International Falls City Council unanimously approves contingency resolution in case of work stoppage

The International Falls City Council unanimously approved a resolution outlining contingency measures in the event of a future work stoppage, council members said during a special meeting that opened at 11 a.m.

The council moved into a closed session under Minnesota statutes to discuss human resources activities before returning to open session and taking the vote. "We do have a resolution before us in the event that there is a work stoppage at some point in the future," the chairman said as the council discussed the item.

The resolution was offered by Councilor Kaler and seconded by Councilor Buller. Councilors Wagner, Kaler, Taylor, Holden and Buller voted yes; the chairman announced the measure was approved unanimously, 5–0. The council identified Administrator Bergstrom as the contact for communications regarding the action.

Council members also voted earlier in the meeting to enter and later to exit a closed session held under Minnesota statutes to discuss human resources activities. The motion to enter closed session was made by Councilor Wagner and seconded by Councilor Kaler; the motion to reopen the meeting was moved by Councilor Taylor and seconded by Councilor Holden. All motions carried unanimously.

Council members referenced ongoing bargaining between "the 40" and the city's bargaining team during remarks; no details of the terms under discussion or any financial figures tied to the resolution were disclosed in the meeting record. The transcript does not specify a deadline or further implementation steps for the resolution beyond directing communications to Administrator Bergstrom.