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 20th day of April 2026 at the hour of 5:30 P.M.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Dill, Councilors Buller, Holden, Kalar and Wegner.
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
| APPROVED agenda as presented | MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve the agenda as presented. Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED the following meeting minutes, as presented
|
MOTION by Councilor Kalar to approve the following meeting minutes:
· Monday, April 6, 2026 regular City Council meeting · Monday, April 13, 2026 Committee-of-the-Whole meeting · Monday, April 13, 2026 special City Council meeting Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously. |
| ADOPTED Resolution No. 27 -2026 approving transfers, payment of claims, and accounts payable | MOTION by Councilor Holden to adopt Resolution No. 27-2026 approving transfers, payment of claims, and accounts payable. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously. |
CLAIMS
| Align Chiropractic & Wellness | Pre-Employment Physical | 100.00 | 83238 |
| Amazon Capital Services | Sup-IT, Auto-Fire, Cloth-Amb | 414.97 | 83239 |
| BCA/Training & Development | Anthony DMT Recert | 525.00 | 83240 |
| Bolton & Menk Inc | Engineering Services | 79,474.80 | 83241 |
| Border Boxes | Shipping-Wtr Plnt/Hach | 319.75 | 83242 |
| Brian Jespersen | Police Benefit | 150.00 | 83243 |
| Brian Youso | Police Benefit | 150.00 | 83244 |
| CherryRoad Media Inc | 5th & 6th Ave Proj, Minutes, Ordinances | 1,586.49 | 83245 |
| Citizens for Backus/AB | Lease Agreement-Suite 305 | 6,446.33 | 83246 |
| City of Ranier | Water-City Beach | 13.75 | 83247 |
| Compass Minerals | Hwy Deicing Salt | 10,864.40 | 83248 |
| Core & Main | Meters, Sup-Water Dept | 14,178.93 | 83249 |
| Drake Dill | Chamber Dinner | 733.61 | 83250 |
| E Kooch Sanitary Sewer Dist | City Beach/Water Plant | 293.00 | 83251 |
| Enterprise FM Trust | Vehicle Leases | 20,124.55 | 83252 |
| Friend’s Garbage | Monthly Garbage Service | 2,101.32 | 83253 |
| Frontier | Monthly Telephone Service | 2,485.84 | 83254 |
| Gall’s | Clothing-M Gedde | 369.83 | 83255 |
| Gopher State One-Call | Monthly Billing | 102.65 | 83256 |
| Hawkins Inc | Remote Meter, Cylinder Chgs, Sup-Wtr | 586.07 | 83257 |
| Hotsy Minnesota | Hose | 557.95 | 83258 |
| Innovative Office Solutions LLC | Sup-Adm, Bldg Off | 73.79 | 83259 |
| Justin Chezick | Clothing | 100.00 | 83260 |
| KCC TV | Appropriation | 721.22 | 83261 |
| KGHS/KSDM | City Talk | 150.00 | 83262 |
| Kooch County Auditor/Treasurer | Kootasca Property 2026 | 85.00 | 83263 |
| Kooch County Hwy Dept | Dyed Fuel, Culverts | 2,852.17 | 83264 |
| Lawson Products Inc | Sup-Electrical/St Gar | 568.39 | 83265 |
| Lazenby & Associates, Inc | M&R-Wtr Plnt | 1,085.00 | 83266 |
| LENS Equipment | Opioid Grant Items | 6,342.00 | 83267 |
| LMC Insurance Trust-Liab | Annual Liability and Auto Insurance | 208,187.00 | 83268 |
| MaxTech Service & Install Inc | Squad Decommission | 1,450.00 | 83269 |
| Menards International Falls | Maint-St/Ice Shelt, Sup-Strm Swr/Amb/St | 1,874.25 | 83270 |
| Meyers Glass | Maint & Repair-VNP | 523.71 | 83271 |
| Michael Musich | Police Benefit | 150.00 | 83272 |
| MIDCO | Cable-Fire Hall/Amb, Internet-Wtr Plnt | 141.54 | 83273 |
| Minnesota Energy Resources | Utilities | 8,157.18 | 83274 |
| Minnesota Industries | Sup-St Gar/Strm, Tools-St Gar | 252.13 | 83275 |
| MN Power | Utilities | 39,570.05 | 83276 |
| MN Dept of Labor & Industry | Boiler Registration-Mun/Lib/Wtr Pl | 145.00 | 83277 |
| NAPA Falls Supply | M&R Equip-St/Amb/Wtr, Sup-St Gar | 1,288.37 | 83278 |
| North Country Collision | Police Squad Repairs | 1,573.54 | 83279 |
