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 19th day of May 2025 at the hour of 5:30 P.M.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Dill and Councilors Buller, Holden, Kalar and Wegner.
MEMBERS ABSENT: None.
| APPROVED agenda as presented with an addition | MOTION by Councilor Holden to approve the agenda as presented with the following addition:
Motion seconded by Councilor Kalar and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED the following meeting minutes, as presented
|
MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve the following meeting minutes:
Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously. |
| ADOPTED Resolution No. 35-2025 approving transfers, payment of claims, and accounts payable | MOTION by Councilor Kalar to adopt Resolution No. 35-2025 approving transfers, payment of claims, and accounts payable. Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously. |
CLAIMS
| Acme Tools-Grand Forks | Mowers | 1,598.00 | 81043 |
| Adam Mannausau | Coldzone Training | 162.00 | 81044 |
| Aluminum Cabinet Co | Cabinet Install | 875.00 | 81045 |
| Amazon Capital Services | Maint-Amb, Sup-P&R/IT | 89.80 | 81046 |
| Andy Kittelson | Meal Allowance | 56.00 | 81047 |
| Automatic Systems Co | Modem & Installation | 3,669.00 | 81048 |
| Ben Mortenson | Coldzone Training | 216.00 | 81049 |
| Benedict Sign Co | Daily Time Report Pads | 409.64 | 81050 |
| Bolton & Menk Inc | Engineering Services | 160,592.00 | 81051 |
| Border Boxes | Paper-Admin/House/St, Ship-Wtr Plnt | 1,880.00 | 81052 |
| Bound Tree Medical LLC | Ambulance Supplies | 847.13 | 81053 |
| Bremer Cardmember Services | Train-CAT/Wtr Plnt, M&R-Wtr Plnt/St | 14,194.81 | 81054 |
| Brian Jespersen | Police Benefit | 150.00 | 81055 |
| Brian Youso | Police Benefit | 150.00 | 81056 |
| BW Distributing | Cleaning Supplies-Ambulance | 847.90 | 81057 |
| Calvin Turban | Boiler License | 80.00 | 81058 |
| Cenex Voyageur Fleet | Gas-Pol/St/Amb/Hzmt/Wtr/Wtr Plnt | 4,292.77 | 81059 |
| CherryRoad Media Inc | Council Mtg Dates, Minutes | 912.00 | 81060 |
| Citizens for Backus/AB | Lease Agreement-Suite 305 | 6,446.33 | 81061 |
| City of Int’l Falls-Fund 401 | Water/Sewer Funds Transfer | 66,666.66 | 81062 |
| City of Int’l Falls-Fund 403 | Water/Sewer Funds Transfer | 29,166.67 | 81063 |
| City of Ranier | Water-City Beach | 13.75 | 81064 |
| Commercial Refrigeration Sys | Kerry Park Arena | 650.00 | 81065 |
| DSC Communications | Radio Maintenance | 263.00 | 81066 |
| Enterprise FM Trust | Vehicle Leases | 17,840.34 | 81067 |
| ESX Technology Solutions, LLC | MDR & Firewall | 1,887.50 | 81068 |
| Friend’s Garbage | Monthly Garbage Service | 1,967.36 | 81069 |
| Frontier | Monthly Telephone Service | 2,458.77 | 81070 |
| Graybar | M&R-P&R, San Sew, Tools-St Light | 2,236.39 | 81071 |
| Griffin Offerdahl | Meal Reimbursement | 270.00 | 81072 |
| Hawkins Inc | Chemicals, Cylinder Charges | 3,573.49 | 81073 |
| Hometown Billing LLC | Ambulance Billing | 2,940.00 | 81074 |
| Innovative Office Solutions LLC | Medical Dispatch Forms | 672.88 | 81075 |
| John P MacLean | Meal Allowance, Boot Allowance | 194.99 | 81076 |
| Koerter’s Amoco | Gas-St/Pol/Wtr/Wtr Plnt/Strm Sew | 3,902.28 | 81077 |
