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 4th day of May 2026 at the hour of 5:30 P.M.
MEMBERS PRESENT: President Pro Tem Wegner, and Councilors Buller, Holden, and Kalar.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Mayor Dill
| APPROVED agenda as presented | MOTION by Councilor Kalar to approve the agenda as presented. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED the following meeting minutes, as presented
|
MOTION by Councilor Holden to approve the following meeting minutes as presented:
· Monday, April 20, 2026, regular City Council meeting Motion seconded by Councilor Kalar and carried unanimously. |
| ADOPTED Resolution No. 30-2026 approving transfers, payment of claims, and accounts payable | MOTION by Councilor Holden to adopt Resolution No. 30-2026 approving transfers, payment of claims, and accounts payable. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously. |
CLAIMS
| 3S Design LLC | IT Management | 17,600.00 | 83306 |
| A Plus Pest Management LLC | Pest Control | 658.22 | 83307 |
| Amazon Capital Services | Office Sup-Pol/Fire | 81.26 | 83308 |
| Ameritas Life Ins. Corp | Dental Insurance Premiums | 1,311.80 | 83309 |
| Anderson Law Offices, P.A. | Legal Services-Criminal & Civil | 8,350.00 | 83310 |
| Andrew Holler | Lawn Cleanup | 1,147.00 | 83311 |
| Arason’s Body Shop | Account Deposit Refund | 20.00 | 83312 |
| Auto Value Int’l Falls | M&R Equip-Street | 37.96 | 83313 |
| BCBS of Mn | Health Insurance Premiums | 3,731.71 | 83314 |
| Benjamin Friend | Account Deposit Refund | 20.00 | 83316 |
| Border Boxes | Shipping-Wtr Plnt | 238.75 | 83317 |
| Borderland Humane Society | Pound Operation | 2,250.00 | 83318 |
| Bound Tree Medical LLC | Ambulance Supplies | 2,142.83 | 83319 |
| Bremer Cardmember Services | Sup-Adm/Hous, Auto-St/Pol/Fire/Adm | 244.56 | 83320 |
| Brian Krall | Account Deposit Refund | 12.00 | 83321 |
| Cady Business Technologies | Adm/Fire/IT/Mayor & Council/Amb | 2,755.64 | 83322 |
| CherryRoad Media Inc | Bandshell Bids/Minutes | 687.65 | 83323 |
| City Water Department | City Buildings-Water Usage | 1,993.25 | 83324 |
| CMI Inc | Intoxilyzer Mouthpieces | 212.05 | 83325 |
| Derek Hell | Meal Allowance | 13.09 | 83326 |
| Falls Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram | Police Towing Fee, Towing Fee | 479.85 | 83327 |
| Farm Bureau | Account Deposit Refund | 20.00 | 83328 |
| First Strike Safety | Confined Space Training | 5,880.00 | 83329 |
| Gall’s | Clothing Allowance-Baldwin | 514.75 | 83330 |
| Graybar | Sup-St Light/Elect, Maint-Muni Bldg | 1,250.61 | 83331 |
| Hamilton Medical Inc | Equipment-Ambulance | 2,990.00 | 83332 |
| Hawkins Inc | Chemicals | 1,057.26 | 83333 |
| IIA Lifting Services, Inc | Annual Inspection-Ground | 2,663.37 | 83334 |
| InfoUSA Marketing Inc | Polk Directory | 243.00 | 83335 |
| Int’l Falls/Kooch Cty | City Share April 2026 Major Capital | 31,976.70 | 83336 |
| IUEO Local 49 | Health Insurance Premiums | 26,800.00 | 83337 |
| July 4th Commission | Budgeted Amount-Entertainment | 12,000.00 | 83338 |
| Justin Mostad | Meal Allowance | 152.00 | 83339 |
| Kim Boyer | Account Deposit Refund | 20.00 | 83340 |
| Larry Lennox | Account Deposit Refund | 20.00 | 83341 |
| Lawson Products Inc | Sup-St Gar/Electrical | 196.71 | 83342 |
| Lillian Helderman | Account Deposit Refund | 12.00 | 83343 |
| Locators & Supplies | Electrical Supplies | 485.35 | 83344 |
| MacQueen Equipment Inc | M&R Equip-St, Maint-Wtr Plant | 2,123.86 | 83345 |
| Marco | Antivirus/Microsoft Exchange | 641.31 | 83346 |
| Marco Technologies LLC | Contract/Print/Copy-Fire/Adm/PW/Wat | 1,551.20 | 83347 |
| MedicareBlue RX | Health Insurance Premiums | 2,151.50 | 83348 |
| Menards International Falls | Sup-P&R/Wtr Plnt, M&R Bldg-Gar | 1,548.76 | 83349 |
| Meyers Glass | Zamboni Door | 3,900.00 | 83350 |
| MIDCO | Cable-Fire Hall/Amb, Internet-Wtr Plnt | 682.19 | 83351 |
| Minnesota Industries | Sup-Fire/Wtr/St, M&R-St | 940.61 | 83352 |
| North American Bank Company | Inserting System Lease | 181.75 | 83353 |
