Call this order of the committee of the call this committee of the whole meeting to order. It is 4:02 p.m. for the record. All members are present this afternoon. Thank you.
We will begin with old business first um with Sherry Sten with the human resources and safety report. Good afternoon. >> Good afternoon. >> Just some quick updates. So, I've been
working with Chief Worley on um filling the police officer position and then adding to their roster as well. Um I've also been working with public works on what their uh summer staff needs might look like for the summer. Um, so I would like to request to advertise and hire
for sum uh 10 summer staff similar to what we did last year. Um, can I So I'm just requesting to place that on the agenda for Monday. >> Is uh there a motion to do so?
>> I'll make that motion. >> You can have the second council. >> Okay, I'll have a second. >> I think uh councelor Buller beat you to it. Um, and the discussion would be that you'll continue working with Chief Worley. The motion to place >> Oh, no, no. This is the public works
one. >> Public works. This is a summer workers, right? >> Yep. The motion would be for 10 summer workers, right? >> Um, >> to be placed on the city next city council agenda. Is there any other thoughts or comments? Would do you have anything to add?
>> I don't unless you have any questions. Is 10 a number that's working? >> Um, if we can get 10 applicants, I think that's a number that will work. >> Okay. >> Um, actually, we've already had some inquiries, so that's that's we're
already ahead of last year. >> Okay. >> So, that's good. So, I have people to follow up with once we get it posted and all that. So, >> call the question. >> I >> I >> I >> I'll vote yes. The motion carries to add
the summer staff request to the next city council agenda. Thank you. >> Um I've also reviewed the part-time um employee hours um identifying those who may have worked more than 1560 hours last year. So they would be eligible for health insurance under the Affordable
Care Act. So and I've uh milled out the materials to those who qualify. There was there was one who has not been interested in the past. So, I'm not sure um what that person will choose to do this year, but um that's where that stands. Um
I continue to work on refining the city's notification and tracking processes to align with Minnesota paid leave. So, I think it's it's been a couple months of a learning process for everyone. So, um I I think I'm in the same boat as a lot of other employers
out there, but um so that's what we I continue to work on is just trying to figure out how they're they're sending out those notifications and updating and their reports and everything like that. Um and then the safety committee is working on compiling the safety uh data
sheets into an electronic format. And I would just like to acknowledge that um Crystal um has been extremely helpful in getting that all together and kind of coordinating those efforts. So
any questions? >> This is great. I'm glad it's going along smoothly. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Sherry. Thank you. We'll move on at this time to item two and invite up the fire marshall Jared Baldwin with uh rental um licensing
monthly report. Thank you, Mayor and Council. Uh in your packet is the February uh rental licensing report. Um for the month of February, I completed 115
inspections. Um, majority of them were at West Falls Estates on an apartment building and town homes. Um, they're under a large renovation right now out there. They're doing uh improving all the units, um,
fire alarm system, all kinds of stuff. So, it was good to get out there while they're in the renovation process just to make sure all their life safety stuff is in place while they're doing renovations. So, um, that all went well. um a few minor issues um to work through
um but they've always been good with getting their stuff taken care of when it's been identified. So um any questions on rental licensing questions from council on that item? Like to move to agenda three for blight,
which you are uh also in charge of. uh blight. Um the last last week the phone starting to ring a little bit uh regarding garbage and stuff with the snow starting to melt with the rain. Um I got a couple calls last week and I've
you know noticed those properties they didn't make it to the list because the list was already generated before um they got on there. And then we are working through a few with the attorney um from last year getting them um through the process um to hopefully
correct those issues and get them taken care of um so we're not uh having the adjacent property owners calling regarding those. So any questions on that?
