--------- I'll call this committee of the whole meeting to order. It's 4:00 on April 13th. We will hold the budget and finance meeting afterwards. 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.
We will begin with old business first with Sheri Stenland, our human resources and safety director. >> U so as you're aware you approved two new patrol officers. Both have been onboarded and as of today they have both started. So
>> great. >> Yeah. Um director of public works job description. And so you'll find that in your packets again. Um after uh we we did some tweaking to it to add zoning administration duties to that as well.
It was previously under the building official. So we're moving it under public works. Um so I am well I'm requesting that we can move that to the city council meeting next week for approval.
And we haven't advertised or posted anything yet because we wanted to make these changes and get approval for that first. Yeah. The because a little bit of this is fluid so to speak with the departure of our building and zoning official in
an employment capacity. Um, one of one of the critical roles with the building codes is we also have to do zoning. um [clears throat] because of the nature of it, um we're going to have to even if we were to
subcontract out the service to someone in Minneapolis to do uh building permits, we still have to have somebody internally to do our zoning. So, >> I just I'm not trying to talk too much, but that as we met, that was a key piece
that really sticks out. That's probably every bit as important as the permits. >> And I think this was actually Did this go to the building official from the public works from one time? So, >> yeah.
>> Well, I'll move to send it to council if you're looking for a motion. >> I'll second. >> Motions by councilors Kaylor and Holden. Is there discussion? What ask the question? I I >> I'll vote yes and it carries
unanimously. Thank you. >> Yep. And then I wanted to follow up on a question councelor Wagner asked last week about um the compensation for the position. So the starting is 87,238
and then uh 100% of that is 109,047. Now, >> um let's see the public works posting. Keep up if you can. So, we posted the first two positions which were the maintenance worker one and the heavy equipment operator for the excavator
sweeper position. Um nobody signed the excavator sweeper position. So, that one is being advertised externally that um we've put that out there. It's on the website. It's it's on various websites but on our website specifically and it will be in
the rainy lake is at this coming Thursday. Uh the maintenance worker one a few internal folks applied for that. So we kind of had to figure out who was going to take that position. So it what we will be posting and we're waiting to get that internal posting up for the
union members is um an equipment operator John Deere 710 which is what will go up. So that has to go internal for one week and then if no one signs that or fills that then we'll we'll go external for that as as per
previous approval and if somebody does sign that then we'll start again with another one week. So any I probably should have brought a diagram. Huh. >> And that's to fill the two positions. >> Yes. The two positions that were approved that were open in
>> So the one we're post the John Deere position is that a former watershop position or is >> it is currently a watershed position. So we're not making a lot of internal movement even though someone internally will be filling the position because we've got to kind of back bill some of
this stuff. Yeah. >> Oh, question. >> I would like to add to Pete because you know you've brought it up. >> Yeah. >> About some lateral moves going into next year >> and
so there we're still going to end up with an open position that needs to be filled and I think the potential may be there to do that internally. >> Please. [clears throat] >> Okay. uh working on the public works summer staff. We've received several
applications right now. Um Mike and Steve are reviewing those and we're going to meet again next week to formalize who we're going to um extend offers to and then present to council for approval.
Um, oh, um, the EMT certification course, uh, that's facilitated by Nathan Meyers, that's finished up, and we have, uh, two more applicants coming out of it who will want positions. One is currently a volunteer, um, firefighter as well. And then there is, um, an
applicant who does not currently work for the city. So, those will be on next week's city council meeting for approval. Um, any questions on all the open positions? I feel like there's kind of a lot going moving out there right now.
Okay. Um, I completed the salary survey for the League of Minnesota Cities for 2026. So, that data has all been submitted to them. Um, the updated information should be available in June sometime. And then I am working with public works on um developing some
banner requirements for the banners that go out on um Third Street there. >> Any questions on anything [clears throat] >> safety related? The banners? >> It is safety related. Yes. Or >> like putting them up. Some of them are
are have been too short and so the electrician has who does this his >> hanging on to his bucket while he's >> Yes. Yes. So, we're going to just try and make sure there's that requirement out there for the for the length so he
doesn't have to hang out over the street at all. >> Thank you. It was a busy week last week with >> Yeah. >> some of this. So, All right. [clears throat] Okay. Our fire marshall is out on
vacation for the week, but the report um is in your packet for review. Chief Manasa in his absence, do you have anything to add? >> Uh, I don't on the monthly report, but I can report under the new business on the
timeline stuff for me. >> Okay. Thank you, Chief. We will move through items two and three to item four. The building official report um is in the packet as well.
