I'll call this meeting of the committee of the whole to order. It's 4:23 on Monday, February 9th. Please rise. We'll say the flag. 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. >> [clears throat] >> All of the council is present. Thank you, Betty. Is we have some presentations on
the agenda. Um, not knowing their time, I would think that it would be appropriate that we move to those first. Is the council okay with that? >> Yes. >> Um, let's start uh with new business. First item, Minnesota Department of Health presentation
uh 2025 International Falls Water Source Assessment with Derek Richtor and Daniel Wazinski. >> Please get it set up for you. >> We'll have a way to the slides or you
have to do it for me. >> I don't. >> Can I just put them all? >> You most certainly can. Yep. Let me >> Let's see. Open this. What are we open in here? You're welcome to grab the
Once you get it selected, then I'll broadcast to the screen share. You want to search? I was going to say that's the emergency plan. [snorts] [clears throat]
That's not good. It's on my computer, but that's not helpful either. >> Would you emailed it to anyone? >> Okay. No, it should be on here. Glass on waters.
I have to move it to something else. I can move it quick. There's a different presentation that can go ahead of me, you think? >> Or is there no one else? >> Do you want to Do you want to go to [snorts] Phil while he tries to find that? Is
Phil presenting? >> Yeah. Okay, >> Phil, would you be able to jump in for [laughter] >> Yep. Yeah, I'm happy to >> Is that Can you hear me?
>> Yep, we can hear you. >> Great. All right, I'm going to share my screen. You should have this packet in front of you as well. >> This is item two. were on the band shell committee
>> replacement project. >> Correct. Yes. Thank you. [clears throat] All right. Are we able to see the screen? >> Yes. >> Great.
All right. Thank you, Mayor Dill and Council. Um I'm happy to present today an update on um kind of where the design sits. Um it's really a culmination of you know many months of work with the band shell committee. Um so I'm excited
to present where we're at today and talk about next steps as well. So we um if you remember from the last committee the whole presentation um we're proposing a structure that is quite
similar in architecture and scale and location as the the previous branch shell structure. Um you can see the new structure superimposed on the um the park here. A few improvements that
we're proposing would be uh a new path in front of the stage which would have a handful of pulloffs for um you know people with accessibility additional accessibility needs. so they
could um traverse from the public right of way into a a spot where they can kind of view performances in a comfortable way. Another improvement that we're suggesting is a um a paved access road
which would allow for equipment and um you know people to to bring uh bands to bring equipment up to the stage sort of on a on a pave path. The intent there would be um to
limit the amount of you know cleanup work that parks and reccks would have to do sort of after performances. The thought that there if you give them a dedicated space to use then they're not disturbing the turf and having to um kind of rework that on on any uh after any given event. I'll I'll make a note
here. Um, I'm going to there's a few notes on these slides that say alternate. The way that we're we've been talking about how to present these enhancements to biders would be through the through an alternate process. So, the base bid would essentially just be
the structure with an accessible ramp and a path to the to the right away. Um but then some of the things that uh are an enhancement over the existing or previous structure would uh would be structured as alternate set the bids
which would give you um kind of depending on sort of where the bids in come in uh some flexibility to to control the costs of of that. So, zooming in then on the structure itself,
you'll notice that the stage uh what we've done with with this new version of it, we've eliminated the concrete risers, which gives performers much more flexibility in how they use the space. You know, they could if if
the need did come around where you did need tiered seating, that could be equipment that would be brought in. But the thought is is that if we give uh performers just this flat surface to work with ultimately that becomes much more flexible for them and also for it
to be used perhaps for other uses in the future. The um we are not again in comparison to the existing structure we're not suggesting incorporating any toilet rooms or restrooms in the
structure. Uh we're providing a um storage room for parks and recck staff, a a green room for performers, and then uh a larger back of house
storage area for um equipment or a theatrical sets or um you know, things that would be used uh for performers or uh or or events. In the green room, we're again suggesting as an alternate
here, the ability to condition it. And so, uh, heating and cooling would be provided for just the green room only. And there would be uh a counter on the south side of the the plan here with
some powers or some some duplex receptacles to allow for um you know uh if if indeed an event needed like a a small food component they could plug in like crockpots or something on
the on this counter here. Uh we're incorporating stair access on the on the left here and then an accessible ramp on the north here that connects to the uh public right ofway on the
south. Uh additionally some uh we're we're providing just some pretty bare bones infrastructure for park staff here. mop sink, floor drain,
um, and a wall spigot just for, um, just to support their kind of daily operations in the park there. Um, you know, I I think one of the main sort of design drivers, uh, in addition to recreating something
that aesthetically was quite similar to what was there before was, you know, we wanted to make sure that the the the platform itself could accommodate the same types of performances, but then also offer up some flexibility for other
uses. Um so you know we we did a a quick study to look at [snorts] what's sort of kind of different different numbers of patrons different number of performers sort of how that would um kind of look on the structure as proposed. So uh just
kind of running through these real quick. Option A would be um if we wanted to have seating on the platform. Um you know, you could fit up to 50 seated patrons there or or um or guests. Um,
and then also, you know, creates uh the the new paved area in front of the stage would allow for um sort of a a container for a tent or or some other kind of uh gathering amenity um for if there was an
event that was hosted here. [gasps] Um and then just you know BC and D show different types of seating configurations for different types of musical performances whether it's a you know smaller band larger um traditional or orchestral configuration or like a
choir. Um showing how all those different con um types of uses could be incorporated in in the new stage. Um, again, we looked at the committee and myself looked at um a number of different exterior lighting
configurations. We we um we may note that uh while the city doesn't require new buildings to adhere to the dark sky program, it's sort of a nice to have
especially with its proximity to um you know Voyager National Park and other outdoor recreational opportunities. So the thought here is the you know we the the area around the new structure would be primarily lit with with down lights. Um, and then the only thing that would
be that would use up lights would be um sort of in the inner surface of the shell. Um, again highlighting sort of that iconic shape that the the city uh is so fond of. And then lastly, you know, we looked at
um sort of what is the [sighs] what is the material palette? What are the what is the color palette of the new structure? Um, you know, we've got some documentation of what was there just prior to the fire, a little bit less documentation of what the original
um exact colors were, but you know, from a very basic standpoint, you know, we've got a, you know, the primarily the shell and the vertical walls were all um stuckco and plaster.