>> Just one. No, none this year. This is what we have. >> Yeah, there there's a few on there now. There just hasn't been updated. This came out before. Um but uh there we probably got two or three right now that are new um outside of the existing ones
from last year. So um this is the time of the year things start picking up because things start showing up that hasn't, you know, has been covered with snow or hasn't been visible. So this is when the neighbors start usually calling. So, >> so to gohead
>> to clarify, there's just no report. >> There's no new ones since the last one that at the last meeting, >> correct? Yes. >> Of the >> So, this is a new the new year. So, the ones from last year went away off the sheet and then we're starting fresh with new ones in I mean, we still have the
few that Chelsea's dealing with, but other than that, we haven't identified any new ones outside of the couple in the last couple weeks. Um, but I mean there's it's a tough time of year um with snow and so within the you know by this time next month there'll probably
be quite a few again. So, >> I would just add that um received a few phone calls about certain properties um that you know certainly fall outside of what our property maintenance
standards are um which I'm sure you're aware of which ones they are and I'm sure Chelsea is too. >> Yeah. Yeah. I mean, it's we're working at with them as they come in. And, you know, like I said, you know, last year
we had a pretty good engagement from the property owners on taking care of things to where we weren't having to, you know, move a lot of them to the attorney. I think overall last year we had five. Um, and that was down significantly from the
past years. Um, the previous year I think was 13 that she was dealing with. Um, so hopefully we continue to trend in that direction. It's just some of these ones drag out so long. It's such a long drawn out process. I mean, there's there's one that we've been dealing with
on Crescent Drive and it's I mean, it's probably been almost a year that we've been dealing with that one. >> I don't know addresses. >> Um, >> is that out by the airport? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> So, um, yeah. So, it's just uh we do
what we can and try to push through and you know it's uh hopefully it continues to work and we continue to you know clean things up. So, >> questions for police? >> Uh I know we've talked about before
maybe Chief can weigh in too. Um got a call about a truck being parked in the yard again. I mean a fullsize semi truck. >> Yeah, I've talked what do we do with that again? I forgot. >> I've talked to Chief Worley. If it's an
unlicensed or inoperable inoperable vehicle, I can address that. But if it's a licensed motor vehicle or a semi um the police department has to um notice them or give them a parking parking ticket. Is that what we've done in the past? >> Y.
>> Okay. So, yeah, I've got the same calls and I've relayed them to chief so he's aware of that. >> All right. >> Thank you. >> Yep. >> Questions? >> Seeing no further. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Just want to wish you and your peewe
good luck this weekend. >> Yeah, it's pretty exciting. 36 years it's been since the Pee-Wee's went to the state tournament. So, and Steve Crosby was the uh coach at that time 36 years ago. So, I don't think he's here unless he walked in, but yeah, exciting.
Exciting for the kids and the community. So, appreciate it. >> Thank you. >> We'll move on to the fourth item on the agenda, Mr. Kelly Meyers with his building official report.
>> Council, thank you. Uh, kind of like a normal year, it's a slow start. Uh, January, February are always our slower months. Um things are picking up though in March. So I think we're going to have a good year again. Um basically don't have a whole lot to add
other than that. It's kind of normal. People wait for their returns. People start planning their projects right now. Then they'll hit probably March, April. >> Questions for Mr. Meyers, Police Councelor Wagner. Uh, I think we talked
about this before though, but but what the old gym's cafe, what's going on there? >> Actually, right now he's just gutting it out. They're going to remodel the upstairs for right now, which are apartment buildings right now. And that is not a part of this report yet because they have not decided and completed what
they're going to do there. The downstairs level is basically going to end up being a retail space, not a restaurant type setting as of now. Could still plans could change. So to answer your question, it's basically they bought the building, cleaning it up. They're going to get the apartments
upstairs active and then go from there. >> Oh, perfect. Thank you. >> Progress. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Weren't you coaching PeeWee's 36 years ago? >> That was the year I worked in war road. >> Oh, >> I was just wondering how you slipped
through the cracks. >> I missed one year. >> All right. >> Obviously, I should have missed board. >> Thank you. Thank you. Moving on to the fifth item of the agenda. I will hand this over to our
city attorney, Chelsea Nelson, to give an update on the law enforcement center uh draft lease and responses from the county board. >> Um so in the packet is just their response from February 10th. this was on
the city council moved to committee of the whole to have a better discussion of what you'd like me to respond with. Um I know certainly they're doing the inspection. Haven't heard if that's done yet. Perhaps you want to wait to even do a response until we see the inspection.
Um but my understanding today was to get a better idea of what you'd like me to counter with, what you're okay with, what you're not okay with. >> What was the length of time supposed to be on that? Was there any length of time, Chelsea, to have that inspection done?
>> They don't have any sort of deadline in there. >> We don't. >> I know when we sent our letter, the inspection was before we enter into a lease. >> Yes. Yeah. So, it might not be until they completely move out of it.
>> And that chief, do you know, do you have an idea of where that's at because there's been delay some delays in there. They're um they're intending on moving in there March 11th still. >> Okay. >> So, I know they had setbacks with some
leakage in the building. So, I think they've addressed that. >> Wait till we see the >> in the new building. >> Okay. Well, we I think that the council would probably be in agreement that
we need to have an inspection um before >> yes, >> we we commit >> to something like that or don't. >> I don't want to sit on that. I um >> I want to see movement, you know, March
11th, you said they're going to >> in theory. Well, we need to get we need to get on them and >> you know >> I mean we hold off until we see the inspection before we do any other other >> Well, yeah, but
it shouldn't take that long to go through it and look at look the place over. >> I wouldn't think so. >> Is that a motion? >> I thought I said a motion, but >> I'll second. >> Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't I didn't hear you. Council >> motion.
