It's 5:30. I will call this City of International Falls regular city council meeting to order. Please rise as we say the pledge. >> I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the
republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. [clears throat] For the record, councelor Kaylor is absent this evening.
Moving on to our agenda. Is there any proposed additions or deletions [snorts] to the agenda as prepared this evening? Seeing none, I'd ask for a motion to approve the agenda.
>> Move to approve the agenda. Second. >> Thank you, councilors Buller and Wagner. Is there any [clears throat] discussion? Seeing none, I would ask the question. >> I >> I >> I'll vote yes. The agenda is approved. Thank you.
>> To approve minutes from the following meetings. First minutes of the Monday, March 16th, 2026 public hearing on 6th Avenue assessment. Second, minutes of the Monday, March
16th regular city council meeting. And third, minutes of the Monday, March 30th special city council meeting. >> Motion to approve the minutes. >> Thank you, Councelor Wgner. >> Second. >> And councelor Holden. Is there
discussion? Seeing none, I'd ask the question. >> I >> I >> I'll vote yes. And all minutes are approved unanimously. Thank you again. Moving to
payments, claims, and transfers. First, we have transfers to city fund 101, our general fund. $598 from lodging tax number 812. Total
transfers $598. Accounts payable in claims City of International Falls claims $884,7661. Airport commission claims $42,43714. Airport Major Capital Project claims $117,418.81. Total accounts payable and claims
1,44,621.96. Is there questions on these payments claims and transfers? And also uh the fund balance reports are enclosed in the packet. >> [snorts] >> Motion to approve payments and claims.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you. Councilors Wagner and Holden. Is there discussion? >> Ask the question. >> I >> I >> I >> I'll vote yes. And the bills are paid unanimously. Thank you.
It's uh that time of the meeting for uh open forum from the audience. If you would like to come forward, uh please um name and address for the record and it is a fivem minute limit. [snorts]
If you would like to please come forward. Thank you. Thanks. Uh Ann Daly from 10252nd Street. Uh and I had a question to ask again. last city council meeting, I had
asked if there was a a screening uh procedure in place for employees of the city uh for a history of sexual abuse, domestic violence or child abuse. And I thought I was clear on the answer. I was
actually clear on part of the answer and I I thank the chief for that answer. Um, in reading the the report of the council meeting from the paper, uh, I realized maybe I didn't quite ask the question completely. And although I'm clear on
the the procedures for the police department screening for this, I'm not clear on the city's uh, screening on this. So, may I ask a question again? And um, please um, forgive my tie just
came in. I mean no disrespect. Um, but if if I could get a clear answer on the city's process for screening potential employees for domestic violence, sexual abuse, or child abuse. Um, and if a a
person who is involved with the city, working for the city, commits an offense like that, what's the remedy? So, thank you very much. I'm sorry to have to repeat this. >> Well, thank you. And of course it's a very valid question. Um I think that
this the council should defer to our administrator and HR out of nature. Um I mean the higher to explain not to dodge the question when we post a job uh there may be a committee of
counselors but the council doesn't necessarily handle that information. We vote yes or no. We're going to hire. We're going to fire. or do whatever. Um, so in our hiring process, um, and the background checks that take place and
whatnot, um, that's a question that I would have to defer, um, to human resources. And I'm not being koi. Um, please understand and if we can't have an answer tonight, we certainly want to get you one. >> Sure. Is the procedure then for would it
be um um out of line for me to talk to the HR person or can I expect um an answer without going to them? >> Um >> I'm just not sure what the procedure is for asking questions like that.
>> Well, I you know, you're you're a constituent and u probably a member of our city. Um so I think that at any time you can reach out to different city staff if you have questions. Um that
would be totally appropriate. Just Chief Worley or Administrator Bergstrom and um Sherry and human resources. Um so I would think that it would be appropriate that if you'd like to reach out, I would uh imagine that she would have time to
have the discussion. >> Great. Thank you very much for the time and the answer. I do appreciate it. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, counselors. >> Thank you. >> [clears throat] >> Mr. Mayor, counselors, Glenn Davis, 1702 15th Avenue, International Falls. Uh, I
wanted to speak to the U vote that's coming on the deer ordinance. I understand it did pass the first one and I'm I'm urging a vote to go ahead and proceed for the for the process. Um I've seen different
comments. I know that people are saying it's going to turn neighbors against others. I don't think that's the case. I don't think that's the intent of this. This is the intent is to have something in place so we can carefully manage a a growing problem in our town that has
then attracted the predators into town. I live right by a daycare center and a wolf has been seen right in our neighborhood. I'd hate to think of what would happen if something was not done in a timely manner. So, I'm encouraging
a vote for this to um mitigate the problem so that we could proceed with a careful selection of how to deal with uh reduction. Uh it's not about the total eradication. It's not about overloading
our law enforcement, our new chief, and having them ride around trying to target people. I don't advocate that. I'm advocating for management of a problem that has grown exponentially in the last
few years. >> Thank you for your time. >> Thank you. Go. Rhonda Benedict's 9096 Street. With what he just said, I would like to ask, how is it that you monitor what device or how do you monitor the
deer? How do you monitor how many there is in town? How do you monitor how many have been hit? How many do you mon how do you monitor? So, with that being said, if you put this in place, how do you monitor
if not feeding the deer is going to work? How do you monitor that? There has to be some kind of system, some kind of chart that monitors how many deer you think are in town. >> [snorts]
>> How are you going to know if it's working? What What system do you have? Have you been tallying? Who does that? >> I have. >> Who's you? >> Mr. Wagner. If >> I've been riding around in the evenings,
>> Mr. Wagner, I'm sorry we have to keep the meeting in order, but when Miss or when Rhonda's finished, you more than welcome to come forward. Um, >> so when deer are in, say there's five deer and they're in this neighborhood in
this this house's yard and then they meander across the street and then they go, "How do you know it's not the same deer you're seeing?" How are you monitoring and how are you keeping tally? Who's doing it besides Mr. Wagner? I I think something interesting
for the community is is coming out through the deer ordinance discussion and um maybe this answers it, maybe it doesn't. Government can't s solve all the problems of a community.