uh the roof, the shaped or the the the kind of the curved surfaces on the on the roof were a metal panel. Um the roof was a membrane roof. So, we're essentially proposing uh a very similar types of materials, just that we did
want to look at perhaps a handful of different color configurations um prior to making that final decision. So, you know, this the color palette of the original one, the the the main the primary arch sort of had this green
color um kind of a copper tan metal panel on the back uh and then this tan stucco color. If we look at, you know, unfortunately the only documentation we have is black and white photography, but making some assumptions about what what
those colors were based on um kind of these original photos, uh you know, we can assume that uh you know, at some point the the green arch was added to to the material
pallet. Um, so at one point it had a more sort of monochromatic look with with the base being that heavier um sort of darker color. I I think um and if anybody from the committee can you know speak up as well, you know, we
felt that adhering more towards that original aesthetic uh look versus um trying to recreate that that green arch felt more appropriate here.
Um and we we came to that conclusion by looking at a handful of studies. So this is that uh you know a study that tries to be as faithful to the sort of most recent version of the band shell structure.
Um this looks at you know the a tan a more sort of monochromatic tan look with uh incorporating that green into the base. And then a third option that we looked at was you you know we have an opportunity here. there's a
handful of of civic buildings sort of adjacent to this park. Is there is there an approach that we want to take that starts to like tie in this structure with some of those other elements? And you know what we looked at while we were um kind of looking at sort of the material pallets? There's a kind of a a rust red
sort of look that is used as an accent in the municipal building and the library building sort of just south of of the where the bandell will be. Um, and so we thought that could be a nice way to tie in those those different um
sort of civi civic buildings uh in that that park. So I'll um it's kind of my that's my update on the design. Um you know we're we are very near completion of our construction documents. I'll say I'll
talk a little bit about schedule. You know, we're as a as a committee, we've been talking about making sure that we issue bid documents and provide contractors with ample time to
complete the structure prior to um sort of your your big festival in the park at the at the end of August. Um, so to as we kind of back that schedule out, we're looking to um get permission to put the project as
it stands to bid out um in the next week uh and then have construction start in mid to late April. And then that gives the the awarded contractor basically the majority of the late spring and summer
to finish construction and have it ready for the for that um event. I will uh kind of stop talking now. If anybody has any questions or wants me to go back to any of the previous slides,
I'd be happy to do so. >> Thank you, Phil. questions from the council. Benshell committee is here as well. >> Yeah. Um [clears throat] it's it's come a long way and when and uh the committee worked hard on this. We
have uh basically what we need to do is make sure that we're okay with letting the bids out. That's why this has been brought here today to then move to councel so we can see what the cost is before
the next step forward basically is what where we're at with this. >> Good job. >> Yes. Thank you. >> I like hearing that it'll be probably done by the bass tournament. >> That's our hope. We're hoping.
>> I got that. >> Yeah. But yeah, >> good job. >> Yes, thank you to the band shell committee for your time on this. It's certainly taken some of that. Um,
with that being said, before we can do anything, we need to get a a price. So to do that, uh, I'd ask for a motion to move, uh, the drawings and to put on the city council agenda a bid letting or
move. >> Second, councilors Buller and hold in discussion. >> Question. >> I >> I >> I >> I'll vote yes. And this is moved to city council unanimously. [clears throat] Thank you. >> Thank you, Phil.
>> Yep. Thank you very much. Thanks, Phil. Thank you, Bob. And thanks to Renee Whitbeck and Jim Lucach, also part of the committee for their time and efforts. >> Great. Thank you. Um, moving back to item one. We had a technical difficulty.
>> Good to go, >> Derek. We're good to go. We're going back to the source water assessment with Derek Richter and Danielle Lzinski. All in on the ground. >> Thank you.
>> Yep. [cough and clears throat] >> Just this computer suddenly not have PowerPoint. >> [laughter] >> I don't need any more problems today. >> I can run it from >> I'm trying to think. I think if I open
it with I think I can open it with edge. >> I think I'm familiar with >> you. >> It's just finding a program to allow access to it >> for the parks and direction. Good God.
>> I could link to the meeting from my computer too and try to present that. You want to try that? >> I think that [laughter] might be the best. >> Do you want me to give you this back? >> Uh, yeah. >> Inject it before I
cause it to crash. You have to join the meeting though. >> Yeah, I'll give you the credentials here in a second. >> How do you want me to join it? >> Um, is it Zoom? Okay. The meeting ID is going to be 56649.
1 2 3 4 5. >> All right. What was the ID? >> 56649. >> 1 2 3 4 59. >> Password's going to be 56649. >> 56649. our zip code. >> Okay.
>> Yeah. >> Join the meeting again. 56649. Yep. >> And then 1 2 3 4 5 and 56 49. >> [cough] >> I'll turn both video and audio off.
>> Yeah, make sure your audio's off. >> Recording in progress. Then should be able to share screen without any difficulty. >> Hallelujah. >> We made it. [laughter] Yeah,
>> a little bit >> little bit of a workound, >> but [clears throat] okay. So, uh, like I was introduced, I'm Derek RTOR, uh, with the health department. I'm the surface water coordinator, so I work statewide with 23 surface water facilities.
