I'll call this meeting of the International Fall City Council to order. Monday, May 19th at 5:29 p.m. Please join us to say the pledge. I aliance to the flag of the
United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. [Music]
All members of the council are present tonight for the record. We have an addition to tonight's agenda without any documentation. Our attorney Chelsea Nelson had asked to add the tear down of a mobile
home. I believe at 2210 3rd Avenue West. Does that ring a bell? Yeah. Okay. Any other additions or deletions to this evening's agenda? Chair would entertain a
motion to approve the agenda with the addition. I'll make that motion. I'll second. Motions by councelor Holden and councelor Kaylor. Is there discussion? Question. I I I'll vote yes.
Agenda is approved unanimously. Thank you. Next on the agenda, approval of minutes. First, minutes of the Monday, May 5th, 2025 regular city council meeting. and
second minutes of the Monday, May 12th, 2025 committee of the whole meeting. The chair would entertain a motion to approve minutes sets one and two. Move to approve minutes. Motion by councelor Buller. Second. Second by councel
Wagner. Discussion. Question. I I I'll vote yes. Minutes from previous meetings are approved unanimously. Thank you. Next on the
agenda to adopt a resolution approving transfers, payments, claims, and accounts payable. Beginning with transfers, total transfers of $95,833. Moving to accounts payable and claims. City of International Falls
claims $968,73.31. International Falls Public Library Board Claims $6,594.19. for a total accounts payable and claims $975,297.50. Share would entertain a motion to approve these transfers,
payments, and claims. I'll move. I'll second it. Motions by councilors Kaylor and Holden. Discussion before we vote on paying the bills. Seeing no further discussion, call the question. I I I I I'll vote
yes. Bills are paid. 5 Z. Thank you. Next, we'll move to audience open form for any business that a citizen like to bring forward. Limited to five minutes. We'll move on this
evening to the consent agenda to approve a year 2025 license for Jeff Briggs Construction. This is a snowplow license. Chair would entertain a motion to approve the consent agenda. So move.
Second. Motions by councilors Buller and Wagner. And the question uh No, before the question we have discussion not on the consent agenda. Nothing. Oh, you just Okay, just add that in there. Yeah.
Oh, I I I sorry. Hi. No, that's fine. I remind myself all the time. Not question, but does he know something? We don't getting a snowplow license already. Please. No, I I think we're moving away
from that in the fees and thing. Okay. Okay. The consent agenda is approved unanimously. Moving on to new business. Voyagers National Park update from Mr.
Bob Deg Gross, superintendent and soon to be retired. Yeah. Thank you for your time. Uh Bob Deg Gross, superintendent of Voyagers National Park, headquartered at 360 Highway 11 East in International Falls.
Um and I know you have a busy agenda, so I just want to go through some quick updates related to the park. Sure. First and foremost, I want to thank the entire city council for recent proclamations that you passed related to the park um back in April 8th, recognizing the 50th
anniversary of the park. And then not too long after that, just recognizing the importance of dark skies and how they benefit um not only us as residents but the people who travel up here from all over the country and many places in the world to experience something that
we have the privilege of um you know being able to live right in having a a dark sky that is not impacted by a lot of light pollution and everything. So I really appreciate that. And as you said, mayor, I will be retiring on uh May 30th, just uh 11 days, I think. Not that
I'm counting, but I wanted to use this opportunity to introduce Brian Harmon, who's currently our lead for natural and cultural resources. And upon my retirement, um he will be acting in my place. So, if he could take a few minutes just to introduce
himself. That's okay. Right. Thanks. Hi. Um as Bob said, I'm Brian Harmon. I'm the head of natural and cultural resources at Voyagers National Park. My wife and I moved here in 2019 for me to take the job at Voyagers. Uh it was an
excellent choice all around. This is uh we love International Falls. We love the park. The folks here are fantastic. One thing that I've really gotten to enjoy watching Bob do the five almost five and a half years that I've been here is just be very open and
communicating with the communities around the park and being very open to listening to people and hearing them. And that is something that I intend to continue as I'm in the acting position. So, um I do very much look forward to uh
hearing from any and all of you and anyone else in the community. Thank you. And um with that, just a few other things that are taking place. Uh I did send some communication to the board members of not only International Falls
but to the counties associated with Voyagers National Park and the other gateway communities as well that back on May 6, we took the action of terminating the NEPA process as it relates to our frozen lakes planning effort that we we were undertaking.
