It's 5:30. I'll call this regular city council meeting for the city of International Falls to order. Please rise. We'll say the pledge. >> I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic
for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. For the record, all members are present this evening. Thank you. We will move on to approve the agenda.
Is there any additions or deletions? >> I'll move. >> Thank you, Councelor Kaylor. >> Second. >> Thank you, Councelor Holden. Any discussion? Call the question. >> I >> I >> I >> I >> I'll vote yes. Agenda is approved unanimously. Thank you. We'll move on to approval of minutes of previous
meetings. First, minutes of the Monday, January 5th, 2026 regular city council meeting. And second, minutes of the Monday, January 12th, 2026
committee of the whole meeting. If there's no questions or adjustment adjustments, >> move to approve the minutes. >> It's a motion from councelor Buller. >> Second. >> Second by councelor Wgner. Any discussion on those minutes as presented?
>> Seeing none, call the question. >> I I >> I vote yes. Minutes are approved unanimously. Thank you. We'll move next to payment of claims and approval for payments of accounts payable.
Oh, oops. A little quick on the gun there. The uh That's okay. Counselor accounts payable and claims City of International Falls claims $395,22262.
International Falls Public Library Board Claims $5,685. Total accounts payable and claims $400,97 62 at this time. >> I'll move. >> Thank you. Councelor Kaylor and Holden.
>> Is there discussion? >> We'll call the question. >> I I >> I >> I'll vote yes. Bills are paid unanimously. Thank you. We will move on to the portion of our meeting. If there's anyone in the
audience who would like to come forward and address the council, it's uh please do. It's five minutes. And name and address for the record if you do come forward. Good evening. >> Good evening, council. Here
I'll give to all of you. Oops. See if I can get them apart here. >> Hi. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you.
Betty. Hello. >> Would someone be able to keep time? >> I'm sorry. Please. >> I'll wait for her to get set. >> Okay. Thank you very much. Hello, council. My name is Lois Lundine. I live at 22223rd Avenue East. Um, I am I just
gave each of you a copy of an email that I had sent to uh the city administrator and to the HR Sher Stenland um back on January 5th and I I'm just bringing it to you today because I would like to have it entered onto the record. I sent it on January 5th. I have not had a
response back yet. So, I'm bringing it here as a matter of record so that the city and the public can be aware. Says Betty and Sherry, hello there. There is information published by the League of Minnesota Cities that states that they have released the 2025 local government
salary and benefits survey results. This information is available for review by participating agencies. Do you have a copy of the survey results that can and can that information be shared with the public? The article explains that the survey tool will allow you to compare
salaries and benefits of your staff to those of other city and county organizations throughout Minnesota. Over 400 Minnesota cities and counties, greater Minnesota and the metro area, as well as other public sector organizations are included in the 2025
survey. With the questions that have been raised regarding salaries, it would seem that having a survey like this to compare international fall salaries and benefits to cities of comparable size and composition would be valuable. The
survey results would either support the salaries and benefits that are currently paid as being fair and consistent with other cities like ours or they would show us that we may have things to consider in our salary forecasting process. If you do not use this tool, do
you have other survey or other similar comparison tools that you use when budgeting and preparing to hire new staff or for annual salary reviews and negotiations? I look forward to hearing from you. Lois Lundine, I'm not here
tonight to ask for an answer but at tonight's meeting, but I am still watching for a response um to my questions. I'm I have always been very interested in salary planning and budget processes and I'm simply interested in
learning. I want to understand the processes that are in place and that are followed. Thank you. >> Thank you. Good almost evening, Eric Strand, 1831 4th Avenue East. Um,
my visit this afternoon centers around one, the handling of the Coutasa project and two, the need for financial oversight for long-term planning and oversight of city's finances. Uh, Mrs. Lundine raised a great point.