needs no explanation currently uh as we'll be discussing this at another meeting at 5:30 this evening um in regard to the report. Are there any questions from council or from our
administrator? Seeing none, we'll continue on to old business 5. An update on the law enforcement center. [clears throat] the county um did get back to us in
our latest request. Chelsea, do you have anything to add other than um what's in here? We had had we had you draft a letter you sent that they
responded. Um >> I don't have any other information. No. Okay. Uh, thank you. So, I mean, basically, Councelor Wagner, they have agreed to do an inspection,
um, and then came back with the rent structure and CPI limitation. So, um, just to go through the checkpoints, 50,000 a year for the rent, fixed for
five years of the lease, beginning in year six, annual rent increases based on CPI, but capped at a maximum of 2 and a half% per year. If the building inspections identify issues requiring additional
expenditures, the county will maintain its previous offer as follows. 50,000 for two years and then beginning in year three um rent increases capped at um 2 and
a.5% year percent a year based on the CPI. uh they would like to move the process forward without delay and encourage a timely resolution of the remaining items necessary to finalize the lease
agreement. Thoughts from the council? You're smiling, councelor Holden. >> I'd like to hear from Tim Wagner. So the the last paragraph that you read there, it says if they identify issues
requiring additional expenditures, we revert to the other thing, the other lease. I don't understand that. >> And then up here it says we have to to agree to the lease prior to the building inspection. >> So I I don't Somebody has to explain
that to me. I don't know what that means. If that means uh I if they go in and they have to mitigate it mitigate asbestous then we go to the 50,000 for two years. >> Yep. >> And then we lose the the fiveyear CPI
which we had which is in the first part of the letter. Um or am I reading it wrong? >> Um I think you know based on the black letter law that that's correct. I would anticipate kind of or assume I guess the
idea behind that would be that they'd want the increases to make up for the cost of fixing it um beforehand. But I can't I mean that would be an excellent clarifying point. Um but I think that's what they mean >> and that's pretty much what I thought
too, but I just wanted to we need to be sure if that's >> Yeah, I would agree. My interpretation was that of Chelsea's that they're saying we'll give you a little better deal, but if we have to go in there and
spend X number of dollars, then, you know, we're going it'll be the pre-negotiated deal from the last round of of letters. But I mean, I think that we need to move this forward with the
police department and get a letter of intent signed with the clause in it that says um you know, if this inspection comes back, we're going to move ahead with it. That's
what the chief's indicated. Um and otherwise, we've got to shelf it. I mean, we've kicked it around for six months and >> we've we haven't they they've kicked it around for six months. We we've been pretty good on our timelines. We we
started talking to them in August. We waited till November to hear anything, you know. So, I mean, I that that's fine, but I don't want to rush it. [clears throat] I want to make sure we're right on this thing.
um and that there isn't a big mold or asbestosis thing in there. You know, we we want to be sure. We don't want to send them in there if that if that's the case or are they going to ask us to pay for more of it? Well, I think that that's where we can call their bluff is
they're saying that the worst case scenario is that if they find anything, >> they'll still give it to us for 50 grand fixed for the first two years and then in the third year capped at a
maximum of two and a half%. I mean, I think they're looking for some buy in that. Yeah, we're planning on going in there. Um, councelor Butler, >> what's holding up the inspection? >> Yeah, I'd like to know that, too.
>> That's that's been talked about from day one that we had to have an inspection. >> Months have gone by. >> What's holding it up? Is there any explanation on that? >> Yeah, I I think it's quite simple. I mean, if we don't do the lease, I don't think they're going to inspect the building. And I think that that's where
they're going with this that yeah, we're going to inspect the building if we're going to rent it out to a tenant. But um I I don't I mean is all I'm saying is if if we take motions to go to the council meeting
that's in a week and we approve a motion there, we're going to send it over to them. They'll reply. That'll be another month. and um it'll be a month after that. And I'm just >> Yeah, >> you're not wrong.
>> I mean, my feelings are that the the nitty-gritty needs to just play out. I mean, we're we're obviously if we vote as a group to go forward with it, I think that it would be safe to say nobody has the intentions of going in a
contaminated building. >> Um >> yeah, we would never send our police department No. >> In a contaminated building >> and we don't, you know, they're operating out of there now. >> Yeah. >> Um they're going to inspect it. I think they're saying, "Listen, if we can prove
to you that it's all fine, are you going to go in it?" I think that's that's my take of the letter is. So, >> so do you want to do like a letter of intent back based on the terms? So to kind of ease your mind, we can put I can
put language in there that says, "Yeah, we agree to all these terms with the understanding that the reason it would fall under option two would be because you're paying to correct >> issues found, >> right?" >> Yes. >> Rather than do another counter offer to have them >> Yeah.
>> come back. >> Yeah. something in there that says, "Yeah, we're >> yeah, >> we'll agree to this to the as long as it or commit that as long as the asbestous is taken care of one way or the other if they find it and if there is
>> are you wanting to limit it to asbestous?" >> No. >> Yeah. What whatever >> both inspections whatever the inspection Yeah. >> So just based on my experience with how inspections go is they can get very very detailed. It's not every single item for
inspection. It's >> things that affect like [clears throat] >> occupancy. What? >> The environment in there. >> Yeah. >> What' you say, Walt? >> Things that affect the environment in that building, in that room.