Um basically as we heard from the communities and also as we looked at that action and the potential um impacts related to the use we saw that the impacts were no greater than what the typical impacts that we see during the
summer months and everything. So basically as it relates to the frozen lake access onto the lakes primarily the western end of rainy lake and um the frozen surface of capama lake we'll be managing um vehicle use on those areas
as we have been in the past and everything. So, um, a couple of other things going on. Um, Kettle Falls, uh, we are nearing the end of the current contract for the operator out at Kettle Falls that will be completed at the end
of 2026. And so, we're in the process of um, communicating and trying to encourage interest in the next contract period, which will take uh, take effect in 2027. Um, we're not sure if the current operator will be interested in
submitting a prospectus. Um, he might, but uh, just in case he's not, we are trying to get the word out there to find other potential operators for that service out at Kettle Falls. But through 2025 and 2026, the service will be operating um, as years pass under that
contract and everything. Um, there's going to be some work down at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center, parking area, and marina launch area. Um, a matter of fact, there's going to be a contract starting here in a couple of weeks to remove an old uh septic system that we no longer need out there because we're
we're attached to the central sewer system. And so, we're going to be removing that um mound system. And a benefit of that is that it will actually allow us to modify the parking in that upper visitor center parking lot to where maybe we will be able to
accommodate more vehicles in that area. Um, we're also going to be looking or we're starting the process of really looking at that entire developed area and seeing how it might be modified, recognizing the fact that we have an overflow parking problem in that area
with all of the um trucks and trailers that utilize that area for the boat launch and everything. However, that project is going to take several years for us to to actually get it going and and see on the ground work. Um, and then, uh, another thing at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center area in
26 or 27, we will be starting a road resurfacing and repair project down in that area. And once that starts, whether it be in 26 or 27, that is going to be a two-year uh, project. Uh, we do not anticipate the area closing at all, but
obviously modifying um, or regulating traffic through that area with the flag system and everything like that. Um, and then very quickly, the last thing I want to say is just thank you for everything that's been taking place down at the headquarters area through
our lease. Uh, last summer, um, there was a lot of activity to, uh, uh, improve the drainage around the building. Um, and other things that are taking place in the building. It uh, the work that's been taking place actually has stopped uh, a leaking issue that
we've had and everything. Um, so we're grateful for that. Uh but we are continuing our lease there. I know that with the new administration coming in, there were several questions about uh uh the continuation of certain leases, but that lease was never on the table or
anything like that because um it's a very important resource to us. We appreciate everything that the city facilities team does to maintain that property uh uh for us and everything. We appreciate that very much. And we're in the throws of all of our summer
seasonals coming in. And so the the building is very busy right now and everything. So So just wanted to give you that update and if you have any questions for myself or Brian. Thank you. Yep. If I'd like to tell you congratulations on retiring and I think
you'll like it. Uh you know I've been retired about 11 years now. I work for the city about 40. Oh okay. And um I'm enjoying it even though I'm in politics too but I'm enjoying it. So you will too. I'm a little nervous about it, but I hope to settle into it and I am
planning on staying in the community here, so I am definitely hoping to get out on the lake more for personal times and work time and stuff. Good for you. Yeah, good luck to you, Brian. Thank you. Good luck to you, Brian and Bob. Thank you for what you've done and
staying in the community. And I don't think the council ever took a stand on it or if you did I wasn't around but the frozen lakes plan um having that go away I think uh is a good thing for the community. So thank you for all your
work and efforts. Yep. Um thank you. Yeah. Take care. Thanks. Thanks. Y next on this evening's agenda is considering the use of Smokeoky Bear Park. by the Rainy Lake Medical Center Foundation for a Color 5K family fund
run. I'd like to invite up Mickey Olsen from the Rainy Lake Medical Center Foundation. Good evening. I'm director of the Rainy Lake Medical Center Foundation and Marketing Department. And we're just requesting formally that you would approve us
continuing our 5K fundra uh fundraiser. and it'll be Labor Day, September 1st. Start at 2 PM and we'll start registration around probably noon or one. So, where we set everything up is the usual place right behind the museum
on the sidewalk there. Wonderful. The finish line will be there. Same route. I submitted all of that to for a review. I'll move to yeah approve. Second councelor Kaylor's Kaylor and Wgner have motions
to approve using the space. Is there any discussion? Are there any road closures that are needed to be done? Okay. I just just so we get ahead of that if there is. Yeah. Okay. Thank you. Nope. Nothing. All right.
Question. I I I I vote yes. The event is approved unanimously. Thank you. Next item three, approve a mayoral proclamation proclaiming June 2nd through 6th, 2025
as the week for distribution of Buddy Poppies. Is there a motion to approve this proclamation? So move by councelor Buller. Second. Second by councelor Wagner. Discussion. Question.
I I I I I'll vote yes. Proclamation is approved. 5. Thank you. Item four. Consider road closure for Elks Lodge number 1599.
annual corn and brought feed scheduled for Friday, August 15th, 2025. I'd like to hand this over to councelor Kaylor. Okay. Yes. This is our annual brought cord feed that we have right out in front of the lodge there. It's one of
our bigger community events we have and that's how we raise money to go towards some of our scholarships. And this past year we gave out about 10,000 $12,000 in scholarships to different students. And
that helps out a lot. And we had request that it's blocked off from 900 a.m. till 900 p.m. from 2nd Avenue to 3rd Avenue. And how many members I've got to ask, is the Elks Club up to now? It's I think
the last I heard it was like the second largest in Minnesota have 700 and growing. And growing. Yeah. So anyone want to be a member? Come talk to me. We can fix it up and I'll make the motion. Thank you.
Councelor Holden. Second by councelor Buller. Any more discussion on the road closure? Call the question. I will just and I will say that I will be in touch with uh Mr. Broa public works and stuff to take
care of the road closure. So what they got with the state that being said I I I I vote yes forum brought feed on the schedule approved 50. Thank you. Moving on. Number five, approve internal
promotion to the water technician one position. Sh, if Sherry is here, is this something that she would normally present or I just want to make sure we follow normal procedure. I've seen it done both ways. So, please, Mayor, thank you. She is not available. She is out of
town at training today. Um this is the internal um movement when um the other position for the street um lead person was appointed. So this is an internal move within the organization.
Thank you. Motion to approve by the council. I'll move. Motion by councelor Kaylor. A second. Second by councelor Buller. Discussion on any other discussion on
filling a position question. I I I vote yes. Approved unanimously. Number five. Thank you. Moving on. New business number six.
