The ISD 361 School Board voted Unanimously to appoint Dale Johnson as the newest Director filling a vacancy for the resignation of Emily McGonigle. All board members emphasized the quality of both applicants. The other applicant was Reynold Calder. Below is the letter Dale Submitted to the School Board. "VACANT SCHOOL BOARD POSITION My name is Dale Johnson. I returned to International Falls after completing my career in commercial real estate and construction for several large corporations including Target and Wells Fargo Bank. After graduation I was fortunate enough to be accepted to Harvard thanks to the support I received from teachers, coaches and counselors at Falls High. I graduated from Falls High in1967 and currently have a grandchild attending the high school. This past school year I coached the JV track team and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. My experience as a student was very positive. It has been disappointing for me, personally, to see the school district struggle with shrinking enrollment. My interest in being on the school board is to see if that can be rectified. I understand enrollment is tied to the population and the economy but also that school performance and reputation have a reciprocal affect. Problem solving success by using the ability to think and respond differently, negotiating settlements by being willing to compromise, communicating information verbally and in writing effectively, managing contracts, contractors and support staff and influencing people are all skills I’ve learned in my work experience in “Corporate America." The school board should provide students with a safe, challenging and supportive environment that allows them to explore a wide variety of studies and electives to develop their interests and aspirations. The school board should author a curriculum that provides students with the education to be successful in what ever career path is chosen after high school and is inclusive of the needs of all students. Declining student enrollment is an issue that threatens the future of the school. Funding is a function of enrollment and a decline inhibits the district’s ability to compete for teachers, offer advanced programs and satisfy all students ’needs. The community suffers when the schools are forced to make cuts. New residents look first to quality education opportunities for their children. New employers want to be assured an educated work force is available into the future. Options to consider are: drawing back students who have chosen other schooling options by marketing the school district’s advantages, combining schools within the district through curriculum instruction sharing, exploring ways to make better use of existing education facilities, forming alliances with neighboring school districts (including those in Ontario) to provide a more unique learning experience, partnering with local resources such as Voyagers Conservancy and indigenous organizations. An ideal future would see student enrollment growing, curriculum expanding and the community growing with more opportunities for students to prosper." Source: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Agenda/1332?meeting=584414 He was chosen over Reynold Calder. The following is Reynold's letter to the board; "Application to fill vacancy on District 361 School Board Introduction: My name is Reynold Calder. I graduated from Falls High in 1967. An important part of my high school experience: I was a member of the 1965 State Hockey Championship Team. In 1967, I was selected as the All-State goalie for the State of Minnesota. Subsequently, I became an inductee to the Bronco Hall of Fame. After high school, I enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Viet-Nam. After my military service, I attended Bemidji State and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in secondary education. After teaching for two years, I attended graduate school for two years in Oklahoma. Later attending Luther Seminary. My academic and teaching career did not resume until! later in my work life. In 2010, I obtained a teaching position at Keyano College in Fort McMurray, Alberta. In 2013, I retired and in 2016 moved home to International Falls. I am interested in the position as board member as I have had a life long interest in education. I feel education is the key to a life well lived, despite the difficulties life brings to everyone. The ability to persist and strive each day depends in large part on our educational experience. The skill set I hope to bring to the board are: an ability to listen, an ability to analyze, and an ability to communicate succinctly and effectively. Perhaps, the most debilitating factor of leadership would be a Board that is distant from the students and the community. Therefore, the relationship between the school board, the students, and the community should be constructive and collaborative. A couple issues facing education today are financial concernsJ and school safety. I applaud the work the school board did during the Covid Crisis. However, dealing with the current issues may be equally challenging. Solving these issues necessitates a full-fledged effort to obtain community buy-in and a feeling of participation. The key to that success: communication with the community. The ideal future for our school district would include support from the community, student academic excellenceJ and an activities program that is inclusive. Those ideals are probably not realistic or achievable. They are markers for the direction which we, collectively, can point towards. What this means for students is, equal opportunity for success during their high school experience. I look forward to the opportunity to working with the board in a unifying and enjoyable manner. Sincerely, Reynold K. Calder Contact Information Redacted" Source: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Agenda/1332?meeting=584414 This video is bookmarked for the beginning of the discussion about the candidates.Video Source: https://youtu.be/R3YDqXSfDKc