I can try have a draft for you guys to look at on this next Monday. So maybe that could be approved then if that's okay >> or if it's not approved um you can tell me what you want changed too. >> We'll move that I move to move this to council next week.
>> I'll second that. >> Thank you councilors K Wagner. [clears throat] Is there discussion? asked a question. >> I >> I >> I >> I'll vote yes. And motion carries unanimously. Thank you.
New business. Um I don't see Rob here with a legislative update. Have you spoken with him recently? >> Not recently. I was looking cuz I didn't see him either and I was looking on my emails on when he and I were discussing
this and um he said he would be here. So I I'm not sure something must have come up that he is unable cuz that was on the ETH >> that he and I were talking. Um so something must have come up.
>> Yeah. >> So >> cuz they just got back today, right? the representative the down at the state at the >> go back to work. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> The um just from the little bit that
I've talked to our representatives, it's it's sounding like if they produce a bonding bill that we have a very good likelihood of getting something. The ask was up around four and a half five million was maybe 4.7.
>> Yeah. Um, it sounds like if that happens, it will not be that, it'll be less. Um, uh, Senator Hoschild asked me maybe two weeks ago if you know, would you be happy with two
and a half million? And my response was, I think we'd be happy with whatever you could fit into a bill. Now, he may not even carry it. It could be um so I Rob could have far more detail but it sounds like that maybe bonding does come out of
um the session. >> We'll talk [clears throat] to Rob on Tuesday. He said that's Graas carried it >> in the house and Roger has um I believe less money than what Grant will get. So,
but um 2 and a.5 million off of 13.7 is >> any any is good. [laughter] >> Next, we have item two of new business from public safety committee. Um would like to invite our police chief Scott Worley forward
with a discussion on ebikes. hot topic lately. >> It's good evening everybody. Um the eBay all of the ebike legislation I find very confusing so far. There's a
lot that's ever changing on this stuff. Whether it's designated as an off offhighway motorcycle, which it seems that some electric bikes are also classified as offhighway motorcycles.
And then there's electric assisted bicycles, which I think is the mo the most that we're going to see in town. Um, and in a nutshell, basically nobody under
the age of 15 can operate an electric assisted bicycle or offhighway motorcycle. Um, I'm I'm thinking that we're looking mostly or have talked about an ordinance
in the past for bikes that are riding on sidewalks. is pretty much the gist of what I'm getting. Um, all regular traffic laws apply to bicycles the same as motor vehicles if
they're operating on the streets. Um, that that goes into some new legislation on speed limits and things like that on on electric bikes. Um, I'll tell you if someone's going over 30 miles an hour on an electric bike in town, they're going
to get pulled over and they'll be dealt with. Um, and then at that time, we'll have to see what definition of bike they have that it fits in because there's many pages of info on the definitions of what
they are classified as. That's the confusing part. Um, for us just looking at a at a bike on a sidewalk, we don't know what it is. We don't know what classification what it's going to fall under. But they're
breaking a traffic infra infraction, they're going to be pulled over. If they don't have headlights and tail lights that are working at night and they're driving around town, they're going to get pulled over. They look underage, they're going to get pulled over. And then it the common sense factor of them operating
on sidewalks as well. Uh we don't want anyone to get hit on the sidewalk downtown or anywhere that people are walking. So, um, when you get into speed limit stuff and administrative citations,
I know we don't issue administrative citations now, but that's also a hot topic at the state level because the state of Minnesota is not collecting the fines and fees if we are writing administrative citations.
And that's where it's to me it's a no-go. We're not going to deal with administrative citations and these ebike speed limits. So, um
there are state statutes also that apply to these bikes and we can use them. Depends on how restrictive the city wants to get. Um I know this 1171 highway project is also
the road design. I don't know some of the um examples dealt with a bike lane in the traffic lane. Um I was just down in Florida. Um that is everywhere down there in a two two
lane roadway or a threelane roadway. There's also a bike lane that bicyclists bicyclists operate in. Um, so I don't know if that's what's going to happen up here or not, but
there's many different things that can happen. So, what kinds of questions can I answer or help to answer? >> Well, for our purposes, what can we do to protect the downtown this summer? So
>> short of enacting an ordinance or waiting for legislation, which there is some out there again this year and maybe city attorney can help us with that. We've talked about it before. I don't know. We can deal with them on an
individual basis if people are willing to call them in and then we can apply state statute to them. um we can deal with that to see if that uh
diminishes the problem. we can put out some sort of a memo in town that we're not we don't want ebikes riding on city sidewalks and then enforce it like somebody's
driving reckless on one or whatever we can go deal with that person individually or kids that are operating under the age of 15 if we're having a problem with that we can resolve that too >> I think did I hear right we're having a bike rodeo coming up soon >> we
is that would be a good point at that >> meeting when you have all the kids [clears throat] together that are going to be participating that it made real clear to them that hey this isn't >> I agree >> yeah I shared with them on the radio that we'd be going over uh ebike stuff