Consider the first reading of an ordinance to update section 10-32 rules, regulations, and traffic governing public parks. Uh, I'd like to foster
some discussion on this to begin with because I believe this came from public safety committee just on what it is because it is our first reading and it is an ordinance. Um, so councilors Holden and Wagner sit
on that committee. So the the floor is up for grabs. I think it was real important that we had a time set for Smoky Bear Park so that it wasn't open, you know, in the late hours and stuff
and maybe uh cut down on any problems uh in the park. Um, so we looked at that and the public safety is a real important thing. Um and um so that's that was my main thing was
to make sure that that place is safe later in later hours. Other towns have parks like this one and they, you know, pretty much after 10:00 it's done. So it kind of keeps things in order. Now,
there are times when maybe a permit has to be handed out to keep it, you know, open a little bit longer, like the bass tournament or something. Um, but overall, we were thinking on safety is what we were thinking for the public. So, yeah. And it's all parks, not just
Yeah, it's not just smoky smokey. It's all parks and right to alleviate overnight sleeping in the parks. And the big checkpoint is daily from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. Yeah, that's correct.
Yeah. Okay. Motion to approve the first reading. I'll make that motion. Motion by councelor Holden. Second. Second by councelor Wagner. Discussion's open again.
Question. I I I I. I'll vote yes. First reading is approved unanimously. Thank you. We'll move on in new business to item number seven, which is a public works
recommendation to approve engineer design agreement with Bolton and Mink for the Riverview Boulevard East 2026 project to include all kinds of improvements to include sanitary sewer, storm sewer, and street lights. I'd like
to invite Jason Fischer, our city engineer, forward and uh Mr. Broka, if you'd like to join as well, you're more than welcome. I just I can't do it right now. Okay, just be good. Good evening, Mayor Council. Um yes,
this was an item that was identified, a project that was identified in the capital improvement plan that we recently adopted. Um, and it's for 2026. We'd be looking to uh reconstruct the the street um sanitary and storm sewer
and lighting for the east side of Riverview Boulevard. Um, the other thing we'd be looking to incorporate in this project is the out the storm sewer outfalls and the um ravine uh to stabilize it. There
is a opportunity for clean water funds for that portion of the project. Um that we'd like to apply for. Um it would be part of the one watershed, one plan that we've been working on for a year now. Over a year
now. So three. Yeah. So, uh, with that, if any questions or if Ted has anything to add. Nope, that pretty much covers it. Motions to approve. Just said and the one watershed plan, tell me if our I think our our
plan and our funding has been approved or close to it for 2025 2026 project. Yeah. Yeah. Not this per se, but the overall Yeah. Right. Yeah. Just just for the information, what what section? You said the east section. What
where does it start? Where's it end? Um well, that'll be in design. We'll determine it. It's about half away, though. It's about the half. Half east half, basically. Okay. Okay. I was Yeah, good question, Councelor Buller. We
talked about that in committee. Um I think it was brought up because of the condition um of the surface there and the utilities. why couldn't we do the whole thing in one year? And I think some of that was based around the 1% sales tax
fund and what would be available. Um I'm sure that the council has shared in the emails coming from citizens about this will be a welcome improvement. With that, is there a motion to approve this under item A uh
from public works committee? So move. Motion by councelor B. Second. Second by councelor Holden. Discussion question. I I I I I'll vote yes. Number seven, item A is approved
unanimously. 50. I've been reading through these and trying to decide B, C, and D. If we do them at once or individually, and I've come to the conclusion they should be done individually. So item B is to approve a resolution
approving parking restrictions on 9inth Street from Highway 53 to 14th Avenue. Is this something you'd like to touch on, Jason? No, just here if you have questions. It's part of the project that state aid
requires us to limit parking to one side of the road. So it'll follow the calendar parking. Currently, it's a oneway. We're going to be making it a little wider but not wide enough for Parkville sides. So, right. So, that's a requirement of the municipal state aid road and the money attached to it.
Correct. Thank you. Is there a motion to approve this resolution? I'll move. Motion by councelor Kaylor. Second. Second by councelor Wagner. Discussion. Question. I. I. I. I. I'll
vote yes. Number seven, item B. This resolution is approved unanimously. Thank you. We'll now move on to item C to approve another resolution revoking municipal state aid streets in the city of International
Falls, part of 15th Street, Casaw 332 to Cass. Is that a typo? It is. Okay. Cuz there should be another number after
Third Avenue East. Third Avenue East. Where the burner oak for us older people? I'm going to put that right in my notes. Um, is there do you want to give a little bit on this questions from the council?
Motion to approve. I'll move. I'll second. Motions by councilors Kaylor and Buller. Discussion question. I I I I I'll vote
yes. Number 7 C is approved unanimously. Thank you. Move to item D. Number seven, approve another resolution establishing municipal state aid streets in the city of International Falls, part of 9inth Street, Highway 53
to 14th Avenue. Motion to approve I'll make this resolution by councelor Holden, second by councelor Wgner. Discussion or questions on this resolution? Seeing none, call the question. I I I
I'll vote yes. Number 7D is approved unanimously. 50. Thank you. Moving on. New business number eight, committee recommendations from budget and
finance. Approved setting special city council meeting for Monday, June 23, 2025. We'll have a formal presentation and approval of the 2024 audited financials presented by Ryan Schmidt of
Schlenner Wer and Co. Motion to approve setting this meeting date to discuss our city audit. I'll make that motion. Motion by councelor Holden. Second. Second by councelor Buller. Is
there discussion on the audit? Question. I I I I'll vote yes. Meeting is set for June 23rd and approved unanimously. Thank you. Next we'll move to nine committee.