| Petty Cash-Betty Bergstrom | Lic-St, Kooch Cty Record, IT Sup, Adm | 167.61 | 83354 |
| Range Paper Corp | Cleaning Sup-Bldg & Grnd/VNP/Gar | 2,781.44 | 83355 |
| Rice Lake Contracting Corp | Water Treatment Plant | 692,363.12 | 83356 |
| Richard Koeneman | Account Deposit Refund | 12.00 | 83357 |
| Road Machinery & Supplies Co | JLG Boom Lift Maint | 753.80 | 83358 |
| Shred-N-Go Inc | Shred Service | 90.30 | 83359 |
| Soundnorth | Sup-Wtr Dept | 55.99 | 83360 |
| St. Paul Lutheran Parsonage | Overpayment Refund | 48.87 | 83361 |
| Steve Crosby | Meal Allowance | 152.00 | 83362 |
| Sun Life Financial | Life Insurance Premiums | 592.90 | 83363 |
| Terrance Carew | Account Deposit Refund | 12.00 | 83364 |
| The Nelson Trust | Health Insurance Premiums | 41,919.60 | 83365 |
| T-Mobile | Monthly Cellular Service | 840.16 | 83366 |
| UHL Company Inc | Bld Maint-Wtr Plnt/VNP | 13,880.16 | 83367 |
| Vestis | Dog Pound | 142.24 | 83368 |
| Viking Electric Supply, LLC | Sup-St Light, M&R-San Sewer | 359.42 | 83369 |
| WEX Bank | Gas-Amb/St/Fire/P&R/Hous/Grnd | 2,467.37 | 83370 |
| Ziegler Inc | Cat Loader (Unit #091) | 1,097.19 | 83371 |
| The following checks were issued under blanket authorization: | |||
| AFLAC | Supplemental Insurance | 182.08 | 103104 |
| American Heritage Life Ins Co | Supplemental Insurance | 9.64 | 103105 |
| Bay Bridge Administrators LLC | Supplemental Insurance | 354.51 | 103106 |
| Bremer Bank NA | Federal Withholding | 35,183.45 | 103107 |
| Central Pension Fund Source A | Retirement | 3,470.06 | 103108 |
| City of Int’l Falls | HRA-Police/Fire | 65,660.50 | 103109 |
| Int’l Falls Ambulance Service | EMT Dues | 112.00 | 103110 |
| MN Child Support Pmt Ctr | Wage Assignment-Child Support | 103.36 | 103111 |
| MN Department of Revenue | State Withholding SWT | 7,231.99 | 103112 |
| MN Dept of Empl & Economic | MN Paid Leave Premiums | 1,539.08 | 103113 |
| MSRS-Empower Retirement | Empower Retirement | 6,744.75 | 103114 |
| PERA | Public Employees Retirement | 32,165.38 | 103115 |
| Sun Life Financial | Supplemental Life Insurance | 790.41 | 103116 |
| The Hartford V-LTD | Voluntary LTD Insurance | 400.96 | 103117 |
| United Way of NE Minnesota | United Way | 16.00 | 103118 |
| William Lahmayer, Sec/Treas | Cop Dues | 110.00 | 103119 |
| AUDIENCE: | None. |
| PUBLIC HEARING: | None. |
| OPENING BIDS (AND/OR QUOTES) | None. |
| OLD BUSINESS:
APPROVED second and final reading of Ordinance No. 61 5th Series regulating Electrical-Assisted Bicycles |
MOTION by Councilor Kalar to approve second and final reading of Ordinance No. 61 5th Series regulating Electrical-Assisted Bicycles. Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED second and final reading of Ordinance No. 62 5th Series amending Sec. 10-51 Prevention, reduction and elimination of blighting factors | MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve second and final reading of Ordinance No. 62 5th Series amending Sec. 10-51 Prevention, reduction and elimination of blighting factors. Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously |
| CONSENT AGENDA:
APPROVED as presented |
MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve the Consent Agenda as presented:
· Approve/allow necessary expenses for Human Resources/Safety Director Stensland to attend the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities’ Employment Law and Compensation four-part webinar series, scheduled for Wednesdays in June 2026 · Approve 2026 license renewal for Fun Food Factory Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously. |
| NEW BUSINESS:
INFORMATIONAL: National Treatment Court presentation and proclamation |
Alyssa Hackenmueller, Borderland Treatment Court Coordinator, presented an overview of the program to the Council alongside April Krause and Sheriff Hedlund. Hackenmueller invited the Council to attend an upcoming graduation and phase assessment session during National Treatment Court Month, noting that graduation reflects 18–24 months of participant recovery work.