It was I I was really surprised at last meeting of just saying that the the non um the the non union or the the non um union folks get um just to have them
have a 3% raise just so they can keep up with the union represented people. Well, maybe with the plight that we're in right now, maybe if the city departments say, "You know what? If we can save 10% out of our budget,
we're going to be given a 3% pay raise out of that 10% that we saved. Let's let's turn that around and really make some motions towards towards some savings." But with the two uh 26 levy now set, I'd really encourage the council to have uh
a breakdown and total money spent on the Coutasa project. This amount is owed to the city residents of International Falls. The amount should be split between the city administrator's budget and the police budget 50/50
and be proven to be repaid to the city over one or even two years maximum. The hard costs won't include city time. I say wasted. Wasted put into this. Ill-fated, poorly thought out, and deceptive plan. Was the council really
aware of the administrator's plan to have a full campus police, EMS, and uh and um police, EMS, and fire in in this location? It was stated in a letter um written to uh written to the county.
Um this amount needs to be repaid. If the building is sold, fine. Great. They can split the proceeds back to their own budgets. to assist with financial oversight and being a communication liaison between city council and the administrator's office. I would strongly
hope maybe a three or four member citizens financial oversight committee with auditing, budgeting, planning experience be called to create better communication and long-term planning efforts and in return financial accountability.
2025, the city council has experienced three votes of no confidence. the handling of the Coutasa project, lack of transparency, the petition efforts of the council seats, and the no votes of the city spending uh for the bonding.
I'd also wager that if the impound lot were to have been put to a vote, that wouldn't have passed either, or the layown yard, I'm sorry. the cost benefit of leasing versus buying, specking equipment that doesn't fit in facilities, uh long-term planning of real estate, uh
I really believe the city would really start to regain some votes of confidence uh if the Coutasa debacle were repaid and a formation of a citizens oversight board to improve transparency, accountability, and management. Side
fact of the 3582 parcels in If Falls, 269 paid over $2,000 a year just in city portion of taxes. City portion 360 people paid over $1,800 in city
portion of taxes. It's a lot of money and I really don't feel that um that it's really uh that current current administration is really um stewards of this of this spending.
Thank you. >> Thank you. We have a couple questions. Well, one question, one statement. >> Can you give your name and address for the record? Thank you. >> Rhonda Benedict, 9096 Street. >> Um, the band shell hasn't started yet,
and I know you spent money on tear down and stuff, but here on the on the spreadsheet, you have $16,764.50 50 cents going out in 1231 2025
for the band shell. What was that for? >> I'm going to refer to the band shell committee if you so choose to answer >> for boring. >> For what? >> For the boring. >> For the new one. >> For boring. What is that? >> They got to I don't I don't really
understand it, but they got to check the >> soil. soil density >> density for for building a new one. >> What kind of structure that they put on top of it? >> So they did that in in December. >> Yeah. Yes, they did. >> So what they drilled down? Is that what you mean? >> Yep. >> Yes.
>> So that cost $16,000. >> Yeah. >> Okay. And then I'm going to I'm going to refer back to the meeting of the whole um when you guys were talking about the LEC building going back between the
county and you guys. Um I don't know if you guys recall you guys brought up somebody brought up the bathrooms the the pipes being bad. um that was I do believe corrected that that was
inmates that had plugged the toilets and the toilets overflowed and that's what caused those ceiling tiles to be discolored. Somebody corrected that and brought that up. So, I don't know why somebody keeps saying that the plumbing
is bad. that got brought to light that it was actually the inmates that did that. So, I don't know why it keeps going back and forth that there's bad plumbing that got corrected. >> I'd like to address that just be since
then and the the law enfor the >> the current home or any new home of the law enforcement uh our police department chiefly is here um you know is a widely publicly discussed topic. So, where it's at is the draft lease was
brought to the council. >> Mhm. >> Um, we discussed it. There were some points, I think mainly minor. There was also, it was always agreed on between councelor Wagner and I on the negotiating committee, for lack of
better terms, um, that there would be a building inspection. So, those items were pointed out um by Chelsea and the county should now be in receipt of that letter. So, in terms of if there's plumbing issues, um councelor Kaylor
probably knows better than anybody what used to happen over there. Um we just want to make sure that they're addressed. If there's not plumbing issues, then they won't show up in the inspection. >> Right. But that was brought up at the beginning, which was what? just a little
under a year ago. So that's my point is it it was almost a year ago that those issues were brought up at the very beginning of this saying it was a bad building, it had bad plumbing, blah blah blah. So now we are almost a year out and those same things
are being said. So in a year's time that hasn't been checked out. Somebody came here and actually certified that that was checked out. So, I'm wondering why it's just being said. Again, that's all >> we do.