too you know they're there >> so if we get a state law then we don't have to do >> ordinance or what's your feelings on it >> I know that we don't have to, but if we enact one that doesn't drive with the state law, we just have to change it
then, right? >> But I don't we might as well wait till >> something legislator's done this May. So, >> but there are some provision like we can control like the bike trails and stuff like that if we want like speed limits
and stuff like that. Yeah, it's 20 20 on the bike trail, I believe, out here because it's no motor vehicles allowed. >> I don't know. I I haven't taken any complaints myself out there on the bike trail with anything. >> Um I see some of those bikes moving
probably faster than than 20. Um go ahead. So, Chief, I'm 250 pounds, so I obviously don't ride a bike enough, but if I hit a bike, I'm at fault no matter what. But what if we hit what if
at 2 in the morning and these ebikes are zipping 30, 40 miles an hour down like where I live >> with no lights on and I run into one, who's at fault? Well, well, we we look at the situation, but
if they're not if they're not following the laws that are set in place as far as headlights, tail lights, everything like that, um they they could be civily liable honestly and criminally as well because
they have to be following the rules of the roadway >> if they're on it. >> Yep. If they're on it. And that applies to a regular bicycle as well. >> And we do I'm assuming the council I I probably have six letters in my office
from last summer about after dark people on ebikes. >> Mhm. >> And I mean they [clears throat] they've got to be a hazard of some sort because I mean they go by it. >> Yeah. >> I find them hazardous. I have an
electric assisted bike and you can use the feature where you're just using your thumb to drive it and you can let off and it's still going straight ahead and it doesn't let off for another 50 ft right there. I think that's that's
a big hazard itself. Um it's not instantaneous. It just continues on down the road. So yeah, I that's why They don't allow young kids to drive them because they are they are dangerous
and they're looking at other legislation between the ages of 15 and 18 wearing helmets. I mean that same with a motorcycle or ATV can't ride or operate those under the age of 18 without one.
So where I got several complaints was on the sidewalk on Main Street. >> Yeah. >> Yep. I mean, if they're doing over 30, they're going to kill somebody on there. >> If we can put a sign up there saying no [clears throat] bicyclists allowed in this area, if we
want to designate that with signage, we could do that. Um, and then enforce that. Um, whatever the city wants to do, we can do. I like to bring up the fact because she's a friend of mine with 29
years on the city council when she retired and she darn near got hit in front of coffee landing by electric bike that was going >> way too fast. >> And that's an instance where we would like to get a call so that we could deal
with that situation. >> Yeah, >> definitely. >> Instead of not knowing about it. and uh we'll [clears throat] we'll deal with it. >> Okay, >> councelor Wagner. >> So, the one you have in your packets is
a pretty good one that we've we looked at a couple other cities, too, I believe, but this one's pretty straightforward. Not too convoluted with different things, but I mean that I mean we we can do that, too. or
some type of signage, but I believe we talked about that has to be all bicycles, right? We can't just say ebikes. It's got to be all bikes. Was that what it was? There was some >> No, you can. As long as there's somewhere else for them to go, like the shoulder of the road, that sort of
thing. Um it's going to be the biggest [clears throat] issue is going to be defining electric assisted bicycle. If it has like say for example it has a pedal capacity that part gets a little bit tricky but you can say no ebikes or no you can't
use the electric portion of a bike on sidewalks. No problem. >> Yeah. Somehow you got no assist that you got to be pedaling. Mhm. >> Well, yeah. >> Unless you just want no bikes.
>> I I think that that that's what we'd have. That would cover it better. I think I looked on [clears throat] statute. I don't see anywhere in statute where you can tell people to stay off the sidewalk with a bike. >> No, >> that's so >> not by Minnesota statute.
>> No, that's the >> That's Rob. Yeah, that's why you can't go just no bikes because the pedal bike can. >> So, would it be appropriate that um Councelor Wagner being and Holden being
that you're on the committee um that we go back to public safety and we create an ordinance or we wait until we know what the state comes out with if anything? >> Uh like I said, this is pretty much the one you have would be the one we've worked on that I've looked at. That's
the the cleanest and the simplest of for everyone to follow. I don't know what more we can do with this this one. >> So, would you like um if we're just going to follow the city of Hastings ordinance, we could make the
motion to bring it to the next council meeting. Is that what you're looking for? >> Awesome. Chelsea prepared that. >> Yep. >> Yeah. >> I'll make that motion. >> Thank you, Councelor Holden. >> I'll second. >> Thank you, Councelor Wagner. Discussion ensues.
>> I would just like to add to Yeah, we don't the administrative citation things. They tried that about 20 years ago maybe a lot. It's Yeah, we don't want to get into that if we can avoid it. >> Yeah. The state does not like that
>> when cities take money from them. So >> then the records and all the >> we did them in black duck not for speeding but we did we did administrative citation not very many but
>> any any further questions discussion seeing none I'll ask a question I >> I >> I'll vote yes and the motion carries 5. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you, chief. Next from public safety committee,
um discuss extending the blight yellow tag timeline. Uh chief, if you want to >> come forward and um explain it. It's quite simple, but probably necessary.
