·         Monday, March 16, 2026, Public Hearing on 6th Avenue

·         Monday, March 16, 2026, regular City Council meeting

·         Monday, March 30, 2026, special City Council meeting

Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously.

MOVED second and final reading of Ordinance No. -2026 Deer Feeding Prohibited to Public Safety Meeting

Councilor Wegner suggested in light of the comments made and information provided by the Police Chief that more data should be collected on the issue and it should be sent back to a Public Safety meeting for further discussion.  Councilor Holden agreed that safety issues need to be revisited and additional discussions on enforcement by the Police Department.  Mayor Dill asked City Attorney Nelson if the council didn’t act on the second reading of the ordinance, how that would affect the ordinance.  City Attorney Nelson stated if no action was taken the process would start over with a first reading being required.

MOTION by Councilor Wegner to move the Deer Feeding Ordinance to the next Public Safety meeting for further discussion.  Motion seconded by Councilor Holden.  Motion carried 3-1 with Mayor Dill and Councilors Holden and Wegner voting “yea” and Councilor Buller voting “nay.”

APPROVED request for support of Rainy Lake Medical Center’s 5k and 10k on August 29, 2026

MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve the request for support of Rainy Lake Medical Center’s 5k and 10k on August 29, 2026, in conjunction with the International Falls Bass Championship. Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously.

MOTION by Councilor Holden to approve request to co-sponsor the Koochiching Labor Assembly, Labor Day picnic on Monday, September 7, 2026, approval to request closure of 3rd Street from MnDOT, and use of Smokey Bear Park.  Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously.

Mayor Dill thanked Mr. Thorpe and the Labor Assembly for all they do and noted the importance of labor body in the city, county and country.

Mayor Thorpe asked the mayor if he would like to present a welcome to one of the members of the council at that picnic.  Mayor Dill agreed.

·         Rice Lake Construction completed lab demolition, installed server room walls and electrical rough in, patched walls and floor in old lab, and demolished old curb and installed new curb for the soda ash chemical feed.

·         Bolton & Menk staff completed review of project submittals, processing proposal requests, site tour with local staff and media, and working with staff on equipment specifications.

·         Forecasted work includes installing cabinets, countertops, and lab sink, painting and HVAC rough in, and continue electrical rough in throughout the plant.  Nelson roofing onsite to begin safety work with full roof replacement.

Next project meeting is scheduled for April 16, 2026.

MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve advertising for the Highway 11/71 Trail Project.  Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously.

MOTION by Councilor Wegner to adopt Resolution No. 26-2026 Ordering Improvement and Preparation of Plans for Bituminous Paving of 6th Avenue West between 17th Street and 19th Street.  Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously.

MOTION by Councilor Holden to approve request to enter into a contract with FIRE CATT Precision Service Testing to provide annual testing of fire hoses.  Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously.

Mayor Dill thanked Police Chief Wherley publicly for excelling in his current role. Understanding that, lots of changes have taken place quickly, as well as continually thinking of ways for cost savings to the residents.

MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve recommendation of Police Chief Wherley to hire the following candidates to fill the two full-time Patrol Officer positions: Samantha Christie and Aiden Litfin.  Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously.

MOTION by Councilor Wegner to approve advertising and hire of the vacant Public Works Director using the revised job requirements.  Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously.

Discussion ensued on the various options available to the City to ensure compliance with State Law.

Kelly Meyers approached the council and offered to contract with the city. It was confirmed that Meyers is willing to train his successor and remain contracted until proper licensure requirements are met by staff to perform job duties independently.

MOTION by Councilor Buller to have the committee pursue the option of contracting with current Building Official and utilizing the Fire Marshal to train as a Building Official Limited and bring information back to council.  Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously.

Councilor Wegner inquired to see if anyone had spoken to the Fire Marshal to see if he was interested in pursuing this option.  Mayor Dill advised there had been discussion around this and most obvious would be to combine position as it would be a bonus to the taxpayers although you need to ensure not to overwork people either.

Councilor Wegner felt the position if filled internally should be open for all employees to apply if they wish.

Mayor Dill stated if a process occurred to allow it open to others, they may not meet the timeline requirements.

Councilor Holden stated Baldwin already had points to begin pursuing the Building Official position.  If he declined, then the city could look at other people.

The International Falls Police Department Activity Report for March 2026 was available for review.

The International Falls Fire/Rescue/EMS Activity Report dated March 2026 was available for review.

Councilor Wegner advised that he and Councilor Kalar met with Recreation Hockey Board members last week and offered them Kerry Park Arena for sale with the offer of help to maintain the building.  Recreation Hockey declined that offer but will return with a proposal on how they would staff the arena and take care of it through the winter.  Councilor Wegner said they would continue to work on ways to reduce the costs at Kerry Park Arena.

Benedix was angry that Councilor Holden felt he could say that about the people that continue to show up at meetings and talk about the issues and concerns they have.  She indicated that those “few” people represent a much larger group who did not feel comfortable coming to meetings expressing their concerns with fears of retaliation and how it could affect their business.