Hackenmueller discussed the program’s operations, funding limitations through the judicial branch, and restrictions preventing judicial employees from directly soliciting donations. To help expand participant support services, the group is exploring the creation of a nonprofit organization, with an initial stakeholder meeting scheduled for May 13, 2026, at Friends Against Abuse. She emphasized the need for community involvement to move the effort forward.
Hackenmueller shared national data showing Drug Treatment Courts reduce recidivism and taxpayer costs, noting that a Koochiching County-specific analysis is being developed. Hackenmueller also explained that the program operates through Judge Shermoen’ s court with support from a steering committee made up of volunteers and contracted partners, including Arrowhead Regional Corrections.
Council discussion included questions regarding fundraising, community involvement, and participant eligibility. Hackenmueller explained that Treatment Court serves high-risk individuals with felony, gross misdemeanor, or probation violation cases who have been diagnosed with moderate to severe substance use disorders. While participation is voluntary, it is often an alternative to incarceration.
Councilors expressed support for the program, with Councilor Kalar offering meeting space at Backus and Councilor Buller sharing positive experiences with former participants. Hackenmueller concluded by emphasizing the life-changing nature of recovery and the importance of long-term support for participants.
MOTION by Councilor Holden to approve Mayoral Proclamation proclaiming May as National Treatment Court Month in the City of International Falls. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED Mayoral Proclamation proclaiming May 3-9, 2026, National Travel & Tourism Week | MOTION by Councilor Holden to approve Mayoral Proclamation proclaiming May 3-9, 2026, National Travel & Tourism Week as requested by the International Falls, Ranier & Rainy Lake Convention. Motion seconded by Councilor Kalar and carried unanimously. |
| Public Works recommendation(s):
APPROVED requesting quotes for the Demolition Landfill Perimeter Fencing |
Jason Fisher, City Engineer advised the closing of the demolition landfill is near completion, having completed the covering last summer, with the MPCA required fencing portion being the only item remaining. Originally fencing was in the project scope but as an alternate and it came in more than expected so the quote was not accepted.
MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve requesting quotes for the Demolition Landfill Perimeter Fencing. Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED Mayoral re-appointment and new appointments to the Planning Commission | MOTION by Councilor Kalar to approve Mayoral re-appointments of Brian Youso and Joann Dornhecker and new appointments of Christine Anderson and Jeffrey Olson to the Planning Commission. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED establishment of hiring committee for the Director of Public Works position | MOTION by Councilor Kalar to approve establishment of hiring committee for the Director of Public Works position to include the Mayor, City Administrator, Human Resources and the interim Director of Public Works. Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED request to purchase Fire Helmets from Dinges Fire Company | MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve request to purchase Fire Helmets from Dinges Fire Company with funding from Fire Department capital outlay funds-101.1200.5600, as a budgeted item. Motion seconded by Councilor Holden. City Administrator spoke in Chief Mannausau’ s absence advising that the helmets are at their end of life and need to be replaced. Motion carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED request to hire summer employees for the public works department | MOTION by Councilor Holden to approve request to hire summer employees for the public works department. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED request to add two individuals to the active Ambulance Roster:
a) Jacob Schiefelbein – EMT b) Makayla Werdier – Casual Paramedic |
MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve request to add Jacob Schiefelbein- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Makayla Werdier- Casual Paramedic to the active Ambulance Roster. Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously. |
| ACCEPTED resignation of Volunteer Firefighter Jacob Harris | MOTION by Councilor Kalar to accept resignation of Volunteer Firefighter Jacob Harris. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously. |
| ACCEPTED resignation of Brenda Luettjohann Emergency Medical Technician | MOTION by Councilor Buller to accept resignation of Brenda Luettjohann Emergency Medical Technician. Motion seconded by Councilor Holden 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.
The International Falls Police Department Activity Report for April 2026 was available for review.
The International Falls Fire/Rescue/EMS Activity Report dated April 2026 was available for review. |
| Reports of Mayor and Council Committees | Councilor Kalar spoke to the positive turnout at the Bike Rodeo. |
| AUDIENCE | None. |
| ADJOURNMENT | President Pro Tem Wegner reminded everyone of the Small Cities Open Book meeting being held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, from 9:00 A.M to Noon at the County Assessor’s office, 715 4th Street for informal appeal for taxpayers to discuss their property taxes. Additionally, President Pro Tem Wegner reminded everyone that the next regular City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 18, 2026, at 5:30 P.M. President Pro Tem Wegner adjourned the meeting at 6:08 P.M. |
Drake Dill, Mayor
Attest:
Betty Bergstrom, City Administrator
