Police Chief Chris Raboin’s retirement effective April 30
The International Falls City Council at its Monday meeting approved a request from the Highway 53-11 Gateway Task Force to apply for funding of several key components to its corridor design plan.
According to Council member Gail Rognerud, the projects would be included as part of U.S. Rep. James Oberstar’s request for projects to be included in the reauthorization of the federal transportation bill.
The Task Force presented a list of projects, which includes the Highway 53 Streetscape request for $215,300 that would go toward two vest-pocket parks, sidewalk extensions, boulevard trees and pedestrian lighting. Another $180,000 would be requested for Highway 53/11 East that would include north and south panel displays, a trail extension, concrete sidewalks, and related roadside beautification. Around $200,000 in interpretive signage would also be requested.
Other listed plans for a $156,000 conversion of the former Fire Tower into a park, along with a $445,000 Southern Wayside Rest Stop were designated either not allowed or not included in the current HPP request.
Falls City Administrator Rod Otterness said that following input from Andy Hubley of the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission, he believes the city is an appropriate candidate for $595,000 or 80-percent federal funding. He said the $119.060 or 20-percent local portion would likely need county support for the application to succeed.
The city has already asked ARDC to begin the application, with a deadline of April 27.
The Council approved a motion from Council member Gail Rognerud to send a city letter drafted by Otterness, requesting the county to share the 20-percent local matching costs.
The Council approved a second letter to the County Board, asking for support of a another city application for $1.6 million in HPP funds for an industrial truck route to the Foreign Trade Zone, and to include funding necessary for the application. The application also refers to the Oberstar federal transportation reauthorization request.
The city claims that if approved, the county would then be requested to support the industrial highway project with $420,000. The letter states that the County State Aid Highway 155 plan would cost $1.2 million and receive $300,000 comparatively in federal money.
The Council approved acceptance of a letter of retirement from Chief of Police Chris Raboin – effective April 30, 2009. The board moved to create a letter of appreciation for his years of dedicated service to be signed by the entire council.
The Council approved a motion designating Falls Deputy Police Daryl Waller as Interim Police Chief. Council member Paul Eklund moved that the city, given the time frame, avoid a week in committee and immediately direct the Civil Service Commission to begin ground work on the testing process of hiring the new chief.
Otterness delivered an emotional address on Raboin’s impact, before the Council approved a motion to properly acknowledge his service.
“He cares about the people in this town, and about the people in his office, sometimes I think you could say he cares too much,” said Otterness. “There is no question that his service to the city has affected his health.”
At Large Council member Chopper McBride officiated the meeting as Mayor Shawn Mason was absent due to illness.
The Council approved four separate funds transfers totaling $72,728 to various city budget accounts for water- and sewer-related projects and administrative costs. It also approved $429,572 in regular claims expenditures.
In other news the Council approved:
• expenses for Mary Pautz to attend an employer training session.
• a 2009 license application for Lindy’s Smokin’ Hot BBQ – itinerant restaurant to operate on private property during Boise shutdown.
• a gambling license renewal for Falls Recreation Hockey Association.
• a mayoral proclamation for VFW Buddy Poppy Day.
• a mayoral proclamation for Project Pride Month.
• a list of summer employees recommended by city supervisors.
