Regular City Council Meeting 05/07/12

May 7, 2012

5:30 P.M.

A regular meeting of the City Council of International Falls, Minnesota, was held in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building on the 7th day of May 2012 at the hour of 5:30 P.M.

MEMBERS PRESENT:      Councilors Eklund, Jaksa, McBride and Mayor Mason

MEMBERS ABSENT:    Councilor Rognerud

     Motion by Councilor Jaksa to approve minutes of the regular city council meeting of April 16, 2012.  Motion seconded by Councilor Eklund and carried unanimously.

     Motion by Councilor Eklund to approve transfer of Lodging Tax in the amount of $299.33 to Fund 101.  Motion seconded by Councilor Jaksa and carried unanimously.

     Motion by Councilor McBride to approve payment of the claims from various funds of the city including checks 45394-45527 in the amount of $331,133.95. Motion seconded by Councilor Jaksa and carried unanimously.

     Checks 96856-96887 were issued under blanket authorization in the amount of $138,209.58.

     Motion by Councilor McBride to approve/allow necessary expenses for City Attorney to attend Criminal Justice Institute in St Paul August 27-29, 2012.  Motion seconded by Councilor Jaksa and carried unanimously.

     Paul Nevanen, Executive Director of Koochiching Economic Development Authority, provided an update on progress towards a new cold weather testing “cold box”.  He stated that total costs are estimated at $640,000 and the project has a 5 year expected payback.  He said KEDA is working with a local civil engineer on drawings and KEDA is seeking to keep the project on the “fast track”.  Mayor Mason asked whether the city could do anything to help move the project forward and was told this was not necessary.

     Motion by Councilor Jaksa to approve first reading of Ordinance No. 7, 5th Series amending Section 6-44 “Dwelling Unit Rental License” by adding paragraph (g) requiring garbage and rubbish removal.  Motion seconded by Councilor Eklund and carried unanimously.

     Motion by Councilor Jaksa to request the Airport Commission review long-term funding issues and report the results of its review back to the city and county as airport owners and funders.  Motion seconded by Councilor Eklund and carried unanimously.

     Motion by Councilor Eklund to adopt Resolution #11-12 authorizing acceptance of MnDOT Air Service Programs Agreement #01021.  Motion seconded by Councilor McBride and carried unanimously.

     City Administrator Otterness stated that the League of Minnesota Cities has released its report on the Community Conversations held state-wide.  Councilor Jaksa reported that 75 persons participated in the League of Minnesota Cities Community Conversations in International Falls with transcripts from those conversations and a summary report expected shortly.  She stated that a number of participants requested to be part of on-going conversations about city services and funding.

     City Administrator Otterness stated that the International Conference of Understanding on the Rainy River Mound-Builders would be held on May 17-18, 2012.  He noted that the Grand Mounds are recognized with designation as a U.S. and World historic site.  He stated there would be representation from stakeholder organizations on both sides of the border and the goal of the event is to promote understanding between all of those who care about preserving and protecting Grand Mounds.  He encouraged council members to participate as advocates for the city’s position that the Grand Mounds should be re-opened to the public.

     Motion by Councilor McBride to place additional trash receptacles along route from Bronco Football Stadium to Shorewood Dental.  Motion seconded by Councilor Eklund and carried unanimously.

     Councilor McBride stated the International Falls Economic Development Authority is requesting the city hire a Director of Economic and Community Development with a job description as included in the council packet.  He noted the importance of economic development and stated that the city can fund the position from the savings it realizes by no longer providing $50,000 per year to KEDA.  Motion by Councilor McBride to approve hiring a Director of Economic and Community Development at a salary of $40-55,000 per year depending on qualifications.  Motion seconded by Councilor Eklund and carried unanimously with Mayor Mason abstaining.

     Motion by Councilor Eklund to approve Conditional Use Home Occupation Permit for James L. Dornhecker for his gunsmith business at his residence at 206 Shorewood Drive.  Motion seconded by Councilor Jaksa and carried unanimously.

     Motion by Councilor Eklund to hire summer employees as requested for Public Works, Fire, and Administration Departments.  Motion seconded by Councilor McBride and carried unanimously.

     Motion by Councilor Eklund to approve appointment of Joseph Gust to Housing & Redevelopment Authority of International Falls.  Motion seconded by Councilor Jaksa and carried unanimously.

     Motion by Councilor Eklund to approve publication of Mayoral Proclamation proclaiming May 2012 Mental Health Month.  Motion seconded by Councilor Jaksa and carried unanimously.

     Motion by Councilor Eklund to authorize advertising for bids for Industrial/6th Avenue Reconstruction Project.  Motion seconded by Councilor McBride and carried unanimously.

     Mayor Mason reported that both bodies of the Minnesota Legislature have approved a bonding bill.  She noted the inclusion in the bill of funding for the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s grant program which the EDA seeks to access for funding for infrastructure along the truck route.

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ATTEST:                                   

Shawn Mason, Mayor

Rodney Otterness, City Administrator

The Journal

May 26, 2012