| Northern Lumber & Hardware | Tools-Wtr/St Gar, Maint-St/Wtr/GGB | 306.11 | 83280 |
| Nuss Truck & Equipment | 2025 Mack GR42F Dump Truck | 723.24 | 83281 |
| Premier Pyrotechnics | Holiday Fireworks (RLMC) | 5,000.00 | 83282 |
| Rainy Lake Medical Center | Medical Supplies | 1,033.80 | 83283 |
| Rainy Lake Oil | Sup-Street Garage | 94.50 | 83284 |
| Richard Mastin | Police Benefit | 150.00 | 83285 |
| Rick Becvar | Safety Boot Allowance | 200.00 | 83286 |
| Road Machinery & Supplies Co | JLG Boom Lift Maint | 816.29 | 83287 |
| ServiceMaster of Int’l Falls | Cleaning Services-VNP | 4,961.25 | 83288 |
| Shannon’s Inc | Bldg Maint-VNP | 195.53 | 83289 |
| Susan Sanden | Overpayment/Refund Ambulance | 50.00 | 83290 |
| Terry Christie | Police Benefit | 150.00 | 83291 |
| Terry Wood | Police Benefit | 150.00 | 83292 |
| Tom Lynch | Police Benefit | 150.00 | 83293 |
| Towmaster | M&R Eqip | 104.51 | 83294 |
| Tritech Software Systems | Field Ops | 120.00 | 83295 |
| Tyler Brink | Clothing Allowance | 100.00 | 83296 |
| Walls All Season Equipment Inc | Sup-Street Garage | 60.99 | 83297 |
| WMG Lyfjaberg LLC | Medical Director | 300.00 | 83298 |
| The following checks were issued under blanket authorization: | |||
| AFLAC | Supplemental Insurance | 182.08 | 103084 |
| American Heritage Life Ins Co | Supplemental Insurance | 9.64 | 103085 |
| Bay Bridge Administrators LLC | Supplemental Insurance | 354.51 | 103086 |
| Bremer Bank NA | Federal Withholding | 37,740.46 | 103087 |
| Central Pension Fund Source A | Retirement | 3,711.86 | 103088 |
| City of Int’l Falls | Health Insurance-Police | 251.46 | 103089 |
| City of Int’l Falls | Health Insurance-49ers | 1,340.00 | 103090 |
| IAMAW District W3 | Union Dues | 868.00 | 103091 |
| IF Fire Dept Relief | Volunteer Firemen Dues | 392.00 | 103092 |
| Int’l Falls Ambulance Service | EMT Dues | 105.00 | 103093 |
| Int’l Union of Oper Engineers | Union Dues-49ers | 665.00 | 103094 |
| Law Enforcement Labor Services | Union Dues-Hulst | 657.00 | 103095 |
| MN Child Support Pmt Ctr | Wage Assignment-Child Support | 98.75 | 103096 |
| MN Department of Revenue | State Withholding SWT | 7,286.44 | 103097 |
| MN Dept of Empl & Economic Dev | MN Paid Leave Premiums | 1,656.96 | 103098 |
| MSRS-Empower Retirement | Empower Retirement | 6,044.00 | 103099 |
| NCPERS Minnesota | PERA Life Insurance | 96.00 | 103100 |
| PERA | Retirement | 31,837.02 | 103101 |
| United Way of NE Minnesota Inc | United Way | 16.00 | 103102 |
| William Lahmayer, Sec/Treas | Cop Dues | 90.00 | 103103 |
| AUDIENCE: | Lois Lundin, 2222 3rd Ave E, questioned the purchase of the Kubota utility vehicle using auction proceeds. Lundin wondered whether the purchase was a necessity or a discretionary expense, given the city’s financial situation. Lundin urged the Mayor and Council to consider the city’s debt and their responsibility to reduce it, emphasizing that the decision could set a precedent for future spending. |
| Bobbi Bernath, 1900 6th Ave, asked about the city’s vehicle lease agreements. Chief Wherley explained the vehicles are on a four-year rent-to-own agreement, which results in approximately $126,000 in savings compared to purchasing them outright. He confirmed that the city will own the vehicles at the end of the four-year term. | |
| PUBLIC HEARING: | None. |
| OPENING BIDS (AND/OR QUOTES) | None. |
| OLD BUSINESS: | None. |
| CONSENT AGENDA: | None. |
| NEW BUSINESS: | |
| INFORMATIONAL: Voyageurs National Park | Brian Harmon, Acting Superintendent of Voyageurs National Park, provided an update on park operations, staffing changes, and future projects. He thanked the city for its partnership and recognition of International Dark Sky Week.
