City News, I Falls

Mayor calls emails unethical, corrupt, demeaning and sexist

International Falls officials Monday alleged that Koochiching County and Minnesota Department of Transportation officials conspired via emails about the outcome of a hearing and other issues involving a proposal to realign Minnesota Highway 332.

Shawn Mason will return for a second term as International Falls mayor, defeating newcomer Allen Kruse Tuesday.
Mason won reelection with 1,866 votes to Kruse’s 1,052 votes. Twelve write-in votes were cast in the mayoral race.
Incumbent Falls Councilor Cynthia Jaksa was unchallenged for the West Ward seat she was appointed to earlier this year. She’s filling out an expired term left with the resignation of Kelly Meyers. Jaksa got 982 votes Tuesday. Eight write-in votes were cast.

International Falls City Council agreed during a brief meeting Monday to allow the International Falls Area Chamber of Commerce to again use Smokey Bear Park Nov. 28 for its ‘Twas the Lights Before Christmas annual parade and gathering.
Councilors also authorized staff to find and decorate a tree to be erected at the east end of Third Street. The tree is to be lit ceremoniously at the start of the parade. The tree is expected to become an annual tradition, councilors noted.

International Falls City Council is expected to approve several license renewals and proclaim National Family Caregivers month when it meets Monday.
The council meeting is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. in the council chambers at the Falls Municipal Building.
The council is also scheduled to set the date to canvass election results at 4 p.m. Nov. 10.
The council offers an opportunity for public comment at the beginning of each regular meeting and concludes with reports by administration, department heads and members of the council.

A steering committee was designated Monday to make a recommendation to the International Falls City Council on the make up of a city Economic Development Authority Board.
The Falls Council Monday agreed to include Gordy Winzenburg, Julie Ehrman, Jay Bartkowski, Rob Boyd and one or two councilors on the steering committee. The committee is designed to recommend people involved in finances, real estate and successful entrepreneurs.
The Falls EDA will be empowered to take the lead on the city’s economic development projects and allocate funding.

The International Falls City Council is expected to establish guidelines for its commercial loan program when it meets tonight.
The council meeting is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. in the council chambers at the Falls Municipal Building.
The council is expected to act on the guidelines for the program as a recommendation of its Economic Development Committee. The council is also expected to hear from the Economic Development Committee about an Economic Development Authority Steering Committee.

Comprehensive plan should streamline bureaucracy

A plan that will determine where growth in International Falls is likely to occur and develop a strategy for wetland protection and mitigation is moving forward.
David Serrano of Arro of the North reported to the International Falls City Council Monday that development of a comprehensive wetland protection and management plan for the city is on schedule.

The International Falls City Council Monday is scheduled to hear an update on an effort to develop a comprehensive wetlands management plan.
The council meeting is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. in the council chambers at the Falls Municipal Building.
Dave Serrano, of Arro of the North LLC, will discuss the plan with the council.

International Falls City Council Monday agreed to a levy that would reduce the amount collected from city property owners in 2009 by more than 15-percent from the amount collected this year.
With credit offered to all involved by several city officials, the council adopted a $1.75 million levy for 2009. The levy represents a $314,600 reduction in property tax from the 2008 levy.
The levy will help support a $12.1 million budget set for 2009.

International Falls City Council is expected to decide tonight whether to modify its strategic plan which would refocus the city’s economic development efforts.
The Falls City Council is scheduled to meet at 6:30 p.m. in council chambers at the Falls Municipal Building.