A Public Hearing 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 March 2026 at the hour of 5:00 P.M.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Dill, and Councilors Buller, Holden, and Wegner. Councilor Kalar arrived at 5:16 p.m.
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Betty Bergstrom, City Administrator via zoom, Jason Fisher, City Engineer, Bolten & Menk, Inc.
OTHERS PRESENT: Craig and Bobbie Bernath, Kathy Fisher, Larry Keep, Jim Lyman, Dan Pelland and Ricky Roche
ORDER OF BUSINESS:
- Introductory comments and explanation of purpose for public hearing
- Mayor Dill
- Jason Fisher, City Engineer, Bolton & Menk, Inc
- City Council questions/comments.
- Public input/questions/comments.
- Close the public hearing.
| Introductory comments and explanation of purpose for public hearing, Mayor Dill | Mayor Dill explained the public hearing was being held to take public comment concerning the proposed street improvement project located at 6th Avenue West between 17th Street and 19th Street of bituminous paving per the petition received. |
| Jason Fisher, City Engineer | Jason Fisher, City Engineer, stated the project covers .19 miles of surface stabilization, 10-foot driving lanes with paved shoulders. The project does not include any utility work. The estimated cost of the improvements is $169,309 (95.48 per lineal foot) with a 10-year payback that is assessed to the affected property owners. The City of International Falls would pay 10% of the project costs. |
| Public input/questions/comments | Bobbie Bernath, 1900 6th Ave, thanked the Mayor and Council for considering the road improvements of 6th Avenue from 17th Street to 19th Street. Bernath stated the road needs to be stabilized and paved. The city can’t grade until the frost goes out, the road is dusty, limiting sitting outside and having her windows open. The dust is ruining the siding and windows on her home. Bernath stated she would like to see the project completed knowing it will be expensive, but worth it for everyone’s health and will also increase everyone’s property value. Bernath requested the council’s approval of the special assessment for Bituminous paving.
Deputy Administrator Riggs handed out a letter to the Mayor and Council from Steve and Peggy Johnosn.
Mayor Dill indicated he received a few phone calls from individuals that did not have the opportunity to sign the petition. Dill noted the petition was processed for sufficiency by the City Administrator.
Bobbie Bernath stated she went to all the homes except to the Johnsons as they have a string across their walkway. Bernath stated she talked to Mr. Woodridge as he does not live in the area.
Larry Keep, rental owner in the 6th Avenue area, stated he is in support of the project and asked for the city’s support. |
| City Council comments | Mayor Dill shared the special assessment of Improvement for Bituminous Paving of 6th Ave between 17th Street and 19th Street will be considered at the City Council meeting scheduled at 5:30 P.M. following the Public Hearing. |
| ADJOURNMENT | Mayor Dill adjourned the meeting at 5:19 P.M. |
Drake Dill, Mayor
ATTEST:
Betty Bergstrom, City Administrator