Um we we don't have all the answers. We know that that several people, many people are for the deer feeding ordinance and many people are opposed to it. we don't have the resources um uh
the situation room uh to monitor uh the deer uh as you're suggesting and I think it's a valid point and what's going to constitute if it turns into neighbor uh against neighbor or addition um verse
addition and this is I think I wasn't on the council at the time how uh the chicken ordinance came to be on the ballot and the town made the decision quite frankly I whatever it was I don't know tonight but
um so we don't have a perfect solution um there's been talk that if there's enough pressure put on the council on the topic that we want to work for our constituents um but at the same time I And
irregardless of my position or anyone else's position on the council, um it can be brought to the ballot and the whole community's feelings can can come out on it because it seems to be a hot button topic,
>> right? But if you're going to start a program, say that there's too many deer, start a program, how do you monitor when the deer feed ordinance goes in? How are you monitoring if there's less deer? And how are you monitoring if it's
working or not? I mean, you have to have something. It's not just hearsay, right? >> Well, I I think [clears throat] >> is it a valid question or not? Yes. >> Well, I think it is a valid question. And
again, I think that with the deer, let's say the deer feeding ordinance were to pass. One is I don't know that Chief Worley has the time or has to enforce it. We have many ordinances that we simply are
outdated or can't enforce. Um if I will say this and the I would ask for the council's opinion as well. If we have a deer feeding ordinance that
says there's a fine if you feed the deer >> Mhm. There's not going to be any less deer in town. That's my opinion. This is something the community wants. If the community wants the deer gone, we met with the DNR about the issue.
Then you get into a DNR ban, which you have to already have your city ordinance in place. And then we do have to call all the deer. And whether the residents want that or not, I don't know. I I'm looking around at different looks from
people who matter and it's it's a difficult topic. >> It is. I understand that. But I just want to know how are you going to monitor to know if it's working or not? >> If you haven't counted the deer to begin with, how do you know? >> Right. >> A clicker.
>> But like I said, it could be in this neighborhood and then wander over three streets. Like how do you know? >> They all look the same. >> Please, Councelor Buller. We were informed from the DNR that they could not help us with anything unless we had an ordinance.
So once we have an ordinance, we can actually contact the DNR and use their resources to help us to try to get a program or if if it's a counting program or whatever it might be. That's my that's my take on what we when we've had conversation with the DNR that we will
they will do nothing. We can't do anything unless we have an ordinance first. Okay, >> that's the first thing. And then we can rely on some help from them on this this type of thing of monitoring them, finding out, you know, where we're at on it compared to other cities, that type
of thing. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Got to check on that. >> Thanks. >> I have I have run some figures. Um, just so everyone's aware in the room, over the last 3 years, there's been 22
car versus deer accidents reported. Um, two poaching cases, two calls with dogs chasing deer, and then us checking on at least five injured deer. that doesn't the
statistics can be skewed because there's just not a lot of sometimes reports don't happen. So, I know there's more more accidents that have happened, but people haven't called in and reported, but that's what I've I just ran those
last week and um that I don't know how that compares to other cities, but it to me that's not very substantial. I mean, um 10 calls a year, that's not a lot.
nothing that we can't handle, but I take no stance. I do whatever the the public wants, I guess. >> Thank you, Chief. >> There's anyone else that would like to come forward, please do at this time. Also note, there's an opportunity at the
end of the meeting to do the same. We will continue on to old business. The first item to approve the second and final reading of an ordinance uh
prohibiting deer feeding and I would open the floor to discussion amongst the council. >> Please, Councelor Wagner. >> Yeah, I think uh in light of all that and some of the data that Chief has, we need some more data and some of the
questions that u Rhonda brought up on data collection. and I I believe are correct and but I think we need to get that in place before especially the safety aspect and what it's going to do for calls for chief. So I would suggest we take this back to public safety for
councelor Holder and I to investigate a little more. Yeah, I believe that's that's what we need to do again is take it back >> um so that we can visit about the safety and whether or not it really should fall on the enforcement to the police
department. Maybe there's some other avenues we can take a look at. So, um I know they're really busy a lot and um you know I worry about them out on the job and stuff uh what they face every day and so I think it's good to discuss
the topic again. So I'm right behind you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you councilors. Um I have a question for our city attorney Chelsea Nelson who I believe is online.
Chelsea, can you hear us? I can >> if the council takes an action being that this is the second reading of the ordinance, how does that affect the ordinance? Does it start over from square one?
>> It will start over with the first reading. >> Okay. Under understand. Thank you, Chelsea. >> Yep. I'll make a motion to move it to public safety the next what can we get it on
this month's maybe >> I would think so >> you okay with that chief >> would that I'll second it >> thank you councilors Wagner and Holden um are we clear on the motion for those taking minutes back to public safety
committee thank you is there discussion on this topic or any additional would ask the question. >> I >> I no >> I um [clears throat]
that motion passes on a 3-1 vote to go to public safety committee. Thank you everyone. Next we will move on to new business. The first item would be to consider a request for support of Rainy Lake
Medical Centers 5K and 10K on August 29th, 2026 in conjunction with the International Falls Bass Championship. Ashley, you are here this evening. Is there anything you'd like to say?
>> Not unless you need me to. >> Okay. Thank you, Ashley. Are there any questions uh from counselor or a motion? >> I'll make that motion. Second. >> Councilors Buller and Wagner. Is there discussion?
>> Would ask the question. >> I >> I >> I'll vote yes. And the motion carries unanimously. Thank you. We'll move to item two, which is to adopt a resolution for an exempt permit for Falls Memorial
Hospital Foundation Doing Business as Rainey Lake Medical Center Foundation to conduct a raffle on June 17th, 2026. >> So move. >> Second. >> Thank you, councilors Buller and Wagner.
Again, is there discussion? Ask the question. I >> I >> I >> I'll vote yes and the motion carries unanimously. Thank you. >> The third item of new business. Mr. Thorp, would you like to come forward?