Looking ahead, Harmon highlighted major projects such as replacing underwater electrical cables near Kettle Falls, which will involve temporary lake slow zones, as well as improvements to roads, and parking areas at the Rainy Lake and Ash River visitor areas. He also discussed wetland restoration efforts aimed at enhancing wildlife habitat and environmental health.
Council members expressed appreciation for the park’s contributions and encouraged continued collaboration and community engagement. |
| INFORMATIONAL:
Minnesota North College, Rainy River Campus – nursing update |
Representatives from Minnesota North College, including Brad Krasaway, Donita Ettestad, and Maureen Wakonabo, provided an update on the Rainy River Campus nursing program, outlining its evolution, community impact, and current success.
Over the past decade, the program has graduated many LPNs and RNs, with a high percentage remaining in the area. It has been especially beneficial for non-traditional students and is now financially self-sustaining with strong enrollment in both programs.
Presenters credited the City’s support as key to the program’s success and highlighted it as a model of community collaboration. |
| APPROVED Mayoral Proclamation proclaiming May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month | MOTION by Councilor Kalar to approve Mayoral Proclamation proclaiming May 20, 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED request to add three individuals as new Emergency Medical Technicians to the active Ambulance Roster | MOTION by Councilor Holden to approve request to add Tyler Brink, Colton Hollis and Kyle Kimball as new Emergency Medical Technicians to the active Ambulance Roster. Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED appointments to the Charter Commission | Charter Commission Chairman Lois Lundin reported that two community members, Matt Koerbitz and Debbie Harris, have expressed interest in joining the Commission. With one current member moving out of the city, membership would drop to nine, still above the required minimum of seven. Lundin emphasized the importance of maintaining a well-rounded group and supported adding the new members.
MOTION by Councilor Kalar to approve appointments of Debbie Harris and Matt Koerbitz to the Charter Commission. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED bid from MJ Companies, LLC, as the lowest bidder for the 2026 TH 11/71 Multi Use Trail | Jason Fisher City Engineer indicated that grant funds from the MN Department of Transportation, Active Transportation Program, were received for the 2026 TH 11/71 Multi Use Trail project. Fisher noted multiple bids had been received and did not exceed the grant funding.
MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve the lowest bidder MJ Companies, LLC in the amount of $371,220.75 for the 2026 TH 11/71 Multi Use Trail. Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED Resolution No. 28-2026 authorizing execution of Cooperative Maintenance Agreement with State of Minnesota Department of Transportation for the Shared Use Path adjacent to Trunk Highway 11/71 | Jason Fisher City Engineer stated the trail adjacent to trunk highway 11/71 was in MnDOT right of way. MnDOT requested the city adopt the resolution and agreement indicating the city will maintain the trail.
MOTION by Councilor Holden to approve Resolution No. 28-2026 authorizing execution of Cooperative Maintenance Agreement with State of Minnesota Department of Transportation for the Shared Use Path adjacent to Trunk Highway 11/71. Motion seconded by Councilor Kalar and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED updated fee schedule for providing education classes through the International Falls Ambulance Service | Chief Mannausau explained the ambulance service fees are intended to cover costs—not generate profit—as expenses for instructors and materials continue to rise.
MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve updated fee schedule for providing education classes through the International Falls Ambulance Service. Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously. |
| Legislation and Land Use recommendation(s):
a. APPROVED Low-Potency hemp license application for Mid West Dabbin Cabin contingent upon all required documentation and State approval |
MOTION by Councilor Kalar to approve Low-Potency hemp license application for Mid West Dabbin Cabin contingent upon all required documentation and State approval. Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously. |
| Public Works Committee recommendations(s):
a. APPROVED to purchase a Kubota TRVX2C-PKLH-1 utility vehicle to be paid for with auction proceeds from 402.41000 Capital Outlay |
MOTION by Councilor Holden to approve a Kubota TRVX2C-PKLH-1 utility vehicle to be paid for with the auction proceeds from 402.41000 Capital Outlay. Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner.
Mayor Dill noted the Kubota was thoroughly discussed in committee where the purchase was supported using proceeds from the Public Works auction held last fall. Councilor Kalar agreed, stating the request likely wouldn’t have been made without those funds, which are restricted to street capital use, and added the purchase should improve operational efficiency.
Motion carried unanimously. |
| Budget and Finance Committee recommendation(s):
a. APPROVED Resolution No. 29-2026 Authorizing the Transfer of Funds and Closure of Inactive Funds |
MOTION by Councilor Wegner to approve Resolution No. 29-2026 Authorizing the Transfer of Funds and Closure of Inactive Funds. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously. |
| Committee-of-the-Whole recommendation(s):
a. APPROVED updated Public Works Director job description and authorize advertising to fill the vacant Public Works Director position |
Mayor Dill indicated that there have only been two changes made to the Director of Public Works job description and that these were necessary given the recent resignation of the Building Official.
MOTION by Councilor Wegner to approve updated Public Works Director job description and authorize advertising to fill the vacant Public Works Director position. Motion seconded by Councilor Kalar and carried unanimously. |
| b. APPROVED sending a Letter of Intent to Koochiching County for a lease agreement for Law Enforcement Center space | MOTION by Councilor Wegner to approve sending Letter of Intent to Koochiching County to enter into a lease agreement for Law Enforcement Center space. Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously. |
| c. APPROVED first reading of Ordinance No.__ – 5th Series enacting Sec. __ Regulating Electrical-Assisted Bicycles | MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve first reading of an Ordinance No. __ 5th Series enacting Sec. __ Regulating Electrical-Assisted Bicycles. Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously. |
| d. APPROVED first reading of Ordinance No. __ 5th Series amending Sec. 10-51 Prevention, reduction, and elimination of blighting factors | Mayor Dill stated that this came before the council due to mail delays with USPS and the time requirements for notices mailed to property owners. The change will increase the timeline from 7 to 10 days for the property owner to correct the violation.
MOTION by Councilor Wegner to approve first reading of Ordinance No.__ 5th Series Sec. 10-51 Prevention, reduction, and elimination of blighting factors. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED removal of Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) from the active roster of the International Falls Ambulance Service due to inactivity | MOTION by Councilor Kalar to approve removal of Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Jakob Ettestad from the active roster of the International Falls Ambulance Service due to inactivity. Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED Valerie Schwartz for the 2026 City beach Camp Host position | MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve Valerie Schwartz for the 2026 City Beach Camp Host position. Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously. |
| Other Business | None. |
| Reports of the Administrator, Attorney, and Department Heads | City Administrator Bergstrom’s bi-weekly report was available for review.
|
| Reports of Mayor, Council Committees, Boards and Commissions | Councilor Kalar reminded everyone that the Bike Rodeo will be held this Saturday from 11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. at Kerry Park Arena.
Councilor Kalar shared June 3, 2026, Veterans Service Office and Koochiching County Warrior Initiative is sponsoring there annual fishing trip leaving from Thunderbird Lodge. |
| AUDIENCE | None. |
| ADJOURNMENT | Mayor Dill reminded everyone that the next regular City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 4, 2026, at 5:30 P.M. Mayor Dill adjourned the meeting at 6:34 P.M. |
Drake Dill, Mayor
Attest:
Betty Bergstrom, City Administrator