>> Yes. Thank you, mayor. Um, so going back several years on this, uh, our blight timelines have been as low as, uh, 5 days to 7 days. Um, as long as I can remember, we've gotten
complaints of somebody would just get the get the violation in the mail and it's past the due date already. Uh, but I think that's more valid now than it's ever been just with the I'm going to say status of our postal service right now. So, um, the
recommendation out of the public safety meeting was to extend those timelines on the tags to 10 days, uh, just to kind of accommodate for that, uh, lag time in the mail. So, the alternatives we've had and we've ran in the past, uh, just to to kind of go over this so you understand why some of these options
aren't necessarily feasible, we've looked at personal service of tags. That's difficult to do if we do it properly. We either have to pay the sheriff or the or the police department to do them. uh we kind of reserve that for the worst cases where we want to do that and then that's a time issue as
well. We used to do certified letters uh certified letters when we quit doing them in the late teens I think it was there about $8 a letter. Uh I'm sure they're more now and then half of those came back as undeliverable with no recourse on that either. So it was a it
was a large expense for us and sometimes didn't offer us what we needed. So, I think the simplest answer is just extending those timelines out to 10 days. Uh, we wanted to get ahead of this prior to this year's what we're going to call blight season before we get started and see how it works. And, uh, just
looking for the support on that questions. If there are none, um I would ask for a motion to get this to council to Is that some that would be something appropriate for a motion or is that spelled out in
any of our policy? The seven days? Uh well, currently we're using the International Property Maintenance Code, so those timelines are probably I believe they're all listed in there. I would have to double check that. So, if we want to go outside of that, I would
refer to Chelsea on what the process would be. >> That one, [clears throat] we put in our own numbers on some of those. >> I'd have to >> and that's what I was trying to remember off the top of my head. What because we did insert certain things into that. >> I'm not sure if we did. If we did, it
would be um an amendment. >> I would excuse me if you're not done. >> No, I'm done. I I would move to move this to council to modify our policy to 10 days for the yellow tags.
>> I'll second it. >> Thank you. Councilors Kaylor and Holden. Is there discussion? Um and if it falls into if we do have it in the policy and it falls into that, then we probably don't have to do
anything. I would think. >> If we have to, I can get the information to Chelsea for amendment information. >> Okay. Thank you. Uh there's no discussion. I'd ask a question. >> I >> I
>> I >> I >> I'll vote yes. And that [clears throat] motion carries unanimously. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Other business. [snorts] >> Well, it seems as we're close to blight here. We just closed ours, but I I made it official cuz on there that there will
be no no more May this year so everybody can relax. I won't be pushing for that again. Uh but just so everybody knows, but I said this is just my opinion. If people could, if you look like your yard needs to be mowed, maybe wait a day or
two to mow it to give our pollinators a chance to do what they do. And I went by the one property today on old highway 11 um Larsson's is that it Mike Larson that there's been significant improvements
since last fall since we started and made the you know just extended along as he's making progress. So I just want to say that worked or it's working. >> Can learn a lot on the daily drive. >> You can Yeah.
I got to pretty much know I got him. Otherwise, that just moves by if I'm not specific. Yeah. >> Any other business? Board and commission reports first with the airport commission councilors Buller and Holden.
Oh, any discussion we had last time I was just trying to get on the uh the county was going to go ahead and see once because it wasn't their hands up of the uh the financing all be done by the airport commission instead of uh Emma
doing all the bill paying out there and that was in the hands of the county at the time at our last meeting and Ricky said he was going to bring it to the board which would have been last Tuesday. So, I don't know what happened with that, but that was probably the biggest thing right now to try to get
get looked at and taken care of. >> Um, Administrator Bergstrom, could you reach out to Adam Co and let him know that the council did move to do that um
so that he can get it before the board? in regards to the uh financial >> Yeah. >> piece of it. Okay. >> Um just I don't think that they knew we had done it so soon. And so if it's going to
happen in fairness to Emma and Kyra out there that isn't I don't think a one day change just that the seeing that the city's done it for 50 years. Just a a courtesy email. Thank you.
>> Absolutely. >> Anyway, I uh stepped in if >> that's okay. >> We may want to at that point too also Chelsea, if you could look at the joint powers agreement and see what needs to be changed there at that point too >> for the
>> Yes, >> she has. That's on my desk with audit. It just hasn't been priority. >> Okay. >> Okay. I was panicking that it came back to me. I was like, >> I thought we'd gone over it, but I wasn't real sure, you know. So that just so we have that ready for them. Also >> tweaked language and then I was going to send it back to her.