The whole recommendations. Item A, approve 2025 restaurant license for the Big Rainy Cafe, which I believe was formerly known as Sandy's Place. I'll make that motion. Motion by councelor Holden to approve
the license. Second. Second by councelor Wagner. Discussion on the license. Call the question. I I I. I'll vote yes. license is approved unanimously. Number 9A. Thank
you. Moving on. Number 9B. Approved contract with their construction manager at risk with Rice Lake Construction for guaranteed maximum price for water treatment plant
renovation project in the amount of 11,844,680. Would Mr. Golden would you like to come forward and anybody else associated with the project who feels the need to explain? Yes. Thank you. Good evening, Mayor and Council.
Um the uh memorandum uh that's in the packet was also discussed at the committee of the whole. Um and want to give a little bit of background on the project. Uh so actually the the inception of this project started in 2021 when the city went out for
proposals looking at uh a needs assessment for the water treatment facility. Um and that was when we got involved with the project. That needs assessment was completed in 2022 and identified various components throughout the treatment facility that were going
to need replacement or upgrades um primarily due to age of the facility. Uh when we looked at the needs of that facility, uh there was at the time of the report, there was a couple options looked at. Could the city look at uh addressing these needs in kind of a
phased fashion of of the needs or would it be more economical to try to address them all in a larger project? And at the time as we looked at it and the consensus was that the most economical way to take care of these improvements was to develop a large project uh that
would minimize the cost uh even though the project scale would be larger uh at one time rather than multiple projects. Um so that was kind of the first step in getting us to where we are today. Uh the design of the improvements was initiated in 2023
um by the city council and then in fall of 2024 is when the construction manager at risk was hired for the preconstruction services. Uh so just a little bit of history on the project and where we are now. Um just a a brief overview of the
major uh portions of the project. Um so initially it was rehabilitation of the filters or replacement. Uh there's uh some treatment techniques and piping that need to be added to meet current health regulations from the department of health for uh surface water treatment
facilities. There's numerous plumbing and mechanical upgrades. Replacement of the chemical feed systems. Uh replacement of all the equipment. Uh there's I think 11 different pumps in that facility.
There's blowers, there's valves, things like that that are past their useful life. Uh upgrading the existing electrical and control system and then general building rehabilitation due to the age of the building, things like roofing, doors, cocking, painting, things like that. So, uh those items are
a summary of the major items that will be covered in the project. Uh so what is up for the council's consideration is approval of the guaranteed maximum right price from Rice Lake Construction in the amount of 11,844,680. If the council approves the
guaranteed maximum price, the trade packages would then be out for bidding. Uh and so there is already a pre-qualified list of subcontractors to perform the various tasks on the project and the project would move into the bidding
phase. Um the total project costs are outlined in table one on page two. Uh there's the guaranteed maximum price. Uh there is our construction engineering proposal which is laid out at the at the back of this memo. Uh and then there was
a USDA grant that was awarded to the city specifically for new backup power generation and also a couple valves to make it more resistant to flooding. And this grant uh was achieved because of uh through the flood that occurred a couple
years ago. And so the total construction costs for the project then are listed there in table one uh 12,475 $574,680. Again, the bidding will still occur on that. And uh so again, the guaranteed maximum price, that's the
maximum that the city would pay. And the breakdown for that GMP is included at the the end of the memo here. Um so I guess I'll pause there for any questions or comments or discussions on the project itself, GMP, the engineering, um
any of the above. What's the um total time period projected at for the finished product? Expecting about two years. Uh the a lot of the major equipment uh lead times could be around a year before equipment
comes in and and this project is mostly equipment replacements whether it's filters, blowers, electrical equipment. So, uh, a lot of the work is going to be taking place after those deliveries. Um, and so I'd say about two years to
completion. Any more discussion from the council for Mr. Golden? Thank you. Thank you. And we may have more questions, too. So yeah. Um my questions for this we
have we're awaiting the results of what hopefully is assistance potentially coming from the legislature for the project. We may get it, we may not. Um, at least as of a few days
ago, there was some talk that the water money in bonding may be given to PFA. And of course, that's not going to help us because we're probably not high enough on their list. But if that occurs, there's a good
chance that a bonding bill could fail because local legislators won't get projects that they got to handpick in their own district. So, they're playing their card game and hopefully we get a card.
Um, we we've talked about the water plant. There's been an open house. The plans are done. Um, so all this has come this far. My question is is that if we don't get assistance and we approve this
tonight, if the assistance doesn't arrive is what I'm assuming is that we're going to take a lowinterest, I believe rural development loan for basically just shy of $12 million. Yeah. So, the loan would be public
facilities authority um loan. It would be a PFA loan and it would be low interest. Uh we don't know the exact interest rate until the loan closes, but they've been between 1 and 3%. Um and it' be likely a 20-year term. Um and I
can speak a little bit to the the comment you made, Mr. Mayor, about if PFA gets the money, uh how that would affect your ability to get grants. So the PFA has a grant system based on affordability. So, it's based on the median household income of a community
and they base the grant uh affordability limit at 1.2% of the median household income. So, when a community exceeds uh the cost of water, delivering water, so that would be operations, maintenance costs, debt service costs, interest
costs, when your cost costs the average user more than 1.2% of the median household income, you get affordability based grants. Uh because right now the city does not have a lot of debt on the water system or I guess at this point maybe maybe none. I don't know if
anybody's any's been taken yet. Um and the cost to operate the system. This project would not push you over the affordability threshold of 1.2% for the median household income. And that's why through PFA then the grants would not be
eligible yet. Um, as you continue to do water projects and take on water debt, you could eventually go over that threshold, which would open up these affordability based grants. Um, but the cost of this project would not push you over that that limit. Uh, it's been a
while since I've looked at it. I think the projection was maybe I'm I'm guessing it's been a while since I've looked at 15 to 20 million in water debt before you would hit that affordability threshold. Um so this project I know is quite a bit below yet
where you would need to be to to achieve those grants. So, and we have discussed that in public works committee with other water projects if we were to borrow the full amount um for the
plant where that ceiling or threshold is. Right. More discussion from the council. Councelor Wagner, please. Um, would it uh behoove us to wait till the January June 2nd meeting?