And this would be to consider a request to co-sponsor for the Cooch Labor Assembly Labor Day picnic on Monday, September 7th. Good evening. >> Good evening. Thank you for the opportunity. Uh we're hoping this will
be our 16th year of doing this and as you know we've had some it's been overwhelmingly popular with the local people and uh I'm here to ask if we can again have your cooperation with the co-sponsorship with the use of Smoky
Bear Park on September 7th. >> I'll make a motion. >> Second. Thank you. Councilors Holden and Wgner. [clears throat] discussion. I'd like to thank you for all that you
do and uh the importance of the labor body in our city and in our county and in our country. >> Yeah. Thanks, Mark. >> Okay. Yeah. >> Ask the question. >> I >> I >> I'll vote yes. And we are all set as it
carries unanimously. Now that that has passed, I would like to ask the mayor if he would like to present a welcome or one of the members of the council at that picnic. >> I would like to do that. >> Thank you. >> Thank you for the opportunity. Next, we will move
to item four of new business, which is a mayoral proclamation proclaiming April 13th to the 20th, 2026 as International Dark Sky Week in International Falls. >> I'll make that motion.
>> Thank you, Councelor Wagner. >> I'll second. >> Thank you, Councelor Buller. This would be the same proclamation as last year and the cities of Reineer and
Fort Francis uh would meet us for a gathering to celebrate at the Voyagers National Park headquarters at a date to be determined. There's no further discussion. I would ask the question. I >> I >> I
>> I'll vote yes and the proclamation carries unanimously. Next on our agenda this evening is Mr. Hikola from Bolton and Mink with a water plant water treatment plant
rehabilitation project update. Luke, can you hear us? >> I sure can, Mr. Mayor. Thank you so much for having me. I uh can you guys hear me? just fine. >> Yep. >> Excellent. Okay. Well, we'll go through. It's been uh it's been a busy week.
We're starting to fire up here. A lot of work obviously is still focused on the internal part of the building. Um what they did uh over the last month was demolition of the water operations lab. So, essentially that's just removing the cabinets, the fixtures in there. Um the
ceiling has come out. Um it's it's basically just a a square wall that's walls that are just sitting in there ready to go. um they installed a new in in uh server room. So with today's technology, there's more electronics, servers, things of that nature. So
inside that lab, we're going to have a sheetrocked server wall which will be uh protected, blocked, secured. Um also they patched walls and floors in the old lab as as part of that demo work, and it's ready to get put back together. Down below in the garage,
there was an old curb uh for the old soda ash feed system. We're going to put in a new soda ash feed system. So, that was all removed. It actually came out quite well. Um, so all that work has been completed. Um, our staff, we're still working on submittals. These are coming in regularly. U, we're working on
proposal requests. Things are changing as as we move through all these submittals. Um, we actually gave a a site tour. Councelor Buller was there as well as Laurel from Rainy Lake. And Sean gave a very very good tour. He's very thorough. Um, I hope hope Walt you had a good time with that and uh it was very
informative. We enjoyed giving it. >> Very good. Thank you. >> You welcome. Um, and then we're also working with staff on equipment specifications and things of that nature. Um, they can choose from turbidometers and things like that. Um, lab equipment, things like that. So, we're kind of guiding them through those
uh, processes. Work forecasted. Last week, Nelson Roofing is the subcontractor for the roof. So, they got up on the roof and started installing all the safety rails, guidelines, things like that. Uh, there it's about a 3-w weekek process, and that's going to start up here now pretty quick. We wanted to accomplish that last fall, but
if you remember, we had HVAC equipment that had lead times of 12 to 16 weeks. Everything is in now, so we'll be working on that roof now in the next couple three weeks. Um, painting and HVAC roughing has uh is is on the list as well. painting of the
lab specifically. Um we're going to continue electrical rough in throughout the plant working in different chemical rooms and things of that nature. Typically we would meet on this Thursday uh but actually we we're pushed that back to next Thursday as Sean is un
unavailable this week. So uh we're meeting next next week the 16th if any of you are interested in that. And then also in your packet you'll see an updated schedule. I will continue to get updated schedules from Rice Lake as they change, but the substantial completion date and final date will still remain
the same. Um, so I'll just I'll just keep updating you guys as we go here on on the monthly. Thank you, Luke. Questions from the council. Please keep us posted as you go. >> We'll do, sir. Thank you for your time. >> We do have one question. Excuse me,
>> Luke. Luke, do can we still get tours now and then? >> Yeah, for sure. Yep, we can line them up. >> All right, perfect. Thank you. >> Yep. Just if you guys want to schedule those through Betty and then she'll just kind of facilitate that, we can do that anytime. Yep. >> You okay with that, Administrator Bergstrom?
>> Yeah, >> it is a very good tour. >> Sean does an awesome job and kind of sheds a light on what's actually going to take place out there and what's and and also what what points out too is a defects of why we're doing it right now.
And that was that was really good. >> Thank you, Luke. >> You are welcome. Thank you. Item six on this evening's new business agenda is to adopt a resolution accepting the offer of the
Minnesota Public Facilities Authority to purchase a $13,876,914 general obligation water revenue note of 2026A providing for its issuance and authorization execution of a bond
purchase and project loan agreement. This would be the offer um to wrap up all of the moving parts of the water treatment project and get it to one place into the long-term note.
Jason, do you have anything to add to it or uh Betty or Emma? Seeing none, I would ask for a motion to approve this offer. >> I'll make that motion. >> Thank you, Councelor Holden and Wagner.
>> Is [clears throat] there discussion? >> I would ask the question. >> I >> I >> I >> I'll vote yes. And that motion carries unanimously. Thank you. Item seven, new business to approve
advertising for the Highway 1171 trail project. Jason, please. And good evening. >> Good evening, Mayor, Council. Thank you. Um, yes, this is a project that we've been working on actually for a little
bit now because we did apply for funding and was awarded funds for the active transportation grant program that Mindot offers. So, um, they'll be covering the cost of construction for this project, um, up to $587,000.
So, and we think it'll be under that. So, but we're looking to get authorization to bid. Um, it's already been out there in the paper. My guys got a little ahead of me, but we just looking for your blessing on it. So, >> thank you. >> I'll make that motion. >> Thank you, Councelor
Fuller. >> Second. >> And councelor Wgner. Is there discussion? >> Call the question. >> I >> I a >> I'll vote yes. And that's approved unanimously. Thank you again for item
eight of new business to adopt a resolution ordering improvement and preparation of plans for batuminous paving of 6th Avenue West between 17th Street
and 19th Street. This was a began um as a petition under state law which was then brought to committee and eventually made its way uh to council. The improvements were
petitioned by the property holders along that route. Is there any questions, discussion? >> Motion to approve. >> Thank you, Councelor Wgner. Second. >> Thank you, Councelor Buller. Any other
questions or discussion? Seeing none, I would ask the question. [clears throat] >> I >> I >> I'll vote yes. And motion is carried unanimously. Item nine
for our fire chief Adam and NASA to consider a request to enter into contract with FireCat Precision Service Testing to provide annual testing of fire hoses. Thank you, Mayor Councel.