>> Yeah. Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. Um moving to Kea. Uh there is significant news at Kea. I will let >> feel free. >> Would you like me to? Okay, I will. Um
Director Nevan is retiring July 1st. Uh it's he's made that official with the board. Um there's uh undoubtedly uh that's he's been added a long time since 2000 I
believe which uh was just formed a couple couple years after that. So maybe this isn't the minutia of KDA update, but just a little background on on what Kea is is the Cooching Economic
Development Authority. Um Kea has typically ran on two main sources of funding. uh one of which even though we don't have iron mines here, a portion of Cuching
County is uh in the Takenite assistance area. So they re it's written into state law that KEDA gets RB money, a slice of it and then um KEDA also receives income from cold weather testing and and by and
large that's what's kept KEDA afloat. Um, so it's an interesting situation. It's worked. I councelor Kaylor and I have had the pleasure of of working with Paul and
moving [clears throat] some things ahead and some there's some excitement in town. We haven't landed the whale or the big box store or the next uh, you know, corporate headquarters for a defense contractor or something. But ultimately it's been a
success. Um so at this point in time the board I think is going to be investigating what those next steps >> Yeah. >> look like. >> Yeah. What we're going to do and and if I'm not mistaken I I think Kea it might
have been part of the getting the RB funds is that is actually set in state statute itself. So, I'm not saying that's what we're planning on doing. Let's say we got together and said we don't want to have kid anymore. It's not
that simple either. We'd have to go to the state and get some things done, but no one's talked about that that I know yet. But we'll have a meeting Wednesday to discuss all these things. 10 a.m. >> 10 a.m. >> So, you'll be having a meeting,
Pete, about whether there's going to be another director, >> right? What we're going to do, how we're going to go about it or at least get the people in line. I don't know if anybody's called Chairman Rasmus to he threw that out there if we're interested
to, you know, be on the committee to look for a new director. >> If anybody's called or not, but we'll be talking about that, what we're going to do. and and it's part of the cold weather. Tessy and I just did the books for the
month or my share of it. You know, it's was a successful year. That's now, you know, we don't roll in money, but it produces a lot of motel stays and stuff like that, but next year it's supposed to be even larger. Uh Mr. the southern
ones. They're talking for Range Rover, Jaguar, and they're talking about they're going to need 40 drivers possibly next year to test. No matter what you hear in the United States in some parts of it, electric vehicles
isn't going away. That's all they've been testing out there pretty much, Jaguar. And we got some uh money that we contributed in the county. One of the few times that it wasn't money that come from cold weather testing and Jaguar put in money, but we
put in some quick chargers out there or fast chargers to help which we helped a lot and the ones downtown. But when you hear fast chargers, you think 10, 15 minutes. No, fast chargers like eight or whatever he was saying there. But so
that's still going along pretty good. But like the next thing all our aluminum buildings that have refrigeration are starting to show their age and that is happening out there too with some stuff. So but it was another successful year
out there for cold weather testing and Felix is still plugging away on the >> warehouse warehouse and getting some interesting parties still. So hopefully we'll soon Mhm.
>> Thank you, counselor. >> You know, I said go ahead, but you know, I couldn't help myself. >> North Coach item three. >> Well, we thought we had a director that was going to retire and uh she was planning on first of May and we hired a
person took the spot and after a week the individual decided the job was too big for her and said, "Don't bother paying me. I'm just glad I had a chance to look at the job and to be involved with it for a week and and backed out. So, uh um Cali
volunteered to work now till the end of the year yet for us because otherwise we'd had to really scramble by the first of May to try to get more advertising, more stuff done. So, that'll give us little time to to look look towards the end of the year when she's going to be
done then. So >> yeah, she's agreed to work so many hours to help us get through till the end of the year and uh that really helped. I mean, we were, you know, have to go through all the candidate process and
all that, looking at other candidates and stuff. And this way, she's been doing it, so she knows it and she'll get us to the end of the year. And by that time, maybe we'll have everything ready to go for the next director.
>> Yeah. Through the next budget season anyway. Hopefully hopefully we can get somebody on to start of the budget season so that they can get into that, too. So you're you're not going to try to hire somebody till next year >> or you going to start now? >> No. >> Oh, we can start working on it. >> Yeah, >> but she's going to work through till the
end of the year. >> There were no candidates from the last time you put it out or that was who was second. Well, >> did you offer to them? >> We did. We did do some discussion on whether we would want to offer to the person that was a second, but because of
her being gone this month [clears throat] and being back for only a week and then retiring, they wouldn't give enough time to give any transition time for that individual at the time. So, we just need more time to advertise. It might not even go till the end of the
year. It might be once they come back in May, it gets June, we might advertise in June and then and then do it. and that person, whoever was second, could definitely come and apply again. You know, I mean, there weren't any, it isn't because of that that there was no qualifications on any of the other ones.
It was just that we decided that the time frame would be better if we waited. So, >> but you're going to start the whole process over why you you're not just going to say whoever the number two would are you interested? >> Well, that hasn't been discussed yet. >> That hasn't been discussed, but I would assume >> would you ask her or him or whatever and
say >> maybe it may go that way. It all depends on when when we do decide to open it up again, but right now we decide to wait on opening it up again until then. And at that point, we can offer to the second one if they that's what the board so chooses to do.