Danielle is my counterpart. She's the hydraologist. She also works statewide. So, we work all the way down on the Iowa border, all the way over in the western border, all the way up here in the northeast in the mountain range, uh, and kind of everywhere in between. So, today we're going to talk about a source water
assessment that was completed for International Falls. So, we'll talk a little bit about the partners who were involved in that process. We're going to talk about the background of the original source assessments, why we're updating it. We'll go over some
maps and figures, some of the main key details of that source water assessment, and then a secondary piece of that which is an intake protection plan and some of the next steps in there. So, looking at kind of like a statewide highlevel perspective, all the major
agencies have participated in uh source water assessment before, so they're aware of what's happening. We also invite them to participate in this International Falls source water assessment as well. A big component of this was uh having the US Forest Service also play a role in this just because of
the different land use. Uh as you know the state has a variety of different land uses across the state but up here there's a lot of forestry and water. So it was important to include them as well. If we [clears throat] look more into local involvement uh we have Minnesota Rural Water Association. They partner
with the health department on a lot of individual projects but they have staff that are regionally based. So we rely on them for more intricate technical assistance use uh and implementation in those different regional areas. We also include county staff, the SWBCDs. They
get a lot of funding from Bowser. So it's important to include them in this process as well. And then obviously the cities that are involved uh with International Falls and the drinking water system here and some of the shared boundaries as well. So looking at a source water assessment
itself and really what's in there. This isn't everything, but this is some of the kind of key components of that. We have updated delineations. What those are is where your water is coming from, kind of the land use and what's contributing to that intake. Talk about the land use inventory.
There's infrastructure characteristics. So, we know that some of the facilities across the state are relatively old. Some are going under renovation, some are being updated. So, we try to include that in the report as well. We talk about current source water quality. So where it's coming from, what kind of values we're seeing from a sampling
perspective and what type of quantity is also being provided to the city. There's a potential contaminant source discussion. So the ERRA, SMA, and DWISMA up there. Uh those are abbreviations for the updated delineations. I have some slides on those. So we'll go over those
in a little bit more detail. We also partner with the DNR uh climatologists and we talk about some of the overarching trends that we're seeing from a climate perspective. So we include those but we included on more locally level. So we'll focus what's
really happening, what we're seeing from a trend perspective in precipitation and water near international falls. And then overall we have some recommendations at the end of the report. some of the key details and findings that we uh find out during this assessment.
So, prior to this in 96 uh there was an amendment to the safe drinking water act. It required all surface water facilities to complete an amendment amendment complete an assessment at that time. The health health department participated in that process as well. At
the end of 2003, all of those 23 facilities statewide completed those assessments. Minneapolis, St. Paul, and St. Cloud took it one step further and they created an intake protection plan. We adopted that in this round of the
assessment. So, that is part of what's going to happen after the assessment. I'll talk about that a little bit at the end uh of the presentation. We had some clean water funding uh that we reallocated at the health department in 2018 and that [clears throat] created
us this advantage for us to be able to come out update all the assessments statewide. It's something that the health department participates in and then also offer that intake protection planning as well. So here we're looking at some of the older delineations. You can see that it
expands over multiple watersheds. That's kind of the line work on the map there. Originally, we identified every single potential contaminant point in there and provided those to the cities. As you can see, that's a huge area and very unmanageable.
So, what we decided to do is get a little bit more focused and talk specifically about what's really important to the city and what they really can manage on a citywide level. So, here's a statewide map. This [clears throat] shows all 23 facilities.
All of the cities that have that yellow boundary, they've already completed an assessment. You can see International Falls is on there as well. I showed the old Minneapolis and St. Paul boundaries on there. So, you can see how large those boundaries used to be. Now, we've shrunk those down on a
more granular level so we can focus more on contamination purposes and what can immediately have an impact to your drinking water. So the three new areas that we have are the emergency response area. Those are those little red boundaries. That is up to an eight hour
time of travel. So anything that hits the ground can reach the intake within an 8 hour time of travel. There's a blue outline, that's the spill management area. That's an up to a 24-hour time of travel. So, we've done those delineations using updated models and
LAR network and data package that the state has in order to create those boundaries. And then that new yellow boundary you see on there, that's a smaller huck boundary on a huck 12 level. And that really is just focusing on what we know is contributing water
that potentially could get to the intake, but it doesn't really have a time of travel boundary to it. So this is a little bit of an example. Uh before we jump into International Falls, I just wanted to make sure that you understand when we are now looking at points of contamination. We're
focusing on point and non-point source within that emergency and spill management area, those red and blue boundaries. The yellow boundaries is more of long-term protection and preparedness. So we focus just on non-point source pollution from that aspect. The other thing is they are
tailored to each individual city. Fairmont has some lake basins along with a couple tributaries. So that's why that boundary is so small. Mano is similar to a river system that we see here in International Falls, but we do have a large lake that's contributing to it as
well. So the boundaries are going to be similar to what we would see in Mano. Those are the first two facilities that went through our delineation process and really helped guide how we um updated those delineations for that time of travel. So here's the new boundaries for
International Falls. You can see those three areas on the map. You can [clears throat] see that a lot of it extends out into the lake. Those again were based on time of travel models that we had and some of the LAR information that we collected from the DNR.
If we zoom in a little bit, so that red area is your eight hour time of travel or up to eight hours and that blue area is your 24-hour time of travel. So, anything that is either spilled or precipitated in those areas,
that's the time of travel it's going to reach that intake. Now, again, some of it's going to depend on flow and time of year. We know that spring melt and runoff you're going to have increased velocities. So there is a potential for it reaching it quicker. And then we also know here in the winter because we're
not having a lot of interactions between surface water. What's happening with our precipitation just because everything is frozen that time of travel is going to be a little bit slower. So it is going to vary throughout the year for that intake. There is one fourth boundary. It is in the report. I just wanted to briefly
touch on it. basically that purple area eventually water that falls within there would reach the intake but we're talking sometimes hundreds of years but we use this boundary on a statewide level for coding water plans or one watershed one
plans and we can use this to show that international falls does have interest in these areas if they're going to be doing any type of logging management US forest service work or any type of other protection or restoration activities on the kind of like a statewide level. So
when we participate in those meetings, this is the information we bring along and provide to them. Okay. If we look at land use directly, those are those three areas that are broken down. You can see that the majority of them are water, wetlands,
and forest. As you move to the right, it increases. When you're talking about that yellow boundary that I showed before, you're roughly at 97% of water, wetlands, and forest. So, when [clears throat] you picture
what's contributing to your system, this is what you should be really imagining. You're having lakes and wetlands, large vass of vegetation, forest land. What is important to recognize though is a lot of that is on the east side. When
you move towards the city, you do have increased development in urban areas. Along with that comes impervious surfaces. But you also can see that there is the light blue is a large wetland complex that is identified in the map as well.
