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International Falls council approves routine items including HRA ordinance first reading, Backus lease month-to-month and fund transfer
Summary
The International Falls City Council approved a package of administrative measures including an HRA ordinance first reading for a $12 million apartment rehab, a month-to-month lease for the police at Backus, a sales-tax fund transfer, and other routine business.
The International Falls City Council handled a series of administrative and routine agenda items during the same meeting at which it advanced design work for the Kutaska Building.
Key actions and outcomes:
- Housing and Redevelopment Authority: The council approved the first reading of an ordinance authorizing the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) to exercise powers under Minnesota Statutes chapter 462C to assist a private developer with rehabilitation of the property known as West Falls Estates. City staff said the project is a $12,000,000 rehabilitation; councilors were told the city would not be liable and the project would not affect the city’s debt-service ratios. Motion: first reading approved; mover: Councilor Buller; second: Councilor Wagner; roll-call outcome: 5-0 on first reading.
- Backus lease: The council approved a month-to-month lease renewal option for the International Falls Police Department (IFPD) to remain in its current Backus space while other options are studied. Motion: move to month-to-month lease; mover: Councilor Buller; second: Councilor Wagner; outcome: approved 5-0.
- Transfer of funds: The council adopted a resolution approving the transfer of funds from Fund 250 (sales and use tax fund) to Fund 450 (sales tax construction accounts). Motion: adopted; mover: Councilor Bullard; second: Councilor Holden; outcome: approved (vote recorded as approved in the minutes).
- National Night Out: The council authorized the police department to use Smokey Bear Park for National Night Out activities on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Motion: approved; mover: Councilor Holden; second: Councilor Buller; outcome: 5-0.
- Hazardous building at 2210 Third Avenue West: The council instructed staff to obtain updated demolition/repair quotes and to check whether Public Works could perform the removal before seeking outside bids; staff noted previously issued quotes had expired and must be refreshed. Motion: request updated quotes and consult Public Works first; mover: Councilor Buller; second: Councilor Wagner; outcome: motion carried (vote recorded in minutes as carried).
- Voyager Country ATV Club letter: The council approved sending a letter of support for the Voyager Country ATV Club’s application to the Federal Recreational Trail Program; the county will be the grant’s fiscal agent. Motion: approve letter of support; mover: Councilor Holden; second: Councilor Boehler; outcome: approved (vote recorded as carried).
Routine finance and claims: Council approved payments and claims read at the meeting — total transfers of $95,833.33 and accounts payable and claims totaling $421,379.71 (City claims $376,331.44; Public Library Board $5,526.27; Airport Commission major capital $39,522.00). The council approved minutes and other consent items earlier in the meeting.
Several speakers asked the council to slow or reconsider capital projects given recent tax increases and local economic concerns; the council and administration responded that many items are still in study or design phases and that staff will provide further cost details when available.