At least we'd know maybe by then what happens in the with the legislature and stuff or Well, is this something I we need to do now? I I just I think probably many of us are likely in the the same boat that
the project is the engineering's done for the project. Rice Lake is here and for the second time thank you and you are as well and so I mean the project's cocked and primed but yeah by if we wait
I mean I don't know that we need another presentation necessarily if we postpone um go ahead councelor B. So if the bond doesn't go we're still going to have to go ahead and do this anyway. Yes. Yeah. And if a bond does go, then it's just
going to supplement what we're working on. Correct. Yeah. So either way, either way it doesn't make any difference. Well, um that may be uh
I was kind of the opinion that we were going to ask the state for money, so they thought that we needed it bad enough that they would give it to us. Yes, I councelor Wagner, I would if if there's a motion to postpone it, I would
willingly want it back on the agenda to move it forward at I would maybe table till June 2nd meeting. It's only a couple like say they don't need a couple weeks at the moment come back. we know everything we do, but I'm
for I guess I can wait till June 2nd, see if we get bonding, but I'm also inclined to move ahead either way, just so everybody knows. But if we don't move ahead, I said maybe they will. I I know what
you're saying about if we move to go ahead with it before we get the bonding that they might look at it that we don't need it. you wouldn't think good because either way it's a lot. If if we do go with a motion, if there
is a motion offered to postpone until June 2nd pursuant to whether we receive aid, the only other thing I would ask is that at that meeting, assuming that it's on the agenda and we're going to take a
vote on the project in totality, I think it would be prudent of us to have some type of explanation for that borrowing where we would have our water rates. Um because I've I think for us to take on
that borrowing, I would like to be able to look the citizens in the eye and tell them what we think their water bill may be. It's going up. We know that. Um but right now, I don't think that we can answer that question. I've heard some
different ideas floated around about the debt service. Um, so that's uh my questions. Does a postponement hurt anything that you have going? I not necessarily. I
think a couple things to consider. A postponement of a couple weeks. I don't think it would obviously we will not be able to bid it until that. So it would just slow down that process a couple weeks. Um if if it was delayed longer than that, I think the thing to consider
would be the changes to the GMP that has been offered by Rice Lake. Um as market changes and things like that, that price could could change. Um I don't want to speak for them, but I think talking a twoe time period, um I wouldn't think
the GMP would change, but as we extend it out farther, that would be the the thing to consider. I don't. So, and from Rice Lake, what is there a sunset date on the GMP? Right now, a couple of weeks. It's is fair. Um the
other consideration is just um getting some of those pieces of equipment released. And for a year on those lead times, we were hopeful to get a new filter in place in summer of 2026.
And so I think that relieves a lot of pressure and risk off of existing facility. So couple of weeks to answer your question, Mr. Mayor. Okay, understand.
Council is comfortable with that. Yep. Thank you. Unless there's discussion, um would entertain a motion. uh or more discussion or questions. I'll make the motion to June next meeting. Okay. So,
councelor Holden offers a motion to postpone this agenda item and move it to the June 2nd regular city council agenda. Is that correct, councelor? Thank you. Is there a second to councelor Holden's motion? Second. There is by
councelor Wgner. Discussion is open on the floor on this postponement. Call the question. I I I I I'll vote yes. Postponement is approved 5 to zero. Thank you. Thank you. Number nine, item
C, acknowledge receipt of sufficient petition and authorized special city election according to Minnesota statute 47521. Um, I would hand it over to Administrator Bergstrom and Attorney
Nelson to describe what we have before us. Thank you, Mayor. Um what you have in front of you is a a short memo in regards to uh the petition was received for the um reverse referendum process in
regards to the renovation of the utility uh garages at the public works building and in the amount of $2.75 million for the capital um improvements that are at that facility. the petitions were
received and deemed sufficient. And with that, going forward, the city council can either do one of two things. Um, we can submit the question to the voters at a special election in accordance with applicable laws or the municipality
shall not u propose the issuance of bonds for the same purpose and in the same amount for a period of 365 days from the date of receipt of petition. So with that um there are only certain dates that um we can hold a special
election. The next special election date available is August 12th. However, we would need to notify the um Coochin County within 84 days of that date which is tomorrow. So we would you know if we do
make a motion today we can definitely begin that. Otherwise the next available date would be November 4th. There is no state or county election. So again, that's a special city election. Um all upon the city's um responsibility to handle
that. Um have been working with Joan at Cooch County and um Stella at Secretary of State's office in understanding the process and working through that process and what is necessary and how we will need to proceed with whichever process you
choose. Thank you. [Music] question uh for you, Chelsea, is if the council takes the
appropriate steps to have a referendum, which is what was discussed at committee of the whole. A vote. A vote. Yep. Does that implicate the project in future years? So, you mean if it goes to vote and is
shot down? Yes. Yes. Um, so that's a different section. Let me see if I can go to it. I have to hook back up my hot spot. Two seconds. Oh, so that one's controlled by Okay. 475.58 subdivision 1A.
