August 18, 2025, City Council Minutes

• Acknowledge letter of retirement from Ted Brokaw, Director of Public Works, effective

September 2, 2025

The amendment requested by Mayor Dill was approved by the motion maker and the second.  Motion carried unanimously.

·         Monday, August 4, 2025 regular City Council meeting

·         Monday, August 11, 2025 Committee-of-the-Whole meeting

Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously.

APPROVED as amended

• Acknowledge letter of resignation from Sheldon Zook, EMT, effective immediately

Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously.

APPROVED nomination of Councilor Wegner as President Pro Tem

MOTION by Councilor Holden to nominate Councilor Wegner for position of President Pro Tem.  Councilor Wegner accepted the nomination.  Motion seconded by Councilor Kalar and carried unanimously.

·         301 4^th Street

·         1709 2^nd Avenue West

·         301 4th Street, 3.2 off-sale, cigarette, gasoline, fireworks, restaurant

·         1709 2nd Avenue West, 302 off-sale, cigarette, gasoline pumps, restaurant

Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously.

·         Citizen Robert Thompson – term August 19, 2025 – January 31, 2027

·         Councilor Mike Holden – term August 19, 2025 – January 31, 2028

·         Councilor Walt Buller – term August 19, 2025 – January 31, 2028

·         Citizen Robert Thompson – term August 19, 2025 – January 31, 2027

·         Councilor Mike Holden – term August 19, 2025 – January 31, 2028

·         Councilor Walt Buller – term August 19, 2025 – January 31, 2028

Motion seconded by Councilor Kalar and carried unanimously.

a.      APPROVED forgiveness of sewer charge for 1223 2nd Ave E – $1,216.94

b.      ADOPTED Resolution No. 54-2025 scheduling a public hearing on proposed assessment on the 5th Avenue West project

c.       APPROVED     Shorewood Drive Ravine Stabilization proposal for 100% plans from Bolton & Menk, Inc – estimated fee of $15,000

d.       APPROVED change order for 2025 Stenberg Addition Storm Sewer project – additional cost of $75,504.50

MOTION by Councilor Kalar to approve forgiveness of sewer charge for 1223 2nd Ave E in the amount of $1,216.94 due to broken pipe on outside spigot.  Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously.

MOTION by Councilor Holden to adopt Resolution No. 54-2025 scheduling a public hearing on proposed assessment on the 5th Avenue West project.  Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously.

MOTION by Councilor Kalar to approve Bolton & Menk, Inc. proposal for services for Shorewood Drive Ravine Stabilization with an estimated cost of $15,000 for 100% plans.  One Watershed One Plan will receive Mn Board of Water & Soil Resources (BWSR) Funding for 75% of the project costs with a 25% local match.  Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously.

MOTION by Councilor Holden to approve change order for 2025 Stenberg Addition Storm Sewer Project, as presented by Jason Fisher, City Engineer.  Fisher recommended relocating the storm sewer along 15th Avenue from 16th Street to south of 18th Street, 16th Street from 275 feet east of 15th Avenue to 15th Avenue, and 17th Street from 275 feet east of 15th Avenue to 15th Avenue.  Fisher added that the change order will add $75,504.50 to the price of the contract.  Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously.

a.      MOVED the Mighty Ducks grant application to a Special IFEDA meeting scheduled for Monday, August 25, 2025 at 4:30p.m.

b.      APPROVED advertising and hiring three (3) part-time seasonal staff for Parks & Facilities

c.       Moved to end of meeting: Replacement options for Director of Public Works

 d.      INFORMATION ONLY:  Preliminary agreement/contract between the City of International Falls and Koochiching County to lease space in the County Law Enforcement Center for the IFPD

Leif Larsen, Jared Baldwin, and Josh Glashauckas, members of the International Falls Recreation Hockey Board addressed the council to discuss the Mighty Ducks grant application and funding for the necessary R-22 refrigerant upgrades needed at Kerry Park Arena.  Board members noted the economic impact that the ten (10) tournaments this winter would have on the area if Kerry Park had to close, Recreation Hockey would have to shut down for the season.  Discussion ensued about the current state of the facility and how the two entities can work together on funding options to upgrade the ice plant at Kerry Park Arena.

Motion by Councilor Holden to move the Mighty Ducks grant application for eliminating R-22 refrigerant for indirect systems to the International Falls Economic Development Authority (IFEDA) for funding consideration.  Motion seconded by Councilor Kalar and carried unanimously.  A special IFEDA meeting was scheduled for Monday, August 25, 2025 at 4:30 P.M.

MOTION by Councilor Kalar to approve advertising and hiring three (3) part-time seasonal staff for Parks & Facilities.  Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously.

Moved to end of meeting with the acknowledgement of retirement of Director of Public Works Ted Brokaw.

Mayor Dill read the preliminary terms that have been discussed with Koochiching County for leasing space to house the International Falls Police Department in the County Law Enforcement Center including, but not limited to:

·         Lease $50,000/yr for 20 years and the County will put $10,000/$12,000 annually into their building fund for future building improvements

·         Refurbish current space is scheduled for two phases with the first phase to cost approx. $160,000 with 50/50 split cost with City

·         Percentage increase of utilities after one-year- to allow time for County to understand the cost of utilities for the space the City will occupy

·         Three garage bays, for several years and then all bays

·         Shared space in the basement, for several years

·         Designated parking spaces on the south side of the building

·         International Falls Police Department sign for the outside of the building

·         First right of refusal if County ever wants to sell the building

Mayor Dill noted the County Attorney is putting together a draft agreement for the City to consider.  No action taken.

Human Resource Director Sherri Stensland suggested if Assistant Director of Public Works Mike Wallace is going to be the Interim Director of Public Works, his salary should be compensated.  She will offer the mayor and council pay consideration for the September, 2, 2025 regular City Council Meeting.

The International Falls Police Department Activity Report for July 2025 was available for review.

The International Falls Fire/Rescue/EMS Activity Report for July 2025 was available for review.