I'll call this meeting of the International Falls City Council to order. It's 5:30 Monday, December 15th, year 2025. [clears throat] Please rise as we say the pledge. I >> pledge allegiance 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 this evening. We'll move on to our agenda [sighs] with additions as presented. A new item four to approve city support for activities for the Arrowhead Ultra
135. >> There any other additions or deletions? >> Mayor, I do I do have one question on the agenda. Um item number three under new business. I am not certain what that's regarding, but I'm also not certain that that is an open council
discussion topic. If it's specifically rating relating to employment benefits, that may be um as an employer negotiation or strategizing which should be in a closed session. Certainly, you can do what you wish. Um but I do have concerns on that item, not
knowing specifically what it's regarding. >> Um I would thank you for that, Chelsea. I would add that the council doesn't necessarily have to respond to anything Mr. Ogdula may or may not bring forward.
um or what the topic is specifically. Are there any other additions or deletions? Is there a motion to approve the agenda? >> I'll move. >> Thank you, Councelor Kaylor. Is there support for that motion? >> Second. >> Thank you, Councelor Wgner.
[snorts] >> Question. I I >> I vote yes. Agenda is approved. Thank you. Next, approval of minutes [cough] from previous meetings. First, minutes
of the Monday, December 1st, 2025 regular city council meeting. And second, minutes of the Monday, December 8th, 2025 committee of the whole meeting. Is there any discussions or questions on
approving these minutes? Move to approve. >> Thank you, Councelor Buller. >> Second. Second. >> Thank you, Councelor Holden. Is there discussion? >> Question. >> I >> I >> I >> I
>> I'll vote yes. And the minutes item one and two are both approved. Thank you. We will move on to payments of claims and approval for payment of accounts payable. First, the transfers.
City of International Falls transfers to fund number 401, permanent improvement, $66,666. $33,33.33 each of which is from fund 601 water [clears throat]
and 603 sewer. Additionally to fund 403 reserve for capital outlay $29,1667 from number 601 water $16,6667 and from 603 sewer 12,500.
Total transfers $95,833.33. Moving on to accounts payable and claims. City of International Falls claims $617,412.92. International Falls Public Library Board claims $3,95458. Total accounts payable in claims
$621,367.50. Is there discussion or a motion to approve these payments and transfers? [music] >> I'll make the motion. >> Thank you, Councelor Holden. >> I'll second. >> Thank you, Councelor Buller. Is there discussion? >> Kaylor,
>> pardon. >> Kaylor made this. >> I'm sorry. >> Oh, quite all right. I just want to have a record. We're both on the end. >> Did Thank you very much. >> Is there any discussion? Call the question.
>> I >> I >> I >> I >> I'll vote yes and the bills are paid accordingly. Thank you. >> At this time there is a fiveminut opportunity for anyone here this evening to come forward and address the council
name or address for the record. If you do come forward, please. >> Good evening. >> Hi, my name is Amber. How I live at 5819 Highway 11.
This isn't very easy for me to come up here and blast our family issues that we have within the city, but I'm expecting accountability. So, here we go. Um, [clears throat] first off, we have a
emergency medical resource failure. The local ambulance and life lifelight services were unable to transport my grandson in a medical crisis this weekend. International Falls lacks the infrastructure to provide emergency transportation for infants and
critically ill patients. This gap endangers every family in our community. I also have another issue with court conflicts and interests of misconduct. Judges are presiding over family cases have direct ties to Independent School
District 361, violating judicial ethics, guarding at items engaged in extortion, suppressing evidence, harming families instead of protecting children, child protective services, and local police have enabled the removal of children
from safe parents, effective effectively kidnapping them and leaving them voiceless. families are denied due process and safe parent protections. The laws and rules that the city have broken are Minnesota statute 518.17
best interest of child factors which have been ignored. Minnesota general rules of practice 107 judicial disqualification requirements have been violated. Rule 114.02 2 alternative dispute resolution
standards have been disres disregarded. 28 USC 455 federal judicial disqualification statutes have been ignored. Parents with disabilities have been denied accommodations.
Now, I do not live within the city limits of International Falls, so I cannot vote in city elections. However, my businesses are located in International Falls and my children attend your school here. These ties give me both the right and the responsibility
to voice my opinions about this how the city is run. When the city fails in safety and justice, it directly impacts my family, my livelihood, and the broader community. So, I'm requesting council action. I'm requesting medical
resources. Conduct immediate review of ambulance lifellight capacity. Request state and federal support for rural medical equality. Judicial accountability. Demand investigation into conflicts of
interest and misconduct in the family courts. I'm asking for transparency. establish public reporting on both medical resources and court accountability. I'm asking for somebody to advocate these issues to the state
and the federal representatives to secure oversight and funding. [music] Families of International Falls are being failed on two fronts. Safety, no emergency transportation for sick infants. justice courts compromised by
conflicts and misconduct. You speak of International Falls as a place defined by death and taxes. Yet, while you allow the city to run rampid with misconduct, families are left to shoulder the burden. I refuse to let my children be
trapped in your definition of inedability. Accountability must replace this in ineability and transparency must replace neglect. The beginning is a notice. The end must be accountability.
So I've been trying to address these issues for almost a decade now with almost every resource possible in this town. My family literally is dying. My family is being harassed.
My family has been stolen from me. So, I suggest you guys get your together because I've already filed the paperwork with the DOJ on it. That's all I got. >> Thank you. Is there any more comment at this time?
A reminder, there will be an opportunity at the end of this meeting. [clears throat] Seeing none, we will continue to old business. Item one to adopt a resolution approving the
final tax levy collectible 2026 and the 2026 budget for the city of International Falls, Minnesota. I will give a small amount of background
on where that has been arrived at actually at this time. Emma, is that something that you would care to share um where the budget is at in terms of what we're going to certify? >> Not unless you want further
clarification. I we don't have to have that is what I would is the levy increase 6 >> 6.1%. Unless I missed that. >> Yeah. >> 6.1. Okay, that's what I needed. Thank
you. >> After a budget process beginning in August, the council has arrived um at a levy to be certified by resolution with the council vote of 6.1% over last
year. Is there any discussion or a motion to approve the budget as proposed? >> I think it should just be clarified though that 5% of that is for the ambulance and it's a 1.1 for operating.
>> That is what was discussed. Yes. Um probably The biggest change in the budget this year is something that the city, I don't believe, has ever done,
which is levying tax dollars directly into the ambulance fund in the amount of $27,437, which is what councelor Buller is speaking of.
Any other discussion? Is there a motion to approve? >> I'll make that motion. >> Thank you, [clears throat] Councelor Holden. >> Second. >> Thank you, Councelor Wgner. >> Is there any more discussion? just that I don't along with never uh
putting any delight in the ambulance fund, we're also making a effort to start paying back some of our shortfall in our reserve too if everything falls a budget of $700,000 this year.
