It's 5:30. I'll call this City of International Falls City Council meeting to order. >> Please rise and we will say the pledge. >> I pledge algiance 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. All members of the council are present this evening for
the record. The air conditioning is also on which feels good. Are there any additions or deletions to the agenda as presented? >> Motion to approve agenda. >> Second. Thank you. Councilors Wgner and
Buller. Are there any questions or comments? I'll call for the sign. Starting with councelor Kaylor. >> I >> I >> I >> I >> I'll vote yes. And the agenda is approved unanimously. And thank you.
>> Approval of the minutes. Minutes of the Monday, May 18th, 2026 regular city council meeting. I'll move >> second. >> Motions by councelor Kaylor and Holden.
Are there any discussions or changes? >> Seeing none. I'll ask the question. >> I I >> I. >> I'll vote yes. And the minutes are approved again unanimously. Thank you.
Payments and claims accounts payable. City of International Falls claims $859,48.84 Airport Commission claims $114,72151. Airport Major Capital Project Claims $71,35348. Total accounts payable and claims 1
million45,483.83. >> I'll move. >> Councelor Kaylor makes a motion followed >> with councelor Wgner. Is there discussion on approving this payment of claims? Seeing none, I'll ask the question.
>> I >> I >> I >> I'll vote yes and payments and claims are approved unanimously. >> At this time, we will move to the audience open forum. If there is anyone here that would like to come forward and
address the council, please do at this time. There will also be an opportunity uh at the end of the meeting if you would like to come forward. Seeing none at this time,
we will move to new business for the first item, an update on the International Falls Water Treatment Plant Project. How are you, sir? I'm doing fine, mayor. Thank you very much, mayor, members of the council. My name
is Luke Kela with Bolton Mink. I've uh I've been online a few times, and it's nice to be here in person and see you all. And um first of all, I just wanted to start off with a congratulations. Uh $4.8 million in a bonding bill is is nothing that doesn't come without some hard work. And I know it took a long
time, and a lot of you worked with your legislators, uh lobbyists, and and things like that. I believe looking at the the allocations north of Duth it was the largest single project allocation. So it's nothing small. It's a very sizable investment in in your community.
And recognizing that we wanted to do cake and uh have some drinks afterwards with with you all um and the members of the public and whoever would like to stick around for that because it's uh something that should be celebrated. So congratulations on that. Um getting on to the water treatment
plant where we're at right now. Um it's it's starting to get into the meat and potatoes of of of the work here. And what I mean by that is um uh the filters are starting to getting pos we're positioning them to start taking them offline so we can do some demolition. Um in in doing so we're moving from five
filters to three filters. There's a lot of temporary process work that goes with that. Um as you can imagine there's a lot of electrical connections, hydraulic pneumatic connections, air connections, things like that. So, it's it's uh it takes extra time, a lot of meetings, a lot of people thinking and and going
through and figuring that stuff out. Um we'll have an extra meeting next Monday afternoon um going through some of that with some of the the milits on site. Um and then hopefully if all goes well, we're running on three filters now. Um if all goes well after the 9th, we'll be
able to start cutting into them and start removing them one one at a time. So, the new filters will be delivered uh after the July 4th and we'll get those first ones installed and running. That'll take a month or so um to get everything hooked up. Department of
Health will have to sign off, be on site, give their blessing, and once they're ready to go, we should be moving on those. Um just some other little things that we've been working on. Um some door hardware. There's things like key fobs, electronic uh security, things like that that we're installing. That's that's today's technology. The roofing
membrane. Um the is all complete. The roof is not done yet though. There's still tin and steel and things like that have to be put up there on the parapit and whatnot. But the membrane is is done and sealed and tight. Uh the HVAC unit has been on place and they're going to do some thermostat wiring and controls
and hopefully the HVAC will be running because we're getting as you know kind of the talk I've been hearing up here is grass cutting and and heat. So uh it's very hot in that building with all the windows for sure basically. So it be nice to get that running. Um there's some other accessory structures there, chemical tanks that we've been
demolishing. Um getting new chemical rooms ready to get put online, things like that. Um in the future, uh we're hoping to get the operators back into their lab. They got a have a temporary lab set up in the office right now and cabinets and countertops and plumbing
and things like that. And the other thing that kind of set that back was the HVAC unit, of course, is Murphy would install it is right above the operator's lab. So, they had to get all the HVAC stuff done before they could get everybody back in there. So, um other than other than that, it's business as usual. There hasn't been any real
hiccups to report or anything that's out of the unusual. And, uh that's a lot of info, so I'll pause for questions >> for the council. Uh >> please. >> Chemical tanks. What uh what what kind what chemicals and will the tanks be dyed?