We do not know the I don't think anybody on the council knows accurately what the present condition of the building is, specifically the plumbing, other than the KCSO, the sheriff's department is there. They're using it. And
is all that I think we can say at this point is that the county was going to provide us and I think they're good for it. an inspection of the facility to see what it entails before there's any investment made in the facility if any.
So, I guess what the citizens don't understand is obviously we don't know how many times you've met, but we're assuming it's been a lot, right? So, how many conversations go back and forth that you don't know
that answer? Like, how many you've you've met, how many times it's been, how many meetings, how many tossing back and forth, how many, okay, we'll give you this, we'll give you that, and still nobody knows if the pipes are good or not. there hasn't been an inspection.
>> I would think that would be like one of the first things that happened to go forward with all the rest of, oh, we'll give you this and this is what our stipulations are and I just it seems odd that this many conversations has happened and we're almost a year out and
we still don't know. >> We just got the lease two, three weeks ago. I mean, this building, we assume that the piping and the heaters are in good condition, but if we were going to lease it to anybody and they wanted to
inspect it, we would have to check to make sure. Um, that's all I can say. I I don't think that the city council is going to rush into an agreement until it's there's asurances made that, you know, we're
getting what we agreed upon. Um it I know that Chief Worley and Chelsea and Councelor Buller I believe toured it the other day and did a walk through. Um just to see the general condition of the building.
Many of us have already been there. Um the I'm not led to believe that the KCSO is moving out anytime soon. Um, so we can't move in yet anyway, which is probably a good thing with as we wait on
an inspection. Anything else that we could potentially do to the facility? >> All right. I just wanted to bring up that somebody in this city council meeting at one point verified that that was from inmates
plugging toilets. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. We will move on at this time. And a reminder, there's also an opportunity at the end of the meeting to come forward if you so choose. Uh we'll move to the
consent agenda. The only item on the consent agenda this evening is a 2026 license renewal as presented for Subway. If there's no questions, I'd ask for a motion to approve the consent
agenda. Thank you, Council Muller and Wagner. >> Question. >> I >> I >> I >> I'll vote yes. Consent agenda is approved unanimously. Thank you. First item for new business is to
consider the adoption of a resolution approving the Rotary Club application and permit for a 1 day to 4-day temporary onsale liquor license for the annual Kerry Park Arena hockey tournament held March 13th to the 15th,
2026 at Kerry Park Arena. Mr. Deg Gross, you're here. I assume that's why you're here. >> It is. Yes. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. As a representative of the Rotary Club of International Falls, just want to be here if there's any questions. And
um of course, if you do adopt this um we appreciate it very much. And I also just want to say uh appreciate the Elks very much because they help out a lot for the uh during the Carrie Parker um Alzheimer's hockey um event and everything. So yeah. So if
there's any questions, >> any questions for Mr. Degross? >> Oh, >> and thank you for the kind words. >> Oh, yeah. >> On behalf of the Elks. >> I make the motion to brew it. >> Thank you. I'll second it. >> Thank you, councilors Holden and Buller.