0 Comments
![]() Approval of Agenda and Minutes The meeting began with the approval of the agenda, with a note to scratch the liquor store report from the list. The council also approved the minutes from the May 16, 2023, regular council meetings. Financial Approvals The council approved the claims list for May 2023 and accepted the account balances, disbursements, and financial statements for the liquor, water, and sewer funds for May 31, 2023. Capital Funding for Public Work Maintenance Shop Resolution 2023-04, a capital funding request for the Public Work Maintenance Shop, was approved. Donations The council accepted a $4,000 donation from the Rainier Rec Club. They also accepted donations for Rainier Days from World Fire Protection, Border Banks, Foodstar Federal Credit Union, and Ring Link Oil. Liquor Store Operating Statement The council accepted the May 2023 liquor store operating statement. City Rainier Tree Management Plan The council approved the City Rainier Tree Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan. Land Use Planning Commission Appointment The council approved the appointment of a new member to the Land Use Planning Commission. Open Forum: Traffic Safety and Park Improvements During the open forum, a council member proposed a traffic safety improvement plan involving the creation of a "bubble" in the road near the park, complete with speed bumps, signs, and a decorative circle filled with flowers. The council discussed the feasibility of the plan, including potential funding through a $25,000 safety grant. Park Improvements The council thanked the Rainier Rec Club for their work on park improvements, including the installation of a merry-go-round and other playground equipment. The council also discussed future plans for the park, including the addition of an airplane-themed piece of equipment and a handicap-accessible feature. Meeting Adjournment The meeting was adjourned with no further business to discuss. Video Source: KCC-TV's YouTube Channel
![]() Roll Call and Pledge of Allegiance The ISD 361 School Board meeting commenced with a roll call, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Approval of Agenda The board unanimously approved the agenda without any additions or discussions. Public Open Forum The public open forum was briefly addressed, but no members of the public were present to participate. Consent Agenda The board approved the consent agenda, which consisted of items 1 through 85. Policy Updates The board discussed a large number of policy updates. The policy group had reviewed approximately half of these a month ago, and the remaining half two weeks ago. The board acknowledged that there are many changes happening currently, with another 30 policies expected to be updated in the near future due to legislative changes. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) The board discussed an annual MOU, referred to as the QComp MOU. No major changes were noted in this MOU. Fourth of July Fireworks The board discussed the city of International Falls' Fourth of July fireworks event. The city uses the school's facilities for the event, with the fire department overseeing safety. The board was recommended to approve this arrangement. Facility Committee Meeting The Facility Committee is scheduled to meet to discuss the 10-year plan. The board will review this plan, with a focus on the 24-25 year. The board also discussed the approval of the final budget for the current year and the approval of next year's budget. Superintendent Evaluation The board discussed the superintendent evaluation process. The superintendent will provide a summary of the work done over the past year, and board members will submit their evaluations to Michelle Hopkins. Personnel Recommendations The board discussed personnel recommendations. A recommendation was made for a PD teacher in elementary school, who is also being recommended for a basketball coach position. The board also discussed the posting of an assistant position for volleyball and noted that there were already candidates for the position. Performance Review of Coaches The board discussed the performance review of coaches and the documentation of these reviews. The new athletic director, Mr. Ringhoffer, who starts on July 1, will be bringing an updated handbook. He plans to have a pre-meeting with all coaches and a parent meeting at the start of the season. The board discussed the possibility of recording these meetings for those who cannot attend. Approval of Personnel Recommendations The board moved to approve the personnel recommendations. A question was raised about the C team coach for volleyball, and it was clarified that the C team coach has the right to apply for the open JV position, but they are not required to do so. The motion to approve the personnel recommendations was carried unanimously. Action Items The board moved on to the action items. The first resolution was presented, and the board discussed the process for reviewing these items. Cooperative Agreements with Cornerstone Christian School The board discussed and approved cooperative agreements with Cornerstone Christian School for various sports, including volleyball, boys and girls basketball, and boys and girls cross country, effective for the 2023 to 2024 school year. Enrollment Numbers The board discussed enrollment numbers, noting that they are not yet solid. The current numbers show 16 new students enrolling and 11 leaving. The board discussed the reasons for students leaving, which included moving away and opting for online schooling. Summer School Program The board received an update on the summer school program, which is going well with 13 students in the grade 6-9 program and 14 in the 10-12 program. The program will continue for another three weeks after a two-week break. Conclusion The ISD 361 School Board meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn. The board covered a wide range of topics, demonstrating their commitment to addressing staffing concerns, fostering cooperative agreements, monitoring enrollment numbers, and ensuring the success of their summer school program. The board will continue to make decisions that best serve the students of ISD 361. Video Source: KCC-TV's YouTube Channel Meeting Agenda![]()