>> The tanks. Yep. So, um code now is they have to have um contaminate. They have to have two walls. So one is initial um barrier and then the secondary barrier is outside of it. So 100%. So you're looking at um a coagulant which is a it's a polymer. So it's it's more of a
um it's like a sticky all surface water plants have to add a a polymer for a coagulant to bind to bind organics in the water. >> Um so that'll be in there. It's doublewalled tank. Um there'll also be fluoride which we are adding now. There's nothing that's new. So, it's all stuff that's in there, but it'll be up
to today's codes. Um, chlorine and ammonia, same kind of gas feed systems, same kind of gas sensors will be in there. All the up today's HVAC um ventilation and things like that'll be up to code and whatnot. So, um not that it was there was anything that wasn't working before, but yeah,
>> you can imagine from the 90s to today, some rules have changed and things like that. So, whenever you're messing with a new chemical or a room, you have to get it up to today's standards. So, I would say if anything, the processes and the the storage and handling will be better than what we've had in there.
>> Yeah. >> I hope that answered your question. >> It helps. Yeah. You know, in the event of a failure on one of the tanks, we want to make sure that we're not contaminating >> bone the river, >> our water system. >> We also would like to invite um the fire department out there, emergency
responders once it's all done, so they can do a walk through. They can see where the tanks are located, how much chemical is on there. And actually, there's uh what's called a tier two, which they're familiar with, tier two reporting system. So, it shows how many gallons of what chemical is there, what the flammability or corrosiveness is of
it, and whatnot. Um, so they're all up to date on that. But, um, it should be safe. It should be very safe. We're not anything there is not really hazardous other than the chlorine, I would say. Um, the amounts that we're dealing with are 150 lb cylinders. So, we're not
talking ton cars like you'd see where the catastrophic failures happen from these railroad cars. They're very small. So, I would say it's it's very safe. Is >> it possible to get a tour like we did last time? >> 100%. Yep. Um, I encourage that because
for reasons like that, it's one thing to talk about it, but when you can see it, you kind of put it put it to memory and and and um whatnot. So, if any of you would like to go out there and look at it anytime, um especially when the filters are coming offline, that'd be a really good time to see it, too. >> But anytime anytime you'd like to and I think
>> is it I if I run it through Betty if that's okay because we correspond often. So, >> anytime you'd like to get out there. >> Thank you. >> Wonderful. More questions for Lou. No, just said at the one uh public works meeting, there's concern about parking
at the parks parking lot where the boats ramp is and I I went through there a couple times and there's no issues going on. The only ones there last time were the kiddies uh learned about doors. >> I'd say there's anywhere from up to a
half a dozen vehicles maybe that are there. >> Yeah. Yeah. There. and they were all out of the way. But as just mentioned, and if there were people putting in boats and where they were, it wouldn't be a deal. >> Sure. Yeah. If there's anything we do to help out with that, there's just a lot of dumpsters and things on site. So, and that'll eb and flow, right, as
contractors on site and cans are moving move and whatnot. So, >> wonderful. >> All right. >> Well, thank you for the update and certainly enjoy uh having a piece of cake here in a bit. >> Yeah, there's enough for two or three, Mr. Mayor. Thank you.