Uh, as we've discussed in the public safety committee meeting, uh, this is something we've looked into. Uh, we have traditionally tested all our hoses annually. We've done that on our own accord with our trucks, some homemade manifolds, but uh, this company has a a
safer design to do that. This is something that has to be done. We offer out all our testing uh, to professional services that do that. So, this is the last test that we've done on our own. And quite frankly, it boils down to safety. So, when we test the hoses, they
have to be tested at 300 PSI. We have firefighters manually releasing the pressure on the end of the hoses. When the test is up, um they're walking amongst those hoses that are charged at that level. So, uh with their system, the way they run it, they're all computer controlled with air actuated
valves. So, nobody's in the test field. We can release that pressure manually. and they have a sophisticated system for tracking that so we know the age of our hoses, how they've tested, and what they've done, which uh satisfies the NFPA requirements. So, we're just trying
to fall in line with all the other mandatory testing that we do and having a professional service do it instead of us. So, again, if we ever had an accident or something like that, somebody else has signed the paperwork and checked it off and it's not on our shoulders, so to speak. So, I would
request that we uh entertain this offer. I think it's for what we've done uh usually a test night works out to be about six or seven hours of the full department. So for the prices they've quoted this doesn't even reach what we pay our guys to do it and it opens up a
training night for us to do additional training. So I would request that we enter into that. >> I'll make the motion >> and I'll second. [clears throat] Thank you um councilors Holden and Wagner and thank you chief. Is there discussion
please? Yeah. Just one one thing too that you mentioned, Chief, when we talked about it, we're like the last ones that do this >> on our own. >> Yeah. >> Everybody else uses a company to >> other cities, I should say. Yes. To check their hoses. >> Yes. Yeah. As to the best of my
knowledge, yes. When I've talked to other fire chiefs, we're we're kind of the last in line. So, that's why we keep getting called by this company, too. They make their loops through the state and >> Yeah. >> kind of surprised we weren't on it. So, >> Right. >> Yes. And I think it's an important point that with as well with the training
hours. Yes. With the paid on call that this almost everybody is doing this for safety reasons. So >> is there any other discussion? Asked a question. >> I >> I >> I >> I'll vote yes and [clears throat and cough] purchase approved. Thank you, Chief.
>> Thank you. Next, we will move on to item 10 of new business and our chief of police, Scott Worley. Um, as we move forward and discuss uh filling two full-time patrol officer
positions, please chief. >> Thank you, Mayor Councel. Um, as you know, as last year at this time, we had we had 14 staff on the police department. Uh currently we are down to 10 including myself. Um and two of which
are have been on the the paid leave. Um so in effect we've had really eight eight people covering shifts, seven actually because I don't cover shifts myself. But um so it's been challenging over the over the last
two or three months. um to put it lightly, uh we have had some some guys picking up nine or 10 shifts in a row and and missing a lot of family time at home and things like that. So, I'm very pleased um to be able to
um recommend the hiring of Samantha Christie, who is currently a police officer with the city of Virginia. Um she is a hometown girl. Um, her father spent his whole career here in
International Falls as a as a police sergeant, Terry Terry Christie. Um, so I'm very very excited to have Samantha come on board. Um we did have another application process that uh we had
interviews on March 12th and out of that application process. Uh Aiden I would also recommend the hire of Aiden Litin who previously worked here at the International Falls Police Department for a year and a half. Um he went to
work at the Carlton County Sheriff's Office. that didn't work out for him and he reached out and wanted to come back to International Falls. So, I feel fortunate that we have two uh
two people that we are requesting to be hired who have had previous experience. So, [snorts] that uh that's a luxury for us. And I don't know that that's ever happened here since I've been um with the with
the police department. >> Thank you, Chief. >> Thank you. >> Questions from the council. >> Police councelor Wagner. Uh Chief, how many did you interview? >> Uh we interviewed four. We tested four and interviewed four. And now will you
keep a >> we'll have a list >> keep a blog of those that you did not hire but uh in case we were you need somebody again. >> Yes. And we will um be going through the background process on those. Um, right
now I'm recommending the two for for hire and then we'll back around the rest to see if they're either in or out for continuing if we have another uh vacancy come come due in the future.
>> And what about uh part-time? Were any of them of the candidates interested in just part-time or they all wanted full-time? >> All wanted full-time. and they all wanted to live here in the falls and then continue to to live in the in the community in the future. >> That's good.
>> Yep. >> Thank you, Chief. And I would just like to thank you publicly um on this journey um you know, you haven't you have a lot of experience in law enforcement and um
how we got to this place. I I think it's important to mention that um there were some things that happened with the police department. we caught some resignations uh out of nowhere really and things changed and that in this um
you've excelled with professionalism and you've worked with the council to get towards a sustainable place um and also at a at a savings to the residents ultimately and I believe um it's several
hundred,000 and So, I just uh want to let the community know that um there are people that are out there that care and are working um for the betterment of the community and um you've got a really
dedicated and hardworking um bunch of officers and we appreciate that. >> Thank you very much. And yes, I agree. my staff is very very committed to the city of International Falls and doing a good job and I'm also committed
financially to this city um um and saving money where I can and I've I've been trying to do that already and I think that when it comes out for the spending it should be we should be in a better
place. >> Thank you chief. Thank you councel and mayor for the support. >> Is there a motion at this time to proceed with the two officers as proposed? >> I'll move second.
