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 17th day of August 2026 at the hour of 5:30 P.M.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Dill, Councilors Holden, Kalar and Wegner.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Councilor Buller
| APPROVED agenda as presented with a deletion | MOTION by Councilor Wegner to approve the agenda as presented. Motion seconded by Councilor Kalar and carried unanimously. |
| APPROVED the following meeting minutes, as presented | MOTION by Councilor Wegner to approve the following meeting minutes as presented.
· Monday, August 3, 2026, regular City Council meeting · Monday, August 10, 2026, Committee-of-the-Whole meeting Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously. |
| ADOPTED Resolution No. 48-2026 approving transfers, payment of claims, and accounts payable | MOTION by Councilor Holden to adopt Resolution No. 48-2026 approving transfers, payment of claims, and accounts payable. Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously. |
CLAIMS
| A Plus Pest Management LLC | Pest Control | 658.22 | 84004 |
| Adam Mannausau | Hazmat Travel/Training | 162.00 | 84005 |
| Amazon Capital Services | Sup-P&R/Fire/IT | 618.81 | 84006 |
| Andrew Holler | Lawn Cleanup | 1,008.00 | 84007 |
| Blackridge | Fuel-St/St Light/Storm/San Sew | 1,491.86 | 84008 |
| Bolton & Menk Inc | Engineering Services | 238,113.25 | 84009 |
| Border Boxes | Shipping-Wtr Plnt/St | 262.50 | 84010 |
| Bound Tree Medical LLC | Ambulance Supplies | 1,523.50 | 84011 |
| Brian Jespersen | Police Benefit | 150.00 | 84012 |
| Brian Youso | Police Benefit | 150.00 | 84013 |
| Capitol Hill Associates Inc | Representation MN State | 2,000.00 | 84014 |
| Cenex Voyageur Fleet | Gas-Pol/St/Amb/Wtr/Grnds/St Gar | 7,741.95 | 84015 |
| CherryRoad Media Inc | Council Mtg Dates/Minutes | 770.11 | 84016 |
| Citizens for Backus/AB | Lease Agreement-Suite 305 | 12,892.66 | 84017 |
| City of Int’l Falls-Fund 101 | Lodging Tax Transfer | 1,286.19 | 84018 |
| City of Ranier | Water-City Beach | 193.37 | 84019 |
| CivicPlus LLC | Municode Electronic Update | 110.25 | 84020 |
| Clarey’s Safety Equip Inc | Chem Assessment Team-Maish | 190.00 | 84021 |
| Convention & Visitors Bureau | Lodging Tax | 24,437.70 | 84022 |
| Core & Main | Meter Parts, Sup-Wtr Dept | 1,156.18 | 84023 |
| Crandall’s Septic Pumping | Portable Johns–City Parks | 2,210.00 | 84024 |
| Earl F Andersen | Signs | 2,358.50 | 84025 |
| Emergency Apparatus Maint Inc | Repairs, Inspections | 17,890.09 | 84026 |
| Entenmann-Rovin Co | Clothing-S Christie | 195.25 | 84027 |
| Enterprise FM Trust | Vehicle Leases | 20,124.55 | 84028 |
| Friends Against Abuse | Training-Police | 150.00 | 84029 |
| Friend’s Garbage | Monthly Garbage Service | 2,136.42 | 84030 |
| Frontier | Monthly Telephone Service | 3,310.02 | 84031 |
| Gabe Batdorf | 1823 5th Ave E-Ins Claim | 12,500.00 | 84032 |
| Gall’s | Clothing Allow-Wahl/Maish/Hulst | 529.84 | 84033 |
| Geotab Usa, Inc | Automation-P&R/St/Wtr | 60.25 | 84034 |
| Greentech Manufacturing Inc | M&R-Fire | 1,190.00 | 84035 |
| Hawkins Inc | Chemicals | 8,391.44 | 84036 |
| Hometown Billing LLC | Ambulance Billing | 4,155.45 | 84037 |
| I-Falls Super One Foods | Sup-Wtr/Nat’l Night Out Police | 145.12 | 84048 |
| KCC TV | Appropriation | 693.49 | 84038 |
| KGHS/KSDM | City Talk | 150.00 | 84039 |
| Lems Electric LLC | Heaters-Kerry Park | 19,700.00 | 84040 |
| Linde Gas & Equipment Inc | Oxygen-Ambulance | 1,359.85 | 84041 |
| MacQueen Equipment Inc | Trackless-M&R | 483.32 | 84042 |
| Mannco Trucking Inc | Rural #2, Unit 231 Mack, Unit 251 | 1,348.68 | 84043 |
| Menards International Falls | Sup-St/Wtr, M&R-Garage | 687.40 | 84044 |
| Mesabi Bituminous Inc | Cold Mix | 3,465.00 | 84045 |
| Michael Musich | Police Benefit | 150.00 | 84046 |
| Midco | Cable-Fire Hall/Amb, Internet-Wtr Plnt | 141.54 | 84047 |
| Minnesota Energy Resources | Utilities | 461.68 | 84049 |
| Minnesota Industries | Sup-St/Storm | 83.11 | 84050 |
| MN Power | Utilities | 33,452.19 | 84051 |