If the electors do not approve the issuing of obligations at an election required, the question of authorizing the obligations for the same purpose and in the same amount may not be submitted to the electors within a period of 180 days from the date the election was
held. And then if it's not approved a second time, it may not be submitted to the electors again for another year after the second election. Okay? So it's 180 days on the first referendum. Yes. Okay. Thank
you. Blair's open for the council to discuss. Councelor Buller, I believe you'd mentioned that the petition we did receive was to request a vote. Um, from what we had discussed on committee of
the whole, is there other thoughts, feelings, concerns from other counselors or yourself? I'd like just to see do it did it okay today, send it to tomorrow and get the election going.
Go for the 12th of August. Would you like to make a motion? I'll make a motion that we do that we that we approve it today and send it on to the county tomorrow. Thank you, Councelor Buller. Is the motion understood that he's offered to
the council? Okay. Is there support for councelor Buller's motion? I'll second. Second by councelor Kaylor. Questions or discussion? Question. I I I I I'll vote
yes. We have approved reaching out to the county and getting an election scheduled on that bond issuance. Uh what is the date of the special election if we notify them tomorrow again? August 12th. August
12th. Understood. Thank you. Moving on under new business 9, letter D, approve council membership on a committee to discuss the future of the burned band shell structure along with Bolton and Mink. A
council action. This is something uh that councelor Wagner rightfully had requested was a committee um to move on the band shell is what I'm curious about is
um I've asked a few times about Bolton and Mink's involvement with the band shell and I'm I want to make sure we're on the same page that Jim Lucachic from Baiji had offered his
architectural services to the council free of charge and I believe that there was interest in that. I've seen that we've paid Bolton and make a considerable what appears to be a considerable sum on the band shell. I'm
not saying that that's the wrong thing. I just want to make sure that in this we understand what we're getting, what we're paying for, and what hopefully the outcome can be. Well, I'd like to see us move on with it and get going. Um, I believe we got the
go-ahad. Um, from what I understand, and I believe that Jim Lucachic will be good in many ways to be in the design of it and be helping. Um, I mean, he he wants to give back to
his community and I think that's great. I really do. um visit with them quite a bit and I know they want to help any way they can to make that go through good and everything at no cost. So,
um that means getting donations to help with what we are receiving from the insurance. Um whatever it takes, but we need to get my feeling is we need to get what's there out of there.
and as fast as we can get it out of there. Cuz I I tell you what, I believe in telling you, mayor, that out of all the things that I have discussion on in this great city,
um people are pointing at that just about daily. It's right at the top of the list. and um like to see it out of there so it's clean and get going on it that cuz I mean that's just we need to
do it. So I think there's a lot of people that want it finished. Absolutely. It's important to our community. Um and thank you counselor. I think we all agree with that. And I think if we formally approve the
committee that we did at the committee of the whole today that then we're going to meet Mon or Wednesday morning get a start start talking about how we're going to face it and uh go from there to figure out the bolt
to make the uh Jim Lucach you the offer the one thing is that and that's a nice offer and I'm sure we'll be able to work something out to get his assistance but that this has been going on for years. So obviously that's why we had Bol Bolton and me coming in to help us with
this process to look at it and work with the insurance and things like that. But those are things we'll talk about at the committee and what we should do. Right. Oh, and the re the reason I ask is they thousand. So I don't um
[Music] so I'll make the motion if you're looking for I you can offer. Go ahead, please. um to make the more if the committee still if everybody on the council's good with it being me and uh councelor Wagner then
we'll work with uh public works director and uh city administrator and talk about how we're going to go about it. I'll give you in a second on it. Second motion and I think they'll do a good job. These two
guys Tim Tim's been kind of leading the way on this one and I respect that. I think he'll uh he'll do good pushing her through. Thank you, councelor. So, we have motions by councilors Kaylor and Holden.
We're clear on what the motion is to add to a committee, councelor Wagner, and councelor Kaylor. And also to add Jim Lucachic to the mix help. Do you accept that? But we will contact them and see
who's level. Yep. Yeah. Okay. The committee will do what they do. Understood. Okay. So there's no amendment to the motion. Right. Question. I I I I although yes committee
is approved 50. Thank you. 10 under new business is not any other business. It is tear down and removal of a mobile home at 22103rd
Avenue West, which was an addition that attorney Nelson had asked to be added to this agenda. Yes, please. Thank you so much. Um, if you guys recall at the committee of the whole, I updated you, this is a mobile home park. Um, the
property owner of the actual dirt was supposed to tear it down by the 15th. that hasn't been done. Um the city can give them more time or you can motion to accept the low um bid that we received before and then we can reach out and see
if they're willing to still honor that bid. If not, we'll have to look at our next steps. Um but those are kind of your two immediate options on what we can do with that trailer house. So any motion would be to go back to the biders as proposed and see if they would
honor it. Yes. So you the motion would be to accept the low bid. Um okay subject to that individual or company um agreeing to still honor that price. I'll make that motion. A second.
Motions by councelor Wagner and councelor Buller to accept what we received as the low bid um for tear down and removal of mobile home at 22103rd Avenue. West. Excuse me, I'm taking notes.
Um, is there discussion over here? Councelor Wagner. Uh, so what happened to have we contacted uh, you know, and asked them why they didn't meet the deadline?
