A special 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 December 2025 at the hour of 10:00 A.M.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Dill and Councilors Buller, Kalar, and Wegner
MEMBERS ABSENT: Councilor Holden
| APPROVED employment benefits for Todd Ojala | City Attorney Nelson asked if she could provide a brief explanation why discussion on this matter is being held in an open meeting versus a closed meeting. Nelson noted delaying Mr. Ojala’s employment benefits discussion has caused an inconvenience. Nelson apologized to Mr. Ojala and the Mayor and Council for the disruption and delay but felt it was necessary given the lack of information that was provided prior to the December 15, 2025 city council meeting. Nelson noted the following: that without the ability to review the matter prior to the council meeting prevented proper legal review and preparation; that she was not able to access the legal framework that would govern the council’s discussion or what statutory obligations would be triggered; and at the very least she would have advised the council to wait to respond and the delay would have been inevitable. Nelson noted that after discussing the matter with the Mayor, City Administration and Labor Attorney it is now clear the matter is limited to interpretation of city policies and not contracts. City Attorney Nelson thanked the council for the time given to her to review the matter and provide guidance to the Mayor and Council on how to appropriately respond to the matter.
Todd Ojala addressed the Mayor and Council requesting payout of his unused accumulated sick leave at the time of his resignation on October 21, 2025. Ojala asked for the city policy to be applied consistently.
MOTION by Mayor Dill to approve payout of unused accumulated sick leave to Todd Ojala. Motion seconded by Councilor Kalar and carried unanimously.
Mayor Dill requested that the current IT provider 3S Design draft a letter with evidence that all servers and emails are backed up through the current date.
MOTION by Councilor Kalar to request 3S Design prepare a letter with evidence that all servers and emails are backed up through the current date. Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously. |
| ADJOURNMENT | Mayor Dill adjourned the meeting at 10:29 A.M. |
Drake Dill, Mayor
ATTEST:
Betty Bergstrom, City Administrator