| N Kooch Area Sanitary District | Effluent/Backwash/Surcharge | 81,147.13 | 84052 |
| NAPA Falls Supply | Maint-St/Fire/P&R/St Light/Wtr/Gar | 1,213.44 | 84053 |
| Northern Lumber & Hardware | Sup-St/P&R/Gar/San Swr, Tools-St | 414.13 | 84054 |
| Northland Securities Inc | Annual TIF Report | 1,285.00 | 84055 |
| Northwest Tire Inc | M&R Equip-Police | 183.75 | 84056 |
| Old National Bank-Credit Card | Aladtec Sub., Trng-Pol/Amb, Sup-IT | 6,436.23 | 84057 |
| O’Reilly Automotive Inc | Sup-Gar/Fire, M&R-Fire/St, Lub-Amb | 276.29 | 84058 |
| Pelland Welding, Inc | M&R Equip-Grnds, Maint-St Gar Bldg | 109.61 | 84059 |
| Peter Kalar | Travel/Trng Reimbursement | 538.08 | 84060 |
| Rainy Lake Houseboats Inc | Fuel for Fireboat | 155.55 | 84061 |
| Rainy Lake Medical Center | Medical Supplies | 255.58 | 84062 |
| Rainy Lake Oil | Fuel-St/St Gar | 1,169.54 | 84063 |
| Range Paper Corp | Sup-Amb/Fire/Gar/GGB/VNP | 1,142.37 | 84064 |
| Richard Mastin | Police Benefit | 150.00 | 84065 |
| Terex Services | Maint-Unit 083 | 1,971.81 | 84066 |
| Terry Christie | Police Benefit | 150.00 | 84067 |
| Terry Wood | Police Benefit | 150.00 | 84068 |
| Tom Lynch | Police Benefit | 150.00 | 84069 |
| Verizon | Monthly Cellular Service | 1,389.12 | 84070 |
| Viking Electric Supply, LLC | Sup-P&R | 893.31 | 84071 |
| Walls All Season Equipment Inc | Maint-P&R/Pol/Grnds | 1,101.78 | 84072 |
| Ziegler Inc | Parts-Unit 091/Unit 208 | 311.24 | 84073 |
| The following checks were issued under blanket authorization: | |||
| AFLAC | Supplemental Insurance | 182.08 | 103227 |
| American Heritage Life Ins Co | Supplemental Insurance | 9.64 | 103228 |
| Bay Bridge Administrators LLC | Supplemental Insurance | 354.51 | 103229 |
| Bremer Bank NA | Federal Withholding | 37,632.14 | 103230 |
| Central Pension Fund Source A | Retirement | 3,794.40 | 103231 |
| City of Int’l Falls | Health Insurance-Police | 279.40 | 103232 |
| City of Int’l Falls | Health Insurance-49ers | 1,507.50 | 103233 |
| IAMAW District W3 | Union Dues-IAMAW | 868.00 | 103234 |
| Int’l Falls Ambulance Service | EMT Dues Ambulance Dues | 140.00 | 103235 |
| Int’l Union of Oper Engineers | Union Dues-49ers | 665.00 | 103236 |
| Law Enforcement Labor Svcs Inc | Union Dues-LELS | 730.00 | 103237 |
| MN Child Support Pmt Ctr | Wage Assignment-Child Support | 103.36 | 103238 |
| MN Department of Revenue | State Withholding SWT | 7,824.12 | 103239 |
| MN Dept of Empl & Economic | MN Paid Leave Premiums | 1,694.84 | 103240 |
| MSRS-Empower Retirement | Empower Retirement | 5,984.00 | 103241 |
| NCPERS Minnesota | PERA Life Insurance | 96.00 | 103242 |
| PERA | Public Employees Retirement | 34,307.31 | 103243 |
| United Way of NE Minnesota Inc | United Way | 16.00 | 103244 |
| William Lahmayer, Sec/Treas | Cop Dues | 110.00 | 103245 |
| AUDIENCE: | Helen Tveit, 3001 County Road 2 North, addressed the Council regarding the proposed ambulance taxing district and related service agreement. Tveit expressed concerns about potentially eliminating engineer dispatch from the Fire Hall and relying solely on the Sheriff Department dispatch. Tveit asked whether such a change could affect response times or the City’s ISO fire rating and residents’ fire insurance. Tveit also raised concerns regarding EMS staffing, the workload placed on current personnel, possible hiring of full-time EMTs, and whether employees could be ordered to fill unstaffed shifts under applicable labor agreements. |
| PUBLIC HEARING: | None. |
| OPENING BIDS (AND/OR QUOTES) | None. |
| OLD BUSINESS: | None. |
| CONSENT AGENDA: | None. |
| NEW BUSINESS: | |
| APPROVED reduction in City assessed fees on the property located at 1732 3rd Ave | Deputy City Administrator Riggs explained that the tax-forfeited property at 1732 3rd Avenue had $7,021.08 in City assessments related primarily to demolition of a building. Because the assessments were imposed in the final year before forfeiture, they were not included in the County’s sale price. The County listed the parcel for approximately $4,323, while its estimated market value is $9,600. Leroy Averil is willing to pay $1,400 of the assessment fees and is requesting a reduction of the remaining balance of $5,621.08