>> So, councelor Buller made a motion. um >> to wait until we have >> discussion after after they have the uh inspection done for the asbestous and the and the uh uh black mold and whatever else we're going to inspect first so that we're we're sure that's
going to be uh clean then we can go talk about some more. >> Okay. Um so to make it simple the inspection Yep. >> Okay. And you would second that? >> Yep. I'll second it. >> Okay. Discussion. Um and Sue is I think
that um is there discussion on the motions for the question? >> No. >> Okay. So let's uh >> just to clarify. So essentially it's a motion to table >> table >> until the inspection is back. >> Correct.
>> Yeah. Um >> do we do we have a time period? I mean >> no there's nothing in here. I mean, I can certainly reach out and see when they anticipate to complete the >> Yeah, I' I'd appreciate that, Chelsea.
>> I just don't want to sit on it forever. >> Councelor Wagner, >> um were do you think they were expecting a response to this? >> Yes, >> that's that's that's the only thing. >> Um but our response can be we'll let you know once we see the inspection. I mean,
if you want me to do a formal letter like that, I can. I well I think they should get a response. I know that we have to send a formal letter. We can um that was what the motion actually was.
>> I mean I I guess my question for the council is so we're we're currently doing business out of Bakus. Um, is the intent to go into the old law enforcement center if it has a good
enough bill of health or is are we not in agreement on that? >> Um, and what are your feelings, Chief? >> You know, if there if it comes back, you know, as a good inspection, I would
anticipate moving over there. Um, I think a lot of the hold up right now is turning the water system off upstairs, which wouldn't happen until after March 11th because I don't know where the renovations they they talked about the
renovations in the past and it doesn't make sense to do any renovations until after the water would be shut off because I think the majority of the problem was the the leakage from upstairs and all the water being on in the jail.
all the toilets and everything that are up there. So, I don't know how fast they intend on shutting that water off once they get everybody out of the jail and then move into the new jail. Whether that's going to happen right on the 11th floor
there. >> So, I have a question for you, Scott. If that inspection comes back and it's good, >> you want to move in there, right? >> Yes. >> Okay. That's all I needed to hear.
>> So, I mean, we're we're discussing the motion. Um, >> yeah. I mean, I think that the the inspection needs to be done. Um, if the building has asbestous, that doesn't necessarily mean that we can't use it. It's just its shape and form and
whatnot. So I I mean I think that I hope it's a thorough enough report that we can define that >> as long as they're not tampering with any of the should be stable. >> That's my main concern.
>> Yeah. Yeah. >> Councelor Wagner. >> So with this motion, will we not be discussing this anymore as far as what >> I've got a few questions on this agreement. >> Um or do we want to wait till after the inspection?
>> Let's pass the motion assuming it passes and we'll continue discussion on this topic. >> Okay. >> Um I'd like to call the question. >> I I >> I >> I'll vote yes. So the motion uh passes for Chelsea to reach out to the county
on um the building inspection with notations for mold and and asbestous as passed. Thank you. and we'll continue discussion on the other uh topics relating to this lease. Um you mentioned
you had some things councelor Wagner I would uh give the floor to you. >> Thank you. Yeah, two and three is what where my questions are. So, one was, and uh if Chelsea remembers when the county was here, they said two was still
negotiable. Um, and three was one that we talked about during our talks with the county. If you remember, Mayor Dill, about the building, establishing a building fund to continually
keep the building in great shape, right, for for for you guys. So if if the if three is not going to be part of this, >> then I I would I would have to ask if we need to look at the rent structure again
a little bit anyways for a rebuttal on that. >> I we're my personal feelings on it. Um, I think short of kicking the can down the road, and I'm I'm not shedding negativity because I think you have some some great
points, is um, if we make the assumption that the inspection comes back good or do we move in or not? I mean, if we want to go back and forth over um
set aside, we can with them. Um I'm not saying that we shouldn't, but it doesn't appear to be in um the worst condition. It does need a few things. The KCSO seems to be able to
operate out of there fairly seamlessly. Um, you know, it's taken a long time to get to this point. I I don't think we should just shove things that maybe need to be addressed, but I think for the future of the
department, we need to decide at this point if we're going to keep the police at Bakus um or we're going to move forward with um moving forward with something with the
rent. And um you know that's all of our decisions and I think all questions and thoughts should be addressed. >> Well I I believe that we should move there. I do. But this is not what we talked about. >> We we did not talk about this. This this
isn't how how was structured when we came out of our meeting. >> That's all I was saying. Now, I would offer some things to negotiate on it, and I'm okay with not if they're not going to set aside building improvements, >> but if they're not going to do that,
then why not five years before the the 2 and a half% kicks in? >> Yeah. And I I >> This is what I'm saying. Okay. >> So, you want to be able to negotiate a little bit. >> Well, there was no >> per year increase on the rent. >> There wasn't no 2.5.