| Kooch Co Env Services Dept | Solid Waste Fee-Police | 435.00 | 81078 |
| Lakehead Trucking Inc | Ballfield Lime | 2,324.12 | 81079 |
| Lefty’s Tent & Party Rental | Tent/Stage | 2,606.00 | 81080 |
| LMC Insurance Trust-Liab | Annual Liability and Auto Insurance | 205.25 | 81081 |
| Locators & Supplies | Sup-Street | 286.66 | 81082 |
| LVC Inc | Annual Fire Extinguisher Service | 1,443.00 | 81083 |
| MacQueen Equipment Inc | 2025 Vactor Downpmt, M&R-Equip | 328,944.86 | 81084 |
| Madden Galanter Hansen LLP | Labor Relations Services | 60.45 | 81086 |
| Mannco Trucking Inc | Rural #3 | 131.14 | 81087 |
| Marco | Antivirus/Microsoft Exchange | 535.25 | 81088 |
| Med Tech Sweden, Inc | Spine Boards | 5,580.00 | 81089 |
| Menards International Falls | M&R-Wtr Plnt/P&R/St, Sup-Fire/P&R | 725.89 | 81090 |
| Mesabi Bituminous Inc | Cold Mix | 6,892.50 | 81091 |
| Michael Gedde | Travel and Training Expense | 576.40 | 81092 |
| Michael Musich | Police Benefit | 150.00 | 81093 |
| Midco | Cable-Fire Hall/Amb, Internet-Wtr Plnt | 526.65 | 81094 |
| Minnesota Dept of Health | Blass B Cert – T Brokaw | 23.00 | 81095 |
| Minnesota Energy Resources | Utilities | 371.89 | 81097 |
| Minnesota Energy Resources | Utilities | 6,011.46 | 81096 |
| Minnesota Industries | M&R-Street | 134.70 | 81098 |
| MN Power | Utilities | 35,202.39 | 81099 |
| Minnesota Revenue | Revenue Recapture-Ambulance | 745.00 | 81100 |
| MN Highway Safety & Research | Police Training | 1,575.00 | 81101 |
| MTI Distributing Inc | M&R-P&R/Grnds | 1,207.58 | 81102 |
| NAPA Falls Supply | Sup-St Gar/St/Grnds/Eng/Wtr/San Swr | 2,653.21 | 81103 |
| Nick Kittelson | Meal Allowance | 26.00 | 81104 |
| Northern Lumber & Hardware | Sup-Fire/Gar/St/Wtr, M&R-Grnds/St | 2,749.17 | 81105 |
| Nuss Truck & Equipment | 2025 Vactor Downpayment | 162,595.00 | 81106 |
| ON2 Solutions | Sports Floodlights | 29,144.68 | 81107 |
| Pelland Welding, Inc | Maint & Repair Equip-Water | 150.00 | 81108 |
| Pitney Bowes Reserve Acct | Qtrly Lease-Inserting & Mailing | 398.82 | 81109 |
| Plasky Repair | Unit 141 | 764.15 | 81110 |
| PowerPlan | Unit 644J-Parts | 7,913.89 | 81111 |
| Rainy Lake Medical Center | Medical Supplies | 623.79 | 81112 |
| Rainy Lake Oil | Fuel-St/St Light/Storm | 623.22 | 81113 |
| Range Paper Corp | Cleaning Supplies-Bldgs & Grnds | 717.94 | 81114 |
| Rhory Gelo | Meal Allowance | 71.00 | 81115 |
| Schlenner Wenner & Co | 2024 Year End Assistance | 24,000.00 | 81116 |
| Scott Wherley | Travel Expense | 462.54 | 81117 |
| ServiceMaster of Intl Falls | Cleaning Services-VNP | 4,961.25 | 81118 |
| Shane Thramer | DARE Expenses | 17.32 | 81119 |
| Shannon’s Inc | M&R-Water | 34.68 | 81120 |
| Teleflex Medical | Ambulance Supplies | 1,330.00 | 81121 |
| Terry Christie | Police Benefit | 150.00 | 81122 |
| Tom Lynch | Police Benefit | 150.00 | 81123 |
| WMG Lyfjaberg LLC | Medical Director | 300.00 | 81124 |
| The following checks were issued under blanket authorization: | |||
| AFLAC | Supplemental Insurance | 182.08 | 102682 |
| American Heritage Life Ins Co | Supplemental Insurance | 9.64 | 102683 |
| Bay Bridge Administrators LLC | Supplemental Insurance | 354.51 | 102684 |
| Bremer Bank NA | Federal Withholding | 43,570.58 | 102685 |
| Central Pension Fund Source A | Retirement | 5,082.00 | 102686 |