>> Thank you councelor Buller and councelor Wgner with the second. Is there discussion? Any further on the topic? Seeing none, I would ask the question. I >> I >> I'll vote yes. And the motion carries
unanimously. Thank you. Next, we will move to item number 11 of new business, which is to consider advertising
and hire for the vacant public works director position using the revised job requirements. At a previous city council meeting, uh the council agreed to have myself, administrator Bergstrom, and Sherry
Stenland in our HR department um to sit down and discuss the job description for that position. We have been um without that position since last
August, I believe. Um, we did come up with a tweak to the job description. Um, I'm obviously not going to read the entire job description. Um, one of which
was, uh, a qualification being a degree in engineering or related field and experience with street, highway, utilities, and all things um, public works. I would also add that we also
have gone this year with that as a budgeted position. It's not really a position that we can't not have. We were very fortunate. We had Gary Skullman as in that position for I don't know 40 50
years. Uh followed by Ted Broka who had it for several years and now we don't have anything. Um so that's what has come of the discussion. Um Betty do you have anything to share on the topic?
>> Uh nothing additional that covered what we we went through and discussed and changed briefly you know very brief minor changes to the description. >> Thank you. Is there any questions or just please councelor Wagner? Uh >> maybe I'm missing it but I don't see on
here what's the pay scale. What are we looking at here? You got a window or a low end and high end depending on qualifications or >> so the pay rate is a PG18. >> Okay.
>> Not PG-13 18. >> Um the the pay range I believe it adjusts as the council has approved uh pay raises for non-salaried stuff typically by 3%. Okay. >> Um I believe and so I do not have the
exact numbers. I believe that the last numbers that I saw that I have in my email were um and please Sherry correct me if I'm wrong. I believe it was 96 to 126 or 136,000. Is that close? Is that high low?
>> I feel like it's a little high. I can definitely get that number. >> Yeah. Previously, was it 90 to 110 pay from what it was previous? Yes. >> Because of the requirements. >> Yes. The education did move it up one pay.
>> Obviously based on qualifications and education. Yeah. >> Um [clears throat] I So we don't have those exact numbers. It's somewhere to be safe 85 to 120. >> Yeah. >> Um. >> Yep. >> That and that would also be something
that we would be able to negotiate should we find a suitable candidate? Questions from council suggestions or um anything else? Is there a motion to approve um the
advertising of the position? >> I'll make them go ahead. I'll make that motion. >> Thank you, Councelor Wgner. >> Second. >> Thank you, Councelor Buller. Is there any more discussion? >> You might want to just add though, too, that this job is in our charter,
>> correct? >> Yes. >> So, we are we are required to fill it or change a charter, one or the other. So, >> yes. And we do, I believe, have it on right now with Mike Wallace who is
currently on vacation. Um, but yes, we need to get to a more permanent spot. >> Ask the question. >> I I >> I >> I'll vote yes. And [snorts] the motion is approved unanimously. Thank you.
Moving to item 12 of new business, which is um quite frankly an urgent item, which is to discuss the vacant building official zoning officer and wetlands
contact for the city. We held a special city council meeting last Monday. Um, Kelly Meyers uh will be moving on from his position which was those positions.
Um, once again uh a committee was established amongst uh our administrator human resources and myself um to identify what those options are.
So I would uh all three of us can bring forward some of the latest information per se. Um but for the council that position there's a 15day window um
and which the state becomes notified and that we have to have someone representing that position or we have to be contracting with somebody to fill that position. The city does not have the option whether or not uh it can
enforce the state building code. we have to by law. Um, so it's a very specific position. The way that we got to uh Kelly Meyers filling the position was I think back in 2006 78 somewhere in that
time frame. Um, we had been contracting with a company from Baiji and [clears throat] the council at that time voted to bring the position in house. um to to save the city money um
in that particular instance. So, we're in a bit of a precarious position currently. We do have some options. Um,
one is that I believe that Kelly uh would agree to a type a certain contract with us so that we could get somebody um that is on our payroll to get their
limited um building official license. There's two classes a year. There's one in June, there's one in October. Um, so that would be basically pushing out until October. Um,
there's limited options to get around that. I believe that Betty did some calling. Um, and I did a fair amount of it. Um
there's some issues on the Iron Range where one of the things that we've enjoyed with Kelly and his position is one he knows everybody so that helps most of the time. Um and there's relationships with contractors etc. One
of the risks that cities who've contracted the service have is that you get someone from Minneapolis or Duth and they come to town, they collect all the fees that the city currently gets. They go get their donut at the super one and
drive around town and mark down that Mike Holden put a new deck on and uh I put in three new windows and they show up with a little ticket book and collect the fees and the city doesn't get them and they drive home. So, those are just some of the situations that have
occurred. Um, the city of Roso has uh a deal where they can do it very affordably because there's a gentleman in Thief River that does 10 towns. Um, but we're not geographically
in that area. So, one possible proposal that I think could save the city um some money long term would be to combine a position. Um Jared
Baldwin is currently our fire marshal. Um, I know he's worked with Kelly a bit to figure out how many points he would need to take the the test to become a limited building official. There's a ton of um
information in this. I just want to get it all out. Um, if we did do something like that and it worked, then we would save a position and combine it and that could be a possibility. Um,
there's also another situation that we have to have zoning before we typically issue a building permit. Um, the zoning has jumped around. Uh, I believe Gary Skullman did it as public
works director for a long time. Um, when he retired, I believe that's when Kelly Meyers took it over and now Kelly's leaving. So, we would have to find uh a home for zoning and maybe that's up for discussion or
um it could go to a new public works director, but there's a lot of balls in the air right now. So, um, thoughts from the council. >> Kelly, is there anything that you'd like to say? I would just like to say again,
thank you for your your time and >> I think you covered it. Mayor, you like me come up, but >> if you will, mayor, I'm sorry, Kelly, if you will, because online they can't hear. I'm sorry. Thank you. >> Please come forward.