>> No, that is not what we talked about. >> Okay. It was on utilities alone. >> I have my notes, but you were there. >> Um, and that was after a one-year utility study to see how much PD uses on the space that they are renting.
>> So, that is just my question, >> right? >> Well, I I think like I said, I think you have a good point. And I think that my understanding was that whatever batch of initial improvements we needed to make
were going to be mutual. Um, now in fairness to the folks we were negotiating with, they did say that they had to bring it back to their board and there's more players involved now. So, I mean it I if there's
things that we need to hash out, let's do that. Well, that that's the only okay change that I >> recommend to this council, but that's up to each one of you. >> And I would agree with councelor Wagner
and you know, I don't the and as long as it stays the mutually agreed upon improvements, you know, so they don't say, "Hey, we need to do this, so this is what we're
going to do." I don't have a problem with it. >> Well, I believe the initial ones, and mayor, you can correct me if I'm wrong, was we're going to do the pay half of the remodel so they can get in there, right? That's the idea, right? 50/50. >> Yeah. And then after that,
I I don't believe we're remodeling anything else unless we want it or something. >> All right. And that's what I mean. Yeah. Okay. Okay. would we could uh make another motion if you'd
like, but um specifics as to what we want to address with them. Um you know, I think this is good. We're getting down feels like to the brass tax. So I'm just going by what they said when
they were here. This this part is negotiable. That's exactly what they told us in the meeting. >> So >> So it actually got added. >> That got added >> 2.5. >> Yes, that that is a change. >> Okay.
>> Understandable. Yeah, >> but but that wasn't something we talked about in the >> Yeah. >> in the thing. >> I mean, they Yeah, they brought it back to their board and that's >> But so it uh
do you have a suggestion um that if we're going to have Chelsea add something to her letter? That's what I'm trying to get at. Yep. >> Is um for the group is what what specifics should we address now?
Well, my suggestion, so then then you guys can counselors can weigh in, mayor, is to go uh fixed for the first five years of the lease beginning year six annual rent increase of 2.5%.
Because if I'm correct, Chelsea, this is a 20-year lease. >> Yes. So, >> and it's their proposal doesn't say it's guaranteed 2.5 every year. It's based on the CPI capped at 2.5. >> Correct. That's the also that's the
other part of it. You are correct. Thank you. >> That if we get a deflationary period, they could still raise it to two and a half. >> Exactly. >> Yeah. >> So, it could be higher than that. That's that's the only reason for the five first five years of >> Mhm.
>> and that that should give PD enough time to know if the building is as sound as we think it is, which we think it is. >> So fixed for first five years. >> Yeah. >> Is okay.
Um, >> well, it's just my recommendation up to everybody else. But >> thoughts on that from the council. >> I'll go with that. >> Would you like to make that a motion? >> I'll make a motion for uh Chelsea to
bring that back to the county. >> I'll second it. >> Um, you'd make the motion to bring that back to the county to change from two to five. >> I was just Yeah. Okay. >> But thank you. >> Thank you. You're correct. >> Two years to five years. Yeah, >> that was a quick second. Councelor,
thank you. >> I'll second that. >> Um, discussion on that topic. >> Seeing none, I'd ask the question. >> I >> I >> I >> I'll vote yes. And um that addition can
go uh in the letter as well. Thank you, Chelsea. Um, and councelor Wgner, is there additional discussion uh in regard to any other things we'd like to address to them? We'll get to look at the final
lease when we get to that point. So, let's probably move >> for today other than the points that we have in the letter to discuss. >> It looks like I don't know if they know what they're going to do with that upstairs >> and that might be some hesitation.
if they don't know if anything's going to move in there. Um, that's kind of the hold up and then shutting shutting the water system off too. So, if they can clarify or give a time frame of when that would happen, that would expedite
things, I think. >> Okay. And uh yeah, there will certainly be just the conversations that happen between some of us and um their board
from time to time. We can, you know, >> let it be known that we want to get this >> wrapped up, but I would like to thank them. I mean, they've been we've gone back and forth quite a few times and >> um and it's kept moving on. So,
>> and the rent set aside with that fiveyear lock, that part, then we're saying we're fine with not being in there, right? >> That is correct. >> Oh, that's just me. Rest you guys. >> Well, we I'm fine with that.
>> I >> um >> it's not my favorite thing, but I don't don't know if I need to hold up the process over that. have a little problem with not setting some of the rent aside, but that's fine. >> And I don't know that we need that part
on a motion. Um, I'd mainly be looking at motions of what we're changing based on what they said. Um, they also said they will ensure responsibility for wiring, pipes, and mechanical components. Um, and then the refurbish renovate provision. Everyone's comfortable with that one.
>> They just are. It's going to be light renovations mutually agreed upon by both parties. Nothing structural, nothing major. Yeah. Yep. >> That was concurrent with >> Yeah. >> doors, you know, ceiling tile.