| City of Int’l Falls | HRA-Police/Fire | 81.64 | 102687 |
| IAMAW District W3 | Union Dues | 860.00 | 102688 |
| IF Fire Dept Relief | Firemen Dues | 420.00 | 102689 |
| Int’l Falls Ambulance Service | EMT Dues | 126.00 | 102690 |
| Int’l Union of Oper Engineers | Union Dues | 910.00 | 102691 |
| Kane Kostiuk, Sec/Treas | Cop Dues | 140.00 | 102692 |
| Law Enforcement Labor Services | Union Dues | 876.00 | 102693 |
| MN Child Support Pmt Ctr | Wage Assignment-Child Support | 177.19 | 102694 |
| MN Department of Revenue | State Withholding SWT | 8375.54 | 102695 |
| MSRS-Empower Retirement | Empower Retirement | 8,798.00 | 102696 |
| NCPERS Minnesota | PERA Life Insurance | 128.00 | 102697 |
| North Kooch Area Sanitary Dist | Health Insurance Premiums | 420.00 | 102698 |
| PERA | Public Employees Retirement | 39,020.05 | 102699 |
| United Way of NE Minnesota Inc | United Way | 42.00 | 102700 |
| AUDIENCE: | None. |
| PUBLIC HEARING: | None. |
| OPENING BIDS (AND/OR QUOTES) | None. |
| OLD BUSINESS: | None. |
| CONSENT AGENDA:
APPROVED as presented |
MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve the following 2025 license renewal:
Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously. |
| NEW BUSINESS:
Voyageurs National Park update, Bob DeGross, Superintendent |
Bob DeGross, Voyageurs National Park, Superintendent thanked the city council for their recent proclamations recognizing the 50th Anniversary of the Park, as well as recognizing Dark Skies Week. DeGross spoke of how important this was to not only the local community but to all people who travel here from all over the country who get to enjoy the skies that are not impacted by the light pollution. DeGross advised he will be retiring on May 30, 2025, and Brian Harmon would be acting in his role as Superintendent.
DeGross shared on May 6th they made the decision to terminate the NEPA process as it relates to our frozen lakes. DeGross advised Kettle Falls was nearing the end of their contract with the current operator at the end of 2026. DeGross also shared work is planned at the Rainy Lake Visitors Center parking area and marina.
DeGross finished by saying “thank you” for all that the City has done at Voyageurs National Park Headquarters. |
| APPROVED use of Smokey Bear Park by RLMC Foundation for a Color 5K Family Fun Run
|
Micki Olson, Director RLMC Foundation requested use of Smokey Bear Park on September 1, 2025, for the Color 5K Family Fun Run.
MOTION by Councilor Kalar to approve use of Smokey Bear Park by RLMC Foundation for a Color 5K Family Fun Run on September 1, 2025. Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED Mayoral Proclamation proclaiming June 2-6, 2025, as the week for distribution of Buddy Poppies | MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve Mayoral Proclamation proclaiming June 2-6, 2025, as the week for distribution of Buddy Poppies. Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED road closure for Elks Lodge #1599 annual Corn and Brat Feed | Councilor Kalar requested to have a portion of 3rd Street closed from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. for the annual Elks Lodge Corn and Brat feed on August 15, 2025. Money raised at the event is used for scholarships.