MINNESOTA – The recently unveiled "Due North Education Plan" by Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan is set to steer the future of education in Minnesota. The plan aims to ensure that every child receives a high-quality education regardless of their race or zip code 1. Students at Independent School District No. 361 (ISD 361) in International Falls will be among those potentially affected by these changes. ISD 361 is a small school district with a total enrollment of 994 students, with 511 students at Falls Elementary School and 483 students at Falls High School. The district prides itself on being in partnership with parents and the community to prepare every student to become a productive citizen 2. The new education plan will provide opportunities and challenges that can directly impact the students in this district. The Due North Education Plan outlines a series of priorities and strategies designed to enhance the education system in Minnesota. These include:
The district's mission of developing every student's maximum potential within a safe climate of mutual respect and trust aligns with the plan's emphasis on creating a safe and nurturing learning environment. This may result in strengthened student relationship-building and mental health supports in the district. The plan's commitment to closing the opportunity gap and expanding opportunities could lead to increased resources and support for the district, given its location in Greater Minnesota. This may include more rigorous coursework options, expanded career and technical education pathways, and potentially greater school finance equity. While the specific impacts of the Due North Education Plan on ISD 361 will become clearer in the coming months and years, the plan's overall emphasis on quality education for all, irrespective of race or zip code, aligns with the district's mission of maximizing the potential of every student. In this context, the plan represents a promising step toward enhancing educational opportunities and outcomes for students in ISD 361 and throughout Minnesota. Image source: https://education.mn.gov/ Image source: https://education.mn.gov/ View the AI prompt used to generate this article
write a news article about Minnesotas department of educations new Due North Education Plan and how it may specifically effect students at isd361. cite your sources. ![]() Meeting Opening The Koochiching County Board of Commissioners meeting on June 20th, 2023, began with the Pledge of Allegiance. The agenda was approved without any additions or deletions, and the minutes from the June 13th, 2023 regular meeting were also approved. Jail Project Approval Matrix The board considered the approval of the Jail Project Approval Matrix. This document outlines the order of operations and financial considerations for the jail project. The board approved the matrix, which includes a provision for change orders up to $30,000 within the budget. American Rescue Plan Expenditure The board approved an expenditure from the American Rescue Plan for the Rochelle Fire Department. The funds will be used to purchase a 2005 International tanker diesel from the city of Indianapolis, upgrading their fleet from an 1873 gas engine. State Capital Budget Bond Request The board adopted a resolution for a state capital budget bond request. The bond request, totaling $1.794 million, will be used to fund various projects, including constructing a new jail facility, improving the existing campus, and demolishing the old highway department building. The state will provide half of the requested amount, with the county committing funds for the other half. 2023 Koochiching County Farm Family The board recognized the 2023 Koochiching County Farm Family of the Year, awarded by the University of Minnesota. The award went to Lori and Brad Lucan, who manage a herd of approximately 50 at the MLJ Ranch. The family's cow-calf operation consists of registered Black Angus and Hereford Bulls. The family also produces their own hay and sells the extra. Meeting Adjournment The meeting concluded with a call for public comments, after which a motion to adjourn was approved. The Koochiching County Board of Commissioners continues to work diligently to improve the county's infrastructure and recognize the contributions of its residents. The next meeting will undoubtedly bring more important discussions and decisions. ![]()
Lead for America (LFA) has bestowed its "Fellow of the Week" accolade on Jacqueline Nagle, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to digital equity in Koochiching County. As part of the AmeriCorps under Lead for America’s American Connection Corps, Nagle has demonstrated remarkable efforts in enhancing broadband infrastructure and digital connectivity within her home county. Her accomplishments include supervising two significant infrastructure projects and initiating a new one aimed at an underserved commercial area.