[snorts] So if we look at infrastructure, we know that there has been flooding issues that have occurred. We know in 2022 the water rose significantly high near the facility itself. We also know that there has been some
rehabilitation projects that have started to hopefully mitigate that flooding issues, but that is going to be something continued that we have the potential to see not only here, but also in the state of Minnesota itself just from a precipitation and water perspective.
We also know that historically water use has declined over time in the city. Some of this could be contributed to more efficient appliances being used in households. But we also when we look at a population level, we know that there has been a decrease on a countywide
level and they do project that to continue uh into the future as well. So that's something to consider as far as when you're looking at infrastructure and water use, there's going to be a decrease over time. So, one thing we always like to see uh
when we look at water quality and what's coming out of the plant itself, there has been zero violations, at least we know from 2017 in those consumer confidence reports. And that's always great to see. So, the treatment that's being provided at the city right now is
really, really good water quality coming out of the plant. So a big part of this assessment is identifying what potentially could contaminate that source water and reach its way to the intake in the plant itself. What we really found when we looked at
this assessment is above and below ground tanks. Those are really important just from a perspective identifying them. We also know there is a potential for those to leak, but they also have to be filled often. So there's also another potential for some type of spill to occur there as well.
We also know that construction storm water is kind of happening on a consistent basis. We all know that construction's happening on a citywide level. Also along in the watershed as well. So identifying those areas and those open permits is important to know if there's some type of contamination.
We potentially could pinpoint it from there. We also can use those construction storm water permits for any type of street cleaning activities and you maybe could hone in on specific areas where projects are going on. Also looking at potential contaminant
sources, we identify any roadways that are within a 100 ft of any type of tributary, river or lake. So we do have some roadways here in International Falls like that. We also know that there are some railways that go over the river here as well. We know that there's
significant travel on those railways. Uh so communication with those companies and updating and current keeping current emergency plans up to date is really important. I fish up here as well. So I know there's multiple boat landings and
resorts in the area. So that also is definitely a potential contaminant source not only for AIS, but we also know people are coming in and out of there very very frequently. And then open green spaces we put on here. It's important because we know cities typically manage those areas.
When we say open green spaces, we're referring to ballparks or cemeteries, other parks in the area, but they're managing typically those for fertilizer, pestil pesticide applications, also fall cleanup, and just general maintenance. So, those are easy things for them to
control and just make sure we're not either overapplying or doing the correct management for those facilities and areas. So I talked a little bit about this just kind of climate impacts in general. We know that we've seen since 76 DNR has
been collecting data on what they call mega rain events. Those have increased almost 100% within maybe the last 20 years. So we're getting more and more water. [clears throat] Some of it is coming in snow, some of it's coming in rain. But typically the
trend is instead of a 4 inch rain event over 4 days, it's coming within 4 hours. So we've seen that increase over time. The data shows that it's going to continue to increase. So from a preparedness perspective, we know that flooding has been an issue in the past. Something to keep in mind when we move
into planning for that. So when we look at what's really important, I know it's a big fisher fisheries area. The biggest thing for me when I go fishing is I have to remember the plug in my boat. Otherwise, everything falls apart, right? Can't do
anything. So, to keep really everything afloat, what we focused on, we looked at the assessment for recommendations. We know there's a lot of resorts in the area. Having communication and education for any potential spills that are happening in the area is important for them to communicate back to us as far as
what's happening. We also know that there's boat lands in the area. I talked about that before. We also know that there are some resorts that have above ground tanks on site for fueling purposes. Again, I mentioned those. There's a potential for those to either leak, but they're also being filled on a
frequent basis. Also, storm water importance, recognizing where those are. Again, I talked a little bit about street cleanup. So you can focus again in the fall if we're seeing uh some significant either water change or where things are coming out of our storm water going into
the streams and lakes. So it's important for us to recognize where those are uh and just maintaining maintenance on the storm water storm water uh conveyances themselves. Another big part of the assessment I mentioned uh is that railway is going
over the river. A big piece or a main one that we really identified was just north of the intake right at the Rainy River Rainy Lake uh confluence. We did some analysis. So based on last year's flow data and the flow station is actually south of the intake there on
the river on the next road crossing. Um, but during spring melt last year, if there was some type of incident that happened on that railway, the plant would have roughly three hours to identify what spilled, what happened,
and close the intake to stop any type of contamination from [clears throat] reaching it. Historically, uh, based on flows, the highest value we recorded was 55,000 feet per second. that would give the plant about one hour
to react to type of spill. Now again, that's worst case scenario and I know that flows uh fluctuate throughout the year. We have a spreadsheet uh that we provided to the plant so they can type in that flow analysis for something was to spill, they can quickly know how many
hours plus or minus 30 minutes that they can react to that. But that's something really important that we wanted to point out. Again, I talked about this just flooding at the plant itself. That's an easy way for drinking water to be contaminated.
