I'll call this International Falls regular city council meeting to order. It's 5:30 p.m. on Monday, August 18th. The year is 2025. Please rise as we say the pledge 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 of the council are present except for councelor
Buller, who is absent. It is time to approve the agenda. Excuse me. With any additions or deletions. Are there any additions or deletions from council? >> Motion to approve.
>> We have a motion to approve by councelor Wgner. Is there a second? >> Second. Second by councelor Holden. I was going to suggest maybe you would consider an amendment.
I would ask that the retirement letter from director of public works broke be moved to new business. Um as well as an agenda item to discuss the vehicle tracking.
Yeah, that's fine. >> Okay. >> Friendly men, I'll accept. >> Thank you. Are you amendable to those changes in addition? >> Yeah. >> Councelor Holden. Thank you. >> All those in favor say I.
>> I. >> I. >> I. >> I'll vote yes. Agenda is approved unanimously. Thank you. Next on the agenda, approval of minutes from previous meetings. First, minutes of the Monday, August
4th, 2025 regular city council meeting. And second, minutes of the Monday, August 11th, 2025 committee of the whole meeting. Is there a motion to approve these as presented?
>> I'll move. >> Motion by councelor Kaylor. >> Second. >> Approve. And a second by councelor Wgner. Is there discussion on the approval of those minutes? Seeing no discussion, call the question. >> I I >> I.
>> I'll vote yes. Minutes are approved unanimously. Thank you. Next on this evening's agenda, payments of claims and approval for payment of accounts
payable. First, transfers. City of International Falls Transfers to fund number 401 permanent improvement $66,666 from funds 601 water fund 603 sewer two. Fund number 403 reserve for capital
outlay $29,1667 from fund number 601 water from fund number 603 sewer for total transfers $95,833.33. Additionally, accounts payable and claims
City of International Falls claims 646,493.31. International Falls Public Library Board claims $5,745.85 85 for a total accounts payable and claims,
excuse me, $652,23916. Is there a motion to approve these payments of claims and transfers? >> I'll make that motion. >> Motion by councelor Holden. Is there support for that motion? I'll second.
>> Second by councelor Kaylor. Is there discussion? The motion or the question? Seeing no discussion, call for the question. >> I >> I >> I. >> I'll vote yes. Payments and claims are approved. Four zero. Thank you.
Next on this evening's agenda is audience open forum, which is the opportunity to address the city council on any matter not listed on the agenda. Please limit your comments to five minutes. Name and address for the record
if you come forward. >> Please. >> Good evening. Hello everyone. >> Do my name and address in just a moment. >> Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you. >> So we can go to Thank you. [Applause] Good evening everyone. My name is Lois Lundine. I'm a resident of the city but here I'm here tonight on behalf of Bakus
Community Center. Address is 500 9th 9005th Street International Falls. I gave each of you a copy of a letter that I had presented to the mayor on May 1st of 2025. And I'd like to read that
so the community can hear the letter. Um, and then I'll explain my purpose in being here. On May 1, 2025, I wrote, "Dear Mayor Dill, I would like to extend an offer to the city of International Falls regarding space for the International Falls Police Department
office space. My offer is on page two following this summary. The IFPD offices are currently housed on the third floor suite of the Bakus Community Center building. for your review. The lease consists of a work environment that is protected. It is
equipment with it is equipped with secure entry. Guests call for assistance from outside the office area while employees access the workspace by using a unique fob. The suite is completely finished and is very professional in presentation. The net lease area is
4,877 square ft. There are 10 soundproof locking office spaces. There are two meeting and conference spaces and there is a mini kitchen and break room space. There are storage and utility spaces and the suite has an independent heating and
central air unit. All officers and employees have access to the building after hours by key or by fob and there are 10 parking spaces designated for the police department in use on the west side of the Bakus building. All utilities are included in the rent.
Bakus maintains all common areas, lawn, snow, and grounds. The entire Bakus building is sprinkled, has updated alarm systems, and Bakus maintains all system inspections. The Bakus building is ADA compliant and is equipped with an elevator. There are
conference rooms, a small theater space, and a full-size gym and auditorium space that are suitable for training and meetings of all sizes. Historically, Bakus has provided the use of those spaces to the law enforcement teams free of charge. The city currently holds a
month-to-month lease with citizens for Bakus AB. Bakus agreed to freeze the lease amount at $6,446.33 per month. Citizens for Bakusab would like to extend an offer to the city for a longerterm lease of that secure space.
Bakus would freeze the rent on that space at its current rate of $6,446.33 per month if the city would sign a lease agreement with Bakus through May 31 of 2031. The rental rate will not change. The
level of service will remain solid. There are many advantages of having the police department remain at Bakus Community Center. The officers and the staff are in a safe, secure space. The Bakus location is central to the city, easy to access, and citizens are very
familiar with it. Bakus is affordable. The long-term set rate makes this piece of budgeting very predictable. The space is established and very suitable for the police department's needs, and there will be no interruption in service for the community. I'd like
to add that to date, there have not been any service failures brought to my attention. All needs, all requests that have been presented to Bacas have been addressed immediately. There have not been delays. I will be completely transparent with a
benefit to Bacas that has not been widely shared to the public. And this is my purpose in bringing it to the public tonight. In December of 2009, Bakus financed the renovation of the third floor suite where the International Falls Police Department resides today.
