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 15th day of June 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 Kalar to approve the agenda with the following addition, as presented:
Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED the following meeting minutes, as presented | MOTION by Councilor Holden to approve the following meeting minutes as presented:
· Monday, June 1, 2026, regular City Council meeting · Monday, June 8, 2026, special City Council meeting · Monday, June 8, 2026, Committee-of-the-Whole meeting Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously. |
| ADOPTED Resolution No. 39-2026 approving transfers, payment of claims, and accounts payable | MOTION by Councilor Kalar to adopt Resolution No. 39-2026 approving transfers, payment of claims, and accounts payable. Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously. |
CLAIMS
| A Plus Pest Management LLC | Pest Control | 2,231.12 | 83609 |
| Acme Tools-Grand Forks | Tools-Street | 229.00 | 83610 |
| All Padlocks | Padlocks | 677.88 | 83611 |
| Allied Generators | Generator Maint-Fire, Inspec-VNP/Wtr | 3,150.00 | 83612 |
| Amazon Capital Services | Sup-Amb/IT, Maint-Amb | 238.56 | 83613 |
| Ameritas Life Ins. Corp | Dental Insurance Premiums | 1,311.80 | 83614 |
| Atlantis Global | Sup-Police | 129.00 | 83615 |
| Axon Enterprises Inc | Taser Cartridges | 1,900.35 | 83616 |
| Betty Bergstrom | Travel Expense | 163.85 | 83617 |
| Border Boxes | Shipping-Water Plant | 122.50 | 83618 |
| Border GMC | Maint-Street | 54.98 | 83619 |
| Bound Tree Medical LLC | Ambulance Supplies | 750.28 | 83620 |
| Bremer Cardmember Services | T&T-Hzmt, Sup-Amb/Hzmt, Hzmt Hat | 5,773.58 | 83621 |
| Brian Jespersen | Police Benefit | 150.00 | 83623 |
| Brian Youso | Police Benefit | 150.00 | 83624 |
| Capitol Hill Associates Inc | Representation MN State | 2,000.00 | 83625 |
| Cenex Voyageur Fleet | Gas-Pol/St/Gar/Amb/P&R/Fire/Wtr | 6,082.56 | 83626 |
| CherryRoad Media Inc | Council Mtg Dates/Min/Equip Oper | 750.29 | 83627 |
| Citizens for Backus/AB | Lease Agreement-Suite 305 | 6,446.33 | 83628 |
| City of Int’l Falls-Fund 101 | Water/Sewer Admin Expenses | 2,293.21 | 83629 |
| Convention & Visitors Bureau | Lodging Tax | 10,038.67 | 83631 |
| Core & Main | Meters | 986.50 | 83632 |
| Crandall’s Septic Pumping | Portable Johns–City Parks | 1,610.00 | 83633 |
| DSC Communications | Antennas | 250.00 | 83634 |
| Enterprise FM Trust | Vehicle Leases | 20,124.55 | 83635 |
| Falls Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram | Police Towing Fee | 682.86 | 83636 |
| Falls Shoe Repair | Light Pole Banners-Repair | 135.00 | 83637 |
| Ferguson Waterworks #2516 | Fire Hydrant Parts | 1,332.79 | 83638 |
| Flex Financial | ALS360 Equipment Lease | 186,403.70 | 83639 |
| Flow Measurement Group LLC | Certification Closed Pipe | 1,325.75 | 83640 |
| Forestland Sales & Service | Maint & Repair Equip-VNP | 51.90 | 83641 |
| Friend’s Garbage | Monthly Garbage Service | 2,101.32 | 83642 |
| Gall’s | Clothing-Gedde/Sears/Amb | 625.09 | 83643 |
| Geotab USA, Inc | Automation-P&R/St/Water | 60.25 | 83644 |
| Gopher State One-Call | Monthly Billing | 172.80 | 83645 |
| Graybar | Liftstation Pts, Sup-Gar/Electrical | 1,578.55 | 83646 |
| Hach Company | Maint & Repair-Wtr Plnt | 129.70 | 83647 |
| Hawkins Inc | Chemicals | 1,057.26 | 83648 |
| Hometown Billing LLC | Ambulance Billing | 4,057.97 | 83649 |
| Industrial Health Sv Ntwk Inc | DOT Drg Scrn & MRO Svc, Annual | 308.90 | 83650 |
| Innovative Office Solutions LLC | Sup-Adm/Gar | 261.46 | 83651 |
| JR’s Powersports & Diesel | Towing Bill | 135.00 | 83652 |
| KAM Inspections & Contracting | Contracted Building Official Services | 3,000.00 | 83653 |
| KCC TV | Appropriation | 716.42 | 83654 |
| KGHS/KSDM | City Talk | 150.00 | 83655 |
| Kooch County Attorney | Forfeiture Disbursement | 1,173.60 | 83656 |
| Lakehead Trucking Inc | Ballfield Lime | 5,335.20 | 83657 |
| Lawson Products Inc | Sup-St, Electrical Supplies | 357.72 | 83658 |
| Linde Gas & Equipment Inc | Oxygen-Ambulance | 1,359.85 | 83659 |
| Locators & Supplies | Sup-Wtr/St | 445.18 | 83660 |
| Marco Technologies LLC | Contract/Print/Copy- Fire/Adm/PW | 1,362.86 | 83661 |
| Mark Rock Products | 3/4″ Minus | 641.25 | 83662 |