It also has an infrastructure component to that. Uh making sure that components are elevated in the appropriate areas. Making sure that during a flooding event you do have backup power available. Those are specific things uh that were outlined kind of in the recommendations
and recognizing that. And then protection piece. There is only one intake here, International Falls. I will say a lot of surface water facilities, they also only have one intake. So, it's important to make sure that the backup water that's stored at the facility is ready to go in case
there is an incident where you need to close the intake. The upside for International Falls is there's a ton of forest and water for protection and dilution. So obviously with that large lake that we have north of here that's contributing water five
gallons built in there is not going to have an effect on on that intake in the drinking water. But from a protection standpoint communicating with US Forest Service about management talking to the resorts about what's happening on their facilities that's really important just to keep everything water quality and
quantity maintained the same. So for the assessment piece that's all I had kind of for that high level the important stuff that assessment is completed has been finalized. Uh there's an approval letter that's going to be coming up here from the health
department. The next piece to that like I talked about Minneapolis St. Paul and St. Cloud they participated in this intake protection plan. So we take the assessment and then we drill down as far as what we want to do from an implementation piece. the key components
to that plan uh and we will work with the plant on that uh is really coming up with activities that they want to do, who's going to pay for it, who's going to lead it, how long is it going to take, how often you want it to happen. So some examples in that plan that have
been imp implemented in the past is they have uh used funding to buy a new street sweeper and then they've implemented that on a certain timetable but then they used the storm water permits that I talked about to identify where they wanted to clean the street more
frequently. We've done uh hazardous waste cleanups. Both were paid by the health department fully with no match from the city. We also have education outreach, so pamphlets that can be sent out. Again, we would print those at the health
department and provided to you um on a larger scale. The cities have used this implementation plan to uh get funding on a large scale. So, Lassard Sams uh provided just over a million dollars to the city of Fairmont to do a nitrate
diversion project. So, they use this plan in their grant process to bolster the points to get that funding. Once this plan is complete, the city has access to the implementation grants at the health department. Now, it's not a lot. It's $15,000 twice a year, but we
fund almost 100% of them that are applied for. And they can be as small as adding security cameras to door, updating locks to the facility, buying emergency response material, uh updating the electrical panel for the generator on site. So, whatever is in the plan,
which we would be working on with the city, as long as it's in there, then you can apply for that funding through the health department. >> Thank you. >> That was a lot of info. I know it was >> questions at all. >> Good information. [clears throat]
>> Questions from the council? >> We're going to be finished up shortly. Okay. >> That was a lot to take in. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> We appreciate you making the trip here and uh >> good things to come. >> Thanks for the information. >> Yeah.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you. At this time, I'll move back to old business and invite Sheri Sten up for human resources and safety report. >> Um, I just have a few updates for you.
So, um, please feel free to jump in at any time if you have questions, but I wanted to let you know, uh, well, I wasn't here last month, so some of this has been done previously, but the employment law posters have all been updated for the year, so they're on all the bulletin boards and accessible for
all employees. Uh, pay equity. So, you passed the resolution to go ahead and submit that. We officially pass >> and you have a copy of that letter in your in your packets today. So, a lot of hard work went into getting to the point where we could go ahead and pass it
three years later. Um, employee related stuff, the health insurance coverage notifications, those are being completed. The 1095 forms have been mailed to the employees and the 1094 was submitted to the IRS. Um, under safety, the OSHA grant, we did
receive the reimbursement, so that's been processed and taken care of. So, that's that's done now. Uh the OSHA 300 logs have been completed, posted, and I submitted the information online to OSHA and I've done the um annual clearing house queries for
the CDL drivers. So that's all that I have this month. Any questions? >> See none. >> All right. >> Thank you. We'll move on to items two and three with our fire marshal
Jared Baldwin with rental licensing first and blight report the second. Thank you mayor and councel. Uh in your packet is the rental licensing report for the month of January 26.
Um as you can see 40 inspections were completed. Um 145 inspections remaining in the current cycle. Um 17 inspections completed um on current rental properties July 25th
through 27. Um the corrections identified were below um we still have one property that um is not licensed but it's current not currently not rented. Um and we are seeing a uptick on
properties um coming online for rental licensing. So that's uh good to get some more in the system. Um large majority of the inspections we've done recently have been apartment buildings and uh for the
most part all of those apartment buildings do have vacancies right now. So um continues to be a success. Um it's been good. Um, so that's where we're at. >> Questions for Jared?
Any additional? >> Not at this time. >> Okay. No questions. >> Okay. >> You want me to go to blight or >> please? >> Okay. Um, blight packets also in there. This is for 2025
um into 26. Um the majority of the are uh cleared out. Um they've been corrected. There is a few that we're still waiting to get through um with the attorney, but uh
this list will be starting over. Next time you see it, it'll be pretty small because it's just the start of the year and uh things have been pretty quiet. we've had to identify or address a few small issues um this winter. Um mostly garbage related, but uh for the most
part um we're uh it's been pretty quiet on that front. So >> majority has been corrected and >> yeah, >> it's good. I mean, a lot of the some of the ones that we've been dealing with, we've
[clears throat] we had a hotel um that uh on Third Street that we had to shut down. Um and they've been without garbage service for quite a while. Um so they had a pickup camper, a pickup box trailer in the back that they were using
to throw all their garbage in. It was under the stairway. Um so if you talk to these people for most part most of them will correct it. Now there's some that are difficult where you have to um send them a notice on paper and give them
their timelines to do it. But [clears throat] um people seem more willing to work with you. Um they know that we're enforcing it. So one way or another it's going to get addressed. So um but uh yeah other than that it's going well. So >> what's the length of time on notice?
What you give out a notice and then when's the next one come if they haven't >> Seven days. >> 7 days. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> So the date to notice they have seven days from that and then if it's something you know that we can address we'll we'll clean it up or do whatever we have to. If not we can we could
administer a $150 administrative citation. Um and then get that gives it buy them basically another week to try to complete the process. So, um, it's been working. Um, you know, it's it's an
issue sometimes getting paid on that, but it is assessed to their taxes. Um, so there's not really an easy process for it. So, >> Sure. >> Thank you, Jared. Any more questions?
>> I just the one um I noticed all the carves on here that have been corrected. if you has it gotten easier then now that they know we got a place and we're going to come home for them to do what they need to do. >> Yeah. Um we have I mean there's still a
lot of vehicles that we're probably going to have to address. What they do is they they'll buy license tabs for them to try and you know beat the system. Well, it's licensed and operable. So they might move it from one point of the yard to the other. Then next year I'll come back and it'll just
be same same situation. So, um, you know, we're we're to the point now where we have a place to put them. So, after they get their seven days, if it's not corrected, we have to have the ability to just go in and get it. So, that'll make it a lot easier this year rather than it was so delayed when we didn't
have an impound yard. So, now we'll be able to just go in and follow through the process as it's written. So, >> all right. Thanks. >> Thank you. >> Thanks. >> Thank you. >> Thanks. for the building official report. I
believe Kelly Meyers I don't see him in the back. So he is out. There is a report. It's quite simple in your packets with the building permit activity which
looks just fine. We'll move to five old business. Uh and to our attorney, Chelsea Nelson, uh an update on the law enforcement center. >> Uh thank you, mayor and councel.