The payoff date on that loan is May 1, 2031. That's the reason for the date ear referenced earlier in the letter. Having the International Falls Police Department stay on site at Bakus meets a significant need for the police department and it provides Bakus with
the support that it needs to satisfy the terms of that financing. Without a renter in space, Bakus is at risk. While city appropriations have been lower than they were in the past, Bakus is very grateful, very grateful for the support that we've received through the rent on
the of the third floor office suite. This rental has truly been a win for both city and Bakus. I understood I understand that moving the International Falls Police Department to Bakus was to be temporary,
but I don't see a reason that Bakus can't be longer term. In light of community concerns that have been raised, I believe that having the International Falls Police Department remain at Bakus would be considered a sound solution by many in our community. The math makes sense and the level of
service makes sense. I ask that you please keep backas in your list of choices as you work to determine the best in location for the International Falls Police Department. I know that later in the agenda there's going to be discussion about about discussions that
have happened between the city and the county and I truly want the city to do what is best for the International Falls City, the residents here and the county as well as the police department. But I ask that you consider leaving the
police department at Bakus, not only for the financial reasons, but just for the good that the partnership brings to both the Bakus Community Center and to the police department. I'm not asking you to say no to the county's offer. I'm not asking you to
say no. I'm just asking you to sit back and say maybe not right now. Please do consider this. Um, any questions for me? Thank you for coming forward and for the relationship that's ongoing that we
currently have with Bakus. >> Thank you. Thank you for hearing me tonight. There will also be the opportunity towards the end of the meeting if anyone would like to come forward. At this time, we will move on to the
consent agenda consisting of one item to acknowledge letter of resignation from Sheldon Zuk, an emergency medical technician,
effective immediately. I'll move >> motion to approve the consent agenda. >> Second. >> Second by councelor Holden and the question >> I >> I >> I >> I'll vote yes to item on the consent
agenda is acknowledged unanimously. Thank you. New business. Item one, consider nomination of President Prom. Uh, thank you to councelor Wagner
for running the meeting last week at the committee of the whole in my absence. Is there a nomination? >> Yeah, I'd like to nominate Tim Wagner for pro 10. >> We have a nomination by councelor Holden to nominate councelor Tim Wagner. I'll
accept. Thank you. Councelor Wgner. >> Is there support for that main motion? >> Yes, >> there is by councelor Pete Kaylor. Thank you.
Any discussion before we vote? >> Well, I'd like to say he handled that meeting well. We uh put him under the gun uh to take over the meeting that night. He never argued about it. So I
>> He didn't have much choice. >> I like I think he'll do a good job. >> Thank you for I am just fine with that >> question. >> I >> I >> I >> I'll vote yes. We have a president prom
that has been elected better known as the backup mayor. >> Congratulations. >> Thank you. New business item two, mayoral proclamation declaring September 15 through 21, 2025
as seat tracks think train week. Is there a motion to approve this mayoral proclamation? >> I'll make it. >> Motion by councelor Holden. Is there support? Second >> by councelor Wgner
discussion question >> I >> I >> I >> I'll vote yes. This is approved 4 zero. Thank you. Item three new business consider year 2025 license applications for men store
inc. I'll move >> motion by councelor Kaylor to approve. >> Second >> followed by councelor Wgner with the second. Is there discussion >> on this application please? Council >> could you explain that?
>> Yes. So, um, Min Store Incorporated is purchasing the JoeQuick marks effective August 26th, and they're asking to continue the same licenses um that Joe's Quickmark has. They've um sent in all the um information that is required for
all the different licenses and um with your approval, we will send it off to the state and move forward. >> Thank you. >> They have two locations, by the way. >> So, yeah. Is that the one here and then the one out? >> Yes. By McDonald. >> By McDonald.
>> Yeah. >> They change our name about one two years. >> Yeah. Quick. >> Any discussion at this time question? >> I I >> I vote yes. Motion carries 4. Licenses
are approved. Thank you. New business item four, appointments for North Cooching Area Sanitary District Board. For those not familiar, after many, many years and
there are finally some changes to the makeup of the North Cooch Sewer District Board that were done legislatively last session. which effectively gives the city of
international falls representation with three of the seats instead of four. The appointments I have proposed are as follows.
Citizen Robert Thompson, term August 19th of this year through January 31st, 2027. Councelor Holden again August 19th of this year until January 31st, 2028.
And Councelor Walt Buller term beginning August 19th of this year until January 31st, 2028. If this is approved this evening, it will move on to the North Cooch board
meeting, which I believe is tomorrow. Is there a motion to approve these appointments to NKASD? >> So move. >> I have a motion by councelor Wagner. >> I'll second.
>> Thank you. Second by councelor Kaylor. Discussion from the council. Seeing no discussion. Call the question. >> I I >> I. >> I'll vote yes. Appointments are approved. 4 Z. Thank you.
New business item five from public works committee. First item A, consider forgiveness of sewer charge for 1223
second Avenue East. Councelor Kaylor, this was discussed. >> It was last week. Um, Miss Harris came and explained her situation and it was in your packets if
you read it. Um, it's lengthy to get. The gist of it is she had a leak, got uh notified after some time, uh quite some time it appears. Um they
finally got it shut off during all this and uh what happened is they got an alarm. She was out of town. They called her, got a hold of the city, and they told them what they could do, and it ended up by
the time it was all said and done, what happened, she had a broken pipe on her uh spet going outside, so it was running underneath when it was on. And what she's asking for, so the amount
total amount comes to uh it was 22.8,550 28552, but she would like to get the sewer portion uh forgiven, which is 124798
of her bill >> with the thought being that the water did not go in >> right into the into the Senate to resurre what ended up wasn't outside. It was in underneath I think got soaked up on the crawl space. Is the correct kind
of to that, mayor. >> Yeah. Go, please. >> Um, yes. So, in your memo there that I wrote, um, it was actually 89,300 gallons of water, um, that did go through. Um, that was during the time of the leak. >> Yeah, >> there was actually 700 gallons that she
um used at her residence. So, the total was $1,216.94. Um I how I came to that amount was there's a base amount for sewer charges and she would be responsible for that regardless if she had a leak or not. So I removed those base charges from the
amount that Mr. Kaylor just said. Um I did also include um a couple resolutions or the resolutions. She asked that it be similar to a pool credit. Um so I did include in your packet what the um pool uh resolution how you qualify for that.
And then I did also include um minutes from the April 2nd, 2018 and the March 18th, 2024 minutes um where we have um in the past denied this type of request and where we have approved this a similar request, not the exact same type
of leak as she has, so that you would have um enough information to base your decision on. >> Thank you, Mrs. Riggs. Is there a motion? Well, let me begin with um if we forgive the sewer portion,
>> is that something that we would find consistent with how we have treated things like this in the past? >> Yeah, we did. It was a March of 2024. And I know it's a touchy subject cuz it's but I don't know how much who on the penalty. You know, sometimes they
can help accidents, right? It's no fault of their own where actually when people are filling their pools, they know what they're doing. They're do right and they're getting forgiven. So, I would move that we forgive the sewer portion. >> Okay. Thank you, councelor Kaylor.
