October 5, 2026 City Council Minutes

·         Monday, September 21, 2026, regular City Council meeting

Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously.

·         Necessary expenses for two Public Works employees to attend Lead and Copper Rule Revision training on October 13, 2026 in Chisholm, Minnesota

·         Necessary expenses for Finance Officer Rud to attend Minnesota Rural Water Association Financing Your Community Projects training on November 4, 2026 in St. Cloud, Minnesota

·         Necessary expenses for Finance Officer Rud to attend Minnesota Rural Water Association Wastewater Financial Planning training on December 8, 2026 in Gilbert, Minnesota.

Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously.

MOTION by Councilor Wegner to acknowledge and accept the retirement of City Administrator Betty Bergstrom. Motion seconded by Councilor Kalar and carried unanimously.

Chief Wherley reported that six IFPD officers had completed the required 40-hour online training. He also described potential benefits including additional training, access to federal resources, grant opportunities, and possible reimbursement for qualifying officer time and transportation expenses. He noted that he had applied for two Homeland Security grants totaling just over $900,000 for personnel and equipment, with award decisions still pending. Chief Wherley stated that he had signed the agreement initially to begin the process and apologized if that action had exceeded expectations for Council involvement.

Council discussed public concerns about ICE operations, whether the agreement should have been brought to Council, effects on normal IFPD patrol operations, costs to the City, and reimbursement timing. Chief Wherley stated that the agreement itself has no direct cost to IFPD, that participation would not interfere with regular patrol duties, and that eligible expenses may be submitted for federal reimbursement, although reimbursement timing remains uncertain. Councilors expressed confidence that local officers would continue operating under local department standards and noted that federal agencies already operate in the border community.

MOTION by Mayor Dill to approve the memorandum of agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) 287(g). Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously.

·         Farias Enterprises, LLC dba Bajaras Mexican Bar and Grill

·         Sap Sap Kitchen

Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously.

MOTION by Councilor Buller to approve the November 3, 2026 Election Judge appointments. Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously.

a.      APPROVED replacing transmission in Ambulance 15-06

MOTION by Councilor Wegner to approve replacement of transmission in Ambulance 15-06. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller. Motion carried 3-2 with Councilors Buller, Holden and Wegner voting “yea” and Mayor Dill and Councilor Kalar voting “nay”.

MOTION by Councilor Buller to adopt Resolution No 61-2026 authorizing execution of State Airport Fund Grant Agreement No. 1064403 with the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Motion seconded by Councilor Holden. Motion carried 3-1-1 with Councilors Buller, Holden and Wegner voting “yea”, Councilor Kalar voting “nay” and Mayor Dill “abstained”.

Police Chief Wherley advised residents to call 911 when an animal presents an immediate danger so officers can assess the situation and determine whether the animal should be dispatched. Council also discussed the prior option for residents to pursue an ordinance through a petition and ballot process. Mayor Dill requested that the concerned resident be provided an outline of the steps to follow when a person feels threatened by an animal within City limits.

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

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

Bernath also asked about the approximately $100,000 replacement cost for firefighter turnout gear scheduled to expire in 2027 and why funds had not been accumulated over prior years. Chief Mannausau explained that capital outlay reserves are proposed during budget planning but are often among the first items reduced, and that the Fire Department’s capital replacement plan has identified the expected replacement cycle for the gear.

Bernath further asked whether the Library had made requested budget reductions. Council responded that the Library had indicated there were limited areas to reduce without shortening operating hours or reducing staffing, and noted that the City’s budget process had not yet been completed.