>> Thank you. Thank you. So, >> we will move to item two of new business to consider a resolution approving application and permit for a 1-day to 4-day temporary onale liquor license for the Rotary Club July 3rd and 4th
this year for the 4th of July celebration at Smoky Bear Park. >> Move to approve. >> Second. >> I We do. That's fine. We got the motions. Mrs. Grim >> Carol Grim representing the Rotary Club
of International Falls. And I want to thank you for serving on the council for one thing. >> And we appreciate your cooperation with getting this license so that we can make a little money for our projects in the community and the community doesn't have
to be dry on the 4th of July. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. and I'll do my best to help the projects. Good. >> We had uh and I'm looking forward to the 4th of July as I'm sure everyone is. >> Um we have motions by councilors Buller
and Wagner. Um is there discussion on the approval of this permit? See, >> I can't do it by myself. >> I'll ask the question. I >> I >> I >> I'll vote yes and the permit is approved
unanimously. Thank you. >> Next, we'll move to number three to consider a resolution approving plans and specifications and authorizing solicitation of quotes for the 6th Avenue West between the
south line of 19th Street and the North Line of 17th Street. improvement um as petitioned. >> I'll make that motion. >> Second. >> Thank you. Councilors Balden and Wagner. Is there any discussion?
Um just to get a little bit of information on the record, Jason, is there anything you'd like to add? Not nothing particular unless there's questions. Um Oh, this will this project will be >> Thank you.
Um, since this project will be its engineers estimate is 130 just under $135,000, we don't have to do the bid process. So, we'll be requesting quotes from local contractors um that are already in the area and stuff. So,
>> thank you. Okay. >> Um, I believe we do have two motions on the floor. If there's no further discussion, I would ask the question. >> I >> I >> I >> I'll vote yes and resolution is approved. 5-0. Thank you.
Number four, to consider a resolution declaring intent to vacate certain streets and rideway within Franson's third division and to call for a public hearing. Um, Administrator Bergstrom, would you give
a brief update for the record on this um before we move forward? >> Yes. Thank you, Mayor and Councel. We have been approached by um the county along with uh a group that is working to purchase this property and in looking at
how it is parcled, it needs to be corrected. the parcels are actually going across the street. And so therefore, in looking at um how we need to vacate the actual Third Avenue uh east is what needs to be
vacated in this area. Um and so therefore, we could have um the proper paperwork for them to purchase the property. And then in the future, they plan on um renovating these these apartment buildings as well in the very near future. Where where is this?
>> It is Falls South Apartments and South Falls Apartments. >> Okay. >> So, excuse me. Go ahead. >> No, I'm good. I Well, I was guessing. I just wanted to know where it was. >> Um, is this something you are looking to do at the next city council meeting?
Have the or do you want to have a special hearing? >> Oh, for the public hearing, I think we have to wait. Well, no, we can schedule it. We could schedule it prior to the next city council meeting. Yes, >> that will be enough time.
>> Yeah, cuz Third Avenue runs right through the middle of those. >> Yeah, >> correct. Y >> that's a South Falls issue. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Is um there a motion to call the hearing? >> So move.
>> Thank you, councelor. Second and Wagner. >> Further discussion or concerns? For clarification, mayor, then the public hearing would be on the 15th day of June at 5:00 pm.
>> Yes. Are the motioners amendable to that? >> Yes, I think that >> Thank you. >> Excellent. Thank you. >> Further discussion. I'll ask a question. >> I >> I >> I
>> I'll vote yes. And the hearing is set unanimously. Thank you. Item five. Um, Chief Worley, is this something that you'd like to present to council or would you like me to read it? >> If you'd like me to talk about it, I can.
