March 16, 2026 City Council Minutes

and carried unanimously.

·         Monday, March 2, 2026 regular City Council meeting

·         Monday, March 9, 2026 Committee-of-the-Whole meeting

Motion seconded by Councilor Kalar and carried unanimously.

4-0-1 with Mayor Dill and Councilors Buller, Holden and Wegner voting “yay” and Councilor Kalar abstaining.

MOTION by Councilor Kalar to approve use of Kerry Park Arena and support of public works staff for the Community Bike Rodeo to be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.  Motion seconded by Councilor Holden.  Councilor Wegner inquired if there would be instruction on e-bikes.  Chief Wherley was unsure but would inquire with Kootasca.  Chief Wherley did advise that The Sports Shop would also be at the event to inspect bicycles and address all rules of the road.  Motion carried unanimously.

a.      APPROVED Mayor Dill, Human Resource Director and City Administrator to review Public Works Director job description

MOTION by Councilor Kalar to approve Mayor Dill, Human Resource Director and City Administrator to review Public Works Director job description and explore the process of filling the vacant position.  Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously.

MOTION by Councilor Holden to approve Lem’s Electric quote for replacement of six (6) radiant tube heaters for Kerry Park Arena.  Motion seconded by Councilor Buller.

Councilor Wegner inquired about the bid received from Jourdan Mechanical LLC that came in lower.  Mayor Dill confirmed that three quotes had been received for the project, two of which were local.  The lower bid came in $3,000 less.  Criteria used in selecting the contractor was having someone local if issues arose and giving to business that invest in our community.  Since this project was under $25,000, there was no obligation to take the lowest quote.

Motion carried unanimously.

MOTION by Councilor Holden to approve quote to replace doors at City Hall in conjunction with the Fob Access project.  Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously.

a.      APPROVED advertising for and hire ten (10) summer seasonal employees for the public works department   

MOTION by Councilor Holden to approve advertising for and hire ten (10) summer seasonal employees for the public works department.  Motion seconded by Councilor Buller and carried unanimously.

Councilor Kalar indicated that he had not received overwhelming feelings either way.  Kalar felt law enforcement had enough to do rather than enforcing this.  City Attorney, Nelson noted that only police and law enforcement would be enforcing the ordinance. As well she stated that if the public disagreed there was the petition and referendum avenues to take and she would be willing to assist if needed.

MOTION carried 3-2 with Mayor Dill and Councilors Buller and Holden voting “yay” and Councilors Kalar and Wegner voting “nay.”

Police Chief Wherley thanked Lois Lundin for allowing the Police Department to be at Backus and their support.

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

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

Mayor Dill advised that meetings occur regularly on the Corridor Project, but it is still at least two years out.

Councilor Kalar advised that Public Works is out there every year filling the potholes so he believed they would be again this year once weather permits.

Imhof stated she believed the reason that road is in the condition it is was due to the heavy semi-truck traffic.

Jason Fisher, City Engineer noted the city does not receive State Aid for that stretch of roadway but there was a maintenance agreement in place between the state and city.