Leroy Averil, 1729 4th Avenue, requested that the City reduce or waive a portion of the assessments so bidders could make a reasonable bid and return the property to the tax rolls. Averil described the property’s continuing blight and the additional cleanup and utility costs a purchaser would incur. The Council discussed the County tax-forfeiture process, prior instances in which City assessments had been reduced, the effect of reducing the assessment before the auction, and the need for any reduction to apply generally to any successful purchaser rather than specifically to Mr. Averil. City Attorney Nelson advised that the Council could establish a reduced amount applicable to any bidder. MOTION by Councilor Kalar to reduce the City assessment balance on the property located at 1732 3rd Ave to $1,400, applicable to any successful bidder. Motion seconded by Councilor Holden and carried unanimously. |
| ADOPTED Resolution No. 49-2026 application for Premises Permit for Lawful Gambling for International Falls Recreation Hockey Association to conduct lawful gambling at Timber Pins Bowling Alley | MOTION by Councilor Holden to adopt Resolution No. 49-2026 approving application for Premises Permit for Lawful Gambling for International Falls Recreation Hockey Association to conduct lawful gambling at Timber Pins Bowling Alley, 12 Shorewood Dr. Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously.
|
| APPROVED purchase of Large Diameter Hose (LDH) for the Fire Department | Fire Chief Mannausau reported that annual testing found eight of the eleven 5-inch large-diameter supply hose sections carried on the city 1 fire truck had failed. The hoses are approximately 22 years old. Mannausau recommended purchasing eleven new 50-foot sections from Grand Forks Fire Equipment, the lowest of three quotes, at $515 per section for a total of $5,665. The three existing sections that passed testing would be retained for auxiliary use. Because the expense was not budgeted, Mannausau recommended using the Capital Outlay Reserve Fund 402.41200.5800, which had sufficient funds.
MOTION by Mayor Dill to approve the purchase of eleven large diameter hose from Grand Forks Fire Equipment for $5,665. from Fund 402.41200.5800. Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously. |
| Legislation and Land Use Committee recommendation(s): | |
| a. APPROVED the Workplace Camera, Recording Devices and Related Technology Use Policy | MOTION by Councilor Wegner to approve the Workplace Camera Recording Device and Related Technology Use Policy. Motion seconded by Councilor Kalar and carried unanimously. |
| Public Works Committee recommendation(s): | |
| a. ADOPTED Resolution No. 50-2026 approving Routine Maintenance Agreement with MnDOT | Mayor Dill discussed recent conversations with MnDOT regarding City-maintained portions of state roadways, reimbursement levels, pavement conditions, and the proposed future reconstruction of Highway 11.
MOTION by Councilor Kalar to adopt Resolution No. 50-2026 approving the routine maintenance agreement with the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously. |
| b. APPROVED request to solicit quotes for the 2026 Shorewood Drive Ravine Stabilization Project | Jason Fisher, City Engineer reported that the ravine between approximately 216 and 218 Shorewood Drive has experienced ongoing erosion and is encroaching toward nearby structures. The project was included in the One Watershed, One Plan program and is eligible for state funding through the Board of Water and Soil Resources. The construction work was estimated at less than $60,000 and would include tree removal, re-sloping, rock checks, seeding, and stabilization. One Watershed, One Plan funding was expected to cover the construction work, while the city would be responsible for the engineering costs. Work could occur in fall 2026 or spring 2027 depending on contractor pricing and availability.