>> Come on. us. >> Thank you, Kelly. >> Um, thank you, mayor and council. Uh, [clears throat] uh, I think you covered it very well, mayor. Um, I feel very fortunate. I have worked for the city of International Falls. I've enjoyed it quite regularly,
but I have had other opportunities, and I'm just like the rest of us. I'm getting a little older now, and I need to look at my future and where to go. Um, very, very willing to help the city out if I can in any manner. um if it works for you, if you decide to um no
hard feelings if you don't. Um I know it's a very difficult thing to do. Um I was fortunate enough to be hired as an assistant similar to what the mayor discussed and I worked underneath a guy for approximately I'd have to look at the documents, but I think I worked for
him about eight years before I was totally certified as a building official. And uh it's it's it's it's kind of difficult because most people don't understand it. Um we're in an area where we're the only city well of 2500 or more
north of Virginia, Bumiji, all these other areas, the smaller towns like Roso and thus actually adopted the code when they didn't have to. But if you had the code adopted by 2012, you had to keep the code. the statute does not allow you
to get rid of it and that's where the problem exists. Um contract officials of course few and far between. Um I think we all know with our area it's it's tough to get them to come up here but I mean uh if if you can
that's totally fine with me but I am willing to help if there's any way I can. So we can do that. That's all I have to add. >> Thank you. Um, Administrator Bergstrom, do you have um items to add in? We've
discussed for three hours about this, so there's lots of data points. >> Uh, thank you, mayor. I don't think anything specifically. I did have a lengthy conversation with Mr. Wheeler, who is the state representative who oversees this department at the
Department of Labor and Industry, and he pretty much, you know, hit on the same things that you spoke about, as did um building official Meyers, and that we do need an official on staff. If not, we, you know, cannot do permits, we cannot do inspections. It it's very important
that we um make a proc a process and move it forward. Um what that looks like, you know, that's to be determined. um you know we can Kelly is gracious to offer that um contracting uh we Mr. Wheeler did give me a list of public
contractors who do this for other cities. Um, you know, we are 100 miles from anywhere. So that, you know, that is a barrier, but it it's not something that, you know, we can't work through. Um, and he is willing to help us out, work with us in any way he, you know, he
can as well. So he is there for us as a resource. >> Thank you. >> Mayor, >> please. Betty, I'm wondering if uh we couldn't contract with uh Kelly for the building inspector position and then
have the zoning and wetlands. Gary Stallman, when he's public works director, he was zoning and wetlands and we had that as part of the public works director job. And that's
that was that was a discussion >> part. Yep. You know, we we discussed that in you know in all of the processes that we've been going over. Yes. >> Okay. >> It's it's an option. >> It is an option. >> Yep. >> Yeah.
because of the the the timing of this. I think that Kelly has been great probably more gracious than he has to, but it's appreciated that um I I think he's done Friday. So
I would suggest that as maybe as goofy as it sounds that we have some type of verbal uh understanding if if the group feels so that we work on something of that nature and
we could propose um if for instance if we want to offer that combining that job into a limited building official role. Um, etc. If that makes sense,
>> council board. >> So, we got 15 days from the day he's done. You say that we have to have one then or we can't issue a permit. Correct. >> Correct. So contract with Kelly for a while and see all you know about
the other option too besides down the road. Um but I know Gary did zoning and wetlands for a long time as public works director. A long time.
>> Please councelor. Yeah, I think that's a good idea with the zoning and the wetlands that I don't have a problem with that. You have to amend your application here maybe >> for I don't know if it's on there. But the other thing is with uh as Kelly is contracting, are you is he offer are you
offering to train somebody? >> Yes. Correct. >> Part of that deal >> to your point with Go ahead. >> I have spoke with Kelly about it. >> Okay. Um I and if you need to come forward or if you would please, but my
understanding is that he would stay on long enough uh at a reasonable rate to get someone their limited license. Once we have a limited license, I'm going to say on the payroll at the city, that person with the limited license
can write off all your decks, furnaces, etc. They can't handle municipal projects. uh they can't handle new construction. At that point, the person with the limited still needs more points to become a master, but the
role of the person's ticket you're using to get there becomes smaller. Okay. Do you have a different way to put that or >> No, I think you laid it out very well. Basically, what it is is um when you talk about Mr. Baldwin, he has been partially working with me for quite some
time. I believe he has the points. I never sent them in yet. Um, but the points are actually they actually are are uh um not awarded by the building official in charge, but they're actually that's who supports them to show that they actually
did that type of work for you. Um Jared has worked with me on a part-time basis as far as looking at his job description when it was first laid out. So, I believe he has the points right now to do the limited portion. What the limited portion is is you have to go to a
one-week class down in Minneapolis or via by web. Um, I s I would suggest that he goes down there. I think you get more out of it when you're sitting in front of somebody that's actually teaching you instead of in front of the computer, but that's up to him, I guess, or or if
that's what he chooses to do. And from that point, what you do is you need 30 points in order to become certified to take the class, which allows you to take the test. After you pass the test, you get 20 more points. So, you're sitting at 50. In order to take your building
official certification, at the end, you have to come up with 100 points. So, there's ways to earn those points. It's either through years of service or there's some ICC classes you can take. I mean, there's there's a lot of ways, but uh when it really comes down to it,
please don't quote me, but I think I I think it's three months. Three months working under a building official earns you five points each month after you have your building official limited. So, it's a it's a little bit of a lengthy process, but it but it's available to do
so. Um, the one thing, um, I think I was very fortunate because the contract person we had in place when I started was willing to work with me to get my points. Um, I think there's potential that I don't know. I can't answer this, but I think if you contracted outside,
I'm not so sure they would do that because it's a business where they're working under a contractual basis with other towns. So, I'm I'm just sharing that. I can't say they would or wouldn't. I don't know that. But, uh, I
do agree with you. I I I I like I say, I'm here to help. It's just it's your decision. I I believe it's a smart decision, but that's totally up to to what you decide. Um, we could make things work out pretty good. I mean, um, of course, it's not a
long-term thing for me. I don't want to do this thing for life, to be honest with you. Um, I do have other [clears throat] interests and other things that I will be doing, but I would be available if you know needed, that type of thing. I just think we'd have to work out the details if that's what you
decided to do. >> He He'll need your signature just to get going on the limited. >> That's what it comes down to. Yeah. >> Kelly, you feel you'll be available enough to get him? >> Yes. Um, >> to the limited. I've actually I've
actually accepted a position in town that's actually local and I spoke with my employer [clears throat] that will allow me to help out the city if necessary with the times needed. >> Okay. >> Basically, a lot of it's done by telephone, of course, and >> if if necessarily needed, I would have
to come in though. >> We do have projects in the works right now that uh I would be required to look at. Um the bigger projects, the uh the water plant stuff that's actually permitted, I'd have to be still looking at that. So, if you bring somebody in, I
don't know how that works, but uh if you brought another person in, they may request a big portion of that permit to go to them that we've received. So, I think it's a way to retain some funds, too, to be honest with you.