[clears throat] The letter um with requested changes, modifications, clarifications, that sort of thing went out. Um Adam Co got back to me that it would be going to the board and administrator Bergstrom just recently shared with me it looks like it's going um in front of them Tuesday.
um with some of them what we asked for, some of them a little bit modified of what we asked for. Um so hopefully we'll get a response from them here soon. >> Is that this Tuesday? >> I think it's tomorrow. >> Tomorrow. Okay. >> I think so. >> At their committee as a whole. >> Yes. >> Yeah.
>> Okay. >> Good. >> So we will know soon. >> Yes. >> Any additional? >> No. Unless you have a question. >> Until we get the letter back, we'll
probably wait and see. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Thank you. And at long last, we'll move back to new business number three to our police chief, Scott Wley, who has um
a list beginning with a uh the vehic excuse me, the decals on the police vehicles. Police chief. >> Good evening, Mayor Council. Thanks for having me. Um, when I was appointed as chief, I was
aware that there was an issue or a complaint uh made by a citizen about the decals or the graphics kits that are on the current fleet of squad cars that we we do have. Um, I wanted you to know
that I looked into that. Um the statute covering that in Minnesota is statute number 169.98 which covers police patrol or security guard vehicle. Um I broke down each each of the uh phases
in the statute looked um at them with a fine tooth fine tooth comb. Um, in a nutshell, um, the city of International Falls has been compliant 100% with this statute. Um,
under subdivision one in the statute, it says municipal police departments um, police units shall be predominantly blue, brown, green, black, or white. Ours are primarily black. Um
and then it goes into um subdivision one article B. Um it goes on to I um define what we are supposed to have which we have
completely. I'm not going to read the whole thing to you but we we have everything that that statute covers. Um, the point of contention I believe that was out there was in addition to subdivision 2A which was specially
marked police or sheriff vehicle. The definition of a specially marked vehicle is a vehicle that is marked only with the shield of the city or county and the name of the proper authority on the right front door of the vehicle.
that does not apply to us. I also in addition I contacted Advanced Graphics who did the graphics kits for our squad cars. Um she said that the graphics kits that are on the cars
are stealth graphics. They are not ghost graphics. She said that ghost graphics you can hardly tell are on there. As you know, anyone that has seen, our squad cars at night are highly reflective and
are almost like a beacon at night. Um, I didn't order these graphics kits. I inherited this um when I be was appointed as chief. I feel that it would be an undue cost to the city to remove those graphics kits,
pay labor to have and buy new kits. Um it would be quite expensive. I am however in favor um of changing those graphics graphics designs over the
next few years um as we get new squads. Um, I am fine with that. Um, I talked with councelor Buller right before the meeting today and I thought that it would be a good idea um to not only
include you guys on the design for the new um squad cars, but also the the people in the department. We could take a look at them all and see what we all like and
vote on it if we wanted to. So, um I believe this this issue though is is over. Uh we are covered by statute fully and I see no point to take them off at this time.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Yes, Scott. >> Is there discussion from the council or any thoughts >> [snorts] >> uh from Chief or Attorney Nelson? >> I don't have any additional thoughts. Um, I think it's best for the city to
change the details as we rotate vehicles in. >> Certainly >> as a as essentially a corrective action going forward. >> Correct. >> Whether we are in compliance or not. Understood. >> Thank you.
>> I like the idea of a lot of people getting to look at them. Mhm. >> You know, if when we do go to change that people have got a way of talking and visiting and picking out something good. >> Yes. >> Um I appreciate your investigation into
this coming through the public safety committee. >> Um >> absolutely >> appreciate it. >> And I have seen these graphics kits on others as I traveled through Illinois and whatnot. I've seen the same exact ones and I think other people as well. >> Sure. >> They look identical to what we have.
I've seen them and then they [clears throat] was originally done as a soft p costsaving measure not uh that's how long they've been on there. That's I was still working. So,
>> but I I think it'd be a good idea though to change them. Just sometimes it's nice to have a little more visible, you know, and you can go from Well, you Scott can tell you, well, so you can go from having just the police to basically
having your car wrapped, you know, now. >> Yeah. There it's there's so numerous the decal kits you could look and look and look for. >> There's a lot. And I think the graphics go back to Chief Masten era. >> Yeah.
>> So, couple chiefs prior for what it's worth. >> Um, if you're willing, let's move on to item B with the squad cars. >> Yes. So, we have a current fleet right now of 10 squad cars in our in our fleet. Um,
I want to downsize the fleet. I want to um the council lets me. I'd like to sell two of the cars to downsize. We own three of the 10 and I would like to sell um one of the ones that we own. Um one
of them also has higher mileage and has been a kind of a problem. So I'd like to cycle that one out too. It's a good time for that and then move the fleet around um and have the officers using the ones
with lower mileage and and whatnot. So that's my what I would like to do. The the estimate um that was provided me is roughly the cost of the two that I would like to to sell is about 27,000.
If we could uh sell them at what they're worth now >> each or for both >> for both [clears throat] together that's 27,000. We would uh need to move that item to the city council meeting. >> I'll move.
>> Thank you. Councelor Kaylor and Buller. >> Is there discussion? Please. Administrator Bergstrom. >> Thank you, Mayor. With that motion, we be declaring those two vehicles as surplus property and authorizing um selling of them.
>> Okay. Understand. And yeah, I would just hope that the money with uh what's at the city council meeting that the money can stay in the police department for future items as we did for public works and whatnot.
>> Call the question. >> I >> I >> I >> I'll vote yes. Motion carries unanimously. Thank you. [clears throat] >> Uh you're still up, Chief Worley. Um, so the the other agenda item on C
here is on my staffing uh for the police department. Um, this weekend I have two open shifts that have not been filled. There's only one officer available at work. Um, we have one officer right now who is currently on paid paid leave for
12 weeks and we have another one pending um who has applied for getting the uh paid leave. that puts us in a bind for filling shifts. Um I don't know what I'm going to be able to do for this Friday
and Saturday, but um it's becoming an an increasing problem to be able to fill shifts with with the the staff that I have. Um others have important events that they're attending,
so they're not able to fill these shifts for whatever reason. Um, so I would like to um consider adding staff um whether that be part-time or full-time.