In addition to these projects, Nagle took an active role in aiding residents with Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) enrollment, further solidifying the reach of reliable, affordable broadband internet services in the area. Even as her term of service nears its end, Nagle remains committed to staying engaged in the digital equity space, confident that the groundwork she has laid will continue to benefit her community in the years to come.
Original Post
Source: Facebook
Take Control of Your Reading Experience with Our New Navigation Features!Ever found yourself lost in the sea of information, trying to locate a specific section on a webpage? We understand the struggle and, as a solution, we're proud to introduce our new user-friendly navigation system on IFalls.News! As part of our ongoing commitment to enhance your experience and make our content as accessible as possible, we've redesigned our site navigation. Now, reading news has never been so effortless and satisfying! Our new feature includes a set of smart and intuitive scroll buttons that are designed to make your reading experience smoother and more efficient. These buttons, found on the left side of your screen, are here to assist you as you navigate through our articles. Meet Your New Best Friends: The Scroll ButtonsLet's get acquainted with these newly introduced scroll buttons: ![]() Go to Top of Page Button: Just finished reading a riveting article and want to read it again? Simply click this button to swiftly navigate to the top of the page. ![]() Go to Top Button: This button will take you to the top of the nearest section above your current position, making it easier to revisit recently read sections. ![]() Go to Bottom Button: Want to skip ahead? Use this button to jump to the beginning of the next section without endlessly scrolling. ![]() Go to Bottom of Page Button: Found what you came for and ready to move on? Click this button to quickly jump to the end of the article. Boost Your Reading Experience in 3 Easy StepsGet started with your enhanced reading journey in just three simple steps:
With this improved navigation system, we're hoping to put you in control, making your time with us more enjoyable and less stressful. As always, we're eager to hear your feedback. Please feel free to share your thoughts and suggestions as we continue to improve and adapt to serve you better. Happy reading!
View the Code
​<head>
<style> #scrollButtons { position: fixed; z-index: 9999; left: 0px; top: 30%; width: 60px; padding-left: 0; } #scrollButtons .scrollButton { border: none; outline: none; background-color: transparent; cursor: pointer; width: 100%; height: auto; } #collapseButton, #expandButton { background-color: #FAC94D; width: 30px; height: 30px; border: none; cursor: pointer; } @media (max-height: 600px) { #scrollToTop, #scrollToBottom { display: none !important; } } </style> </head> <body> <div id="scrollButtons"> <button id="collapseButton" onclick="collapseFunction()">-</button> <button id="expandButton" onclick="expandFunction()" style="display: none;">+</button> <button onclick="topPageFunction()" id="scrollPageToTop" class="scrollButton" title="Go to top of page"><img src="https://www.ifalls.news/uploads/1/0/1/6/101650906/page-up_orig.png" alt="Go to top of page" style="width: 100%; height: auto;"></button> <button onclick="topFunction()" id="scrollToTop" class="scrollButton" title="Go to top"><img src="https://www.ifalls.news/uploads/1/0/1/6/101650906/section-up_orig.png" alt="Go to top" style="width: 100%; height: auto;"></button> <button onclick="bottomFunction()" id="scrollToBottom" class="scrollButton" title="Go to bottom"><img src="https://www.ifalls.news/uploads/1/0/1/6/101650906/section-down_orig.png" alt="Go to bottom" style="width: 100%; height: auto;"></button> <button onclick="bottomPageFunction()" id="scrollPageToBottom" class="scrollButton" title="Go to bottom of page"><img src="https://www.ifalls.news/uploads/1/0/1/6/101650906/page-down_orig.png" alt="Go to bottom of page" style="width: 100%; height: auto;"></button> </div> <script> var collapseButton = document.getElementById('collapseButton'); var expandButton = document.getElementById('expandButton'); var scrollButtons = document.querySelectorAll('.scrollButton'); var topButton = document.getElementById("scrollToTop"); var bottomButton = document.getElementById("scrollToBottom"); var topPageButton = document.getElementById("scrollPageToTop"); var bottomPageButton = document.getElementById("scrollPageToBottom"); var isCollapsed = false; window.onscroll = function() {scrollFunction()}; function collapseFunction() { scrollButtons.forEach(function(button) { button.style.display = 'none'; }); collapseButton.style.display = 'none'; expandButton.style.display = 'block'; isCollapsed = true; } function expandFunction() { scrollButtons.forEach(function(button) { button.style.display = 'block'; }); expandButton.style.display = 'none'; collapseButton.style.display = 'block'; isCollapsed = false; scrollFunction(); } function scrollFunction() { if (isCollapsed) { return; } var allSections = document.querySelectorAll("[data-section]"); var userPosition = window.pageYOffset || document.documentElement.scrollTop; var nearestAboveSection = null; var nearestBelowSection = null; allSections.forEach(function(section) { var sectionTop = section.getBoundingClientRect().top + window.pageYOffset; if (sectionTop < userPosition) { if (!nearestAboveSection || sectionTop > nearestAboveSection.getBoundingClientRect().top + window.pageYOffset) { nearestAboveSection = section; } } var sectionBottom = section.getBoundingClientRect().bottom + window.pageYOffset; if (sectionBottom > userPosition) { if (!nearestBelowSection || sectionBottom < nearestBelowSection.getBoundingClientRect().bottom + window.pageYOffset) { nearestBelowSection = section; } } }); topButton.style.display = nearestAboveSection ? "block" : "none"; bottomButton.style.display = nearestBelowSection ? "block" : "none"; topPageButton.style.display = userPosition > 0 ? "block" : "none"; bottomPageButton.style.display = userPosition + window.innerHeight < document.documentElement.scrollHeight ? "block" : "none"; } function topFunction() { var allSections = document.querySelectorAll("[data-section]"); var userPosition = window.pageYOffset || document.documentElement.scrollTop; var nearestAboveSection = null; allSections.forEach(function(section) { var sectionTop = section.getBoundingClientRect().top + window.pageYOffset; if (sectionTop < userPosition) { if (!nearestAboveSection || sectionTop > nearestAboveSection.getBoundingClientRect().top + window.pageYOffset) { nearestAboveSection = section; } } }); if (nearestAboveSection) { var topPos = nearestAboveSection.getBoundingClientRect().top + window.pageYOffset; window.scrollTo({ top: topPos, behavior: 'smooth' }); } } function bottomFunction() { var allSections = document.querySelectorAll("[data-section]"); var userPosition = window.pageYOffset || document.documentElement.scrollTop; var nearestBelowSection = null; allSections.forEach(function(section) { var sectionBottom = section.getBoundingClientRect().bottom + window.pageYOffset; if (sectionBottom > userPosition) { if (!nearestBelowSection || sectionBottom < nearestBelowSection.getBoundingClientRect().bottom + window.pageYOffset) { nearestBelowSection = section; } } }); if (nearestBelowSection) { var bottomPos = nearestBelowSection.getBoundingClientRect().top + window.pageYOffset; window.scrollTo({ top: bottomPos, behavior: 'smooth' }); } } function topPageFunction() { document.body.scrollTop = 0; document.documentElement.scrollTop = 0; } function bottomPageFunction() { var scrollHeight = document.documentElement.scrollHeight; document.body.scrollTop = scrollHeight; document.documentElement.scrollTop = scrollHeight; } </script> </body> ![]() Introduction and Overview The city council meeting kicked off with a comprehensive discussion on a variety of ongoing projects and tasks that the council is currently overseeing. The council members engaged in a detailed conversation about the need for a new city hall, considering the growing population and the increasing demand for administrative and public services. They also deliberated on the potential for expanding the existing city hall building to accommodate the growing needs of the city. Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan One of the key topics of discussion was the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) management plan. This plan was drafted in response to a requirement set forth by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Grant. The plan outlines the city's recognition of the EAB problem, a pest that threatens the health of ash trees, and its commitment to proactive management. This includes the removal of some ash trees that are beyond saving and the planting of additional tree species to maintain the city's green cover. The plan also incorporates an inventory of trees conducted last fall, providing a clear picture of the current state of the city's trees. A list of potential replacement tree species was also discussed, ensuring