>> Paint doors, lights. >> Okay. And there was talk at one point of a door. >> Yes. >> Do I need to mention the door? >> I don't know. We have to give it up to Chief. I don't remember exactly what door. Do you >> What?
>> It's the uh So, it be the West the southwest door. Sometimes in the summertime it doesn't latch properly when it gets the door gets heated up for some reason. It just doesn't close all the way. So you have to check it. Um I
wouldn't think that that would take much fixing if anything just to ensure that that closes and blocks. >> Would it be fair to send off the letter based on the motions we've made? um we're going to get a response and
then let's say it all goes well and we say okay we're going to take the jump and do this and then you know say well here's the list that we want to do. I mean we can do that before we signed the lease. Yeah,
>> because at that point if >> if it's no then we can say well then we can't do this but >> please council >> there was there was one other one I don't remember this one but was to secure the location with fobs for you guys because there's ent ways to enter
in there >> other than just through the door from other areas to secure that >> there was yeah internally there were some of the doors that I haven't ever gone through. >> Yeah. >> And that was down
>> in the basement. >> In the basement there, >> they they they would need right now they need a key to get in from unless things have changed in 5 years, which they very well get. >> And it's already locked. So, we could
just right put a fob on there too like there is now. Otherwise, they could go through there, get in that door, walk through downstairs and come up. Yeah, one of the concerns was anybody could access >> if they have the >> Yeah. >> like know the maintenance guy that has
access to that, but that's what that be. That just be another fob or lock on the door. >> Just keep that in mind for >> Yeah, you're going to need that. >> But some of those fobs I think would be part of the possibly late renovation if
we come to an agreement. >> Yeah. But we'll make sure one way or another they get taken care of if we decide to go in there. >> Thank you. Any more discussion on the topic?
>> Good discussion. Um we'll keep revisiting as I'm sure we'll have a response by our next meeting. Uh item six from legislation and land use
committee to discuss enforcement details related to the proposed ordinance prohibiting deer feeding which we have in our packet.
Chelsea um made a small change in this draft ordinance. Um there was some questions about uh with any ordinance of who's going to enforce the ordinance. Um, so this draft
has in it that any city of International Falls police officer or other law enforcement officer may enforce um this provision. That's the only change I believe. >> Yep. All the rest of it was taken out.
>> So that's another change to the ordinance. Um, this is a I I don't want to say a hot button topic, but there's obviously like
anything, we have residents that are very concerned about deer feeding and some that aren't so much. And the the initial intent of this was to create an
ordinance that I we have the option to enforce. But one of the options that the ordinance would give us um is with the Department of Natural Resources. they came up and presented um
and before they get involved whether they ever do or not they had asked us uh to put an ordinance on the books. Um, so at this point, what are the feelings of the council
with the ordinance and um if there's going to be any future changes or um we I think we need to get this in a place where we can get it off of our plate and and move on.
>> I'll move to send it to council. Thank you, councelor Kaylor. >> I'll second that. >> Thank you, councelor Holden. Um, discussion ensues. >> Well, that way whether we voted favor or not, then we can move along. Like
Chelsea said, if the other party doesn't agree with it, they can go through the petition process to see if they can change it. But I think it's time we move throw it out there and uh
take care of it one way or another. >> Thank you, counselor. And I would uh I would echo that um that we've gone through the scenarios in our other committee. Um whether it's a split
issue, uh maybe it's not. But if we were to pass it, it can be petitioned and then it can go on the ballot in the fall, similar to what happened with the chickens, and the community can decide uh in in the ballot box whether they
want it or not. Um so that's I think some of the methodology that that could happen. Any more discussion on this topic? Councelor Bowler. >> No. >> Okay.
>> I think it's good to get it on get it going, get it on the books, and then we can work whichever avenue we need to do to control the deer. >> Okay. Call the question. >> I I right.
>> I'll vote yes. A motion passes unanimously. Thank you. And that can get moved to the city council agenda. Moving on to new business to discuss a letter dated February 27th
from citizens for Bakisab regarding the current monthto-month lease agreement for the IFPD that is set to expire at the end of this month. Chief WHley. >> Good afternoon, Mayor and Council.
I did receive a letter from Lois Lundine, the executive director of Bakus. Um, saying that the our lease is set to expire March 31st. Um, we've been operating on a month-to-month
lease now for I don't know how long, Lois, but um, probably quite some time. Um, I guess I would propose that we continue with that monthtomonth until we're able to figure out uh, when
when and if the the uh, old law enforcement center is ready to be moved into. And I do appreciate uh everything that Bakus has done for us and how they've accommodated us over the the time that
we've been there. It's been a good agreement. Uh it lacks u a garage for being able to thaw out our squad cars and things like that in times of heavy snow and or ice. That's it's problematic. We like to get
get our cars in there and get them cleaned up at times, too. So, >> um, but yes, it's been it's been good and we'd like to continue that on a month-to-month basis. >> Okay. >> You need a motion for that? >> I was going to ask that question. Do we
We're monthtomonth, but do we currently have a contract in place for that or we did from prior meetings maybe six months ago? >> Um, so, uh, thank you, Chief. Thank you >> for your comments.