| Melanie Clarity | Sewing-Ambulance | 8.00 | 83663 |
| Menards International Falls | Sup-St/P&R/San Sew/Fire, M&R-P&R | 441.22 | 83664 |
| Michael Musich | Police Benefit | 150.00 | 83665 |
| MIDCO | Cable-Fire Hall/Amb, Internet-Wtr Plnt | 141.54 | 83666 |
| Minnesota Dept of Health | State Test Fee | 9,923.00 | 83667 |
| Minnesota Energy Resources | Utilities | 442.84 | 83668 |
| Minnesota Industries | Sup-Street | 116.74 | 83669 |
| MN Power | Utilities | 31,488.85 | 83670 |
| MTI Distributing Inc | M&R-Grounds | 507.77 | 83671 |
| N Kooch Area Sanitary District | Effluent/Backwash/Surcharge | 111,654.11 | 83672 |
| NAPA Falls Supply | Maint-St Lght, M&R-Pol, Sup-Gar/Wtr | 1,422.26 | 83673 |
| Northern Lumber & Hardware | City Hall Doors, Maint-P&R/GGB | 4,076.58 | 83674 |
| Nuss Truck & Equipment | Unit #230-Mack Plow Truck | 15,127.58 | 83675 |
| Nutrien Ag Solutions Inc | Chemicals | 1,490.18 | 83676 |
| ONX Companies | Fuel-St/Storm/Pol/San Sew | 1,130.09 | 83677 |
| O’Reilly Automotive Inc | M&R Equip-St/Storm, Sup-St | 509.58 | 83678 |
| Rainy Lake Medical Center | Medical Supplies | 276.76 | 83679 |
| Rainy Lake Oil | Fuel-Street | 129.69 | 83680 |
| Richard Mastin | Police Benefit | 150.00 | 83681 |
| Safety-Kleen Systems Inc | Parts Washer Solvent | 263.06 | 83682 |
| Taft Stettinius & Hollister | Data Request | 950.00 | 83683 |
| Terry Christie | Police Benefit | 150.00 | 83684 |
| Terry Wood | Police Benefit | 150.00 | 83685 |
| Tom Lynch | Police Benefit | 150.00 | 83686 |
| Treasury Div, MN Mgmt & Budget | Forfeiture Disbursement | 586.80 | 83687 |
| UHL Company Inc | FOB Installation-City Hall | 17,293.15 | 83688 |
| Verizon | Monthly Cellular Service | 1,993.88 | 83689 |
| Wagner Construction Inc | Water Main Repair Hwy 11/Park Bench | 7,326.36 | 83690 |
| Warren Bahr | Black Dirt | 1,080.00 | 83691 |
| The following checks were issued under blanket authorization: | |||
| AFLAC | Supplemental Insurance | 182.08 | 103155 |
| American Heritage Life Ins Co | Supplemental Insurance | 9.64 | 103156 |
| Bay Bridge Administrators LLC | Supplemental Insurance | 354.51 | 103157 |
| Bremer Bank NA | Federal Withholding | 39,349.69 | 103158 |
| Central Pension Fund Source A | Retirement | 3,787.20 | 103159 |
| City of Int’l Falls | Health Insurance-Police | 279.40 | 103160 |
| City of Int’l Falls | Health Insurance-49ers | 1,507.50 | 103161 |
| IAMAW District W3 | Union Dues | 868.00 | 103162 |
| IF Fire Dept Relief | Volunteer Firemen Dues | 392.00 | 103163 |
| Int’l Falls Ambulance Service | EMT Dues | 119.00 | 103164 |
| Int’l Union of Oper Engineers | Union Dues-49ers | 665.00 | 103165 |
| Law Enforcement Labor Services | Union Dues-LELS | 766.50 | 103166 |
| MN Child Support PMT CTR | Wage Assignment-Child Support | 103.36 | 103167 |
| MN Department of Revenue | State of Withholding SWT | 7,975.79 | 103168 |
| MN Dept of Empl & Economic | MN Paid Leave Premiums | 1,692.84 | 103169 |
| MSRS-Empower Retirement | Empower Retirement | 6,644.00 | 103170 |
| NCPERS Minnesota | PERA Life Insurance | 96.00 | 103171 |
| PERA | Public Employees Retirement | 35,452.57 | 103172 |
| United Way of NE Minnesota Inc | United Way | 16.00 | 103173 |
| William Lahmayer, Sec/Treas | Cop Dues | 120.00 | 103174 |
| AUDIENCE: | None. |
| PUBLIC HEARING: | None. |
| OPENING BIDS (AND/OR QUOTES) | None. |
| OLD BUSINESS: | None. |
| CONSENT AGENDA: | None. |
| NEW BUSINESS: | |
| APPROVED road closure and support for annual Chamber of Commerce Crazy Daze event | JJ McBride, Executive Director of the International Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, appeared before the Council and requested temporary closure of the 300 block of Main Street, from Ronning’s to the Sport Shop, from 7:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, for the annual Crazy Daze event. McBride stated that the Chamber had submitted the required paperwork to MnDOT and requested the City’s continued partnership with picnic tables and garbage cans, as in prior years. McBride also reported that a sanitation unit and handwashing station would be placed, as in prior years.
