Regular City Council Meeting 05/21/12

May 21

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 21st day of May 2012 at the hour of 5:30 P.M.

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

MEMBERS ABSENT:      none

     Motion by Councilor McBride to approve minutes of the regular city council meeting of May 7, 2012.  Motion seconded by Councilor Eklund and carried unanimously.

     Motion by Councilor Eklund to approve transfer from Water and Sewer fund 601 for administrative costs to General fund 101 in the amount of $8,436.00.  Motion seconded by Councilor Jaksa and carried unanimously.  

     Motion by Councilor Jaksa to approve transfer from Water and Sewer fund 601 for sewer permanent improvements to Permanent Improvement fund 401 in the amount of $20,414.50.  Motion seconded by Councilor Rognerud and carried unanimously.

     Motion by Councilor McBride to approve transfer from Water and Sewer fund 601 for capital outlay projects to Reserve for Capital Outlay fund 403 in the amount of $14,613.66.  Motion seconded by Councilor Eklund and carried unanimously.

     Motion by Councilor McBride to approve payment of the claims from various funds of the city including checks 45528-45638 in the amount of $180,659.99.  Motion seconded by Councilor Eklund and carried unanimously.

     Checks 96888-96902 were issued under blanket authorization in the amount of $67,236.56.

     Linda Chezick addressed the council on behalf of the VFW and invited the council and Senator Saxhaug to Backus Community Center on Wednesday, August 29, 2012 for the Stand Down.

     Mayor Mason thanked Senator Saxhaug for his assistance in securing a Transportation Economic Development grant in the amount of $657,000.  Senator Saxhaug stated that it was Mayor Mason’s efforts in communicating with Governor Dayton that was effective in obtaining the grant.  Saxhaug stated that because of re-districting, this would be the last report he would provide on a legislative session noting that he has represented International Falls for 10 years.  He reported on key accomplishments of the 2012 legislative session including the Viking bill, bonding bill, and game and fish bill.  Council members thanked Senator Saxhaug for his efforts on behalf of International Falls.

     Councilor Jaksa stated that the Finance and Legislation Committee has been exploring ways to further the Fight on Blight and is proposing an ordinance requiring landlords to remove garbage using an approved hauler on a weekly basis and to enforce this requirement as part of the rental licensing ordinance.  Mayor Mason invited public comment on the topic.  Bob Discenza, Garner Wiley, Jeff Wickstrom, Dale Olson, Pauline Glennie, Dave Hausmann, and Al Glennie expressed concerns about the proposed new ordinance.  Mayor Mason thanked those who spoke for their comments and sent the matter back to the Finance and Legislation Committee for further discussion in light of the expressed concerns.

     Motion by Councilor Jaksa to adopt Resolution #12-12 approving commercial loan to Pat Arnold.  Motion seconded by Councilor McBride and carried unanimously.

     Motion by Councilor Jaksa to approve Bronco Boosters Football Program advertisement.  Motion seconded by Councilor Eklund and carried unanimously.

     Motion by Councilor Eklund to approve advertising for Light Equipment Operator to be hired after new bargaining unit contract approved.  Motion seconded by Councilor McBride and carried unanimously.

     Motion by Councilor Jaksa to adopt Resolution #14-12 approving raffle permit for St. Thomas Aquinas on August 23-25, 2012.  Motion seconded by Councilor McBride and carried unanimously.

     Motion by Councilor Eklund to adopt Resolution #15-12 approving temporary on-sale liquor license for Rotary Club for June 30, 2012 at Irvin N. Anderson Amphitheater.  Motion seconded by Councilor Jaksa and carried unanimously.

     Motion by Councilor Eklund to adopt Resolution #16-12 approving temporary on-sale liquor license for Rotary Club for July 3-4, 2012 at Smokey Bear Park.  Motion seconded by Councilor McBride and carried unanimously.

     Mayor Mason reported that Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and Minnesota Department of Transportation approved a $657,000 grant to develop the Multi-Modal Transportation Warehouse/Distribution Center Project on CSAH 155.  She thanked the many persons involved in sustaining the effort and supporting the grant application.  She noted that Boise has agreed to sell the property involved and the parties are awaiting an appraisal to determine value.  She stated that she has invited the Governor and the Commissioners of MnDOT and DEED for the ground-breaking scheduled for July 2, 2012.  Councilor McBride stated that many persons were involved but it was the Mayor’s determination and vision that was most important for the successful receipt of this grant.

     Motion by Councilor Eklund to adopt Resolution #13-12 approving termination from employment of LeRoy Rognerud because he is medically restricted from performing essential functions of his position with or without reasonable restrictions and expressing sincere appreciation to Mr. Rognerud for the many years of fine service he provided to the citizens of International Falls.  Motion seconded by Councilor McBride and carried unanimously with Councilor Jaksa abstaining.

                _________________________

ATTEST:                Shawn Mason, Mayor

___________________________________                    Rodney Otterness, City Administrator

The Journal

June 9, 2012