Thank you. Well, we do need to certify the levy by the end of the year. Um, I don't plan to support it, but I want to thank the council because there's been a lot of meetings on the topic and
certainly we've made progress in some areas like the ambulance. We've never done that. The fact of the matter is we own the ambulance service and um we own um the
losses that we've incurred operating it. Is there any more discussion? Question. >> I >> I >> I >> I'll vote no and the budget [clears throat] carries for one. Thank you. Next, we will move to the consent agenda
to approve 2026 license renewals as presented. >> I'll move second. >> Thank you, councilors Kaylor and Holden. Discussion is open. I would like to read them for the
record. Dairland Operations, which is Duncan, Forest Land Sales and Service for a restaurant license. HB Wellness Massage individual license. Kennedy City Cab for a taxi license. MW Friends garbage
service, garbage haulers license. Peteham Food Service doing businesses. Hardies restaurant license. Rose Garden restaurant license. Sound North Pond Broker with established business license
and Taylor's Taxi LLC with a taxi license. Is there any other discussion at this time? >> There's no discussion on the consent agenda. >> Oh, I'm sorry. That was missed that one all the time. >> I'm sorry. We >> question.
>> I >> I >> I >> I'll vote yes. Consent agenda is approved unanimously. [clears throat] Thank you. Moving on to item one, new business. A chamber request
for city support for 2026 Icebox Days celebration scheduled January 16th through the 25th, 2026. JJ McBride is here. If you would like to come forward, please do so at this time.
Good evening. I'm JJ McBride, executive director of the International Falls Area Chamber of Commerce. I'm here this evening seeking the city's approval and partnership of two upcoming events. Ice Box Days 2026 and Chamberfest 2026. Ice Box Days will take Jan take place on
January uh 16th through the 25th. I've met with city staff and officials and we're all on the same page, ready to make this year's celebration the best one yet. With the city's support, we can bring our community together for a fun win for the fun winter festivities. Chamberfest 2026 is planned for
Thursday, June 25th at Smoky Bear Park from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The event will feature Ninja Anywhere, bouncy houses, food trucks, chamber booths, something for everyone to enjoy. I'm seeking approval to use uh Smoky Bear Park on June 25th for this event. We
would be thrilled to have the city's partnership in making both Icebox Days 2026 and Chamberfest 2026 successful and memorable for our community. >> Thank you. And we're very thankful for all that
happens in our community as the result of your hard work. >> Thank you. Is there a motion for support to the chamber? >> I'll make that motion. >> Thank you. Councilors Holden, Buller discussion at this time.
>> Question. >> I >> I >> I >> I >> I'll vote yes. And that letter of support is there unanimously. Thank you. [clears throat] Item two, to acknowledge letter of retirement from Deputy Chief Mitch Lassard.
effective January 5th, 2026. Like to thank him for his service over 22 years to the department. >> So move. >> Thank you, Councelor Buller. And you're
moving to acknowledge the letter. >> Correct. >> Thank you. Is there support? >> Second. >> Thank you, councelor Wgner. Is there discussion? [clears throat] >> Question. I >> I >> I >> I'll vote yes and this retirement is acknowledged unanimously. Thank you.
[clears throat] >> Item three, Todd Ojula would like to address the council um in regard to employment benefits. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Council, Mr. Mayor, may I distribute these to you
and the council, please? >> [cough] [clears throat] >> I don't need any more of those. Thanks. >> Thank you. Mr. Mayor, council members, [cough] thank you for the opportunity to speak tonight. I know many of you personally and I've enjoyed talking to you over the
years and I've enjoyed Walt's wife's baking like everyone else. I'm here tonight to ask for consistency, not sympathy, not drama, and not conflict. Here is the contradiction in simplest terms.
I was told that when you leave the city, you do not get paid out for sick time. >> Mayor, I'm just going to interrupt for just a moment. Has this gone through the proper avenues? How did this get on the agenda? >> Mr. Mayor, may I continue? >> Yes, please continue. >> I'm sorry. I'm going to need an answer
to that first so I can advise the rest of the council of what's going on. I have no idea what's going on. >> We're not He He can come up and address the council for anything he'd like. >> Um in the public audience, [clears throat] >> Mr. Mayor, for the record, may I continue?
>> In the public audience portion, yes. But there are multiple other people who have wished to address the council, who have come to you and wanted an agenda item and have been told no because it's not appropriate for the council. I'm wondering if this should have been a no to address the council. I don't know if
it's appropriate for the council to be hearing this in an open setting, especially if it's a prior employee. >> Mr. Mayor, for the record, may I continue? >> As as far as I'm concerned, you can continue. If the council uh wishes to censure you, I'm sure that there's some
avenue that they can. Um, and I would like to know for the record um all of the people that I have denied time on the agenda. >> Sharon Ball. >> Okay, >> that's at least one. Mayor, I'm not trying to censor what Mr. Ogdula wants
to say. I'm just trying to make sure that the proper avenues are followed. And as a city representative of the city, I have to make sure there's no sort of legal implications by this getting on the agenda before it should be on the agenda, which should be yours. And the council's pro goal here, too, is
that we are not opening up the city to further issues if it hasn't been vetted appropriately. And the appropriate responses, I mean, this to me sounds like it may be a closed session topic, especially as it goes to current employees, future employees, and past employees. I have no idea what this is
about other than that it's employment related which the city has its own employment attorney labor attorney. I have no idea what this is regarding. It's very concerning that it's going to be an open discussion topic and no
information is known. Does anyone have information on what the how this got on the agenda? >> Mr. Ogdula did contact me and wanted to be on the city council agenda. He is not an employee of the city. >> But it's regarding an employee city
contract, I'm assuming. >> Is it or is it not? >> I if I am allowed to continue. Uh that may be determined. So may I continue, Mr. Mayor? >> I'm fine with you continuing. >> Okay. So I'm continuing. I'm here to ask
for consist consistency, not sympathy, not drama, and not conflict. Here's the contradiction in simplest terms. I was told that when you leave the city, you do not get paid out for sick time. Yet, two employees who left around my departure, one before me and one after,
were paid out for sick time. Both of these things cannot be true at the same time. Either the rule is not what I was told or it is being applied inconsistently. Either way, it must be corrected. So, I'm asking for a specific remedy tonight. A motion directing
administration to apply the salaried employee sick leave payout policy consistently and to process my payout by a certain date. Let the record reflect what this is and what it is not. This is not a debate about whether anyone deserves
anything based on popularity, personality, or position. This is about whether the city has a written policy it intends to apply consistently. Yes or no? Now, I'll lay this matter out as plainly as possible like exhibits because it really is straightforward.
