·         Monday, June 15, 2026, special City Council meeting

·         Monday, June 15, 2026, regular City Council meeting

·         Monday, June 29, 2026, special City Council meeting

Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously.

ADOPTED Resolution No. 43-2026 vacating certain streets and right-of-way within Franson’s Third Division

Mayor Dill summarized that a public hearing was held at

5:00 P.M. regarding the proposed vacation of certain streets and right-of-way within Franson’s Third Division, where the South Falls Apartments are located. Dill stated the proposed vacation is intended to address title issues discovered in connection with a proposed sale of the property, where certain buildings are located on plated alleyways or rights-of-way that are not being used.  Mayor Dill further noted that the City Engineer reserved the City’s rights for existing utilities so the City can continue to access them. Administrator Bergstrom stated there was no public comment at the public hearing or in writing.

MOTION by Councilor Buller to adopt Resolution No. 43-2026 vacating certain streets and right-of-way within Franson’s Third Division. Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously.

APPROVED as presented

·         Allowing necessary expenses for the Human Resources/Safety Director to virtually attend the Minnesota Public Employers Labor Relations Summer Conference, August 5-7, 2026.

Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously.

Peterson summarized the 2026 legislative session, noting the divided legislature, protection of local government aid, passage of a bonding bill, water and wastewater infrastructure funding, lead service line replacement needs, and continued efforts to oppose zoning and development preemption proposals that the Coalition believes do not address Greater Minnesota housing challenges.  Peterson also discussed upcoming elections, the 2027 legislative session, and upcoming Coalition conferences and advocacy opportunities.

Mayor Dill and Council members thanked Peterson and discussed the importance of local government aid, Public Facilities Authority funding, the City’s water treatment plant rehabilitation funding, and lead service line replacement funding.

MOTION by Councilor Kalar to approve the road closure for Elks Lodge #1599 annual Corn and Brat Feed on July 29, 2026, from approximately 10:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously.

MOTION by Councilor Holden to approve the requested street closure for the International Falls Bass Championship on August 28 and 29, 2026. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously.

MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve the letter of support for the Falls High School Homecoming Parade. Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously.

Council discussion included the assessment process.  Fisher stated the project must be completed before November 1, 2026, an assessment hearing would likely be held thereafter, the assessment would not be placed on the tax rolls until the following October, and landowners would have ten years to spread the assessment if desired.

MOTION by Councilor Buller to accept the low quote from Mesabi Bituminous in the amount of $120,000 for the 6th Avenue West paving project.  Motion seconded by Councilor Kalar and carried unanimously.

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

Rhonda Benedix, 909 6th Street, asked about lifeguards at City Beach.  Mayor Dill and Councilor Kalar stated that the city is not required to provide lifeguards if proper signage is posted and that difficulty finding lifeguards was part of the reason for the change.  Benedix also asked about the street sweeper and expressed concerns regarding street sweeping.  Mayor Dill stated the new street sweeper had been sent for repairs due to defective bearings and had been used after returning, including for Fourth of July

preparation.  Benedix also commented on the Director of Public Works hiring process and expressed concerns about transparency and the Council’s decision.  Mayor Dill stated that, when he entered the meeting at which the matter was considered, it appeared different people were operating with different information, which was his concern.

Nancy Imhof, 339 3rd Street, addressed the Council regarding the Water Treatment Plant Rehabilitation Project and asked whether the Council would consider rescinding the water debt fee or revisiting water rates following receipt of $4.8 million in state bonding funds.  Mayor Dill stated the rates were set assuming no state bonding assistance, the State still needs to issue the bonds before reimbursement can occur, and the Council can and likely should discuss water rates after reviewing reserve targets, future projects, and financial projections.  Finance Officer Rud stated the project is over $13 million in principal and over $17 million with interest and offered to explain in greater detail how the bonding funds will be applied and the plan moving forward.

Reynold Calder, 1901 6th Avenue East, addressed the Council regarding the Director of Public Works hiring process and requested transparency regarding why the hiring committee’s recommendation was not accepted.

Glenn Davis, 1702 15th Avenue, addressed the Council regarding the Director of Public Works hiring process and requested that the Council reconsider the candidate recommended by the hiring committee or provide an explanation of the decision.

Rory Walker again addressed the Council to clarify that, while the discussion included removing an engineering degree requirement, he did not intend for a future selected candidate to be viewed as less qualified or less capable because of that change.