>> And to backis, is there a motion to continue on with a monthto-month lease uh at Bakus AB for the police department? >> I'll make that motion. >> Thank you, Councelor Holden. >> I'll second. >> Thank you, Councelor Kaylor. Discussion.
>> Just to clarify, are you looking to have the city sign a new lease? >> I'll look at our records, Chelsea, to see if it is dated through March 31. is I'll just send another over. >> Okay. So, that potentially would need to go to council then on
>> they can't move for it here. >> Yeah. >> Right. >> Right. And that's Yeah. >> I think my understanding >> motion is to move it to the next council. >> Yeah. >> Um that so whatever the situation >> is there um can be added to the packet
after review. >> Does that if a new lease is required I can get that over to you. Thank you. Okay. >> For the record, Baptis is very happy to have the police department there and you're welcome to stay as long as you like. >> Thank you. Thank you.
>> Thank you. >> I didn't ask the question, so at this time I'll ask it. >> I >> I >> I'll vote yes. And that motion is approved unanimously. Thank you. Moving on to item two of new business.
This came from public works committee um earlier today at 2:30 p.m. The VFW post 2948 um has requested to place a memorial at
Holler Softball Fields. Um, so councelor Kaylor and I sit on the public works committee and agreed to add it uh to this agenda. Um, I would like to read the letter that
uh from Commander Schmidt uh Dennis Manin had presented this to us at committee. Dear council, as commander and representative of the comrades of the United States Veterans of Foreign Wars, Peter Graham Post 2948,
I'd like to give our full support to the request and petition before you to rename the Holler Softball Fields to the Senior Chief Petty Officer Thomas J. Valentine softball and athletic fields. We feel this action is most appropriate
given that senior chief Valentine was an international falls resident who served this country with honor and distinction both in combat and peace time and made the ultimate sacrifice in service of this country in the line of duty. Furthermore, our post will commit to
support and/or fund the design, manufacture, and installation of an appropriate memorial and signage at the location to identify and honor this local hero. Thank you for your consideration of this request, Commander
Schmidbower, our local VFW. Councelor Kaylor, um, do you have any additional to add to this discussion? No, just that uh I think it's a good idea and we and they agreed to work with us and do the design and the materials
and we'll work on finding the proper place for it there or it's um visible and people will be able to notice. Any um questions or concerns? um from
other members of council on this topic. >> Um please councelor Wagner. >> Well, I just I didn't realize it, but they want to rename the field or just put in uh >> I'll rename the field. You know what I
mean? That's what it says here. >> Rename the field. >> That's the way I read it. Unless I'm reading it wrong. Yeah, rename the field. Now we can they can have that signed there and they
tell right now it really doesn't have a name. There's no name. It's just known as the Holler Fields. I mean, we're not going to be losing anything. >> My that's how I read the letter, too. >> Okay. Um now when we had our committee I
think councelor Kaylor and I's understanding was that um they wanted to do the sign to memorialize the ball fields after um this gentleman who's passed.
I think um at a council meeting we could iron out those details um unless there's some other um concerns about it. Uh the ball fields
are named holler like uh many things in international falls and I'm can say that I don't know that if that was a dedicated vault you were a coach for a long time. So councelor tell me tell us about this.
>> I can tell you how we got that field. the school district owned it and one day Jeff Veer said I was president of little league said we'd like to sit down with you and Joe Bole and transfer it to the
city of international falls. So I sat in with Joel Bole and as little league president we got the fields and we just kept it at the name Holler Fields. Uh, everybody knew where that was, but it became our ours,
not the school districts anymore. So, they just transferred it over and I remember uh few signatures and Yeah. >> Well, I can go farther than that. I helped make it. >> Did you? >> Yes. >> There you go.
>> Yeah. One with Soul Falls did that. But I think with Hollerfield I they're they're going to come and I think they're very receptive to whatever we want to name the field. If we wanted to say the
Tony Valentine Holler Memorial Field, I'm sure they'd be fine with something like that. >> Thoughts? No, I was just asking the question because I wasn't clear if it was just a memorial or renaming. >> No, the name the field. Yeah, thanks for
bringing that up. Yeah, >> and the the VFW was going to talk about obviously getting draft signage >> um so that they could show us what it would entail if we did want to
>> um move forward with that >> um at this point in time. Councelor, is this something you'd like to move to council or to the next committee? No, I think we can move it to council >> and that can be a motion if you like.