Council discussion included bicycles and e-bikes on sidewalks during the event. Chief Wherley stated that the Police Department hoped to post signage consistent with the City ordinance after coordinating with Interim Director of Public Works Wallace. MOTION by Councilor Holden to approve the road closure and City support for the annual Chamber of Commerce Crazy Daze event on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously. McBride also thanked the Council, City Administrator Bergstrom, Interim DPW Wallace, and City staff for partnering with the Chamber on Chamberfest scheduled for June 25, 2026, at Smokey Bear Park. |
| ADOPTED Resolution No. 40-2026 approving Grant Anticipation Note for International Falls Lead Service Line Replacement Project | City Administrator Bergstrom explained that the Grant Anticipation Note relates to the Lead Service Line Replacement portion of the 9th Street project and is separate from other project funding. She stated the funding is from the State through the Public Facilities Authority for lead service line replacements. City Administrator Bergstrom clarified that the funds are a separate grant for the lead service line replacement work.
MOTION by Councilor Kalar to adopt Resolution No. 40-2026 approving a Grant Anticipation Note for the International Falls Lead Service Line Replacement Project. Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously. |
| FINALIZED job descriptions and compensation steps for Fire Marshal / Building Inspector and Fire Marshal / Building Official positions | Mayor Dill summarized that the Fire Marshal / Building Inspector position remains at pay grade 13 and the Fire Marshal / Building Official position, requiring State Building Official licensure, would move to pay grade 14. Council discussion included the City’s current contract with Kelly Meyers for building code services, the current Fire Marshal’s assistance with inspections, anticipated training for the current Fire Marshal in October, and the potential reduction of contracted building code work if the City obtains an internal limited building official with delegation. City Attorney Nelson stated that Human Resources reviewed pay equity and the proposed increases would maintain compliance under the current circumstances, with the disclaimer that future changes could affect the analysis.
MOTION by Mayor Dill to approve and finalize the job descriptions as presented, with step increases of $6,000 for inspections, $6,000 upon completion of the limited building official qualification, and $6,000 upon obtaining a State Building Official license. Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously. |
| FAILED – Consider recommendation to fill the vacant Director of Public Works position | Mayor Dill read the memorandum from Human Resources / Safety Director Sherri Stensland stating that the City received three applications for the Director of Public Works position; the hiring committee, consisting of Mayor Dill, City Administrator Bergstrom, Acting Director of Public Works Mike Wallace, and Stensland, interviewed two candidates after one candidate withdrew prior to interviews; and the committee extended a contingent offer of employment to Rory Walker with an anticipated start date of June 16, 2026. Mayor Dill stated that the committee’s recommendation was unanimous.
MOTION by Mayor Dill to accept the hiring committee’s recommendation to fill the vacant Director of Public Works position. The motion died for lack of a second. |
| REOPENED hiring process for vacant Director of Public Works position | MOTION by Councilor Kalar to reopen the hiring process for the Director of Public Works position. Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried 4-1, with Mayor Dill voting no. |
| APPROVED Mayoral appointment of Greg Lundin to Planning Commission | Mayor Dill presented the appointment of Greg Lundin to the Planning Commission to fill a vacant two-year term commencing June 15, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2028. Mayor Dill stated that Lundin had signed up at City Hall and that the position had been advertised. Deputy Administrator Riggs noted that the Planning Commission is good through the end of the year, but one member has indicated he does not wish to return next year, so at least one more appointment will be needed in 2027.