Exhibit A. >> Before he continues, I'm going >> Again, >> Mr. Mayor, may I continue? >> Open council discussion topic. >> Okay, then >> please have um I'll please make a motion to censure him. Then
>> I'll make the motion to >> It should be a motion to go to close session. I make a motion that we go to close session and we should have our labor attorney take a look at it too. >> Second. >> Um, was the motion to enter close session?
>> Yep. >> Now, >> no. >> We have to provide proper notice. >> Okay. >> Of a special city council meeting if that's what you choose to do. >> But it needs to be a closed. >> That's what I think needs to be done. I think it needs to be seen by our labor attorney.
Okay, discussion. >> I would uh add that I had requested a special city council meeting um on whenever our last city council meeting was on the 1st or 2nd and to meet with
the labor attorney and I have not heard back from city staff. But with that, I will call the question. I >> I >> I >> I'll vote no and we [clears throat] will move Mr. Ogdula's whatever he would have liked to have
addressed the council with to a closed session at a predetermined date. And um at this point I would add that there's still the opportunity for open form for anyone. Mr. Mayor, may I ask one question? What
what is the date of this special session? >> You can set it now. >> Yeah. >> Um 72-hour requirement. >> Yep. >> Yes.
Okay. Thursday the 18th. Would the meeting have to be later than the current time? Now, >> assuming the notice wouldn't go out until the 16th. That's the That's the concern is to actually get notice out tonight.
>> Okay. How about Friday the 19th? >> That works. >> Is there a time? >> 10 o'clock. Okay. Does that work for you, Mr. Ojula? >> I believe I can make that work. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. >> Is um did we make a motion to call that
the date and time or can we >> I'll make a motion if we uh special meeting at or amend our motion whatever we want to do it for 10:00 on Friday, which is the 19th, I believe. >> Thank you. Second.
>> Thank you, Councelor Wgner. Is there discussion on that meeting? Call the question to schedule it. >> I >> I >> I >> I will vote yes and the meeting will be scheduled. Thank you, Mr. Oula.
>> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. council. Next on this evening's agenda is item four under new business to approve city support for activities for the Ultra Fund annual Arrowhead Ultra 135 on
January 26. Mr. Krueger, [cough] thank you. Our 22nd Arrowhead Ultra 135 is January 26th to the 28th. Um, right now we have 188 racers signed up from seven different countries, 26 different states. Um, and in the past we're
requesting basically what we've done in the past, um, use Kerry Park Arena for the race start 7 a.m. Monday, January 26th. We have fireworks at the race start that the fire department puts on for us that is hugely popular. Um the
police monitor the first couple road crossings on the Arrowhead Trail, Blue Ox Trail on that Monday morning and the city crew hangs a race banner by Smoky Bear Park. So that's what we're requesting. And then historically the mayor is there for the start.
>> I would plan to attend. >> You know that >> and [laughter] enjoy the fireworks and get the keys >> enjoyed by everybody but a dog on for stuff. So I might add. [laughter] >> Yep. >> Well, we are excited once again um to
support this event. >> Thank you. >> A long-standing tradition is Do you have additional at this time? >> I'm sorry. >> Do you have additional at this time? >> No. >> Do you have any idea how many are going to be here? Are you full up again? >> Oh, we fill up in a we fill up in a couple hours.
>> Well, hopefully we'll have some weather like on Saturday for >> Yes. That would be wonderful. Yeah, >> I move to approve it. >> Thank you, Councelor Buller. Second, Councelor [clears throat] Wgner, is there discussion on the support for this event? Seeing none, I'll call the
question. >> I I >> I vote yes. >> Thanks, Ken. >> Thank you very much. Number five, new business to request approval of year 2026 license renewals that may include tobacco and/or liquor
applications as presented. I would like to read them. Bootleggers fuel and liquor, cigarette, gas pumps and restaurant. Bootleggers liquor offsale liquor. Border Bar and Pizza House Inc. off-sale
liquor license, on sale liquor license, restaurant license, and Sunday liquor. DJ Retail is Dollar General, a cigarette license. Espresso Lane doing business as the library, a restaurant license, a Sunday
license, and on sale liquor license. Family Dollar doing businesses. Family Dollar Store, cigarette license, Forest Land Sales and Service, cigarette license, gas pump license, Holiday Station store, 32
offsale license, cigarette, gas and restaurant license, I Falls Group doing businesses, cobblestone restaurant on sale liquor, Sunday liquor licenses, quarters fuel and car wash, cigarette
and gas pump license, Men Sea Store Inc. 3.2 offsale license, cigarette license, gas pump license, and restaurant license. Men store, Inc. 32 offsale license, cigarette license, gas pump license, fireworks license, and restaurant
license. And last but not least, Timber Bowling Center on sale liquor license, restaurant license, and Sunday liquor license. At this time, if there's no discussion, I would ask for a motion to approve these as presented.
>> I'll make that motion. >> Thank you, Councelor Holden. >> I'll second. >> Thank you, Councelor Kaylor. Any discussion? Call the question. >> I I >> I vote yes. These [clears throat] licenses are approved unanimously. Thank
you. Item six, to approve 2026 regular city council meeting schedule. I do not intend to read these. These will be posted online and notice will be given. Is there a motion to approve? >> So move. >> Thank you, Councelor Buller. Thank you,
Councelor Wgner with a second. Discussion, [clears throat] question. >> I >> I >> I >> I vote yes. The meetings are approved unanimously. Thank you. Item seven, to approve 2026 city council committee
meeting schedule for land use, public works and public safety committees. >> Now move. >> Thank you. Councelor Kaylor. Is there support [music] motion by councelor Wgner? Is there discussion? >> Call the question.
>> I I >> I. >> And I'll vote yes. Those are approved unanimously. [clears throat] Thank you. Item eight, to approve the 2026 Planning Commission
and Zoning Board of Appeals meeting schedule. It appears there are six meetings. >> So move. >> Thank you, Councelor Buller. >> Second. >> Thank you, Councelor Kaylor. Is there discussion on the zoning meetings?