MOTION by Councilor Holden to approve road closure for Elks Lodge #1599 annual Corn and Brat Feed on August 15, 2025. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED internal promotion of Calvin Turban to the Water Technician I position | MOTION by Councilor Kalar to approve internal promotion of Calvin Turban to the Water Technician I position. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED first reading of Ordinance to update Sec. 10-32 Rules, regulations and traffic governing public parks
|
Councilor Holden shared the ordinance would restrict access to city parks after 10:00 P.M. unless permitted to be open later. Councilor Wegner stated the ordinance is for all city parks. The main purpose of the ordinance is to eliminate overnight sleeping in the parks.
MOTION by Councilor Holden to approve the first reading of Ordinance to update Sec. 10-32 Rules, regulations and traffic governing public parks. Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously. |
| Public Works Committee recommendation(s):
a. APPROVED engineer and design agreement with Bolton & Menk for the Riverview Blvd East 2026 project to include sanitary sewer, storm sewer, and street lights
|
Jason Fisher advised the Riverview Blvd East project was identified in the Capital Improvement Plan recently adopted to reconstruct street, sanitary sewer, storm sewer and lighting for the east side of Riverview Blvd. Clean Water Funds will be applied for to improve outfalls and stabilize the ravine. This is part of the One Watershed One Plan that the City has been working on with Koochiching County SWCD.
MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve engineer and design agreement with Bolton & Menk for the Riverview Blvd East 2026 project to include sanitary sewer, storm sewer and street lights. Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously. |
| b. APPROVED Resolution No. 36-2025 approving parking restrictions on 9th Street from Highway 53 to 14th Avenue. | MOTION by Councilor Kalar to approve Resolution No. 36-2025 approving parking restrictions on 9th Street from Highway 53 to 14th Avenue. Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously. |
| c. APPROVED Resolution No. 37-2025 revoking Municipal State Aid Streets (MSAS) | MOTION by Councilor Kalar to approve Resolution No. 37-2025 revoking Municipal State Aid Streets (MSAS) in the City of International Falls. Part of 15th Street – CSAH 332 to CSAH 24. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously. |
| d. APPROVED Resolution No. 38-2025 establishing Municipal State Aid Streets (MSAS) | MOTION by Councilor Holden to approve Resolution No. 38-2025 establishing Municipal State Aid Streets (MSAS) in the City of International Falls. Part of 9th Street – Highway 53 to 14th Avenue. Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously. |
| Budget and Finance Committee recommendation(s):
a. APPROVED setting Special City Council meeting for Monday, June 23, 2025 for 2024 Audited Financials |
MOTION by Councilor Holden to approve setting Special City Council meeting for Monday, June 23, 2025, for the formal presentation and approval of the 2024 Audited Financials. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously. |
| Committee-of-the-Whole recommendation(s):
a. APPROVED 2025 restaurant license for Big Rainy Cafe |
MOTION by Councilor Holden to approve 2025 restaurant license for Big Rainy Café. Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously. |
| b. APPROVED contract with CMAR (Construction Manager at Risk), Rice Lake Construction for GMP (Guaranteed Maximum Price) for Water Treatment Plant renovation project in the amount of $11,844,680 |
Brian Guldan, Bolton & Menk Water/Wastewater Project Manager reviewed the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) that he has been working on with International Falls City Staff and the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR), Rice Lake Construction to determine the water treatment facility improvement project needs and develop cost models to reach a guaranteed maximum price for the improvements. Guldan explained the next step in moving forward with the project is requesting approval of the GMP of $11,844,680. The total construction cost including the GMP, Engineering minus the USDA grant funds the city will receive is $12,574,680.
Mayor Dill commented that he is awaiting results from legislature for assistance with the project.
Guldan advised that they would not be able to bid the project until approved. Guldan and Rice Lake Construction staff noted the GMP would not change if they were to wait two weeks until the next council meeting to see if any assistance from the state would be available.