>> Thank you, councelor Kaylor. >> Second. >> Thank you, councelor Wgner. Discussion on the topic. >> Call the question. >> I >> I >> I >> I >> I'll vote yes and that can be moved to the next meeting as it passed
unanimously. Thank you. Is there any other business? Of course, I thought of that after we did all this, but I'd like to thank uh Mike Walls and the city crew, the public parks that they got up last fall,
the scoreboards that uh Rainer Wreck donated to Falls Baseball International Falls to the fields there. So, those are up now. >> Thank you, Mike. We can move on to correspondence. Um
there is a Zamboni advertising photo from Kerry Park in our packets for uh your information. I assume that that's why that's in there. Or is there
>> 49ers? No sticker on there. >> I see that. >> I like that. >> And the 4949 on the scoreboard. like that too. >> That uh and you've got the coat. You can go drive it right there. >> Yes, I got the 49ers coat. Thank you.
>> Wagner, just a question on that. Uh so this the PCA and the 49ers pay to have their logo put on the Zamboni. And who owns that Zamboni? >> We do. >> Yeah. >> Where does the advertising money go? >> Good question. I don't know. Does
>> that come to the city for >> repairs of the arena? >> I could not tell you that. Um, I think it's something we need to look at. >> Betty, are these >> I believe they the funds go to wreck hockey as hockey does the solicitation
for it, but I will have to verify that information. >> I don't want to speak out of term, but I believe that is how it works. >> Um, >> you can ask that question. >> So, would that go maybe to a dedicated fund for repairs of the arena? You
think? Okay, >> ask that question. >> Part and part of the it's but because there's other advertising like on the board, but part of I can speak because I was on the council then too that it was
a combination effort of rack hockey this city that purchased the and the recreation department purchased that sambony. So hopefully if the funds are going towards upkeep of the sambony, it's kind of the same thing. Yeah.
>> Yeah. >> What does the 1927 mean? >> I'm assuming it has some sort of symbol since they did 4949ish >> or they didn't change the time on the clock. >> This showed up in the back. So I'm looking at I mean it's
>> I'll Google it later. I see if anyone knew. >> Yeah. Um, if Councelor Wagner and the council could uh get that information that you've requested, that would be great.
Thank you. Um, we'll move on to boards and commission reports. Uh, first, Airport Commission, Councelor Buller, and Holden. Everything's going solid. And uh moving along, we got a few things. We're
looking in the process of uh people that want to have more hangers put in there, which would bring money into the airport commission. Um >> so it's surprising how many really they're interested in from what we were
told. Um, I don't remember the exact number, but there's more people that want hangers, which that's a good thing. We're also working on the big transit hanger for the future. Um,
probably be digging in 2027, Walt. >> Yeah. They were going to start on the design as of our last meeting, right? And design of the new transit hanger. >> Yeah. And that's huge. And they had to one of one of the little bit of a
holdups was we had to apply for apply to the state for insulation and heat in that building and that's what they're waiting on right now. >> Yeah. >> Um we know we can get the funding through there's special fund right now for 95% of it but the heat and the uh
u insulation is kind of a a state part of it versus the FAA. It's really going to be quite the addition to the airport. The airport's already getting better and better and better all the time. This is going to add
because it's going to bring money in when it's leased out to the airport commission. So, um, it's huge. So, we got we're lucky. We got one of the best airports around. We do. >> Thank you, Councelor Holden and Buller.
Um, next I am going to move to Kea. I was not in attendance at the last meeting. >> That's why I didn't pay attention. No one was there to keep eye on me. >> Um, >> I got a few things. >> Please, counselor.
