Council to engage county on law-enforcement space; public urges fewer unmarked police cars

Thomas West, a longtime resident, urged the council during public comment to build (or add on) a dedicated, city‑owned police facility rather than continue renting space. West argued ownership would yield an asset the city controls and suggested locating a facility close to the city center to better serve police operations.

Mayor (name not provided) said he had signed a letter drafted by Administrator Bergstrom to begin informal discussions with county officials about law‑enforcement space needs. The mayor and Councillor Wagner said they would continue those relaxed, exploratory conversations with county members to see whether the county is willing to collaborate; if not, the city will pursue other options.

Later in the meeting, City Attorney Chelsea Nelson summarized the relevant Minnesota statute on specially marked police vehicles. Nelson said the law specifies contrasting markings and size requirements for police vehicles and contains an exception that effectively permits one specially marked (commonly called “unmarked”) vehicle for departments under a specified size threshold. Nelson indicated International Falls’ department size allows only one specially marked vehicle under that exception.

Public commenter Reynold Calder said the prevalence of unmarked cars gives an impression of surveillance and urged the city to phase out unmarked vehicles except for the single allowed under statute. Calder suggested repainting vehicles as they are phased out so that most cars present a standard police livery.

Councilors did not adopt a new ordinance during the meeting. The mayor reported the signed letter to the county and said councilors would pursue conversations; no formal intergovernmental agreement or vote was recorded on the topic.