>> Second. >> We have a second by councelor Wagner to give the sewer portion as proposed. Yeah. >> For the packet. Is there any further discussion? the motions or the question. Seeing none, call the question.
>> I I >> I vote yes. Sewer charges are forgiven for the packet 4. >> Thank you. >> And I just like she's very complimentary of city staff during this whole process.
So wonderful public works recommendations. Item B, approve a resolution scheduling a public hearing on proposed assessment on the Fifth Avenue West project. Is
there a motion to schedule the hearing which would be held 5:00 PM September 15th of this year right here at city hall? >> I'll make the motion. Motion by councelor Holden. >> Second.
>> Second by councelor Wagner. Discussion on scheduling this hearing. >> Question. >> I >> I >> I I'll vote yes. Hearing date is set as proposed and
carries unanimously. Thank you. Public works recommendation item C. Consider proposal for services for Shorewood Drive ravine stabilization. >> A motion.
Councelor Kaylor has offered a motion to accept this proposal for services as proposed. >> Yes. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Second by councelor
Wagner. Is there discussion um on this? Or at the minimum would either you being that I was ill last week, would either you or Mr. Fischer like to give some background on the topic?
>> Sure. Um >> before we do vote >> Jason if >> Sure. >> Thank you. >> See we missed. See you missed when Uriel. >> Good good good evening mayor council. Um yeah this particular project is uh one
that we identified in our one watershed one plan project. Um and it is a ravine that's that's being eroded. the outlet has collapsed and it's being eroded through the the neighbors properties and it's threatening their their structures
on their property. So, we would um so we've got funds to do the project through Bowser um but we just need to get the engineering proposal approved and uh it's a cost share so they pay 75%
we pay 25% of this total project. So, and we're hoping to get that done this year yet. So, >> and I and like I said, I was trying to find the location, so I found them the other day. And it's a rather big ravine,
by the way, and I and the ocean. I can imagine that it's going on there. And it's just nice to see that a lot of times we're in these committees like the one watershed planning stuff that and we're getting already some re turn from
our investment and the grants that come from the state. So I think this is a very good use of the funds and the city funds to match. >> Thank you Mr. Fischer. You're welcome.
>> Any further discussion with council? question. >> I I >> I I'll vote yes. This is approved for stabilization 40. Thank you. Public works recommendation.
Item D, consider change order for 2025 Stenberg edition storm sewer project. Jason, we should have had you stay. This is really out of my wheel. >> Um, I'll give you the floor at this
time. >> Uh, yes. This is part of the mill and overlay project that we're doing for Stenberg and uh 14th and the parking lots. Um, we've identified the storm sewer that we would like to relocate
that out of the street. And so in dealing with the contractor, we got a price. Um, and once we remove all the items that we would not have to do once we move it, we wouldn't have to do the full depth patch. The additional cost of this
project would be $75,54. Um, which we would pay out of the sales tax account. So, um, we would recommend this. Uh, one thing though is this will not happen this year. They have to move a gas line before we can get this installed. So, it
would happen next spring. Um, and this portion of the roadway would not be mill and overlaid until after we get the storm moved. So, >> okay. >> So, to summarize that, the Stenberg project would be moved to next spring,
>> just this portion. We will mill and overlay the rest and do the other concrete work. That will happen this year. >> Okay. And this entire project is being paid for with our sales and use tax. >> Yes.
>> Yes. That's my understanding. So I'm just want to get that information out there. We fielded as a council many um not complaints, concerns about the storm sewer in Stenberg that has essentially pushed the existing asphalt up
>> and >> yeah had a lot of calls that don't do this because it won't be fixed properly. So the idea of this is to move the storm sewer where you have your little path drawn. Yes. and um fix that permanently
and hopefully uh not need a dune buggy to drive through Stenberg edition. >> Well, we're doing our part. We kind of explained Walt nature that what might be in Stenburg Edition, but that's a story for another day. >> Okay.
>> One thing one thing to add is we do have a public hearing or a neighborhood meeting at the project site tomorrow at 4:30 to 6:30. So, it's an open house. So wonderful. >> We're good. >> People that might have questions. >> Thank you, Jason.
>> Thank you. >> Is there a motion? >> I'll make the motion. >> That was fast on the draw. Councelor Holden with the main motion. >> Second. >> Second by councelor Wgner. Is there discussion on the change order?
>> Call the question. >> I I >> I'll vote yes. Change order is approved. 4. Thank you. Next on this evening's agenda from committee of the whole recommendations last week,
item A to discuss the Mighty Ducks grant application for eliminating R22 refrigerant for indirect systems with International Falls Recreation
Hockey. I believe Recre Hockey is here. If you'd like to come forward at this time, please do. Good evening, Mayor. >> Good evening and thank you for coming in. Um, Councelor Wgner, I was not
present at last week's committee of the whole, but I understand that Kerry Park was discussed. >> That's correct. Um, and it was again added to this city council meeting for the grant application that I believe we already approved the submission of at a
previous council meeting. I guess I don't know that. Okay. I I know it's time sensitive. Um but if you folks would like to um fill us in a bit
um on you brought it to our attention and this would require a local unit of government which we are. Yeah. Thank you, Mayor. Uh Jared Baldwin, 3341 County Road 20. I'm here on behalf of a board member of International Falls Rec Hockey
Association. Uh we brought this uh agenda item to the council because in the past couple years we've continued to have compressor issues at Kerry Park Arena and knowing it's a large expense, we've wanted to look for opportunities of
grant money um to try to offset that cost. Um the International Falls Rec Hockey Board is looking at options on ways to help with this project.
But to turn down a grant of $250,000 to offset this expense is pretty tough to swallow if that compressor is to fail this year is detrimental to our community and to our association. We have 10 tournaments scheduled in the
winter that fill our hotels in times when the community isn't as busy. Um, we've had a good working relationship with the city for many years and we hope to continue that. We've done a little bit of research on
our own and we've been working with a company out of Burnsville, Minnesota, Modern Mechanical Ice Systems. Um, and the salesperson is by the name of Dan Metaf. He's going to have a quote to us tomorrow. He's got a refrigeration ice
plant. It's built on a skid. Um they're becoming more and more popular. Um and the cost of that system is under $600,000 installed complete. Um like I said, we'll have a formal quote from him tomorrow for that plant.