>> Um, the first, we agreed kind of in line with the county employees and our salaried employees. Uh I'm not on the personnel committee out there but agreed a 3% raise this year for the staff there
which is two Kyra and Paul and seeen as we're talking Kerry Park and refrigeration all those issues we did had to make some major repairs to the coal box and the cooling out there about $35,000 and
uh out there which is uh quite a hit to the budget out there but have the funds and whatnot and uh but so that slowed things down a little and the people come from Grand Forks had that come twice I believe but u it's up and running like
Kerry Park that uh cold making machines also like everything else around here 30 40 years old you know getting tired so I never knew I'd be involved in so many things that involve making ice but there's two right there and
uh talked about, you know, the warehouse is still going forward. Uh the Felix once moa pro um still working in the finance stages uh and some other partners are interested in maybe developing something there and some
businesses to use the warehouse and the free trade zone when it gets a chance. I'm trying to think, but that was about the major of it. >> Thank you for covering that report. I was at the personnel meeting. >> Yes. And if I spoke out of turn with
that, just >> you did not. >> Um, we'll move back to councilors Buller and Holden. >> I got a question for you guys. >> I'm sorry. Please go ahead. >> Um, the website on the key hasn't been updated since 2019. Is there are will
you be looking at updating that, do you think, or >> we will bring that directly to the director? >> I mean, I think that would be important for anybody that's looking to place a business here. if um they had updated information, they usually go on the web. And are there any other
economic opportunities that you're seeing yet or other than the warehouse? >> Uh >> yeah. Um there's a gentleman uh plan on uh new veterinary uh hospital that the
industrial park uh plans are getting brought up now and financing and it's going to be veterinary but a larger veterinary clinic that can also handle farm animals cuz apparently there's a
shortage of that around here. And he was also at one time they were part of uh H uh Randy River Bets. They were and now I believe he is uh the Mr. Half is a
roving I want to say roving but mobile vet in the area and his wife on the range of the city still working somewhere. That's our plan and we're moving forward with that and that's going to be in the industrial part. Um, >> and thanks for bringing that up. So,
yeah. >> Yeah, that's a essentially from two months ago, uh, was moving ahead. Um, so that that is in the works. Um, there's other development
projects that are being pitched. Um, I don't think it's out of the realm. I don't think we've had a key to level discussion on it, but uh you know, we see it on social media and on the duth news and the Twin Cities news. Um people
want to build data centers. Uh >> we're open for business. >> We're I might if we can do it and build tax base, we can fix a lot of problems, but we're not there yet. Um
>> does that answer some of your questions? >> Yes. We'd be happy to follow up with the director on the website and the secretary. >> We'll move on to number three, North Cooch, counselors Buller and Holden.
Well, we had our uh closing for applications for our director on the 15th of February and uh we met a personnel committee to today with four good candidates that we interviewed and uh we're going to present uh the one
that the committee picked to the full board on Tuesday next week when uh when the full board for the district meet and and move forward from there. So, >> this is good. >> Had some good candidates and it was good to good to see that. Yeah.
>> Good. >> Very good candidates. >> Thank you, Councelor Buller. Uh we'll move on to subcommittee reports if there's no questions on North Coach. Seeing none, um first uh ambulance
taxing district. There was a public hearing that the county um held on the 24th of February in regard to that district. Um any u I know many of you spoke.
>> Yeah, I think we had three counselors that spoke. Tim did, I did, and Pete did. Um, we pretty much, you know, were happy about the county sitting down with us and, uh, we didn't discuss fig I didn't
want to discuss figures cuz we're still in the process of doing that. So, staying out of a maybe a hornets's nest or whatever, but um, we let them know, all three counselors let them know that we're happy. Um,
I believe Emma mentioned it too and Betty were happy that they're willing to sit down and move ahead with this that they're on board. It's just a little figuring out the figures and that doesn't happen overnight. So, um, but
it's looking good. It I think it's uh I wouldn't It's not finished, of course, but it it's looking good. And I think it's counselor. >> I'll just say one that talks to, you know, people keep talking about BLS,
ALS, and it was mentioned there that it all sounds good on paper, but you got to find DMTs to be part of BLS. And perfect example of that was last week when we had another one resign here. I mean, those are um
volunteer basically positions and stuff. You got to find people that are willing to do that. So, thank you that. But just an example where we're at, but I thought it went well. I mean, the information was all there >> good. I mean, and I've gotten a few
calls about the way that the proposed tax would fall on what ultimately would be an opportunity to on pay for use service. And the valuation method verse a flat
>> per parcel fee. >> Um, just the first thing, we all probably have our own opinions about how the county would potentially tax for that service. Um,
but you know, I just want to point out that we've been asking them for this for a long time. And I think that the for me personally that the first issue is to get the money
flowing to keep the service and and um you you touched on staffing and whatnot. Um staffing is difficult in many different areas. Yeah. >> Uh in private business and public sector
right now. So >> any other thoughts? >> I was just glad that they presented both the plot tax and the >> Yeah. >> by >> Yeah. >> property value >> how it would >> Yeah. Um, Chelsea, do not putting you on
the spot, but my what I understood of it, they can change that over time if and it can be hybridized how they would >> for taxing. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. You're not set in stone for one particular way once it's created. It it can change. >> It can change.
>> So, who knows where this is ends up, but um hopefully it keeps moving along. Thank you. Carrie Park. Uh we're in the process or Betty's in the process of trying to get a date together so we can get together
and discuss it the future what we're going to do and things like that. And we're waiting to hear back. They're waiting to get their people together and our people together. And >> Betty reached out to wreck hockey. Yes,
that's what we're talking about. >> We're just waiting to hear back guessing. pretty stable through the >> Yes, >> I would think so. >> Weather warms up a little more. >> Yeah, after this weekend and uh with the hockey tournament and the peewees being
gone, then they'll ice will be leaving. >> Thank you. Um other business meeting adjourned.