A special meeting of the City Council of the City of International Falls, Minnesota was held in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building on the 30th day of March 2026 at the hour of 10:00 A.M.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Dill and Councilors Buller, Holden, and Kalar
MEMBERS ABSENT: Councilor Wegner
| APPROVED internal posting of the following vacant positions and external advertising, if no internal candidates:
· Equipment Operator-Water Shop · Maintenance Worker I – Street Garage |
Mayor Dill advised that discussions have taken place regarding the Equipment Operator-Water Shop and Maintenance Worker I-Street Garage positions that have been vacant for several months which leaves those departments short staffed.
MOTION by Councilor Holden to approve internal posting of the vacant positions and externally advertising, if no internal candidates for the Equipment Operator-Water Shop and Maintenance Worker I-Street Garage. Motion seconded by Councilor Buller.
Councilor Kalar asked if nobody internally signed up for the Equipment Operator-Water Shop position if they could amend the position to a Maintenance Worker I position for the Water Shop.
Mayor Dill advised there were discussions on what could be done to fill these positions.
Councilor Kalar noted with upcoming budgetary discussions elimination of these positions could provide cost-savings’ relief to the general levy. Councilor Kalar noted that he knows this option would not be without significant operational and service impacts, as the Public Works Department is already running short-staffed prior to needing to fill these positions.
Councilor Holden shared his support for filling these positions given the department is down on manpower and these positions need to be filled to continue daily operations.
Mayor Dill, speaking to the levy, stated there were three positions and after discussions, they were able to get it to two, looking at other options of collaboration for the third position. Mayor advised the water position open was paid for by the water fund, while the street position would be paid out of the general property tax levy. Mayor Dill stated that budget discussions surrounding the levy is forthcoming; however, they need to have the appropriate level of staffing to carry out basic functions for the community.
Motion carried unanimously. |
| ACKNOWLEDGED AND ACCEPTED letter of resignation from Kelly Meyers, Building Official, Zoning Administrator, and Wetland LGU effective April 10, 2026 | Mayor Dill began by thanking Kelly Meyers for his service to the community and his dedication as an employee and at one time as a City Councilor. Meyers had several large projects over his tenure that had been completed and succeeded due to his help. Councilors also thanked Kelly Meyers and wished him good luck.
MOTION by Mayor Dill to acknowledge and accept letter of resignation from Kelly Meyers, Building Official, Zoning Administrator, and Wetland LGU effective April 10, 2026. Motion seconded by Councilor Kalar and carried unanimously. |
| DISCUSSED future options for the Building Official, Zoning Administrator, and Wetland LGU position | Mayor Dill advised that with the Building Officials resignation, the City of International Falls by law had to abide by the State Building Code. The city has 15 days to have someone present to do the job and enforcement, if that does not happen the State will appoint someone to do it, in which the State may or may not have someone available. Mayor Dill spoke to how the position had evolved over time and when Meyers filled the position it was a net savings to the city. Mayor Dill spoke of a few options available to the City:
· Contracting the service · Create a stop-gap, contract temporarily · Explore temporary contract with Kelly Meyers
Mayor Dill continued discussing what it would take to hire a new Building Official and the requirements they would need to have to be qualified for the position.
Zoning Administration and Wetlands were also two additional positions that would need to be filled as a result of the resignation.
Councilor Holden inquired as to how soon the Zoning Administration and Wetlands positions needed to be replaced.
Councilor Buller asked if the Mayor would be willing to chair a committee to get all the options laid out and determine next steps to fill these positions. Mayor Dill agreed.
Councilor Kalar inquired about contracting with current engineer.
Mayor Dill stated he will have an update at the next City Council meeting on April 6, 2026, with options. |
| ADJOURNMENT | Mayor Dill adjourned the meeting at 10:26 A.M. |
Drake Dill, Mayor
ATTEST:
Betty Bergstrom, City Administrator