[snorts] Seeing none, I'll call the question. >> I >> I >> I >> I'll vote yes. Those are approved unanimously. Thank you. [clears throat] Item nine, [snorts] to approve and allow necessary
expenses for up to four ambulance personnel to attend the Arrowhead EMS conference and expo in Duth, Minnesota, January 21st through the 25th of 2026 as a
budgeted item. >> I'll move. >> Thank you, Councelor Kaylor. I'll second. >> Thank you, Councelor Buller. Is there discussion? >> Question. >> I >> I >> I >> I'll vote yes. And that's approved
unanimously. Thank [clears throat] you. >> Next item 10, new business. Approve fire department purchase of thermal imagers to replace aging equipment with funding from fire department annual capital account
[snorts] their discussion. I do not I do see chief manasa here. Would you like to come forward at this time chief? Thank you. Thank you, mayor. Uh, our capital outlay budget for last
year was for a small number of turnout gear uh for new individuals and then the rest was on equipment of aging equipment what we needed. So, this fits for what we budgeted for in 25. We have adequate funding um left in that line item to
cover this purchase. What we're dealing with is our current thermal imagers are getting to an age where they can't be serviced or [music] fixed. And we've had a couple fail now in the last well one was year before. Uh and then we lost one again this year now
that we can't get serviced or fixed. So it's time to start upgrading in that department. Um by doing this we would fit this as one truck bundle. So, we would outrig one truck with this set here and then move what we have one of
each and make it into two. So, uh we'll replace all new on one truck, use a existing one moved over and and cover what we need to do here. So, uh the information I did set share with you was example only. I was reaching out and getting best prices and actually so far
these are the best prices. So, um, I'm waiting for one more person to get back to me, but these are pretty accurate pricing, so your consideration is appreciated. >> Thank you, Chief Manasa. Discussion from council or a motion to approve at this time. >> I'll move. >> Second.
>> Thank you, councilors Kaylor and Holden. Is there discussion? [clears throat] Question. I >> I vote yes. This purchase is approved unanimously. Thank you. >> Thank you. Item 11, new business,
[snorts] to adopt a resolution for local road improvement grant agreement, grant terms and conditions. This is for part of the Ninth Street
project, I believe. Thank you, [clears throat] Mr. Fischer. Is there anything you would like to add about the Ninth Street project and what this entails? >> No, this is just a grant that we were awarded to uh help offset some of the
city's cost for $1.5 million. We need this approved so that we can request those funds that >> for the batuminous for >> the Yes. >> So move. >> Thank you, councelor Buller. Second.
Thank you, councelor Wagner. Any discussion? >> Question. >> I I >> I'll vote yes. This carries unanimously. Thank you. Item 12,
land and use recommendations. Item A to adopt a resolution approving fee schedules for police department, fire and housing department, and building zoning department.
>> Motion to approve. >> Thank you, Councelor Wgner. [clears throat] >> Second. >> Thank you, Councelor Holden. I do not believe There is
any major changes from this last year with this particular document other than some fire department fees commercially one scuba tank fill at $10 per bottle
and administrative towing fee if there's a towed vehicle. Is there any more discussion at this >> I just how has this alarm fee cut down on the number of false alarms Adam for
fires over the years can >> yeah may he sorry >> please at this time >> to answer your question counselor we've never applied that fee we've always held it uh internally to us for something
that we could use if we had to. Uh what it in encourages people to do is if we have a commercial alarm system that we have to reset multiple times in a say a twoe period or something, it's incentive for them to fix a panel or fix a problem
versus us responding six, seven, eight times in a short amount of period. So when this fee was implemented, the cost for dispatching out the department for a call for an hourlong call was around $700. So that was the impetus on this um
fee for a commercial fire alarm. And we do the way it's worded is it is discretion of the chief. So if we have a problem that we can't identify uh that we can't readily fix um we would not implement that fee unjustly so to speak.
>> All right. Thanks. Thank you. It might be something for the uh police department to look at too for if you get some habitual false alarms from a place which tends to happen at times but that
would be up to them to decide. >> Right. Discussion believe the motions call the question. I >> I >> I >> I >> I'll [clears throat] vote yes. And this fee schedule carries unanimously. Thank you.
>> Item 13, new business from public works committee recommendation item A to approve quote for replacement of Kerry Park Arena Zamboni room garage door.
We have received two quotes. The first from Meyers Glass in the amount of $7,900. Second from UPN North Builders for $11,463.
I did notice that I believe there is a difference that in the quote from UPN North Builders that there is a new side operator garage door included in that
bid discussion. Well, please counselor Wagner. >> Uh, is this is this a budgeted item or something? We got a extra pay for this. I don't see that. Um, [snorts] if Wallace here maybe.
>> Yeah, Mike. Mike's back. >> Mike, >> that is a question. Um, [clears throat] it is not a budgeted item, Mr. Wallace. My understanding from our committee meeting was that the door is destroyed.
Um, is that accurate? I have not looked at the door. >> Yeah, it's getting to the point it won't be able to close when the when they need to. And I I believe this when we talked to him. I don't know if Rat Cocky was
going to pick up this from the one meeting or not, but either way, we need to get the door the door fixed. >> We can take it on next year's >> Which door is it? The outside door? >> No, the inside door.
>> Inside door. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> There's two doors there. Is this councelor Wagner? >> Uh just what you pointed out. Is there an advantage to this side operator door
or Mike? Mike Mike, you got anything on this or >> uh I something about a side operator door. Um it's the inner Zambon door that goes to the rink. We've had issues with it for the last two years. Um, it
continues to break down according to Mr. Myers, uh, which does all our store service repairs. Um, it's on its last leg. Um, he told us last year we should replace it. Haven't had any any problems with it this winter yet, but when we do,
we can't get the Zamboni out. So, we kind of put that up as a priority, but so far we've had no problems with it this winter. How old is it, Mike? >> Original door. >> Yeah.
>> So, it is possible that if it doesn't work, it would cancel games [music] and everything. >> Yeah. >> Because it's an inside door. >> Yeah, it's an inside door. >> Okay. Well, it's original. It goes way back >> to the
30 years. 30 years. >> I'll move to accept the quote from Myers >> and I'll second it. >> Thank you, Councelor Holdman. Is there discussion being that it is December 15th? The only question I have is whether it would be expensed this year
or next. I assume that by the time that we receive the bill and pay for it, we'll be a significant lapse from today. >> Yes. >> Any more discussion? Question. >> I >> I
>> no [clears throat] >> I >> I'll vote yes to replace the Zamboni room door 41. Thank you. Item B, again from public works, approve quote for replacement of Kerry
Park Arena locker room door number four. This quote is from one quote from Northern Lumber. Yep. in the amount of $2,975 3 to four week lead time plus
freight at $350 to $400 estimated [snorts] there. I believe there was a discussion about Dre Hockey paying
for the door and the city was going to [music] install it. >> Is that something that we're anticipating? >> Yes, I would think. But yeah, then we'd [clears throat] purchase it. They'd reimburse us and then we got guys at the
city garage that can do the welding cuz uh I understand they can't do any more welding on it hardly anymore. Right, Mike? And it's >> been fixing it for years, few years now. >> Motion or discussion at this time? >> I'll move. I'll second it.