Um, a few things are are going on. um the state has now also kind of become involved in that particular trailer park um for other issues. So he hasn't given an exact reason but his hands are full with um more issues coming from the
state is the short answer of it and I can share more details maybe not recorded online just for privacy sake. Thank you. Okay. Excuse me. Am I not taking? Did we take
motions to approve this? Yeah. Just wait for roll call. Okay. That's what by Bowler and Wagner. Okay. Understood. Call the question. I I I No. Uh motion carries 41. Thank you. Number
11. Out of thin air, new business. Any other business to come before the council? I have a question for Chelsea. I'm doing this publicly on purpose. Um, in regards to we've had a citizen ask
about our law enforcement vehicles and um whether they're legal or not as the markings on them. Yes. And so my concern is is is if we're out of compliance, how soon do we need to get
in compliance and what ramifications are there? Sure. Um so based on the statute, um kind of gave a brief overview from it might be two meetings ago. Um they're assigned certain colors. Um these particular vehicles are black with
gray lettering. Um, and then they have to have certain sizes. Um, unmarked or specially marked vehicles have the emblem only on the right side. Um, sometimes they're smaller. They're not easily as easily identifiable. So, um, essentially it is
a gray area statute. Um, and what I mean by that is the city takes the position that these vehicles are compliant because they have reflective lettering. It's larger than what's required and it is on both sides.
Um, if it's not something where the state or someone comes in and just says we're not compliant, it essentially based on case law has to be brought by a citizen typically involved in a criminal case. Um, where that individual arrested or pulled over or
whatever it may be, said the vehicle was not easily identifiable. Um, and then it becomes a civil issue for the city. The ramifications of that is um the criminal case that usually starts this matter is dismissed um and then the city
has to pay to correct those vehicles and I don't know the cost on that. Okay. Thank you. Yes. I'm I'm far from an expert, but I'd imagine part of the gray area is at night you can see
them plain as day. The the signage on the vehicles. It is a little harder during the day, but you can see it. But at night, they reflect and it's you can see them clearly and plainly. Yes. And that's kind of where the argument comes in. Yep. Exactly.
And just to add, this has nothing to do with the PD. It's a question that I don't want the council to become liable for in some fashion that at least Well, you guys, I assume we can speak together on this. Did we? Okay. Thank you,
Chelsea. You're welcome. Reports of board, boards, committees, and department heads are in our packet. Reports of the mayor, council,
committees, boards, and commissions. Well, we have a sewer meeting Cooch North Cooch tomorrow. So, we'll be more updated tomorrow on that. Um, and airport commission meeting
coming later. So, those two areas will we got meetings coming. So, and I believe we gave reports before on the North Cooch and that. So, about the board member thing and stuff.
So, and what was the when does the new state law come into effect on North Cooch? the the reconfiguration of the board. Yes, it's you might think it's just have to do it and it's done. It's not. I talked
to uh Cali today about it too and uh she's got her attorney involved and there is a deadline that we have to have the the the formation of that board set up and then we have to send it back down to legislation again and then they have to act on it to approve it as it
is. So, okay. Uh we're we've got a meeting tomorrow morning and then we'll also have a meeting with the uh HR personnel committee on on uh June the 4th to get some options on how we can configure it before we bring it back to the board again next month and then
it'll get sent in. So there's a lot of work to do yet, but it's it's moving forward. Thank you. We'll move on to our unless there's more um we can move on to audience open form.
Again, if you'd like to come forward, have anything to speak with the council about limited to 5 minutes. Good evening. Good evening. Whoa. My name is Rhonda Benedicts, 9096 Street. Um, I have a question. Um, at the ball fields over by the football
field. I was just wondering why there's not very many bleachers for parents and grandparents to sit at. Um, I was just there watching my grandson and a lot of parents and grandparents are sitting on the ground. There used to be a lot of
bleachers there and the way that the city is spending money. I'm just wondering why there's not very many bleachers anymore. Second of all, when you just talked about closing Smokeoky Bear at 10 p.m., does that include the basketball
court there? Is that part of Smokeoky Bear? Because kids play basketball there till all hours of the night. I'm just wondering does that include that? Yes. Kids spend a lot of time there. That uh so that's an ordinance that we
had the first reading of. So there will be another reading to enact the ordinance um which presumably would be at the next city council meeting in two weeks. Um, uh, your opinion is valued on on the
topic of the closure whether the council there's not much to do in this town and there's a lot of kids that play basketball there and they're not to my knowledge. I mean, I drive by there all the time on my way home and stuff. They're playing basketball. That's all they're doing. They spend a lot of time
playing basketball. the only basketball court that I know of. Just an opinion, right? Not much else to do. Um my my other concern is or question I guess. Um
the waterworks that was a big ticket that they just threw out and you're asking for money from the state. I understand that. um with these big ticket items that come up and obviously the waterworks. What did you say? It was
40 years old, right? Are you the water plant? Yeah. Yes. Plant that needs to be redone. So, it's a lot of money. We know that it's been getting old for a long time, right? These repairs have been needed.
So, you have to take the whole loan out if you don't get the money for the from the state. So, how is it that not a dime has been saved knowing that these projects were coming? How is it that our city has not put any
money aside for these projects? How is it that we're on the hook for the full amount for all these big projects coming up? How is it that we don't have money set aside for these? Isn't that what we're supposed to do with our taxes? Well, it's a concern.
Uh several things uh could be could answer the question that you asked. Uh one, we didn't charge enough. Two, we spent the money. Uh there could be a multitude of reasons.