I wanted to put together figures for you, but it's difficult with a part-time officer because we don't know how much they're going to work during the year. Um the uh calculations that I did today for a full-time officer would be the wages
plus the benefits. um roughly broke down to just over 94,000. Um for the police aid, that is an average between of what we had last year. We had 14 officers.
Um that's breaks down to about 13,357 per officer based on state aid. So that would bring the cost of a full-time plus benefits would be about 80 almost 81,000. Do we have candidates in the area?
>> Um, we have a couple, yes, that are available. >> I I believe we already have a roster. Correct. >> We do. And I would have to look at the time frame for if we have to update that or not. But yeah, it's it's very difficult right
now to be able to fill shifts and um we've had a rash of um domestics in town this year where I don't want to put an officer dealing alone in a town of you know roughly 5,800 people, one one cop to fulfill
fulfill that amount of people. >> Do you have a certain request? um >> currently. >> So, at this time, I would like to add one as soon as add an officer, whether part-time or
full-time, um as soon as possible so that we can help with filling of shifts because of our shortage. >> I'll make that motion. >> Councelor Holden makes a motion. Is there a second for support for
councelor Holden's motion? >> I'll second. Thank you, councelor Wagner. Discussion ensue is so to be >> discussion uh is one enough. It sounds like to me like you need two. >> Um yes, we're we have someone who is
looking at leaving the department soon. Yeah. >> And um that would definitely >> result in us needing two. >> Would it be easier to go part-time then to start with? or would you
>> um to start to start with it? >> Like I said, I don't have figures to put together for you. Um back in 2022, we had six part- timerrs. I think the cost of the part-time budget, it was budgeted for about 82 83,000.
Back in 2022, I think the actual cost was around 93 between those six six officers. So, >> I mean, until you know a little bit more, would it be easier to >> Yes. >> part time with any part-time could work into full-time if you need it?
>> Correct. Yeah, that would be that would be fine. >> Yeah. Chief, we've talked about it. I mean, I think a couple things come to mind that with the paid family leave and some of the
laws that exist for people to take um leave time for having a child or something like that. Um [clears throat] yeah, we're as an overview and you you can recap this and fill in the low
spots. We had 14 and I think you've indicated that 11 and a half or 12 would be what you would want to staff the department with. >> Yes. Correct. 12 preferably, but >> correct.
>> Mayor, I'd like to resend my motion to two people. >> Okay. Well, would you amend >> Would you amend it? >> Amend it. Yeah. Yep. >> I'd like to amend it to two people. >> Okay. I'll second his amendment.
[laughter] >> More discussion. >> This is to put that recommendation to council, right? >> Correct. Okay. >> So, the council has to vote >> and discuss it. >> Clarification. That's two FTEEs. >> Yes.
>> Whole time. >> Yep. >> Yeah. >> Thank you. >> Um before we vote Yeah. And at the council level, we do whatever >> is decided. So, I'll call the question
to add this to the >> to the council meeting on uh February 17th or somewhere thereabouts. Remember, was it the 17th? >> I was going to say Monday, >> but it's not Monday. >> Starting with councelor Kaylor.
>> I >> I >> I >> I'll vote yes. It goes to council on the 17th. unanimously. New business item four, citizen complaint about logging contract logging trucks in the area of Third Avenue East.
>> Thank you, mayor. Um I recently have talked to a citizen who is [clears throat] has complaints about um logging trucks that are rolling the stop sign at the intersection of Third Avenue East and County Road 332. Um, I'm aware of these
same complaints that have gone back since I've started with the police department back in 2019. Um, [snorts] I know that some of the complaints are also as Jake breaking and things like that that are a disturbance
to to that person. Um, I don't know how to best resolve this. I've had a good um open communication with with the individual. Um I said that I would
go and approach um PCA about this and see if I can communicate with them to see if they will get on the same page of trying to help me in this situation to resolve this the best way possible. I don't know if signage will help. I don't know if um traffic enforcement's going
to help. I explained to the citizen that the state patrol commercial motor vehicle inspector is commonly out there. I've seen I've seen him working in the area in the mornings uh between 5 and 6:00 a.m. and pulling logging trucks or
any trucks coming in um from 3:32. Um, I've also explained that it's not common for municipal police or sher the sheriff's office to deal with commercial
vehicles because it's not our specialty. We let them um handle the state patrol commercial motor vehicle inspectors handle that. And frankly, I think they get ticketed enough um for those violations that
they've they have and that the state patrol finds. So, I'm going to try to resolve this the best way that I can. Um I'm [clears throat] going to discuss um signage options and
try to work with PCA to resolve these before we have to take enforcement action. And please, Council Wagner, >> I think uh also you may want to reach out to the companies that are on these
trucks, >> okay? >> That their whoever's their boss or whatever, okay? >> And let them know that this is what's happening. Maybe they can instruct their drivers, right? >> Okay. >> Um >> I could put together packets and hand them out at the scale shack even or, you
know, as they come in. >> Yep. Y >> and let them know that this is a concern and that if you know we see flagrant violations, we're going to have to do something >> right >> at some point. So >> that's what's been done in the past for when like routing through coming through
town here and stuff is just talking to them and asking them to the logging companies themselves to move [clears throat] their tell their drivers to take a different route or >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Thank you. Councelor Ber was uh which
intersection is official I know three is it on 332 itself when they come make that stop and then turn or is it >> Yeah. So when they when they would come in on 332 westbound and then they would take a right hand turn and then head north toward to the scale. >> That sign right there you >> Yes. Correct.
