Residents press council on Kutasco renovation and law-enforcement center talks; Backus lease, Cary Park needs highlighted

Eric Strand, a resident, told the International Falls City Council he was skeptical that the city’s revised plan for the Kutasco building addressed what he called the structure’s larger deferred-maintenance needs. "That building is terrible…you're absolutely putting lipstick on a pig," Strand said, citing what he said was more than $2,000,000 in deferred maintenance on the property.

Strand asked whether the city had scaled back the Kutasco proposal to reduce a price that earlier had been about $5 million. Mayor (not specified) said the proposal had been brought back to the committee of the whole and that the city had asked its contractor, Kraus Anderson, to find ways to reduce cost. "We're meeting Chief Koscheck, Administrator Bergstrom and I… I think it's February 3rd that there's a meeting with the county board on the LEC space," the mayor said, adding that no council vote was expected before that meeting.

Other public commenters pressed related points. Joe Canter said combining police and sheriff department space could save money and improve physical access for the public; he asked how the renovated building would be used. Lois Lundin, speaking on behalf of Backus, said the Backus lease is due for renewal around the end of March or April and that Backus would be willing to sign a one-year, six-month or month-to-month renewal while the city and county negotiate.

Councilors and staff described ongoing efforts to coordinate with county officials over law-enforcement center (LEC) space and to evaluate the Kutasco building’s scope and cost. Councilor Kaler said the city had agreed in a committee meeting to call county administrators to open negotiations, and the mayor and city administrator confirmed a county meeting was scheduled. Councilors repeatedly emphasized that the city needs clearer cost estimates before committing to large renovation borrowing.

Why it matters: Council members and residents framed the Kutasco discussion as part of broader decisions about where to locate law-enforcement offices, how the city will finance large facility repairs and how short-term tenants such as Backus will be accommodated while negotiations continue.

The discussion did not produce a council vote to approve changes to the Kutasco plan or to transfer the police department; instead, councilors said they expect to report back after the February 3 meeting with the county. The mayor and administrator emphasized the city is seeking clarity on costs and timelines before any formal action.