>> Yeah. Which yeah, it wouldn't be a problem. But maybe the second one's got some other job ready too. And that's fine. But that's up to them though. But no, we'll >> I'm sure Mrs. Briggs is looking forward to retiring. So I would say would be sooner than
later to get, you know, she uh out of the kindness of her heart, she offered to >> be there for us till the end of the year >> and I thought that was >> and pay though, don't forget to pay her too. >> You said minimal hours. Okay. So yeah.
No, I we [clears throat] talked about it and you know I just felt Hey. Yeah. We'll go with that. >> I would think that irregardless of of
what happens on the board that How long has Cali been there? >> Well, she's got to have a little over six years. >> I was going to say over five anyway. >> So, she's >> Oh, yeah. >> got >> Oh, yeah. >> some knowledge. It's probably pretty
>> important that that transfers. >> Yeah. Yeah. The bud in the budget cycle is a a big item there, too. So, that get be a good time to get somebody new on board that can work with her on the budget and and really >> she uh she got along good with uh mayor.
He she got along good with the crew, which is always good, you know. I mean, she I never heard any complaints. Um and I know the crew really good there. They got four guys that are whatever it is there that are really good. Um and our
uh financial good. So those two things right there, morale is good there. >> So yeah, subcommittee reports. Um beginning with item one,
the ambulance taxing district. Um the the for the whole world to know, the county of Cooching and their board has voted to approve the subordinate service district uh for an ambulance. So
they uh to put it into simple terms uh for the for the portion of our primary service area uh that is in Cooching County they have a district in place to levy tax dollars um to fund that. So
they have um their administrator reached out to Chief Manassa, administrator Bergstrom and I and um they would like to start sitting down soon. They haven't give us given us a
timeline for that. Um but uh if when and what they decide to levy or contract for has to be in I believe by June 1st. >> So um it's April 13th. April showers bring May flowers.
>> Yeah. >> But >> would like to thank them for for getting that done whether it was too early or too late or just to have that all come together and the the politics and
personalities is uh can always be challenging as it would be with anything. But this was uh an accomplishment >> big time. It's uh all the time I've been here. I mean to see everybody come
together on that. It started from the first time we sat down at the conference over there at the room at the air airport shaking of hands. I've always believed in that and uh I know you do too. So, um, that went good and it just
kept I mean, anytime you can get the county and city to come together, that's good news. So, I'm really happy about that. We uh will keep it rolling and we will be notified as uh
they reach out to begin discussions. Um don't have any more information than that unless chief do you or Betty >> I have not heard anything additional though >> so uh we will have updates as things go
along um to item two carry park with councelor Kaylor and councelor Wagner >> no new updates I don't know where we go from >> yeah I don't know if you mentioned at the last but >> yeah I did >> yeah Um
we'll have to meet with them shortly and figure out fee structure and going to wait see how our public works staffing falls. >> Yeah. >> Here and some of that. So but I we were pretty clear that you know for
the city depending on what's wrong with Kerry Park that may not be the priority. Not that we wouldn't try to keep it going and running but you just never know what might come up. So thank you. Uh before we adjourn again other
business seeing none we'll adjourn the Part: 2
It's 5:30. I'll call this special city council meeting to order for the city of International Falls. >> Please rise and say the pledge. >> I pledge alce 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 for the record. The first and only item of new business
for this meeting is to discuss a draft independent contractor agreement for building official services which is enclosed um in your
packet. to give um some background. I'm going to hand this uh to our administrator, Betty Bergstrom. Um last week was busy and uh if you'd like to outline
that, please do. >> Sure. Thank you, Mayor Counselors. Um with the resignation of our building official, the uh state statute uh allows that we have 15 days to appoint and have on staff or contracted with to have a
building official due to we have adopted the Minnesota State Building Code. That is part of the agreement of that and also the our population triggers that as well. Um so therefore, you know, we are kind of put on a timeline to work through this. Um, as we had heard from
Kelly at our last meeting, he was um offering and uh the his services as a contractor to help us get through this interim process of um getting a building official limited if we choose to go
internally to try to get a person on staff to that degree or if we decide to go out and um advertise for a building official um a full-blown person who has the credentials already, but this is necessary in order for us to do any
building permits and um inspections and anything of that nature within our community right now. And we do have um projects that are needing that. Uh so therefore, it's very important that we have something in place. And this
contract, we um the mayor, myself, and Sherry met with Kelly. We discussed this very briefly. We then um uh talked about it again with the mayor and Sherry and I and we Sherry revised it. Then we had our city attorney look at it and um she
has no legal um questions in regards to the language of it. I did send it to Kelly and asked him his opinion on if there's anything. I have not heard from him. I know he was, I believe, traveling today, so he was going to be in and out, but I have not heard from him. I did
send it to him last week. Um I did see that I found a typo in there though. Um I need to clarify that on 4B. Um that is 50% of the plan review fees that the city receives. It's not all the
fees. It is just when there's a large project, a plan review is very uh time consuming and expensive. And therefore um in a contract in in other contracts of this nature in not only our city and others,
this is very common that the official receives part of the plan review fee um on top of the um contracted amount. So that is the document you have in front of you. Um, in Kelly's case, this
is KAM Inspection, which um, Kelly Meyers is the certified building official of that company and, um, that is who we would be contracting with. >> Thank you. Um, I would like to just say that um,
last week I'm going to say um, 15 or 20 hours of meetings, 15 for sure, walking through this process as we've discussed um, that before we even
go to step two uh long-term that this was identified in the committee as um more or less a stop gap. I think that Kelly also, you know,
doesn't necessarily want to work forever, but we need something to get us through with our permits, especially um some of the projects we have going on right now already. Um,
we've talked a bit about what could potentially follow that. Um, and we've been working on that as well. Uh, but I want to I want to thank uh Sherry uh for taking the time
and putting this together on very short notice and then Chelsea for her time. This evolved quite rapidly. So, um, but questions from the council.