>> Uh, thank you, Mr. Deos. Is there discussion? Call the question. >> I I >> I >> I'll vote yes. That's approved unanimously. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Y >> don't get hurt. Second uh for new business this evening
to approve a memorandum of understanding otherwise known as anouou excuse me between the city and law enforcement services inc local 579 police department. This uh
as many of you know we have appointed a new police chief in Chief Worley and this is anou for chiefly the city and for lack of better terms the police department union the organization that
represents our men and women in uniform. There any questions on this? Do any concerns from Chelsea Cherry administration? >> No. >> Call for a motion. >> I'll move. >> Thank you. Councelor Kaylor and Balden.
>> There discussion. >> Call the question. >> I I >> I vote yes. And theou is approved unanimously. Thank you. Third for new business coming from legislation and land use
to consider Midco business service upgrade for the water treatment plant. We can address this individually. Um this is an upgrade in service to the water treatment plant that is currently
undergoing a rehabilitation. There is not connectivity in many areas of the water plant with the current service that we have and with the
increase in telemetry and uh bringing things into whatever century we're in. This helps run all the software and equipment that'll be in different areas of the plant. >> Motion to approve. >> Thank you, Councelor Wagner. >> I'll second. Thank you, councelor
Kaylor. Is there discussion on this topic? >> I would just like to comp compliment you on your technical explanation. >> Thank you. >> Okay, I believe we have motions. Is there discussion? Call the question.
>> I I >> I'll vote yes. And that is approved unanimously. Thank you. Item B under number three, new business to approve Quarters, Inc. doing business as Quarters Fuel and Car Wash low potency
hemp license application. >> Move to approve. >> Thank you, Councelor Buller. >> A second. >> Thank you, Councelor Wagner. Is there discussion on the topic?
Call for the question. >> I I >> I >> I >> I'll vote yes. That is approved unanimously. Thank you. >> Number four, new business. Approve quote for replacement of two
heat exchangers um at the library. I wanted excuse at the library. Yes. Excuse me. >> There's a lot of >> correct. Yes. pages in the packet. We are having
issues with the heating system at the library. Um, so this is to remove and install two new heat exchangers. This is not all of them to my understanding and the cost is
$6,300. I'll move >> second. >> Thank you, Councilors Taylor and Holden. Is there discussion? >> Uh, which we've taken the the the lowest quote, I take it.
>> Yes. >> That's all. I didn't know if we needed that in the motion. >> We do. >> Um, >> we do. >> We do, don't we? That's what I thought. >> Hey, >> and it was >> good catch. There's two of the same
packets for two different. >> Thank you. >> Yes. >> Um, who who made the motions? >> I did. >> Okay. Would you >> I'm a mean. >> Yeah. to that whatever >> one quote is for $6,300 which councelor
Kaylor is referencing. The other quote that we received was $7,200. So this would be for the lowest >> quote. Is there any more discussion? Call the question. >> I >> I
>> I vote yes. That's approved unanimously. Thank you. We'll move on to new business. Item number four, item B to approve quote for replacement of radiant tube heaters
at Kerry Park Arena. Um, I have some information on this. International Falls Recreational Hockey Association has come forward and wants
to participate in a portion of the cost. Um, I would ask that the best course of action for this would be to refer it back to land or public works recommendations and we sit
down with them and have a discussion. Yeah, please. >> I had some questions anyway because I know the one the one has bid two sections of 20 foot and the other one is six sections of 20 foot and so I think that needs to be clarified on that bid anyway. So be a good idea to move back.
I I'll make that motion move it back. >> Second. >> Thank you councelor councilors Buller and Wgner. Is there discussion on that motion to refer back to >> I think the difference without reooking at it again and you correct me if I'm
wrong Mr. Maris one was replace uh six but only two we were going to replace because those ones do not work and the other ones do are operational.