Um that includes installation. Um there's a little bit of outside work um where we'd have to pour a concrete an engineered concrete pad and have some electrical move from the current building to that site. But uh we're just hoping that we can continue this
relationship and figure out a way working together to make this work for Kerry Park Arena and our community. Um, you know, we'd we'd love to go to the bank and say we need $250,000, but we
all know that they want collateral. We don't have collateral in the amount of $250,000. We built the dryland facility last year that took us 10 years to save for. So, I understand
it's a large expense, but I just hope we can try to find a solution to make it work. Thank you. I have questions for council that with
the current state of Kerry Park Arena, um it likely not feasible to build the new arena if we had to come up with any money for it. Um we still have the arena. It still serves a very important
purpose locally, economically to the youth. with the grant. Our liability in it is that we're the LGU and if we're chosen as the recipient, we would have options how to match those funds.
Um, so I guess is what I'm saying is if we apply for the grant and receive the grant and have to come up with the quarter million dollars, that doesn't necessarily mean that the city has to come up with a quarter million dollars
um to to fund that. And it may be a good time to also at least acknowledge the shape that the current ice plant at Kerry Park is in, which is I believe why you've come
forward with these concerns. Thank you. >> And I think we agree we are we're all well aware and but that was one of councelor Wagner's questions when we approve this and yet every you don't have to tell me all about hockey and how great no one likes
it more than me. I've volunteered my time over the years and if we apply and we're not committed to having to come up with the 250,000 just in case we don't have it, which I'm
pretty good chance we don't considering the budget activities we got going on now, I'm fine with applying for it and we can worry about getting the other half later somehow or work with Wreck Hockey or some other entity and it
doesn't and if it's important to the economic value and I get that all the value of the area from from here to Little to up the lake. So there's a lot of opportunities for if we
got to come up with some money as a group, not necessarily just the city, there's some opportunities there to get some help all the way around. But I don't think but I'm more than happy to prove gone had applying for it if we're
not going to be committed to the $250,000 on our own. >> So do you need a motion? >> That's what we would need if we were going to proceed with applying for the grant. But I I'm almost positive that we
already did do that. It was contingent on whether we had whether we had had to spend it. >> That's why it came back. Yeah, >> understand. >> Yeah. And can can you give I'd like administrator Bergstrom give us something.
>> Go ahead. Either way. >> Um so um administrator Bergstrom and I did look at this. Um we on the form we have to provide matching funds. So what we came up with is Bre Hockey could actually be the applying agent. We would just be um the LGU that signs off on it.
say we agree with it. You have to prove though that the 250,000 is available. Um and you have to go through all these other things of any other funds and the entire amount we have to also show is going to be covered and we're able to pay back if we are borrowing that sort
of thing. It's pretty indepth. So your suggestion is that Rack Hockey apply for the Mighty Ducks grant with the city as the LGU and we own the arenas. Am I understanding that correctly? >> The application has to come from the
LGU. >> The only thing is is where's the 250 coming from? We have to show proof of that. That's the main part. So, we can't write in TBD or >> No. >> Um, contingent on financing?
>> No, we wouldn't. >> I'm sure people have done that. I don't think the application would be accepted and it it significantly would decrease your option of even being selected. >> Okay. Seeing that we were going to build a brand new Kerry Park, did we have any
funds in reserve that we were going to put towards that that we could put forth for an ice plant? >> Mayor, if I may, please. >> So, I think well, I think there's a little bit of confusion about us building a new plant. We were um we
sought and received bonding from the state of Minnesota um through our legislation to obtain $1 million in design and engineering to determine if that was feasible and then essentially we needed to do that in order to
potentially apply for additional bonding monies to secure funding for a new plant. Um the concern that we had last week at the meeting that you missed and part of the discussion was that um given our current system, we have an R22 indirect system, which is why we would
only qualify for up to $250,000 and we would have to then match $250,000. But based on the numbers that we have and have been made ve a available to us, we could potentially convert the system for upwards of 500,000. However, it's
going to be o roughly over a million dollars. given the fact that our compressors and electrical are at end of life. Um, so we can do one thing, but if we don't do the other, essentially we're going to have a converted system and an
unfunctioning arena. Um, so unless we have plans to do all of it, it really doesn't seem like prudent use of $250,000 of local government monies. even if we can get $250,000 of grant
money. >> So, thank you. >> Is the So, the suggestion is that a new ice plant doesn't do anything for Kerry Park >> that there would be a potential that
given the state of the compressor. I mean, obviously if um WK Hockey has different information, I think we'd probably be open to that, but that's based on the information that we have in front of us at this point. Um,
>> okay. We'll have that information by noon tomorrow. I tried to get it today, but it was came together kind of last minute, so we'll have that information tomorrow by noon, and I can get that to you guys. And this is a whole new ice plant condenser. Um, it's built on a skid. It's outside. We'd have to move
the electrical from the existing building to this and everything is tied into a panel. It's not They're starting to see more and more of these throughout the US and this company deals with hundreds of hundreds of ice rinks. So, um I can get that information to you
tomorrow and we can come back to the table. Um, but uh the grants due the 29th of August, so we're under some time constraints and I'd rather want to figure out how to
come up with 300,000 than 550. Thank you, uh, Mr. Baldwin. Other concerns while we're on the topic are if what do what is our plan as a city if
on February 1st we have no ice plant at the arena? >> Well, it's not good because Yeah, I know you know that. Um >> I mean that building sitting there with refrigerant that uh doesn't make spec anymore.