MOTION by Councilor Kalar to approve solicitation of quotes for the 2026 Shorewood Drive Ravine Stabilization Project. Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner and carried unanimously. |
| Committee-of-the-Whole recommendation(s): | |
| a. APPROVED advertising and hiring three (3) part-time seasonal staff for Parks & Facilities | Human Resources Director Stensland discussed the need for seasonal staff at Kerry Park during the winter to supplement full-time staff. It was noted that three positions had been sought the prior year but only two were filled.
Councilor Kalar requested that administration arrange a meeting with Rec Hockey representatives regarding possible operational assistance while emphasizing that City-owned facilities should continue to use City employees. MOTION by Councilor Holden to approve advertising and hiring of three part-time seasonal Parks and Facilities employees. Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner. Motion carried 3-1 with Councilors Holden, Kalar, and Wegner voting “yea” and Mayor Dill voting “nay”. |
| b. APPROVED updated Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) Policy | Human Resources Director Stensland explained that the Department of Labor and Industry had issued rules clarifying implementation of the existing Earned Sick and Safe Time statute. The updated City policy provides consistent guidance for employees and supervisors, including methods for determining pay when an employee leaves an indeterminate-length shift for an ESST-qualifying reason.
MOTION by Councilor Kalar to approve the updated Earned Sick and Safe Time Policy. Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner. Motion carried 3-1 with Councilors Holden, Kalar, and Wegner voting “yea” and Mayor Dill voting “nay”. |
| c. APPROVED updated DOT Controlled Substance and Alcohol Testing for Commercial Driver’s Policy | Human Resources Director Stensland stated that the updated policy was based on guidance and a revised sample policy from the League of Minnesota Cities. Changes were primarily terminology and statutory alignment, including use of “controlled substance” terminology and updated cannabis language. She noted that DOT-regulated commercial drivers remain subject to federal requirements, under which cannabis remains illegal.
MOTION by Councilor Holden to approve the updated DOT Controlled Substance and Alcohol Testing for Commercial Driver’s License Policy. Motion seconded by Councilor Wegner. Motion carried 3-1 with Councilors Holden, Kalar, and Wegner voting “yea” and Mayor Dill voting “nay”. |
| 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 Fire/Rescue/EMS Activity Report dated July 2026 was available for review.
The International Falls Police Department Activity Report for July 2026 was available for review. |
| Reports of Mayor, Council Committees, Boards and Commissions | None. |
| AUDIENCE | Nancy Imhof, 339 3rd Street, requested that the City reassess and recalculate water rates and/or the water treatment plant debt-service fee to reflect the approximately $4.8 million in state bonding funds awarded after the rates were established. She expressed concern about continuing to pay rates calculated using the original project financing amount while the bonding funds will reduce the project loan principal.
Mayor Dill stated that the water rates had originally been established assuming the City would finance the full project amount through the Public Facilities Authority and that the later state bonding award changed the financing picture. He indicated the rates would warrant further review as the project and financing progress. Finance Officer Rud provided a detailed update on the Water Treatment Plant Rehabilitation Project and its financing. Rud explained that the project began with design and engineering work in 2022 and moved forward because of the age and critical condition of the drinking-water infrastructure, long project lead time, the need to keep the plant operational during construction, rising construction costs, and uncertainty surrounding state bonding. She explained that use of a guaranteed maximum price contract helped limit exposure to additional construction inflation. Rud stated that the $4.8 million state bonding award will be paid directly to the Public Facilities Authority and applied to reduce the principal balance of the project loan, which will also reduce interest costs over the life of the loan. The State had not yet sold the bonds or disbursed the funds. The city is continuing to work with Northland Securities to evaluate future rate requirements, but the final loan amount will not be known until construction is completed and the PFA loan is closed. Rud also explained that water-bill debt-service collections are deposited into a separate dedicated debt-service fund and are not commingled with the regular water fund or used for other purposes. The Council discussed revisiting water rates when sufficient financing information is available and balancing possible rate reductions with other water-system infrastructure needs. |
| ADJOURNMENT | Mayor Dill reminded everyone that the next regular City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 5:30 P.M. Mayor Dill adjourned the meeting at 6:33 P.M. |
Drake Dill, Mayor
Attest:
Betty Bergstrom, City Administrator