>> Councilors Kaylor and Holden make motions to move ahead with this quote. Is there discussion? >> Question. >> I >> I >> I. >> And I will vote yes. That item passes
unanimously. Thank you. Item 14 from budget and finance. Item A to approve the 2025 audit engagement letter with Schlenner Wer and Co.
and authorize signatures. Uh annually [cough] [clears throat] the city has its books and affairs audited by Schlenner Leoner. This is a routine
letter that we would receive to engage for the following year from this company. >> Motion to approve. >> Thank you, Councelor Wgner. [clears throat] >> I'll second. >> Thank you, Councelor Buller. Is there discussion?
Question. >> I I >> I'll vote yes. And that is approved unanimously. Thank you. Item 15, committee of the whole recommendations. Item A,
approve public works vehicle maintenance policy. >> I'll move. >> Thank you, councelor Kaylor. >> A second. >> Thank you, Councelor Buller. [cough]
There discussion on this topic question. >> I >> I >> I >> I'll vote yes and the policy is approved unanimously. [clears throat] Thank you. Item B to approve internal posting for Chief of Police
position per request from Sher Sten, human resources and safety director. >> So move. >> Thank you. Councelor Buller. Second. Thank you, Councelor Wgner. Is there discussion? >> I just to make clear, if we're posting
for an internal um applications from the chief of police, we are planning on keeping our police department for the foreseeable future. I just want there to be some information on that for the guys that may apply so they know what they're
getting into. That is my plan. Yeah, this is internal for a temporary chief [music] of police until we get through everything, right? >> Yeah. No, >> this would be for >> No, this is for the chief >> permanent chief of police permanent
>> internally. >> Um, >> this one >> if there's an applicant >> if there's an applicant. Um would it [clears throat] be so um Sherry my understanding would be that if the
council did not deem that someone internally met qualifications then they wouldn't be considered for that position. >> Correct. Then we go >> um this would open that process for internal applications.
Got it. >> Did I ask for motions? >> We have them. Okay. Thank you for clarifying. >> Yeah. >> Well, there's a lot of stuff. >> We did because Pete asked for discussion. Is there further discussion on this topic?
>> Call the question. >> I >> I >> I'll vote yes. And this posting is approved unanimously. [clears throat] Thank you. I guess I do have a mark discussion point and we're going to try and get this on a schedule so we can have it approved by the end of the year.
I mean, we'll probably have to call a meeting to do that. >> That's correct. >> Yeah. All right. Item C from committee of the whole, approve appointments to the 2026 Northeast Minnesota
Regional Advisory Committee. >> I'll move. >> Thank you, Councelor Kaylor. >> Second. >> Thank [clears throat] you, Councelor Wgner.
Is there any disc please? >> Um last year on there we had um fire chief Manassa and our IT Mr. Todd Oila. So we do need to um either pre um move
Adam to the alternate and do a different representative or leave Adam and appoint a different alternate for 2026. I would move that we would um have Adam and then the alternate be whoever takes over the IT position
permanently >> and that was as discussed at committee of the whole >> maybe. Yeah. >> Unless we have to decide on do we have to have an alternate immediately? >> No. >> Okay. >> We can we can provide a name at a later date.
>> Yeah. And as a friendly amendment, is that acceptable? Thank you. More discussion. Call the question. >> I I >> I >> I
>> I'll vote yes. And the appointment with the amendment is approved unanimously. Thank you. Item [clears throat] D, committee of the whole, approve appointments to the 2026 Northeast Minnesota Regional
Emergency Communications Board. These representatives would be councilors Holden and an alternate of counselor Wagner. >> I'll move. Thank you,
>> councilors Kaylor and Bullard. Is there discussion? >> Question. >> I I >> I'll vote yes and this is approved unanimously. [clears throat] Thank you. Item E from committee of the whole
approve a cannabis license application for Miners Inc. doing business as Super One Foods. This is a low potency application. >> Motion to approve. >> Thank you, Council Wagner.
>> Second. >> Thank you, Councelor Buller. Is there discussion on this license application? We'll call the question. >> I I >> I >> I >> I'll vote yes. Carries unanimously.
Thank you. Moving to item F. Approve a cannabis license application for Super One Liquor. Same application for low [clears throat] potency hemp. >> Motion to approve. >> Go ahead. >> Thank you. Councelor Wagner, would you like >> Second?
>> I'll second. >> Okay. >> Whatever. >> Motion by Councelor Buller, second [clears throat] by Councelor Wagner. Is there discussion on this item?
question. >> I I >> I >> I'll vote yes and this item carries unanimously. Thank you. [cough] >> Moving on to item G. Discuss process of placing a ballot
question prohibiting deer feeding on the November 3rd, 2026 election ballot. At this time, I will turn it over to Chelsea Nelson, city attorney. >> Um, I believe Betty printed for you kind
of a memorandum of three options that you're looking at. Um, the first is [music] the council may certainly place it on a ballot for just a kind of yes or no question. That isn't binding. That wouldn't create an ordinance. That would be solely for the purpose of getting the
public response on whether the council should take that any further. Um the second option is the council can adopt a deer ordinance, go through all the steps, um publish it, do the things, and then if the citizens um don't want that
ordinance, they can do um what's called a referendum petition that says it requires at least 7% of the votes cast at the last mayoral election saying no, we don't want this and then it gets put on the ballot. And then the last one is
the most common type [music] or avenue used to get a question on the ballot. That is an initiative petition. Um that's similar to what former mayor Droa did with the chickens. Was it the chickens? >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Um where you um any one of you can start
that petition and start circulating for signatures um and get at least 5%. If you get 15% the process is a little bit different. um can certainly provide further advice on that. But those are essentially the three options on how you
can address this. >> Thank you. And the this discussion spurred that there's been mixed feelings over the deer ordinance. We've had open houses. Um, we had
one solution here at a previous city council meeting that was referred back. I have received an incredible amount of correspondence on this issue as I think others may have. I see head
nods. So, I had come up with the idea of um requesting of Chelsea to inform us of the process to put this on the ballot. Um so, that is something that
even if you're the mayor or a counselor, you can do under the citizen initiative process. >> Correct. Um, and at 5% of the votes, then it would come to C council to either approve or vote to place on the ballot.
>> Yes. Okay. The 15% um essentially says you either have to approve or put it to ballot. It's a little bit confusing on five or 15. I just go with the smaller number. Okay. >> Um because it's going to make the council do something anyway. >> So about 140 signatures roughly.
150 is what it would take to meet the 5% threshold. I'm It's not It's informal. They >> I'm not sure on the number. I didn't do the math. >> Police Councelor Bler. >> Well, I think I think it would go on a ballot though. I mean, I'm sure that
there's I haven't had any opposition of they want an ordinance to not feed deer. The only opposition that's that has been presented to me is the the boundary. the boundary being the full city limits or the boundary that was created and that was that's the contentious issue I think
that I don't think there's anybody that's felt like they you know I mean there's some that yeah they feel like they want to keep feeding deer but there's most of them don't want any deer fed none of them come to me that's >> okay
and thank you for the correspondence I am probably 50/50 with the conversations and people I've talked to or heard from on the deer.