>> That's a state sign anyway. >> Yeah. So the state would have to be putting in some signage there. You could check with the state signage and find out if there's anything more I can put on on even >> I guess maybe I don't I'm sorry it's a county one because that's county road
down. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. It all converge >> but I would just like to add there's a stop sign there at the intersection. I mean I don't know what other signage we need. Just I don't know about Jake breaking or if there's >> we got to put a flashing light
>> saying to let them know to just completely stop. I I don't know what else to do. >> I think I'd go with like you say talk to owner operators. >> Yeah, owner operators and mention the Jake breaking and you're probably going to get farther that way than >> Okay. >> Yeah, that was
>> and and I'm sorry. Go ahead. The I mean the issue is is that we have some concerns and that that's okay, >> but >> the ask is that you're going to put two of your guys there and pull over every single person and drive them into the dirt and they're all wrong and they're
all bad. >> That's what I don't want to do. >> Right. >> Um it just doesn't work like that. I think that's >> correct. that there's other um there's been some uh fireworks in the past
over different situations, not relating to anything that the PD did, but yeah, you're and councelor Wagner, please. >> Um and you probably can get through to PCA and they'll they should have the groups that are bringing wood in now and
they [clears throat] should be able to give you a contact probably even um who you would talk with. But let them know too that you know and they might be able to talk to him also. >> Okay. >> Um >> is it a good good point to go to the scale shack? Is that a good point of contact for now or should I go?
>> You can Yep. >> Okay. >> Um uh I can get you the the name of the head of the process center now too. Or we can uh contact the mill manager too. >> Okay. >> Thank you. That's all I have. Appreciate it.
>> Thank you, Chief. That was a long list. Yes. >> Any other business, >> Mr. Mayor? And then maybe you're >> first um did >> did we move to council the band shell
going out for bids at our next meeting? >> We added it unanimously to the council agenda to discuss. >> Don't blame me. Yep. Don't mind me. I thought we did, but I all of a sudden I didn't. I think I was so full anticipation waiting to see if we get
our next uh slideshow going that I must have forgot. [laughter] >> Okay, councelor Wagner. >> Uh yeah, just one thing and I don't know if we have to get it before the next meeting, but the the Stabber grants if everybody saw that um [clears throat]
and look through that uh email, but a lot of a lot of that money went to water treatment. >> Yeah. And there's a deadline of March something to apply >> and >> Yeah. So, are we gonna make sure we get in? >> Yes, definitely. I just got it today, so
I looked at it. I will. >> Yep. >> Perfect. That's [clears throat] all. Just wanted to make sure. >> Thank you. And Betty, you had raised your hand. >> I did. Thank you, mayor. Just a matter of process going back to 3A for the decals. Can we make a formal motion at
city council in related to this item since it's been back and forth on um committees and committee of the whole and different areas? Would it be appropriate to make a motion that we will be changing out the decals upon um
new vehicles rotating out the vehicles? Um, we we can I mean I guess are you talking about the wording on the agenda at the next city council meeting? >> Yeah. Adding it to the agenda that just that making a motion that we would be
replacing or redoing the decals on any new purchases. >> A motion like so a motion but in a form of a resolution. >> Just a motion on the books. I'm just asking if >> to add it to the agenda. >> Yeah. adding it to the agenda because we
didn't make do that. It's entirely up to you folks, but just with everything we've had going back and forth if that's something that you would consider or not. >> I think that was the intent. >> I'll move. >> I'll second it. >> Is there discussion? Do we have the
motions for the minutes? Ask the question back to Pete. >> I >> I >> I >> I'll vote yes. And the [clears throat] motion carries unanimously. >> Thank you. Absolutely. Is there any other business?
>> That was soon enough I could remember. >> Board commission reports, airport commission with counselors Buller and Holden. >> Well, it's going good. I mean, we uh picked new officers. Um and uh Brian
Briggs is still chairman, but we got vice chairman. And and then our new hanger, the big hanger that we're going to look at building for the future,
that's we're getting closer to that. Um and looks like the city and county wouldn't have to pay much to put in for that. So, um,
the whole the whole airport's actually looking pretty good. So, that's what I got to report anyway. How about you, Wall? >> Ditto. >> Ditto. >> Done. Good. >> Thank you. We'll go to councelor Kaylor
with his keels club report. That was in >> my out. Well, I got a lot more to uh to to report on the Elks than I do Kea right now. >> Well, you always do for community purposes. That was
>> Yes. But I don't really have a lot for either one right now. We don't meet till the end of the month. >> Correct. >> No. >> Um, back to councilors Buller and Holden. Uh, councelor Buller being the board chair, please share about North
Cooch. >> We also had election of officers at the last meeting and uh we are now in the process of uh taking applications for a new director as Cali is going to be retiring the 1 of May. And those
applications are out from now until the 15th yet of this month. So that's the deadline on the on the applications. And I haven't uh had conversation with her of how many we've had ready so far or not. But all I know is they were too
interested early. That's all. So >> Okay. >> But yeah, it's a >> Yeah. And then >> halftime job. 20 hours. >> Yeah. Our crews crew for working on the lift stations throughout the boundary line all the way out been
working hard to keep everything running good and they've been doing a great job. So, we always like hearing that from a supervisor that things are running pretty smooth. He gives a report at every meeting. So, that's good.
>> Good. Thank you. Subcommittee reports. Ambulance taxing district is number one. uh in our packets is the county notice
um for Tuesday, February 24th at 5:30 p.m. where they will have a public hearing u in regard to the formation of an ambulance taxing district through the pathway of a subordinate service area.
Um it's a very important item. Would ask that all that can attend. Um the county has asked uh for our support on the issue as well.
>> Anything to add? >> No, I'm I'm just excited that we're moving along and I'm hoping for just like you are and everybody that sits on this council that we get it done
and that we you know get it done with the county and whoever else we got to we move forward and get it so we have a good ambulance system for the whole area. So that's what I'm looking for. [clears throat]
>> Carrie Park Arena any >> we have not met. >> I and I was going to suggest maybe um Betty could reach out to the Raki board and see [clears throat] and we can meet again to see where we're at and talk about once again what we're looking
from both sides. >> She's nodding her head. So >> yeah. Yeah. And I do have something else communitywise. Oh, that uh for any I don't know any veterans here who may be watching uh later that February 19th,
the Cooching Warrior Initiative is having our second annual ice fishing trip down to Lake the Woods. It's free to all veterans. Um if you're interested in going, call the uh veteran service office and they'll sign you up. >> Thank you.
Anything on the Humane Society this time? Okay. Is there any other business? Seeing none, the meetings adjourned.