>> Thank you, Kelly. due due to the the nature of this. And so there's just because it's municipal, uh there's licenses, there's potential hiring, job descriptions, all these different things. Um,
would the council feel that it would be appropriate if the committee that met sat down as early as tomorrow morning and worked on a formal proposal.
>> Yeah, that's what I'd like to see done. >> Um, and whether we had to call a special [clears throat] city council meeting or I mean we we would have to put pen to paper. Um and some other discussion please council. >> Yeah, I'd make a motion that we pursue
that avenue temporarily at least and and and see where we come out with with numbers and everything and proposed back to us next time to figure out you know what we want to do. But we don't have any numbers in front of us. So I think yeah that's an important thing to find
out the numbers and then and just the specifics of times and frames and whatever. So, >> thank you for your motion. >> I'd make a motion to do that. >> I'll second it. >> Thank you, Councelor Holden. Um, did you get the context of the motion? Thank
you. [clears throat] It's just very um detailed. Is there any further discussion on the motion at hand? I would ask the question. >> I I >> I'll vote yes. And the motion carries.
Thank you. Um, >> please. >> I don't but that's for what we're going to do with Mr. Meyers. Correct. And then are does that include having does anybody ask Jared if he wants to do
this or I mean are we that part yet or there's [clears throat] been dis there's been discussion around that um with quite frankly more than one person just as as feelers or interest. Um,
I think that probably the most obvious was that we could combine a position. Um, not that we have to do that, but we may be able to do it. And um, that would be a bonus to the taxpayers, but we
can't overwork people either. So, >> yeah. But so did I answer your question or >> it does part kind of have one other one that was worth leading to me where we'll be opening up to if someone else internally is interested
>> or I mean that instead are we just he's doing it and that's it. >> Well I think that [clears throat] it's I think it's a good question. I don't know how to answer it. But I mean, I think that combining the position would save us a significant amount of
money over time. Um, and we would have a position that the fire marshall's position comes with the rental licensing income that I think is around 55,000 a year. the building official position. Um,
typically on an average probably earns um it's a lot of times Kelly [snorts] has paid for himself plus and if we have big projects then because we collect the permit fees. So
that's what I've seen just the way my mind works of how do we make the best position that's beneficial to the person doing it and to the taxpayers. Um I don't know uh if we do open it up to
others. Um I think we're kind of in a whether we have to or not. I don't know. Some of these are very intricate questions for [clears throat] HR, but we do have the the time clock. >> Oh. Oh, I I don't disagree, but but we're we would be basically creating a
new position by combining two and and if there is someone else interested, I think that they should have the opportunity. I don't disagree. I think the combination's a great idea, but if there's somebody else that's willing to do it, too, I I I you know, maybe we
start down this road and if you at least see if nobody does, then we're good, right? But >> um >> Well, I would think Jared's already built up points, you know, so offering it to him. >> Yeah. If he declines, then yeah, then
you're able to look at other people, but he's probably got a lot of points built up already that he could take as limited and get that done with just a signature [clears throat] from Kelly. >> Well, I I don't disagree, but you're creating a new position here. So,
>> with a new position, um, most of the time that is offered to let anybody that's interested if you create a new position. Mhm. >> Um, that's all I'm saying. May maybe there's nobody interested. I don't know. >> Yeah. >> Why? Uh, >> just a thought
>> to to your point. I mean, we did pass the motion. So, why don't um and whether we can meet in the morning, that would be the plan to discuss. We'll get to that after the meeting. Um, you know, we can address that because there's going to be all those little
>> Yeah. questions that I don't think I can't answer either. So agree >> in how that would go. [clears throat] >> Thank you, Councelor Wgner. Is there um any other business to come before the
council? Um Betty, do you have anything? >> I have nothing, Mayor. Thank you. >> Thank you. There is reports uh for review in our packet >> please >> just under reports I thought I'd give a
band shell update. >> Thank you. >> Um in case anyone's wondering so the bed we we we arrived at a design. We sent the design out for bids. Uh bids went out in April. Betty, is that when they went?
>> No. Uh March. March, March, >> February, March, somewhere there. We're in April now. It doesn't matter because nobody bid on it. So, we brought back to committee. We've massaged the contract a little bit. Uh, opened up some
parameters of, um, you know, date it needs to be finished. Um, uh, few other things in there that may attract a contractor, but at this point, we don't have one. Bids will go out again. We should know in May if we have
a bidder, but what that means is most likely we're not going to see anything this year because we're probably past that window when we can get them in here. Hopefully not. Maybe somebody comes out of the woodwork, but
apparently everybody's busy that um so uh that's where we're at on the banjo anyway. So we'll try again and hopefully we get a bidder. Also have Kerry Park. We met with councelor Kaylor and I met with uh the wreck hockey people board
last week I believe and talked through some things with Kerry Park. Uh basically we had offered them the the arena um for sale and with an offer to help maintain it. Um they did not want to do that. So
we're going to wait and see. They're going to bring us a proposal to staff the arena, how they would staff the arena or uh basically take care of the ice and things like that through the winter. So, uh we're going to go from there and see
what we can do with reducing costs at Kerry Park. >> Thank you, councelor. And um [clears throat] hopefully we uh get some interest in the bandell. It's been of course a big topic and the band shell committee has the
drawings and it's all gone forward. So, >> yep. >> Did you go out of the area with these bids? >> Statewide. It went statewide and I didn't it Yeah. >> Crazy. >> And I I I don't I think it might have went to Wisconsin.
>> It goes into the construction. Um it's called Quest. >> Yeah. >> And any contractor of any Yeah. Yeah. >> Size they are >> tri-states basically. Yeah. A big area. It's a big area. Yep. >> We've made some tweaks and
>> yeah, we're hoping that that works. >> At this time, uh we'll move back. There's another opportunity. Should you choose to come forward and address the council, please do. >> Hello, council. Um, I'm Lois Lundine, 2222 3rd Avenue East. Um, first I have
two things and first I'd like to thank you all for the conversation that just happened at these tables. Um, City Kelly, thank you. Thank you. Um, I was scratching all kinds of notes as I was listening, but it was just such a demonstration of clear and creative
problem solving. You vetted out a lot of possibilities to try to flush out an answer. Um there was planned and logical steps that were taken and I think we're close to a result. It was really encouraging to see. So thank you for that. Um it wasn't hurried. Um this is a
big deal and it takes a lot of time and thought to get to that. So I just really appreciate the effort of everyone uh working to get to a good a good result. Um something that's best for the city and something too that can develop skills and invest in current staff.