the city's preparedness for future tree planting initiatives. Land Use Planning Commission Appointment The council members also addressed a tie in the Land Use Planning Commission. After a thorough discussion, the council voted to accept Matthew Jenkinson as the new member of the commission. This decision was made after considering his qualifications and potential contributions to the commission's work. City Hall Expansion Plans The council members spent a significant amount of time discussing the potential expansion of the city hall. They acknowledged the need for more office space to accommodate the growing population and the increasing administrative needs of the city. They explored various options, including the possibility of knocking down walls or adding doors to create more space. The council also considered the financial implications of such an expansion, discussing potential funding sources and cost-saving measures. Maintenance Shop and Public Works Department Needs The council discussed the pressing need for a heated workshop for the Public Works Department. They recognized that the current facilities are inadequate for the department's needs, particularly during the colder months. They discussed the potential for funding this project through bonding requests, acknowledging the need to secure sufficient funds to ensure the project's success. The council also discussed the possibility of applying for grants to supplement the funding for this project. Property Maintenance and Junkyard Issues The council addressed several issues related to property maintenance within the city. They expressed concern about properties that are not being maintained properly, including one property that is starting to resemble a junkyard and several others where the grass is overgrown. The council discussed the potential for sending formal letters to these property owners, urging them to address these issues. They also discussed the possibility of taking legal action if these issues are not resolved in a timely manner. Pier Marina Project Development The council discussed the Pier Marina project, which is currently in the design and permitting process. They discussed the potential for various amenities at the marina, such as power and sewage pump houses. They recognized the need to establish a fee structure to recoup the costs associated with these amenities. The council also discussed the need for a harbor master to manage the marina, ensuring that it operates smoothly and effectively. Conclusion The city council meeting covered a wide range of topics, each of which was discussed in great detail. From the management of ash trees to the expansion of city hall, from the development of a new marina to the enforcement of property maintenance standards, the council members demonstrated their commitment to addressing the city's needs. The meeting concluded with a discussion about the Pier Marina project and the need for a harbor master, signaling the council's forward-thinking approach to city management. (This article was generated using artificial intelligence with the following YouTube video as the source, https://youtu.be/oFsXrxdNS8w ) ![]() Introduction On June 13, 2023, the Koochiching County Board of Commissioners convened for a meeting to discuss and decide on a range of issues. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and the approval of the agenda, which included additions and deletions. Agenda Approval and Minutes The board approved the proposed agenda, which included two additions and two deletions. The minutes from the May 23rd, 2023 regular meeting were also approved without any discussion. Financial Business The board moved on to financial business, accepting items a, b, c, and d. They also accepted a donation from Payson vending for the sheriff's department coffee fund. Human Resource Business The board approved the employment promotion of Margaret Hayam from a county specialist to Administration Assistant. They also approved the closure of County offices on June 19, 2023, in recognition of the Juneteenth holiday. Notice of Hires Several new hires were announced, including Scott Wherley as a part-time Deputy, Brian Jesperson as a temporary veteran transport driver, Max Marcotte for the Koochiching County Sheriff's Office boat and water patrol, and Blair Werner as a temporary summer transfer station laborer. Voyager Country ATV Club Request The board considered a request from the Voyager Country ATV Club for 500 yards of material to maintain a trail corridor. The board approved the motion to enter