And uh but the importance of that arena is you know this town went with one arena for quite a while since I don't know what year it was it got built 60 something and it's in need of two arenas. There's no doubt with figure skating and all the
young kids that are in the arenas. It just needs both arenas running. Um, I worked in there for a long time after it was given to the city. And I want to praise the city for what they did because when they got it from
hockey, it was just a shell. And we built uh compressor buildings, put compressors in there, built a concession stand, built an outside rink, and it was all done through the city of International Falls. beautiful complex
at the time. Probably it's it's actually still a good complex. It's just stuff's getting old. Frigerants's old. Compressors have been uh dropping out here and there. And they have two of them in there and they alternate back and forth. And if you didn't have two of
them, we would have been in trouble. One would go down and we could at least keep it going with the other one. Um >> uh if I'm not mistaken, we're down to just one. No, >> there's one more. >> The second one's supposed to be up and
running. >> Um but that's the issue is that the control bucket, which controls the compressor, and Jason might know a little bit more, but there's a control bucket that continues to fail. And there was going to be some engineering or somebody was coming to look at it, but
uh commercial refrigeration was supposedly putting another one together for that compressor. I would say for the community, it's really important uh to have the two. Uh we own Kerry Park
and uh uh somehow we got to put our heads together on what to do and I know you're under the gun but and there is you know there's we're under the gun with this grant and you know we just we understand it's a lot of
money but we're trying to find solutions that work for both of us. you know, we're willing to do what we can if we need to fund raise, if we have to try and come up with more money, but I mean, our season's planned out from October 1st. We've got tournaments scheduled. We've got everything going
on. And the hope is that we continue without a glitch. But if something goes south, we're in a predicament. Well, I would like to add that I mean I think it's becoming known that if
something catastrophic happens at the arena that it's safe to say that's the end of the wreck hockey program. Uh well certainly at least what you do here. Now there's a lot of need within the city that as a council during budget season
we're trying to fill. So, in no way am I saying that we should spend tonight a4 million dollars of taxpayer money, but if our plan is that the arena is just one day >> going to die >> going to die and we don't know when,
that doesn't seem all that stewardly either. So, a couple places that at least I would like to discuss as this goes on. Um, maybe it is worth the investment if the city divested of the
arena. Um, so I'm not looking at it totally from the perspective of, you know, we that the city gets the grant, comes up with the quarter million, there's an overrun, that's another h 100,000. This is all
hypothetical and then we're stuck owning it and maintaining it. Um, and I've heard that kicked around. Um, please, Councelor Wgner, >> is this uh, can you apply for this next year? >> It comes around every so often. It
hasn't been out for a long time, >> but it could possibly. >> There's a possibility. Yeah. Um, I mean, this is a lot of money, uh, where we're under budgets, just like you said, um, to be on the hook for if we agree to this. So, I I think you give it a year,
look for your fundraising, come back, say you got you got a fundraising, you got somebody that's willing to donate a bunch of money, maybe the city looks at it a better favor. That's just way I see it. >> So, what So, what would be the outcome then if we have a lease agreement with
the city from October until March 31st? If the system goes down, you just end our season. I don't know. Bronco, maybe they'll let you use it. >> There's no ice available at Bronco. The
high school uses it. There's one hour a day available for recre. >> Well, I think they'll keep piecing it together just like they have been for the last few years and hope it keeps running. >> You got one compressor that's still running. and Jared. >> Well, both compressors have been rebuilt
in the last couple years. It's >> Is it Is that what it's called, Jason? A control bucket? >> It's the basically the electron electrical components of the compressor that keep shorting out and burning wires off and >> Okay. >> doing some weird things. So,
I mean, we're okay with that if we know we're going to continue to try and piece it together. We just don't want to, you know, one day the ball drops and Sorry kids, hockey season's over. Well, like I
say, we're lucky we had two because they alternated and they took the workload off of each one. They go back and forth alternating. And uh I know when they lose a compressor that they at least had another backup and that was enough to
run the plant. Um, >> and that that's what's been happening when we've been losing the other one, but it's all temp temperature dependent if that one can keep up. >> Yeah. >> My concern is none other than um
that you know where are what is our plan with this? if it shut the arena down and the city um has this need out there with a service we have that we've had a difficult time with and other needs of
other departments that probably come first and I think we need to focus on that and maybe say it but to be in limbo to the level that it seems like we're are that's my concern that I don't want to wake up one day and
have to call any of you and say, "Well, the bucket blew up. There's no arena. Go home." I think your concern also is that you pay us for the ice time in the arena. Um, which is another topic. >> Mayor, >> please.
>> I I have one thought. Um, and I I don't know off the top of my head if this could be an EDA discussion topic. Um, because there are some funds there. You already thought of it. Um >> I haven't mentioned it. >> Okay.
Um how much does Wreck hockey have to contribute? >> Do you know offhand or the other thought is I don't think we're going to solve it tonight is potentially calling either a special city council meeting include EDA and have that discussion all around the
table giving everyone time to figure out what a money is available and also get the quote so we know actually how much money needs to be come up with. and to answer Emma's questions that I don't know what you were saying, but
there's different parts and we could figure that out as well. And I I agree with Chelsea's sentiment because the language in this resolution, I mean, when it's saying be it further resolved, the applicant has the financial capability to provide any required matching funds. And then it goes on to
say, "Be it further resolved, the applicant hereby pledges to complete the project or phase if it exceeds the total funding provided." So in the end, if we end up with a project that exceeds what we anticipate, I I would rather see
whatever his quote comes in at or some sort of accurate numbers to be able to say this is what it's going to cost so we have something before we complete this paperwork and go in blindly. You'll have your information tomorrow.
>> Yeah, tomorrow by noon. He said he'd have it to us. >> We have a 70 Is it 72 hours to call an EDA? >> Uh, yep. For 3. It is 72 hours, which is kind of like 3 days. >> It should be Friday morning. >> Yep.
>> And then have a special meeting. >> Sometime Friday morning. >> Friday morning. You got to have a motion for that >> to call the EDA meeting. >> Yeah. Special EDA meeting for Friday
morning. >> What time? >> 10:00. >> Yeah. >> Is that a motion, Councelor Holden? >> Yes, it is. Councelor Holden has motioned, I believe, as a commissioner of the EDA
to call a special EDA me >> at at 10:00 a.m. >> 10 a.m. Is there support for that motion? >> I'll second. >> Second by councelor Kaylor. Discussion on the motion to call that meeting. >> Could I ask a question,
>> please? kind of based on the numbers that we've been talking about and what it would take to get a new ice plant up and running at Kerry, what what's the magic number I guess you'd need from wreck hockey based on what you're thinking of.