Well, it's a very important position. We all know that. And being the fact that we've only got so much time and and we got uh permits that need to be, you know, gone over and stuff, I think we need to address it as quick as we can.
And looks pretty good to me what I see here. Read it. Um need to put somebody to work. Um so yeah. >> Yeah. I think it's a good the good stuff. Yeah.
solution at this point because because of the time restraints and and if I heard it right then when we were discussing it earlier that we can't even sell a permit if we don't have that in place in 15 days. So plus the permits that are out there that need to be inspected yet. So >> yeah, we need to do something
temporarily for sure and and then look for the long-term >> from there. One thing I'd like to add um is when Betty Sherry and I met with Kelly, he made it very clear um at least
to my recollection, so maybe I'm stepping in the danger zone, but that once we have a limited building official that works for us, then there would be a lot of potential here
to to for lack of better turn to step it down so he could, you know, either get out or or have less to do um and he would be able to oversee the major projects. Was that your
understanding, Betty? >> Yes, mayor. That is that's how I took the conversation as well. >> Okay. >> Yeah. So, as soon as we can get to that step, which can't be tomorrow, unfortunately, unless there's someone
who has that license that lives here, I think we'd know about it by now. >> Um, that's kind of the stepping stones um in the process. >> Just to add to the discussion, >> please. councelor. >> Um, is is there other firms you can
contract with or >> do we know or have we looked, Betty? Or >> we do we did get a list of other firms um from the Department of Labor and Industry. >> Okay. >> Yep. >> Okay. Just in case there's this good idea, but just in case.
>> Yes, there's options. you know, unfortunately we're 100 miles from anywhere. So, that does, you know, that's a hindrance as well because of >> the nature of an inspection. If it needs to be done sooner than later, >> we might not get that. Um, we still
understand the limitations of this contract. You know, it isn't going to be immediate when we need something, but um it's going to be probably faster than contracting with somebody that's 100 plus miles away. >> Okay.
other thing we learned counselor that and this I'm not saying that this applies to everybody but um my understanding is that so let's say that we sign this contract and and
Kelly's going to do this work for the city and then um Kelly was a poor example but this is going on let's say he gets five more talents the state can step in and say, "Well, no, we're not going to do that." So,
there was a contractor identified over in western Minnesota that state indicated, you know, no, there's too many towns. Not that we can't find somebody else, but it would you say that it's a bit of a wonky process for something that we
are supposedly supposed to have all the time? >> Very much so. Yeah. Sherry, do you have anything to add? Okay. I saw you smiling. It was a long week to um get through some of these. >> She was agreeing with wonky.
>> Okay. Are there questions from the council? The contract. Um, I would throw out there as well that if it doesn't work, we can make the decision to move on. Um, and I think that that would be what we
would say about any contract. Uh, >> or he can. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> It's both ways open for >> discussion. So, uh there's flexibility. >> Yep. >> In it should things change. >> Sure.
>> But, uh that's that's what we have. >> I'll make a motion to accept the Kam inspection inspection contractor for our building inspection. >> Second, >> something like that. Whatever. It's a
mouthful. But >> I as long as our administrator and deputy administrator understood the motion. >> You got it right. >> I got it. >> Would entertain those motions by councelor Wgner and Buller. The floor is back open for discussion.
>> Just I just like to go and thank you three for to get this done so fast. There wasn't a very big window to get this done and I think it's a good way to move forward. But I'm also pretty sure we're not going to be tied in too long with this account because I don't think
Mr. Myers wants to do this forever. >> Sure. >> No. >> So, >> but it's a good what we need for right now. >> Yep. >> Sometime. >> It was a nice a nice way to help us out anyway during this time period of construction.
>> I agree. >> Any more discussion? >> I would ask the question. I I >> I >> I'll vote yes and contracts approved unanimously. Thank you.
>> Seeing no further business, the meeting's adjourned.