into a contract with the club for the cost of $1.75 per yard for 500 yards plus sales tax. School District Reorganization Committee The board appointed Commissioner McIntyre and Commissioner Pavleck to the School District Reorganization Committee, which will investigate the potential reorganization due to the closure of the Indus school. Northeast Minnesota Office of Job Training The board approved the updated Joint Powers Agreement with the Northeast Minnesota Office of Job Training, which aims to work towards zero unemployment and keep jobs open and flowing. Lease Agreement with Minnesota Department of Public Safety The board approved a lease agreement with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety for the use of the armory, which is used for events such as the motorcycle festival. Lead for America Host Site Agreement The board approved the Lead for America Host Site Agreement, which involves committing $17,000 to cover the host site fee. The agreement is part of a program that aims to raise awareness about the importance of technology in today's world. 2023 Silverdale Crushing The board authorized the highway department to advertise for bids for the 2023 Silverdale Crushing project. The project involves crushing 35,000 tons or about 26,000 cubic yards of aggregate. County Road 72 Mill and OverlayThe board approved a bid for the County Road 72 Mill and Overlay project. The project involves milling and overlaying 1.75 miles of County Road 72. 2023 Striping The board awarded a contract for the 2023 striping project to Sir Lines A Lot. The contract involves striping various county roads. County Bridge Prioritization List The board adopted a resolution for the County Bridge Prioritization List. The list includes six bridges that are eligible for potential bonding funds due to their low LPI (Load Posting Inventory) numbers. Public Comments During the public comment section, a member of the public thanked the board for their work on the proposed garbage ordinance and for appointing two members to help find a resolution for the children in Indus who will now not have a home school to go to. The meeting concluded with the board adjourning, having covered a wide range of topics and approved several agreements and contracts. This article was written using artificial intelligence and was based of the youtube video https://youtu.be/voYLqGaaDqc ![]() The International Falls Economic Development Authority (EDA) held a special meeting on June 5, 2023, to discuss and approve a significant renovation project for the International Falls National Park. The project, which has been long overdue, involves the replacement of carpets and a fresh coat of paint for the entire building. The EDA is required to paint the interior of the building every five years and replace the carpet every seven years as part of their lease agreement. However, this is the first time such a renovation is taking place, 12 years into the lease. The total contract for the flooring package is $116,064, while the painting package is estimated to cost $110,635. The funds for this project will be drawn from the reserve fund, which currently holds over a million dollars. The reserve fund is specifically set aside for expenses exceeding $15,000. The renovation project is not just a requirement but also a necessity as the building has reached a point where refurbishment is essential. The EDA has worked closely with the park staff to ensure they are satisfied with the renovation plans. The staff was involved in choosing the carpet pattern and will also be responsible for moving their personal items, files, and computers during the renovation. The EDA also discussed potential future renovations and modifications to the building. As the lease nears its 15 to 17-year mark, the General Services Administration (GSA) will start working with the park staff to determine what changes they would like to see in their next lease. The building, which was constructed in 2011 at a cost of $11.5 million, is now estimated to be worth between $15 to $18 million. The EDA views the $226,000 renovation project as a sound investment into the facility. The renovation work is expected to commence towards the end of summer and be completed by fall. The EDA members unanimously approved the project, expressing their eagerness to see the improvements to the facility. |
Ted Saxton and TedBotAll articles contain some level of assistance from artificial intelligence. The content the AI is trained on is publicly available and will often be cited in the article whenever possible. |