And I I would point out that with the need for for the plant now, if the council moves forward um with the water plant and let's call it a $12 million loan, which we may end up doing, that the water rates are either going to
go up or a debt service charge or some variation thereof is going to go on water bills to pay back that debt. That's going to be a higher cost to the end user of water, which we would expect. To put that into perspective as
well, just to add to your question, that in 30 or 40 years, if we want to have a reserve fund for the plant, we're going to charge even more, which apparently we didn't do when we got this plant. Um I think that the this has survived many councils
since the plant uh was was built and it was basically a gift from the Boise expansion and the tax increment financing that funded it. So I think that there is some disappointment that we don't have more
money to put aside towards the plant. Well, it's a huge disappointment because if I want a car, I have to save for it. I don't ask somebody else to pay for it. You know what I mean? So, the fact that all these projects are happening
back to back to back to back and everybody's taxes are going up and up and up and up all at once, that's what the huge problem is. That's what the upset of all the citizens is. So, it's pretty concerning that not a dime was
saved and now we're all supposed to fork out just one after another after another. So, I'm just wondering knowing that these projects are coming up, why not? Any money was saved?
I have a little history for you, Rhonda. Um, Boise used to treat the water for International Falls. Okay. for years. So city wasn't involved in that. We were actually paying them for the water for a long time. One day they
decided they were getting out of the water treatment business and the city was basically forced to build a new complex because and somehow we did come up we did come up with Please continue.
My turn's up. No, you can sit. So, I'll give you a little more history. Okay. So, they turned it over to us and we had to come up with the money for a brand new complex. Okay. All of a sudden, just like that. And what year was that? About
' 89. I 1989, I believe. Okay. So, we had a lot of to save money. We were forced to get into the water treatment plant business because they got out of that business.
So, there was a lot of money that the city and they did a good job of getting that building built. Yes, the years have gone by and now we're faced with it. But to say which council or what over the
years was responsible for not getting money put away, um it's been a lot of years. Yeah. And so you can't blame it on one certain council or cuz it just a lot of years
went by and there a lot of councils every four years council changes a lot of changes over here. That's what their job is. What I got sitting in the seats doesn't matter. It's that's their job. But now where we're at right now to redo
this is council that wasn't back in those days. Wasn't there I was working actually. I was doing electrical work. So now we're now we're facing the music. This council is facing the music.
Councelor, I want to I want to interject politely that Mhm. I'm not aware that unless it was a small amount that the city of International Falls taxpayers paid for that plant. I'm not saying they did. I'm just saying Okay, that's what
you said. So, I just want This is all on the record. So, okay. Maybe I didn't word it right. Somebody had to pay for it. The the 1989 paper mill expansion, the value of the project, to the best of my knowledge, paid off
bonds in which we owned the plant. So, the value of the paper mill expansion is what paid for the plant. And I think that that's where I think that that's Rhonda, you're not the only one asking this question. So, that's why I just want to make sure that info is out there. So, from 89 to
now is a lot of years. Yeah. To put money aside for maintenance or do maintenance on the way. So, Exactly. Yeah. I mean, does that help? I mean, I don't make as much money as the town does, clearly, but I save for what I
need. So, just a question. Rhonda, does this help you a little bit though? Just showing you. Well, no, because what you just said obviously wasn't. But what happens is is maybe a council comes through now and is facing the music. That's what I want to say.
Is there anyone else that would like to come forward? Mr. Calder, please. Calder 19016th Avenue East. Uh, thanks for the history lesson. I didn't know that. So, that was good.
Uh, I'd like to ask the council to uh possibly put a letter in the file for the police department or the city administrator regarding uh the ghost paint jobs on the squad cars that
uh any new squads be painted a full police paint job. U this is ridiculous. No other town that I know of does this. And so is that possible that we could do
that? Put a letter in the file that enough of this. Well, it's it's a ma it's a matter of public record. Now, since you brought it to our attorney's um attention, I asked this evening to get it back on the
record of is the city liable for anything or out of compliance? And I think that the answer was that maybe maybe not. So, with that being said, uh the council, how do you
feel about this? floor is open to discuss that. Um or we will kick it to public safety committee in which it can be discussed and brought back. Um I will we move it to public safety. Okay. So we have a and the next public safety
meeting would not be before June 2nd which is fine. It would be June 16th late June. Okay. Councelor Buller makes a motion to move your request to public safety committee. the next public safety committee. Is there a second to
councelor Buller's motion? I'll second. Councelor Kaylor seconds that discussion on the topic. Mr. Calder, please. As I said, I think it was at the last meeting. My intention wasn't in order to uh cost the city any
more money by having these paint jobs all redone now. It was to cycle through as a as new squad cars are added or or whatever that that the new cars get the regular paint job. I I don't want to put
the city or make a fuss about something like that as we're in streets now. The second item I'd like to talk to if I got just another minute. You do? Uh, I think Rhonda's suggestion about the bleachers uh was a good idea, but maybe Pete
there's a civic organization in this community that could sponsor some bleachers just up for I just thought I'd throw that in because it's uh some civic organizations here that do good work and I think that would be uh
worth looking at. All right. Thanks. Thank you, Mr. Calder. uh that wasn't germanine to the topic, but that's my fault, not yours, because we did have motions for our discussion. So, um I'd
like to call a vote to move uh the police car paint issue to public safety committee. We have motions by councelor Buller and Kaylor. And now I'll call the question. I I I'll vote yes. That's approved. 5-0. Thank
you. Anyone else like to come forward? We have correspondence from the public library and I believe we will be receiving some more in the future.
reminders. Our next special city council meeting, there's a almost got me. Wednesday, May 21st, 2025, at uh 400 p.m. for labor negotiations. So, that will end up in a closed
session. So, if there are attendees, we cannot say you cannot come, but we would probably have to ask you to leave once closed session begins. Uh, second reminder, next regular city council meeting is Monday, June 2nd, 2025 at
5:30 p.m. Thank you to the council and everyone in attendance. This meeting's adjourned.