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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.

Before any further exploration continues for the improvement of the Littlefork Ambulance Service facility, the Littlefork City Council wants a determination on what entity is its actual governing agent.
That was its decision when it met Thursday.
It is probable that the Littlefork City Council holds that authority, according to City Administrator Mike Fairchild, after some discovery on his part. “It looks as though the county is only the taxing agent,” Fairchild said.

LITTLEFORK — Littlefork-Big Falls students could be attending school four days a week as near as the 2009-2010 academic year, provided there is harmony among administration, the teachers union and the school community.
While aware of the intensive development that lies ahead, the board moved one step closer to a four-day school week at its meeting Wednesday when it decided to schedule meetings with teachers and an open forum with the public before Oct. 1.

The Littlefork City Council Thursday is scheduled to continue discussion from a special committee meeting Tuesday on a proposed improved ambulance service facility for the city.
The regular meeting is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Thursday at Littlefork City Hall.
Also on Tuesday, bids for the Aspen Street water main replacement project were reviewed and awarded to Wagner Construction of International Falls. Discussion on the project is scheduled to continue at Thursday’s meeting.

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.

Despite concerns about the potential costs of repairing water line breaks this winter and eventually replacing the entire water system, the city or Ranier is in pretty good fiscal shape.
The Ranier City Council Monday heard a review of the 2007 financial report from Don Zierke of the firm of Miller McDonald.

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.

Littlefork’s general funds will cover sewer payment and residents will see no tax increase

The Littlefork City Council approved its 2009 proposed budget Thursday.
At $419,257, the budget shows an increase of $70,990 over the 2008 budget.
The largest expenditure budgeted for Littlefork in 2009 is a $34,000 payment owed to Koochiching County as part of the city’s storm sewer project. But that payment will be offset by transfers from the city’s liquor, water and sewer funds as well as capital from timber and sand sales, according to City Administrator Mike Fairchild.

The Ranier City Council plans to consider minimum water rates for seasonal water customers when it meets Monday.
The meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. in the Ranier Community Buiding.
The Water Committee is expected to request the city maintain its current ordinance regarding the minimum rates.
The council is also scheduled to review the 2007 financial report, completed by the firm of Miller McDonald.