That's that's a plus. So, thank you. Um, Jason, I had a question for you, please, just because I didn't hear and I I'd like just like to clarify on the multimodal trail along 1171. I think you said that the budget on this is 587,000.
Is that right? >> It's close to that and that's what we got from the state. >> Okay. And that's all grant funding that's coming in. So, the the budget is to complete that part that trail or whatever at 587 or less. >> Yes. If it are you anticipating that it
would go higher than that or so that's our cap. >> Well, we'll see what the bids come. That's why we're bidding. >> Okay. All right. Very good. I just wanted to make sure that people in the community knew when they [clears throat] hear about this that they're not expecting greater that there's grant funding for this to cover the entire
cost of the project. >> Okay. Very good. That was all my question. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Good evening. >> Good evening, counselors and mayor. I just have one thing to say. I'm Bobby
Bernath from 19006th Avenue. I want to thank you guys all for voting on 6th Avenue to get paved. And um there's another thing that I would like to get out there now. And
Mike, don't take this personal, but I just am upset. And you know what I'm going to say. I'm very upset. >> I don't know what you're going to say. >> I'm very insulted by the comment that you don't care about us. I you know I'm
sorry this conversation between me and the East Ward counselor and when I was talking to him I want him to know that I'm not letting anybody decide how I'm going to vote when it comes to hiring employees that we need.
We had two positions I'm trying to be nice here. Yeah. >> We had two positions that need to be filled fast. We have way more than that that's needed to be filled. Some of them will get filled, some of them won't. But these two that I was talking to, and we
don't hold any grudges against each other, but I made the comment that I'm sick and tired of some people making my decisions, trying to make my decisions for me when I have worked here 40 years and I know what this city needs for
public employees. I know what it needs. >> I understand that. But for 40 years, that's way back when they didn't have all the what do you want to say
pieces of equipment to use now. And I know you can't equipment can't do everything. I understand that. But it it kind of hurt me and it got to my heart because you know what? Here's the thing.
the people have voted for you and and you said you didn't care about the taxes going up. I That's just my feeling and I'm all over town and you know what? >> Yeah. >> I hear about taxes being raised and you
should have worded it different. >> I could have said it's not going to affect the taxes hiring of two employees. That's what I should have said. >> Yes. and in the heat of the conversation and and you're trying to word it right.
That's what I wanted to say afterwards. I was like, well, why didn't I say it's not going to affect the budget much to hire two employees? >> And it isn't. It won't hurt it. >> No, because I hear that there you're actually three short. Am I >> Oh, more short than that.
>> We're a skeleton crew right now. police, public works. I could make you a list of people that haven't been replaced, whether it's through resignations or retirement.
And not all of them need to be replaced. I mean, you can adjust, but several need to be like your public works director. That's required with a charter. Okay. building inspector. I'd like to see a second in command for
the police department. So, this new police chief, if he decides he wants to go elk hunting in Colorado, he's got somebody to take his place like Mike Kik had Lassard to take his place. >> But you know what? In that point in
time, I think our city was in a little better shape. And that's just my feeling. And thank you for explaining yourself. >> Yeah, you're welcome. Rhonda Benedicts, 9096 Street. I'm going to continue on with what Bobby said
because that's not your comment. Your comment was you were tired of us throwing darts. You don't have time for us. the few that come in here and throw darts. That was your comment. >> Yeah, it's >> that means you're tired of your constituents coming up here. >> Tired of my
two cents about what they have concerns about. >> I'm not tired of my concern. >> Don't argue with me. That's what you said. >> I'm tired of having darts thrown at me by a very small group. >> Yeah. The group that's in here that actually has a voice. >> Yeah, they do. >> They're not the only people that feel
this way. >> Small group. >> No. No. >> All the rest of the constituents. >> We're talking for a lot of people. >> Huh? >> We're talking for a lot of people. Trust me. >> No. We're talking for a lot of people. Just because we have the guts to come up here and sit. Do you want to know why
some people don't come in here? They're afraid of getting retaliated on. They're afraid of their businesses going after them. That's why people don't come and talk. So, there is a few of us that have enough guts to come in here and speak. And the fact that you disdain us for
doing so is ridiculous. You were voted in. Guess what? We had enough votes to get you out. You can smile at your little smile there. We did. >> Miss Benedict's, please. You have every right to be here. Please be respectful. And
>> I will be respectful when he be respectful. >> You don't get to say you you have disdain for your constituents and then we're supposed to come up here and be nice. I do for a lot of the consist
a lot of the constituents I do have respect for and stuff. But after a while when you're up here and we have a real small unit that's throwing darts, I finally had to say what I felt. >> We're not throwing darts. We're
>> I want to tell you I want to tell you something. >> We're asking questions. So when I ran for election twice, I had 98% of the vote of this city. >> True story. >> That's a lot of people. That's like 2,500
or whatever it is. >> Yeah, things have changed clearly. >> Uh, no. I have people every day telling me I'm doing a good job. Every day. >> Okay, good for you. >> That's the truth. >> Good for you. There's a lot of people that do. >> I'm not going to lie to you. Well, I'm not lying to you either.
>> Sure. >> I had respect for you until you tried to kick me off of this chair when I was defending myself over the and >> five minutes is in our ordinance. You're not supposed to speak longer than 5 minutes. Same thing on the >> You made that rule. We seen >> I didn't make that rule.
>> Yes, we seen it. You brought it up and then they started following it. >> It was there for a long time. >> Yeah. >> That's all I got to say. >> Yeah. You have disdain for the people that voted you in and the people that pay your salary. That's pretty pathetic.
You should resign if you can't handle the heat. I would like to remove or excuse me move to the reminders portion of the meeting. First small cities open book meeting on Wednesday, May 13, 2026
from 9 to noon at the county assessor's office. This is anformational or informal appeal process for taxpayers to discuss their property assessment and valuation.
The second item, our next regularly scheduled city council meeting is Monday, April 20th, back here in the chambers at 5:30 p.m. Seeing no further business, the meeting is adjourned.