>> That's been my experience. >> So, so what would the question be then? Would it be do you want to feed deer or don't you want to feed deer? Or would it be >> the boundary or what? What >> it would be >> what would the question be? citywide. If we go to the ordinance, is that not
the plan >> to do this >> for a citywide, is that the plan? >> In the discussion, yes. I I had asked a question that >> if we do citywide and put it on the ballot. >> Yeah. >> And um the citizens can decide and that
would I believe be free as charge because we're already having the election. Maybe free of charge. I I don't know what expense it would be just placing the question on the ballot. Um so it would not cause a special election. That
would be the avenue of such. >> Thank you. I do think too that we need to make everybody else aware of it out there too that we we can't move forward with anything else with your control unless we have an ordinance. That's that was a big push for the ordinance is what
we were told by the DNR. So we we need to have an ordinance before we can move forward with with any other process if there would be another process we'd want to take to help to eliminate some. >> So we need that ordinance. Mayor, if I may, just another way to to
kind of look at it is the the two options other than the advisory kind of just question on the ballot that's not binding is whether you want the onus um on the people that want it or the people that don't want it. um is another way to kind of look at it on who who do you
want to have the obligation to to speak up I guess >> in in once it's placed on the ballot >> on how it gets there. Um so for example that option two where the council does it and then it's on the citizens that don't want it to bring that referendum.
The onus is on the people that don't want it. Whereas the petition initiative petition it's on the people that do want it. It's on their shoulders to bring it forward. >> Understand. Thank you for the clarification. So, that would be um an option for the
city [clears throat] council if the votes are there to approve a citywide deer ordinance as we've discussed. And it either becomes law, for lack of a better term, or it can be petitioned um >> then put on the ballot, huh,
>> with 7% of the total votes cast for mayor. Okay. Um, this obviously we don't have it as an agenda item to approve a deer ban, but this gets out what the process would be um for the for the council to do so.
Would anyone like to take any further action or would you like to continue to review in land use? >> Yeah, I think we can continue to review. Be a good idea. We'll move on at this time with no
action taken on item G of the discussion to item 16 to discuss the International Falls Ambulance Service. As [clears throat] many of you know that
have followed municipal and county issues that the city has been struggling with funding the ambulance service and its loss um for a considerable amount of time over a
decade and back in June or July I do not have the specific date this evening We have held meetings um see in seeking of a taxing district to
provide that service. We about 3 weeks ago to condense this. Um, the council approved a letter to be sent to the county of Cooching
that I signed in regard to ambulance service. And we received a letter back from Cooching County on December 9th, which I would like to read for the record at this time.
Dear Mayor Dill and council members, on behalf of the Cooching County Board of Commissioners, this letter serves to formally state the county's commitment to ensuring a viable and sustainable financial solution for the ambulance services currently
provided by the city of International Falls within the established ambulance service district. The county board recognizes that these ambulance services are essential to public safety and must be maintained at a level that adequately serves all
residents of the district. The current financial challenges facing the service require deliberate action, clear statutory authority, and enforcable agreements to ensure long-term stability. Accordingly, the county board has
directed the county attorney and county auditor treasurer to take specific action by drafting a proposed resolution contract for board review. In addition, staff have been instructed to conduct a thorough review of Minnesota statutes,
including sections 144f.01 01 and 375B. To ensure the board has a complete understanding of all available statutory options and obligations before making final determinations, the county board intends to act
decisively once this legal and fiscal analysis is complete. Any solution adopted must be structured, legally sound, and equitable for taxpayers throughout the ambulance service district. The board expects continued coordination with the city as this
process moves forward and anticipates meaningful progress towards a sustainable framework. The county appreciates the city's continued provision [clears throat] of this critical service and will remain focused on identifying a
responsible path forward that ensures continuity of ambulance services for our shared constituents. Sincerely, Jason Schoblum, chairman, Cooch County Board. I do see that Commissioner Shoblam is present this evening. Is there anything
you would like to add at this time? >> No, no, mayor. I'll just tell this. We are sincerely and truthfully looking into this and we are looking at all the avenues. We think we found a path forward. We're having some disagreements uh legally on what on how to interpret the path forward so far as a flat fee, a
flat fixed fee district. uh that would be under the purview of the county board. Um again, I I certainly appreciate uh the city council uh being patient with us while we work through this process and uh I know we'll find a
resolution and it will be it will be of benefit to citizens. So, I certainly appreciate you being patient with us and uh just want to wish you all happy. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Commissioner. [applause] At this time, we had promised ourselves that we would
take a vote by the end of the year um on how we would treat the service moving forward. And what I mean by that is the citizens and surrounding areas in
our primary service areas. Um we have a paramedic or a partial paramedic based service. Right now the city council has looked at many options to shrink the ambulance deficit that we have
endured for some time. Um, the city currently has a part-time advanced life support certificate. Um, and I want to point out a distinction, and I would ask Chief Manassa to correct me if I'm wrong. The city currently
provides basic life support to the primary service area and a paramedic if it's available at the time under the part-time license. We do not have a full-time ALS license right now and I don't believe we have in the last year.
>> That is correct. So a full-time ALS license means there will be a paramedic on every run, every call, every ambulance. So this allows us the flexibility to run with two EMTs and basic uh BLS scenario.
>> Thank you, Chief. Also, we have contacted the state throughout this process throughout the summer and fall and determined that our license um is renewable in two-year increments
um which expires at the end of 2026 at which time the city council uh as may consider um exiting the service. And so I think the discussion tonight um is to
take a vote uh if we so choose to retain the service uh based on the county board's willingness to work with us to create what we have ultimately thought would be the solution for everyone to retain the service. And
the floor is open for discussion at this time. I I'll move to retain the service through the license as it is at the end of the next year. Um with the confidence that we'll have a solution by then
>> I'll second >> with our working with the county. >> Thank you councilors. Um, Kaylor and >> discussion not including renewal. >> Correct.
>> Yes. Yes. Through Yeah. Correct. Yeah. [clears throat] >> 2026 and that's it. Unless there's something >> because we've already budgeted. >> Yeah. >> To run it for 26. So, >> yes. and that which I think let and I'm like I said with the confidence that
we're going to have a solution worked out they asked to up through and then out through no I would like to see that that motion also give a stipulation like [music] a deadline on
that the taxing district start this 20 2027 so that it's in place on 2027 whatever taxing district. They pick however they want to go with it to whatever we decide to go with it. But that should be in place by there's time now to to do it between now if we're
going to go with the normal taxing. It's got to be in by June otherwise um we have time different time on different different programs or taxing districts. But uh I think we have to have something in it that says that that we want that in
place by the end of 27 otherwise or 26 I mean otherwise we'll look at >> that the district would fund for 2027. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Okay. >> Starts 27 27.