MOTION by Councilor Holden to approve the Mayoral appointment of Greg Lundin to the Planning Commission to fill a vacant term from June 15, 2026, through December 31, 2028. Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED purchase of firefighter boots | Fire Chief/EMS Director Adam Mannausau presented a request to purchase new boots for all firefighters. Mannausau stated the purchase was included in capital outlay for the year and that three quotes were received for the same boots. Mannausau recommended accepting the low quote from Clarey’s Safety Equipment in the amount of $14,820 for thirty (30) pairs of boots.
MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve the purchase of 30 pairs of firefighter boots from Clarey’s Safety Equipment in the amount of $14,820. Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED 2026 Cigarette/Tobacco license for Northland Smoke Inc. | MOTION by Councilor Kalar to approve the 2026 Cigarette/Tobacco license for Northland Smoke Inc., 615 Third Avenue. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously. |
| REJECTED bids for bandshell replacement | Councilors Kalar and Wegner provided an update from the Bandshell Committee. Councilor Wegner stated the bid received was more than the amount processed by insurance and must either be accepted or rejected. The Committee intends to return to the insurance company regarding reassessment of the cost. Mayor Dill stated the base bid for the replacement bandshell was just under $2 million, which exceeds the available insurance proceeds, and that the City will first work with the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust before reassessing other options.
MOTION by Councilor Kalar to reject the bids for the bandshell replacement. Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED setting Special City Council meeting for June 29, 2026 | MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve setting a Special City Council meeting for Monday, June 29, 2026, at 4:00 P.M. for the formal presentation and approval of the 2025 Audited Financials to be presented by Ryan Schmidt of Schlenner Wenner & Co. Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously. |
| ADOPTED Resolution No. 41-2026 committing to development of long-term plan to address Ambulance Fund deficit | Mayor Dill stated that the resolution was included in the packet and explained that the auditors had previously asked the City to develop a plan for repayment of interfund borrowing and to address the Ambulance Fund deficit. The resolution commits the Council to developing a long-term plan by the end of the year, with the plan to remain fluid as discussions continue.
MOTION by Councilor Kalar to adopt Resolution No. 41-2026 committing to development of a long-term plan to address the Ambulance Fund deficit. Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED Law Enforcement Center lease proposal to Koochiching County | MOTION by Councilor Kalar to approve the Law Enforcement Center lease proposal to Koochiching County as recommended by the Committee-of-the-Whole. Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously.
During discussion, City Attorney Nelson clarified that the letter to the County would reflect a five-year term, consistent with the amendment discussed by the Committee-of-the-Whole. |
| APPROVED appointment of Susan Zaren to Housing & Redevelopment Authority Board of Commissioners | MOTION by Councilor Wegner to approve the appointment of Susan Zaren to the Housing & Redevelopment Authority Board of Commissioners to fill a vacant position expiring December 31, 2027. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller 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 May 2026 was available for review.
The International Falls Fire/Rescue/EMS Activity Report dated May 2026 was available for review. |
| Reports of Mayor, Council Committees, Boards and Commissions | None. |
| AUDIENCE | Bobbi Bernath, 1900 6th Avenue, addressed the Council regarding the Director of Public Works hiring process. Bernath asked who prepared the job description, whether the qualifications would now be lowered, and expressed concern that the hiring committee’s time was wasted if the Council did not accept its recommendation. Mayor Dill stated that the Human Resources Department drafts job descriptions and the Council approves them. Councilors discussed that a committee recommendation does not bind the Council and that Council members may have reasons for not supporting a recommended candidate.
Lois Lundin, 2222 33rd Avenue East, also addressed the Council regarding the Director of Public Works hiring process. Lundin asked who served on the hiring committee and expressed disappointment and concern regarding transparency and public trust. Mayor Dill stated the hiring committee consisted of City Administrator Bergstrom, Acting Director of Public Works Wallace, Human Resources Director Stensland, and Mayor Dill. |
| ADJOURNMENT | Mayor Dill reminded everyone that the next regular City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 6, 2026, at 5:30 P.M. Mayor Dill adjourned the meeting at 6:10 P.M. |
Drake Dill, Mayor
Attest:
Betty Bergstrom, City Administrator