MOTION by Councilor Holden to move consideration of the contract with Construction Manager at Risk, Rice Lake Construction for the Guaranteed Maximum Price of the Water Treatment Plant renovations to the June 2, 2025, council meeting. Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously. |
| c. ACKNOWLEDGED receipt of sufficient petition and authorize Special City Election according to MN Statute 475.521 | City Administrator Bergstrom spoke to the petition that was received regarding the renovations of public works equipment garage and the sewer vactor garage. The petition was reviewed and deemed sufficient. Bergstrom advised there were two options in proceeding. A Special Election or do nothing for 365 days.
Mayor Dill asked City Attorney Nelson if the council took steps to have a referendum/vote, if that would have any implications on completing the project in the future? Nelson advised that it did. Per State Statute 475.58(1)(a) if the electors do not approve than the project cannot be resubmitted for 180 days. If the project was voted against a second time then the project can’t be brought forward for another year.
MOTION by Councilor Buller to acknowledge receipt of sufficient petition and authorize a Special City Election according to MN Statute 475.521 for August 12, 2025. Motion seconded by Councilor Kalar and carried unanimously. |
| d. APPROVED bandshell committee membership to discuss the future of bandshell structure | MOTION by Councilor Kalar to approve Councilor Kalar and Wegner, City Administrator Bergstrom and Public Works Director Brokaw to form a Bandshell committee to discuss the future of the bandshell structure. Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED low bid for demolition of trailer house at 2210 3rd Avenue West | City Attorney Chelsea Nelson advised the trailer house at 2210 3rd Ave was supposed to be torn down by May 15, 2025, by the park owner but has not been completed. The council can motion to approve the initial low bid from Steve Boyum Const. for $3,249 that was opened at the March 8, 2025, council meeting.
Motion by Councilor Wegner to accept low bid from Steve Boyum Const. for $3,249 for the demolition of the trailer house at 2210 3rd Avenue West if Mr. Boyum honors the original bid. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller. Motion passed 4-1 with Councilors Buller, Holden, Kalar and Wegner voting “’yay” and Mayor Dill voting “nay.” |
| Other Business: | Mayor Dill asked for an update regarding Mr. Calder’s concerns of the paint jobs of local law enforcement vehicles. Nelson advised that based on state statute, police vehicles are assigned certain colors. Unmarked vehicles should not be easily identified. Nelson stated the city takes the position that they are compliant. Police vehicles have reflective lettering and are larger than required, as well posted on both sides. |
| Reports of the Administrator, Attorney, and Department Heads
|
City Administrator Bergstrom bi-weekly report was available for review.
The International Falls Police Department Activity Report for April 2025 was available for review. |
| Reports of Mayor & Council | Councilor Holden stated the North Koochiching Sewer District meeting is scheduled for May 20, 2025. As well as an Airport Committee meeting on May 28, 2025. |
| AUDIENCE | Rhonda Benedix, 909 6th Street addressed her concerns of no bleaches at the t-ball fields. Benedix questioned the idea of closing Smokey Bear Park at 10:00 P.M. and asked if that included the basketball court. Benedix lastly had questions in regard to the Water Treatment Plant rehabilitation project stating, “This plant has been getting old for a long time so how has not a dime been saved knowing this would be a project coming up?” |
| Reynald Calder, 1901 6th Avenue East asked the council to consider placing a letter in the file for the Police Department regarding “ghost paint jobs” on squad cars. He asked that it require any new police vehicle to get a “full paint job.”
MOTION by Councilor Buller to move Police Vehicle Paint discussion to the next Public Safety meeting scheduled for June 16, 2025. Motion seconded by Councilor Kalar and carried unanimously. |
|
| ADJOURNMENT | Mayor Dill reminded everyone of the Special City Council meeting to be held Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 4:00 P.M.
The next regular City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 2, 2025, at 5:30 P.M. Mayor Dill adjourned the meeting at 6:46 P.M. |
Drake Dill, Mayor
Attest:
Betty Bergstrom, City Administrator