>> I not to murky the waters but I think that the license is up at the end of next year. I guess I thought it was self-explanatory if we weren't going to renew the license if we don't have everything worked out.
But I I have no problems adding that in. But like I say, these are just words to me. But part of the motion that we have to have cuz I have all the confidence that we're going to have this worked [snorts] out and we'll be moving forward.
And I would like to add that um you know we've had some passionate and lively meetings on this topic. Uh we've heard from constituents the ambulance service is vitally important
to the [clears throat] area and with a to echo councelor Kaylor that if the city continues to own the ambulance and we don't have support from others it is likely not financially viable to continue so and that has really been the
discussion the the some of the conversations about exiting the ambulance service, which certainly have been discussed. Um, that's a real thing. Um, if we can't staff the service or have the resources to do it, we've
done this for a long time and it's my hope that we can continue to well into the future and I'd like to thank councelor Holden for serving on the ambulance committee. Thank you, counselor.
>> Thank you. Is there any more discussion at this time? >> Question. >> I >> I >> I >> I >> I'll vote yes. And their motions are approved unanimously. Thank you. Seeing no further
business at this time from council, please. Councelor Wagner, >> have you got anything back on the lease agreement for the LEC yet? >> We did have a discussion. Did we discuss it committee of the
whole? I believe >> I I think it's going to the county board tomorrow. >> Is that correct, Jason? >> That's the status of the police agreement. Thank you. >> Thank you.
reports, boards, committees, and department heads um are as presented in the packet. At this time, there's an another audience open form
opportunity. Again, it's limited to five minutes. Name and address for the record. [clears throat] If you do choose to come forward, Bobby Bernath [clears throat] 19006 a um I'm just wondering
on this um Kerry Park Arena have you guys I remember back I don't know a month or so maybe even longer there's a committee is there anything can you guys tell me if there's anything going on about that
>> counselor Scalar and Wgner We've met months to start the process and we're waiting to set up another meeting. >> Okay. The process of like what >> how we're going to do this, how we're going to keep Kerry Park >> um running for the future. Yes. And they
have already stipulated that they're are willing to help with some things like improvements and that mentioned and like we said some of those were what we voted on tonight. So hopefully they'll continue that. But then we are looking for a long eventually find a long-term
solution. >> Okay. >> So >> I have another question um on this new levy 6.1. [laughter] Am I am I correct on that? Okay. So that 6.1
and then I went to other meetings and it was 5 26 or something like that. How did it get up to 6.1? I don't I don't understand that. Well, it was as low as
three at one point. Um several reasons. Um we've had some change in the police department. Um that is to be quite frank a little bit of a moving target because
Emma um as she and Betty as they bring these things forward it's a bit of a moving target um in the next year a lot could occur. Um >> would it would it have been that there's two people retiring and we have to do a
payout? Is that part would that be part of that? Um I that's >> not entirely accurate. We had to put [clears throat] a number of things and adjust a number of things including I had to put 115,500 back in for the airport. I had to do a
number of salary adjustments. I had last minute um numbers that came in from insurance companies. So a lot of times we're waiting down to the wire for insurance companies to give us their renewal numbers. Um so there's a number of things that change and hence the
moving target comment. Um things are changing and ups and downs of re-evaluating different figures and seeing where we can juggle certain numbers to accommodate some of that movement. But some sometimes we can't fully accommodate that. Hence the number
sometimes has to be adjusted. >> So we're looking at 11.1 for our new levy. >> No accurate. 6.1 >> 6.1% >> out of that 6.1 >> includes >> does that include the ambulance% yes
>> okay okay I'm sorry I just didn't understand that that's why I guess I came up here to understand it >> so it's 6.1 is the total levy >> yes >> that's correct >> okay all right thank you for clarifying that >> thank you [clears throat] Good evening.
>> Good evening. Rhonda Benedict, 9096 Street. How is that clarifying? Just saying insurance companies. What all of a sudden popped up like over a day or two? Insurance companies. What was the insurance for? When our insurance companies give us that their renewal
amount is different than what I budgeted, I budget a set amount. They give me this is our card number effective January 1. So I input that. So that can adjust up and down. >> Okay.
Sure. All right. I'm just want to say one thing. So when people come up here like the the um the lady that came up first at the very first uh I can't remember her name how Amber How and was very passionate about something that
happened to her grandson couldn't get lifellighted um and it is very emotional or like when I got called a bad word and I was very emotion it upsets me very much when I watch somebody and there's no emotion in any of you there's no apology ology. There's
no compassion. There's no words spoke. When people come up and ask hardcore questions, a lot of time you people just sit there, not an answer.
Numbers are asked a lot of times and there's, "Oh, I don't know. I don't have that spreadsheet in front of me. I'll have to get that to you." And then there's never a followup. that those questions are never answered at the next city council meeting.
A lot of times there's just blank stairs. A lot of things just get swept under the rug just like now. I'm gonna I wasn't here for the deer ordinance thing for the deer talk. I was
out of town. What bugs me about that is the deer come to town for a lot of reasons. It isn't just for people feeding the deer. They come and they eat all the apple trees. So maybe you should have people cut down the apple trees. They come and they eat
grass. People mow their grass. They really like the tender grass. Men go out and feed the deer to lure them to their deer stands. And that's okay. But heaven forbid somebody should feed the deer because we can't have the deer come to town because they eat the
vegetation and they eat the grass and they eat the apples. But it's okay to do all that stuff at the deer stands and you men can shoot the deer and that's okay. The deer come to town and if you notice it's a lot of not saying that there's never bucks in town, but it's a
lot of doese's with their babies because they bring their babies to town cuz it's safe cuz they're not dumb. They're not dumb animals. There's a lot of doese's with babies. We all know that. We all see that, right? So, they're not dumb. They come to town to protect their
babies. And that's okay. So, really, you just want to do this. So, it's okay cuz you know that the deer are still going to come to town even if you do the ordinance cuz you just want to call them out because you're man and you just want to shoot them cuz that's your solution.
You just want to take them out cuz that's your solution cuz they're God's creatures and they come to town because it's safe and they know where everything is good to eat and that's what you want to do cuz you're men. And it really bugs me because men think they own the world
and they can just do whatever they want. And I know I'm sounding foolish to you all because you're all men and you're all hunters. >> I'm not. >> And that really bugs me. >> I'm not >> because you don't own the world. you don't own everybody's plots and
everybody's land and everybody's yards and they're just God's creatures and they're just wandering into town because there's good food. And that really bugs me. And the reason, the only reason you're doing the ordinance is because you know it's not going to work. You know that they're still going to wander into town because there's still going to
be apple trees and people's vegetation and people's nice yards and their green grass and they're still going to come to town and you're just doing it because you know it's not going to work. So then you can just come to town and shoot him anyways. It's really what you're doing.