>> Please do. >> Good evening, Mayor Council. I apologize for missing the last meeting. So, I had I'll have a lot of things on the public safety meeting upcoming, but um so the sheriff's office had an opening
uh with the retirement of Deputy Gary Jensen. Um the sheriff's office took applicants who were internal applicants only. Um most of my officers are also part-time
deputies. Um, they interviewed five five of our officers and then ended up taking one of our full-time patrol officers, Shane Trramer, um, to fill that open deputy position. So,
uh, we will be down from 12 fully staffed down to 11 now. Um, so we will we will again be one short. So, it's just unfortunate uh right when we
got to full staff and then got knocked down again. So, >> thank you for the update and I think we probably anticipate that you will be bringing forward um some options here. Yes. >> Staffing in the very near future going
into well in summer really. >> Definitely. Yes. >> I have other updates. I don't know if you want me to talk about them now or if >> Sure. >> Absolutely. >> Okay. Um
been in communication with the state Minnesota State Patrol and the Minnesota DOT about some of the the the bridge traffic going to Canada uh creating some safety issues on Highway 11 and and Fourth Street, Second Avenue. Um
so so far talks have been going good. Um, we've been discussing some other signage um for U-turns, um, people that block westbound traffic and people that are making left-hand
turns and creating a big mess uh, going across. It's not a new issue, but it's one that I'm very passionate about. Um, we tried to get some new signage last year and um, there's some more ideas that the DOT and the state patrol have
had. So, that's good good communication with them for sure. Um, I did sell two of our uh, surplus two of the squad cars that we owned
outright. um generated just over $23,000 in the the two car two cars that were sold. Um they one had very high mileage and had been on the force for a few
years. So there was some things that were breaking down on that car. Um, I am also happy to announce that our department and a couple members from the sheriff's office also took part in the
cop on a rooftop initiative which was a partnership with Dunkin Donuts um, which is a benefit for uh, the Special Olympics. And I'm happy to say that we raised almost a thousand dollars um which was
better than many areas such as Grand Rapids, Baiji, um Cottage Grove, Fidley, Anoka. Uh so I was very proud of the efforts that were put forth. >> They did a good job, the guys that were there.
>> Yes. And I figured it was good cuz you know by the time I got there the getting a little light on doughnut choices. >> Yeah, there was a lot of you know kind 4th of July I do what I can to help you know and if I got to buy some donuts well so be it.
>> It was nice to see the community turn out and I thank everyone that donated to that cause that's a very worthy cause and >> they were even working the window. >> They were. >> Yeah, >> it's good to see that. Um the only other thing uh I have
reached out to County Commissioner Roach and spoken to him about um the old law enforcement center and how things have are going over there. Uh confirm that the water is shut off over there. So
I have just uh spoken to him about that and uh we'll see at the next safety meeting. I'll talk more about that with the council and mayor. Uh see where which direction we're going to go there.
And other than that, uh took part in some safety planning meetings with ISD 361 and some of their uh their crisis response um to emergency situations. and they've
been they're uh implementing a new system called love you guys and um we've been in some planning with with them. Heaven forbid that a disaster ever happened, but we want to be prepared in
the future in case that does happen. So, that's all I have for now. >> Well, thank you for the update, Chief. >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> Yes, you're welcome going on and we're thankful for your department. Yep. Busy start to the summer.
>> Thank you. Um, we do need to accept the letter of resignation um from patrol officer Trimemer. Is there a motion to do so? >> I'll move. Second. >> Thank you, councilors Kaylor and Wagner.
Is there discussion? Would just like to thank him for his service. He's not going far, so I think we'll still see him. Um, with that being said, I'll ask the question. >> I >> I >> I >> I'll vote yes and the motion carries to
accept unanimously. Thank you. Other business for the council this evening. Seeing none, um there are reports in our packet from administrator Bergstrom, our attorney
and department heads reports uh from the council or council members. >> Well, we did receive $4.8 million in state bonding. And I know that there's cake sitting on the table. Not that that's the right reason to rush through a meeting. We certainly wouldn't do that.
>> Um, but at this time, I would like to invite anybody forward again that would like to address the council on uh any specific topic, please do so. Seeing none, uh we'll move to reminders. First, there's a governmental accounting
presentation on Monday, June 8th, here in the chambers at 5:30 p.m. And the next regular city council meeting is in two weeks on June 15th at 5:30 p.m. This meeting is adjourned.