>> I think >> what may be an EDA accounts available. Well, I think the sentiment of the council is first um and I would echo what Emma said, you know, where would we be at with a quote to do the the ice
plant with contingency and um with some things? >> Sure. >> Um so I and that's I know that your group has worked on that. >> Yeah. Yeah, for one, we we don't even know for
sure how much we have available, >> right, >> in DDA to have our meeting. >> I mean, we just don't want to come together and waste everybody's time on Friday if I mean, we've talked a little bit, Jared, as far as possibly what we would have to contribute to it, but we just want to make sure it's within
reason and and so forth. So, maybe even some some phone calls or something before we have a meeting to exchange some numbers. I mean, is that appropriate? as opposed to, you know, like I said, coming together to meet if we know going into it that it's not going to work.
>> Right. Well, I think that councelor or Mayor Prom Wgner, do you have any thoughts on that? >> I I'm sure you could. Um, but again, it's a it depends on what's in there.
>> Yeah, we won't know. We can check what's in there, what else we have, and what it all works. But it won't be a waste of my time to come here on Friday at 10:00 when we get all the information. So just just for our um information that
the funds that come out of that EDA account, is that what do you typically use those funds for? I mean, I know it's earmarked for economic development, but is there a certain budget you have that you have to spend every year? >> No. It's every situation is >> Yeah, we take them one at a time.
>> The only the only money that's spoken for is um paying off our This is left over >> left over from >> from the from the rent >> from the BMP. So what but that money that they pay us is used to pay off the bond for the building. Okay.
>> And we also have funds that we got to put so much away. >> Okay. So, RED is funded at this point with any leftover funds and we'd have to look at that closer because I don't remember them off the top of my head. >> Okay. >> What we have and >> that's just about all paid for, isn't
it? If I'm >> about eight years old. >> Okay. >> Well, out of 20. That's pretty good. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. And I would like to add, we're in the discussion before we vote here on calling the meeting just to move us back
to that. But excuse me, the city also has a reserve for capital outlay portion of parks and wreck that we haven't gone through budgeting for yet that we typically do. >> Yeah, >> that may even be tomorrow um or the next
Tuesday. So, I think that there's some information that the city needs to pull together as well, >> okay, >> to to further the conversation, but there isn't a lot of time as you've pointed out. >> And I just really want to reiterate too and just have it on record that and it
was said earlier, >> I I realize there's two arenas in this community, but we do not have the ability if something happens to Kerry Park to make up our tournaments, our practices, games, what have you over at Bronco Arena. Um, if Kerry Park goes
down and it's not fixable, we truly do have to end our season and I'm very concerned that, you know, we create a plan moving forward >> because it takes a while for plans to come together. >> There would be no guarantee that we'd be
up and going the following season >> unless we have done our homework and have put together a good plan that's workable for everybody. So, that's all I had to say about that. Thank you, Mr. Larson. Uh, Emma, you had requested >> Well, I just had a question. Uh, Jason, would there be someone at Bolton and
Mink if we get plans together, say tomorrow at noon or whenever it tomorrow the information comes together, that we could have someone at Bolton and Mink vet some of the information to make sure that it's in line with accurate figures, especially if it's drastically different
than what we've been anticipating in the past. >> Yeah, we could talk. >> Okay. regarding the EDA meeting and thank you Emma. Thank you Jason Council. >> Regarding the EDA meeting, there's probably only going to be three of you here. So I think my suggestion would be
to move it to Monday. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> That that's still time for this thing to go through. >> Yeah, I agree. >> You're amendable to that. >> Yeah. >> And um I need to look at what we have going on Monday.
>> I think when's the Walt back? >> I have no idea. Bitty, do you know when Walt is back? >> He's back Wednesday. Sometime Wednesday. So, he's not available. He wouldn't be available till, I believe, Thursday. >> Okay. >> We could have it. We can have it before
the uh special meeting and then the open house. Good idea. Counselor. >> On Monday. >> On Monday. >> You got this Monday. >> Sure. >> Do it before that. >> Yeah, cuz we have the >> There's There's a special Yeah.
>> 5:30 or 4:30. Well, we already have the special ambulance meeting scheduled at 4:30. >> 4:30. >> 4:30. >> Okay. And you're both amendable to Monday. >> Yep. 4:30. >> 4:30 p.m.
>> Okay. Call the question. >> I >> I >> I >> I'll vote yes. We will move this discussion to Monday at 4:30 p.m. to an economic development authority meeting. And that would
conclude our action for item A discussing the Mighty Ducks grant. Thank you for coming and you're welcome to attend the EDA meeting. >> Thank you. >> Thank you very much. We appreciate it. >> Thank you. Okay. Number six, item B from committee
of the whole approve advertising and hiring three part-time seasonal staff for parks and facilities. I laugh because I I'll move >> second. >> I laugh because or not laugh. It's
appropo. It's for seasonal workers at Kerry Park. That was what I was going to make sure was on um the record. Um Sherry, is this anything that you have any info you have to bring
forward at this time? I can answer any questions. >> I don't think we have any. >> Okay. >> This is the staff that we would typically hire on a part-time basis >> to make sure that we have ice to play
hockey on. >> Is there a motion to approve? >> I'll make that motion. >> A motion by Councelor Holden. Is there a second? >> Where? >> I'll second. >> We I think we already have this motion.
Did rail ram? Yeah, I did. >> Kaylor and Waggner. >> Yeah, >> made the motion. >> Goodness gracious. >> Okay, >> we already have our motions. Kaylor and Wagner, thank you for pointing that out. >> Is there any discussion before we vote? >> No. >> Call the question. >> I I
>> I vote yes. This is approved. Three 4 unanimously. Thank you. Item six, committee of the whole recommendation C. Consider replacement options for the vacant director of public works
position. >> You haven't accepted his retirement yet. >> Yeah, we got to do it resation >> that we moved have to officially accept it. >> Okay. All you have to do is acknowledge it so you can discuss it. It's a little
weird. That's who we are. >> Good uh good catch, Chelsea. Okay, we will move this >> to the end of the meeting. Number six, committee of the whole recommendations.