And that really pisses me off because it's okay to lure them to your stand to shoot him. And that really bugs me and I'm sorry, but sometimes I really hate men because you think you own everything and you
think that you can just do whatever you want. You don't give a about the citizens because you just want to raise our taxes because you don't budget for anything and just reach in our pockets and do whatever you want. And now you're just going to call out all the deer because you're just going to do whatever you
want. >> Excuse me. Thank you, Mrs. Benedicts. Sorry, I forgot to ask another question. Bobby Bernath, 1900 6th Avenue. So, I'm looking at the
um Excel spreadsheet or your pay sheet and [clears throat] under um inter information services or information technology, the 3SD design LLC, is that our new tech
department? >> That's an interim Oh, >> contract at the moment. So that's who is replacing Todd? >> That is who the council selected [snorts] on a contract basis to serve
the city until the city council um decides a pathway forward for that service. >> So $13,515 is how long? a month, two months or until
you get the replacement or [clears throat] what would that be? I'm >> It shows right here. Um $13,515 invoice 1357
December 1st. I was just wondering is that for a month or until you get somebody or >> I believe that the contract was for up to I don't I I could be wrong, but my best
recollection is that it's 40 hours uh at $100 an hour and it had a I believe a not to exceed price, but this information is um readily available. >> Okay. Um, so we're I want to point out
that the city council is here to serve all of you, >> right? >> And I we want to make sure that all of your answers um can be answered to the extent that they are. >> Mhm. >> Um so, you know, something else I want
to know too is under that same contract or same it says uh Verizon Wireless $320. Is that a phone to those people that we provide? >> We would questions [clears throat] of this
magnitude are are best directed to the administrator. >> Oh, okay. So, I'll come in and see Betty tomorrow. >> Absolutely. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. Just one question just for the record. Was I censored or moved to a closed
session? What was the what what is the terminology? >> I believe that um the council voted I would h you know what I would have to watch the video is what I do know is
there was a vote >> um >> okay >> to call a meeting on Friday. Okay. Okay. Yeah. Under what statutory authority was I put pushed into a closed session under Minnesota's open meeting law? >> Statute 13.43 and Minnesota statute 13D.
An individual's voluntary disclosure does not convert private personnel data into public data. The city remains legally prohibited from discussing this matter in open session. >> Okay. Thank you. I just wanted that for the record. Thank you. Good evening. I just got one question,
>> please. Good evening. I just got one question. Last year during the Minnesota state legislators, they appropriated more money for smaller cities. How much money did we arrive? It was in a paper that grant your child said that the smaller
cities got more of money from the state of Minnesota. What did we receive from there for the money to to the to the best of my knowledge? The city the the main piece of the pie that the city [clears throat] gets from
the state is called local government aid. Um >> this was amended for small cities. Way he described it. Um I'm is what we have received. We generally do receive a small increase in local
government aid if the state has the money. Um I would have to see the article. It's all >> was in the paper. >> I but I don't know what you're speaking of specifically. >> All right. I we did get a increase in
local government aid this year, I believe, of around $10,000 of the $4.9 something million that we received from the state. >> Okay. >> Mayor, could I please have a name and address? >> Oh, yes. Please name and address for the record.
>> For the record. Your name, please. >> Scott 319. >> Thank you, sir. I got a question for you. the 6.1 tax levy. Is that going to go from the new rates where they put my house up at 41%.
Or where are the houses number going to be figured in to your taxes? That is a question for the county assessor's office, the city council. And I think you've asked an important question that can help everyone. when the city council
sets its budget and ultimately how much money it's going to need to collect to conduct its affairs in the next year. Now that the levy has passed and certified uh administrator Bergs chairman finance officer Rudd will take
that information with the resolution and send it to Cooching County. The way they collect it has nothing to do with that process. All right. Thank you very much. Thank you.
[cough] >> Good evening. >> Good evening. Glenn Davis, 1702 15th Avenue. Uh just one comment or a couple thoughts on the 6.1% increase. Um I was just would like to
know are there no other savings that could be found to keep the the uh increase down. Many people are asking why why the increases? Aren't there other areas within the city that we
could find cost savings for our taxpayers? That's where the council arrived was the culmination of I guess four months of of work. Um,
I think that there was um there's five of us on here. We that's how I'm going to leave it at this time that um there
that's where it was arrived at. I don't have a more specific answer. Okay. >> Uh my target for the levy uh was 3% initially. That's where I would have liked to have kept it and that's why I didn't support it is that I thought we
could get there. Um, we didn't. Councelor Buller brings up a good point that if we weren't putting money into the ambulance fund, we'd be funding it out of our general fund reserves and we would have had a levy I think under 2%
this year. So, I'd like to to put some credence to that. Um, and that's some of of the details. Okay. Um,
I do appreciate the city and the county working together on the ambulance service. I think many others do as well. Um, great appreciation for that. Uh again the reduction I would agree with
you on a 3% we can operate with less. I don't think we've dug hard enough if we're this far in the hole and this um and funding the ambulance and the deficit we've carried for 10 years and we can't dig deeper to make the cuts,
I don't think we're serious enough about reducing our deficits. The other part on the uh the deer uh there we've been here for many of the meetings and we were hoping that this would move to ordinance so there could
be uh a better pathway to how to reduce it. It wasn't about just people coming in and killing deer. It's about safety issues. It was pointed out attracting predators which has already occurred. It's about
safety on driving and people have expressed concerns about their property damage. So there are many aspects that were brought up in the question to you. I understand that you feel that you get
contrary opinions but I was hoping that this would have moved to ordinance so that some action could be taken next year. >> Thank you. Yeah, as we uh discussed um with the information that Chelsea put
together that one of the avenues is that the council uh can enact an ordinance for a citywide deer feeding ban, which she explained at which that if there's opposition to it once the ordinance is
passed that it can be petitioned if there's that many that feel that it should go to a um citywide vote. vote like the chickens for lack of better terms. Um, that's what I have to add on that topic. >> That's the approach I would like to
have, but it is. >> Thank you for your time. >> Thank you. >> [snorts] >> At this time, we will move on to reminders. First, city offices will be closed for
the Christmas holiday half day, Wednesday, December 24th, and all day Thursday, December 25th. >> [clears throat] >> Second, city offices will be closed for the New Year's holiday on Thursday, January 1st, 2026.
And third, the next regular city council meeting is Monday, January 5th, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. Seeing no further business at this time,
I'd like to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday season, merry Christmas, and happy new year. This meeting is adjourned.