But that's fine. I have no problem moving it back. I just wanted to give you some insight whether so much cuz where we're at here part of our decision was uh we'll fix it as it breaks
>> you know but I'm more than willing to discuss that with uh further information about it. >> Okay. >> Call the question. I >> I >> I >> I >> I'll vote yes and that is referred back
to public works committee. Thank you. Item five is a recommendation under new business is a recommendation from the budget and finance committee to discuss process of amending the fiduciary responsibility section in the
joint powers agreement agree a airport agreement with Cooching County. Over the course of the summer, a study was approved by the city council on the airport, the airport
joint powers agreement that is 50/50 between the city of International Falls and Cooching County. The presentation of the study indicated that for many many many years, probably
a lot longer than I've been around, that the city has been the fiduciary agent for the commission. The study recommended that the airport commission itself take over those fiduciary duties. Uh, we have
two airport commission members on the council, councilors Holden and Buller. If there's blanks or low spots, please fill them in. >> Nope. It's what we want to move forward with. >> Yeah, we're moving forward and it's
going to be the airport commission's responsibility to do the financial. So, and then the city won't, >> right? >> Yeah. And just again so there's an understanding the airport commission currently when they handle their
business all of the financials go through the city to write the checks to take in the money any of those things. Um that's a duty that the city has done at no cost since I'm guessing about 1962. >> Is there any more discussion? I think
Chelsea had mentioned when we talked last time that we can open up the with agreement we can open up that joint powers agreement and and do that. So >> yeah, so we we certainly can amend it. Um I don't know if you want a meeting with the airport commission. It's kind
of one of those things where there's other parts of the agreement that aren't necessarily applicable anymore or don't really aren't exactly how kind of they're intended anymore. Um, so with that old of an agreement, I'm more than willing to also meet and see if we with
the county attorney or whomever um to see if you want to update the whole thing, whichever. And I have no preference one way or another. It's just if we're updating one part, I don't know if you just want to update the whole thing. >> I think it runs out the end of this next
year now. 26, isn't it? Or is it 27? >> It was 27. >> 27. >> 27. Okay. I knew it wasn't too far off. the um the financial piece of it coming from the study. I mean, we've discussed it and we can
move ahead with it um if there's support to do so. Um in terms of anything additional at tonight, that should probably be discussed
with your counterparts. I think I think our goal on this whole thing was to correct the financial end of it. And I I'd just like to see it stop right there with until we get to the point where the agreement does come to be renegotiated to be red redone and then at that point then proceed with
some verbiage or whatever needs to be done. That would be my thoughts anyway. >> Okay. So just an amendment of the fiduciary section. >> Okay. I that's just me that >> I'll make the motion that we do that.
>> Thank you, councelor. Thank you, councelor Balden. >> Mayor, for clarification on the motion that you're you're requesting the city attorney meet with the county attorney to discuss that and then bring it back to both parties. >> Yes.
>> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Yes. >> Yeah. the the understanding was after the study came was Adam Cole who is the county administrator um had brought a or sent a list to the airport commission and that was one of
the first items on the agenda. Um so I think that there's a little bit going on that it's probably already mutually agreed upon by both parties. So maybe it's a simple change in that sake. >> Yeah. And I have no problem just talking
to Jeff Nagloski and just kind of making sure I'm certain we can just come to terms on what that language should say and then maybe we can skip a back and forth >> be the only benefit. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. And I have there's a airport commission meeting next week on
Wednesday and so we can present that at that time to inform them what what's going on. >> Yeah. >> I'm sure they'll probably know by then too. I would think that maybe the county representation would know also, but we'll let there commission know about it.
>> Yeah. >> Call the question. >> I >> I >> I >> Yes. And that approves unanimously. Thank you. Item six. Any other business for new business?
In our packet are reports of our administrator, attorney um and department heads would like to point that out if you're looking for extra reading. There's some very good information
um in there uh from all parties. But I'd like to point out Chief Worly and his first um well, you're not a month in the role yet, but thank you. At this time, we'll open the floor back up uh for audience participation if
there's anything that you'd like to come forward and discuss with the council. We have a reminder as usual. The next regular city council meeting is Monday, February 2nd, 2026 at
5:30 p.m. There is an EDA meeting to follow this meeting. Until then, our meeting is adjourned. Thank you.