D. Consider preliminary agreement and contract with Cuching County for leasing space to house the International Falls Police Department in the county law enforcement center. Councelor
Wgner and I have met with two members of the county board uh in several instances essentially throughout the summer. the preliminary agreement
terms and conditions but not limited to uh I will summarize >> a lease amount of $50,000 annually for 20 years. The county will put a portion of that of
those funds annually into their building fund for future building improvements. refurbishment of the current space in the law the old law enforcement center of $160,000
roughly with the 50/50 split of the cost percentage increase on utilities after one year to allow time for county to understand the cost of utilities for the space the city will occupy.
three of the garage bays for the next several years, eventually leading to all garage bays. Shared space in the basement for the next several years. Designated parking spaces on south side
of building for the PD, International Falls Police Department sign for the outside of the building, and first right of refusal to the city of International Falls if the county ever wants to sell the building.
the I'm not sure what we're looking for specifically in the sense that I believe the county is formalizing an agreement or a draft agreement to present to the council formally at this time.
>> Is that your understanding counselor? >> Yeah. >> Thank you. Questions on the subject from any of the counselors? >> Do we need a motion? >> Move forward. We don't have an agreement or a no
>> definitive contract. This is um verbal. There's been back and forth and um last week there was acknowledgement of what they were going to propose at their county board meeting. Um thank you
councelor Wagner and we will look forward to moving ahead on this matter when we have something formal in front of us. And I think when we get the formal, then we'll, you know, we get another group
together with Chief Kick and Administrator Burstroom and Chelsea uh to go over the nuances of what it looks like. >> Okay. >> But but those are the fleshed out terms >> basically. um 3 to 5 years to get out
garage space and the basement and um the refurbish uh will be kind of two stages, but uh right now the first one will be about 80 and a 50/50 split, but then chief will be able to go in and have them put
wherever they want their their offices and server room for Todd. >> Okay. And we have seen um some hard numbers and estimates on um some of that and we
will be presented with a draft agreement which will then become formal. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> And the council will have the opportunity to decide the fate of the location for the IFPD. >> All right.
>> Moving on to item seven. Approve promotion of Rory Gilo to lead equipment operator. >> I'll move. >> Have a motion by councelor Kaylor. >> Second. >> Second by councelor Holden. Is there
discussion on this promotion? Call the question. >> I I >> I'll vote yes. This promotion is approved. 40. Thank you. Item eight, approve internally posting for the
equipment operator greater position and if no internal interest authorize advertising externally. I have something I would like to add but council
>> I don't know I would >> signal >> not to step your toes but I will I will move to post internally for their position
but if nobody signs for it not to post externally um I'm for not hiring any outside parties to work at public works at this time. >> Councelor, you took the words out of my
mouth. Thank you for that motion. >> Is there support for councelor Kaylor's motion? >> Second. >> By councelor Wagner. Thank you. Discussion on the motion or question. Call the question. >> I I >> I.
>> I'll vote yes. This is approved 4. Thank you. Item nine. consider approval of the 2025 through 2027 labor agreement between the city of International Falls and Law Enforcement
Labor Services. >> Motion to approve. >> Thank you, Councelor Wagner. Is there support for councelor Wgner's motion to approve? >> Second. >> Second from councelor Holden. This would be for the new contract
with employees of the police department. Any further discussion? Question. >> I >> I >> I'll vote yes. This agreement is approved unanimously.
Thank you. Item 10, discuss International Falls Ambulance Service. Letters have gone out. Progress uh has been steady. I would like to hand
it off to councelor Holden uh as our working group met last. Jogging my memory. You have the floor, counselor. >> Well, thank you. Um, I'd like to speak to the public here tonight and let them know that we had a
meeting between the county and the city. Um, started off shaking hands and after two hours of discussion, we shook hands at the end of it and uh, that's something I think might even be
brand new. And u, it went good. That's about all I can tell you. It was our first meeting and it was excellent. And Mayor Dylan, myself and a couple of the county commissioners, uh, the four of us
sat down and, uh, no rocks were thrown, no torpedoes. It looks good. Moving on. Um, I'm pretty, uh, pretty sure that we can work this thing out. and probably for I don't know how many years there
was whatever but I think uh the bridge is going to get mended so that's about all I can say right now >> thank you councelor Holden >> I would echo councelor's thoughts and
there is being progress being made so there will be uh updates weekly on the on the topic next on on the agenda which was an addition that I asked for. Um, as mayor,
it has been brought to my attention that there has been an issue in the public works department with tracking of vehicles. I would ask you, Chelsea, at this time, um, what is the requirements to have a city a closed session city
council meeting uh to investigate with the city council uh and your council present? You you want to investigate um like misconduct? >> Yes. >> Oh, okay. Um it does have a clause that allows a
closed meeting. Is that what you're asking? >> Yes. Okay. >> The process so the council can meet with you >> um to discuss what our options are and what we have learned through the process. >> Okay. So, did the investigation start or you're asking to open
>> asking to start that process? Okay. or to consider it. >> Yes, there is a clause in there to discuss misconduct. Um, is it on a certain employee or the department as a whole? >> Um, I at this point I can't say
definitively other than um it's been brought to my attention that certain vehicles in that department have had GPS tracking devices installed in them. um that I do not believe is appropriate,
especially if there was no consent given to do so. >> Okay. Um we can call a closed meeting. I'll have to figure out the wording a little bit better for that what clause it falls under, but it it does have an available clause to do it. We'll just have to
figure out what exactly the wording is on it. Um, if it is a specific employee, um, I will have to look into whether that employee is allowed to be present or should be present, but we can get it done. >> And we do have to post for a closed meeting.
>> 72 hours. >> Yeah, the same post. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> 72 hours. >> Y >> that would just be when you want to schedule that closed meeting and I will figure out the verbiage. Would
that work for the council or would there be support to have that close session um pursuant to attorney Nelson's guidance Friday morning at 10:00 a.m. >> That's fine with me.
>> Yeah, that's good with me. >> Is there a motion? >> I'll make that motion. if you need it. >> Thank you. Councelor >> Holden. Is there support for that motion? >> I'll second. >> Second by councelor Kaylor.
Is there discussion on the topic other than Chelsea? Is that something that you can research for us? >> Yes, I can get it um so it's ready tomorrow morning to be able to hold that meeting. >> Thank you. >> Yep. question.
