | |
| a. APPROVED authorizing the Public Works Director to request quotes for the Vactor garage plumbing upgrades | MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve authorizing the Public Works Director to request quotes for the Vactor garage plumbing upgrades. Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously. |
| Committee-of-the-Whole committee recommendation | |
| a. Consider Vacant Building Registration Application and fee schedule | It was noted that the purpose of vacant building registrations is to obtain contact information for those maintaining vacant homes and discourage people from keeping vacant buildings. The fee will help encourage property owners to either improve their vacant buildings, sell the properties, or tear down uninhabitable structures.
MOTION by Councilor Holden to approve the Vacant Building Registration Application and fee schedule. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously. |
| Human Resource committee recommendation | |
| a. Appointment of a Human Resources/Safety Director for the City of International Falls | City Administrator Bergstrom noted that the top four (4) candidates were interviewed and ranked based on a point system. Administrator Bergstrom noted that the top scoring candidate was offered the position, but declined; therefore, the second-highest ranking candidate was offered the position and accepted.
MOTION by Councilor Holden to approve the salary and benefit package for the Human Resources/Safety Director position. Motion seconded by Councilor Ditsch and carried unanimously. MOTION by Councilor Ditsch to approve hiring Sherri Stensland as the Human Resources-Safety Director, with an anticipated start date of September 13, 2021. Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously. |
| Consider request to hire a paid on-call EMT-B, as presented by Chief Adam Mannausau | MOTION by Councilor Krause to approve request by Fire Chief Mannausau to hire Frederick Friesen as a paid on-call EMT-B. Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously.
Chief Mannausau noted he is awaiting the Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board (EMSRB) to approve the International Falls Fire/Rescue/EMS to conduct educational courses that would allow the City of International Falls to hold its own EMT classes. Chief Mannausau hopes for this to be approved in order to hold EMT classes this fall. |
| REPORTS:
Reports of the Administrator, Attorney, and Department Heads |
City Attorney Shermoen reported on the pending criminal blight cases. Mr. Shermoen stated that the implementation of the administrative citation has encouraged corrective active by property owners in order to avoid criminal charges. City Attorney Shermoen referenced Friend’s Recycling, noting that while some progress has been made on the Highway 53 property, they have not come into compliance with many of the items addressed in their signed agreement with the City.
Mayor Droba shared his frustration that some people are purposely violating and circumventing City policies and procedures and inquired as to what the recourse the City has when violations are not blight related. City Attorney Shermoen noted that most violations of the City’s Code of Ordinances constitute misdemeanors. |
| Reports of Mayor and Council Committees | Mayor Droba shared that the Kerry Park Rehabilitation project is moving forward with the City working with both Widseth and Kraus-Anderson to determine project costs and funding sources. Mayor Droba noted that the City is not interested in an additional sales tax to fund this project, but is considering state bonding as a funding source. Mayor Droba noted that in order to obtain state bonding funds it almost always requires hiring a lobbyist to ensure the votes from state legislators to pass the funding.
Councilor Buller thanked the City for its co-sponsorship of the International Falls Bass Championship being held August 26-28, 2021. |
| AUDIENCE | None. |
| ADJOURNMENT | Mayor Droba shared that the next regular City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at 5:30 P.M. The Mayor adjourned the meeting at 6:31 P.M. |
Harley M. Droba, Mayor
Attest:
Betty Bergstrom, City Administrator