>> I I >> I vote yes. Special meeting on this coming Friday at 10:00 a.m. is approved. Next on the agenda, item 12, we have a retirement letter
submitted by public works director Ted Broka effective September 2nd, 2025. After more than 29 years of dedicated service to the city of International Falls, Mr. Broka's contributions
have left a lasting impact and are greatly appreciated for the memo. I would ask that we postpone this for a motion to postpone until we've had close session. >> Mayor, if I may,
>> please. >> His the letter of retirement is just acknowledged. he has turned in his letter of retirement. It's not something that the city council approves or denies. >> Okay. >> On a retirement. Um so
>> so there's really nothing I mean you can postpone as the acknowledgement but it wouldn't be the postponement or denial of his um his retirement. >> Understand? Um but he will still be employed at the city until his retirement date.
>> Yes, that is correct. >> That's my understanding. >> Correct. >> Okay. Would you like a motion either Betty or Chelsea for the record to acknowledge DPW Broca's retirement? >> I think that's the cleanest record.
>> Okay, that was what I was Is there a motion to accept? >> Um, Mr. Brokazer motions and second by councelor Kaylor >> and councelor Wgner. Is there discussion?
Seeing no further discussion, call the question. >> I >> I >> I >> I'll vote yes. The retirement letter from councelor Broka has been acknowledged unanimously. Thank you. And now to what I believe is our last
item that was moved on the agenda, which is to discuss the public works director vacancy upon the pending retirement of public works director Broca effective September 2nd, 2025.
Is there anything specifically in our city charter or by ordinance that states that we have to take action on this immediately? The charter just says we have to appoint uh director of public works. And I
suggested last week that in till we figure out what we're going to do or how we want to do it that we would uh just uh have uh the utility supervisor and the
assistant director take over what duties of peds that they can. But I think it to be cleaner, we should probably for the time being make uh
the assistant public works director Mike Wall as the interim public works director. Then uh Steve and everybody else will be under him and he can direct them to do what he needs to do or help him with along with
the uh working foreman of the water department. And to be clear, it when when we have to appoint someone per the charter, is there reasonability to it? It doesn't have to be today because we have a director of public works.
>> Yep. Essentially, what um councelor Kaylor is is what's called a stop gap. >> Okay. >> Um which allows us to kind of sidestep a requirement while we sort things out. >> Okay. So, we do have some time after September 2nd. >> Yes. to make that appointment whether it
be interimm, stop, gap, permanent, whatever. Okay. >> And I would just like to add to my motion of it that I ex I'm look depending on how it goes. I'm looking at this is as unfortunate is to lose uh
Ted's expertise and years of service that uh as an opportunity to trim some salary in the city. And if we can do it with that move right there and possibly make one of them the public works
director, that is my long my long-term aim there without having to hire somebody. >> Thank you, Councelor Kaylor. >> I like the fact that his idea on interim with Mike Wallace, I think Mike will do a good job until we decide what we're
going to do. And I would add and thank you that it is also budget season or time of year or whatever we want to formally call that when all of this gets tossed around and >> ends up coming together. So there's
excuse me more moving parts >> going on at one time. At this time, I don't believe we need to do anything um per what we've learned from Chelsea. So, I will move on. Is >> he had a motion?
>> He made a motion. >> You made a motion. >> Sorry, I didn't What was >> to to It got longer to appoint Mike Wallace's assistant or interim >> interim >> public works upon Ted's retirement.
>> Upon Ted's Thank you, council. Is there support for that motion? >> Thank you, Councelor Wgner. And this would be an interim measure. >> Yeah. >> Meaning that it is not um permanent. >> Yeah. Right. >> Any more discussion?
>> Please. Mrs. Stenlin, >> knocked over the ash. Can I make a suggestion that if you're going to move forward with that that you also consider some sort of pay compensation for taking on those additional duties and responsibilities and level of expertise that that you'll
be losing when um director bro leaves? >> I would I think the council would but I would ask that if we are going to do that that we don't consider that tonight. >> Okay. Okay. just um >> but if
>> okay I I was just I guess I was a little confused because if you're going to make the recommend do you want me to come back with at some point a recommendation before September 2nd or h how would you like to manage that
then? Yeah, I I think that and I'm just one person and we're still likely going to vote >> that what hasn't been discussed at any point by the council and so I think we should have an idea of what that is
>> before we do that >> and and thank you for reminding me that had crossed my mind that he's probably going to need >> some type of adjustment if she can come to the September 2nd with what she would recommend for that
as an adjustment. >> I can give you my recommendation now if you wanted to think about or or if you prefer to wait that's that's fine as well. >> I would say the second. >> Okay. >> And we can get it from
>> Oh, yeah. I won't be here September 2nd, >> but I will share but you can provide >> Yeah, you can you can provide the info. >> Yep. And then we would postpone this until the September 2nd meeting. Is that what
>> Well, we can approve them. Then we can approve his compensation. Okay. >> At that meeting. Yeah. So, at this time, we have motions by councelor Kaylor, councelor Wgner to approve on September 2nd, moving
assistant public works director Mike Wallace to interim public works director subject to a compensation review on September 2nd. >> Yes. >> Are you both amendable to that? I I would say too uh I would say he would
have to agree to >> that was my my next question. >> That might be part of the motion too, you know, upon his acceptance. Just just a thought. >> Are you amendable? >> Sure. >> Okay. Um you folks offered the motion.
So >> Okay. Question. >> I >> I >> I >> I'll vote yes. That carries 40. We will move to September 2nd with that topic going forward. Is thank you Sherry. Is
there any other business to come before the council? Seeing no further business, we can move back to our audience open form if anyone would like to come forward. Name and address for the record. Limited
to five minutes. Seeing no takers, reminders, there's a special city council meeting to continue ambulance service discussion
on Monday, August 25th, 2025, 5:30 p.m. An open house to discuss Smoky Bear Park band shell replacement. That same evening at 6 pm, city offices are closed in observance of Labor Day on
Monday, September 1st. The next regular city council meeting is Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025. We have also scheduled other meetings that can be found on the city website until uh they can be organized in our notes from this
evening. Is there any other business from the council um or staff at this time? This meeting is adjourned. Thank you. >> Recording stopped. Sing.