Thief River Falls public meetings in 2025

City Council

The Thief River Falls City Council will meet to discuss and vote on key financial items including the 2026 budget, tax levy, and an electric rate increase. The council will also hear a tax abatement hearing and consider updates to the tobacco ordinance and building permit fees.

• Adopt the 2026 Final Budget
• Approve 2026 Tax Levy
• Approve electric rate increase
• Update Tobacco Ordinance (first and final readings)
• Set 2026 Building Permit and Inspection Fee Schedule

The City Council unanimously adopted the final 2026 budget and certified the 2026 tax levy at $4,666,302, a 19.36% increase from 2025. The council also approved a $2.6 million redemption of Electric Revenue Bonds, set electric rates for 2026-2029, and updated the tobacco ordinance to raise the sales age to 21. All votes were unanimous.

• Adopted final 2026 budget (unanimous)
• Certified 2026 tax levy at $4,666,302, a 19.36% increase (unanimous)
• Approved redemption of $2.6M Electric Revenue Bonds Series 2018A (unanimous)
• Set 2026-2029 electric rates effective Feb 1, 2026 (unanimous)
• Updated tobacco ordinance Chapter 112 to raise sales age to 21 (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 Building Permit and Inspection fee schedule (unanimous)
• Approved single family residential tax abatements for six properties (unanimous)
• Approved $50,000 contract with Moore Engineering for climate planning (unanimous)

City Council

The Thief River Falls City Council will hold a public hearing and consider approving the assessment roll for the federally funded 2024 Street and Utilities Improvements project. The council will also hear a presentation on an electric rate study, consider several contracts and loans, and discuss instituting Minnesota Paid Leave effective January 1, 2026.

• Public hearing and approval of 2024 Street and Utilities Improvements assessment roll
• Electric rate study presentation by Dave Berg
• Contract with Energy Systems Group, LLC for Phase #2 heat pump replacement at City Hall
• Commercial Storefront Renovation Loan and Commercial Energy Renovation Loan to Julia Nelson & Kathleen Metalak
• Resolution to institute Minnesota Paid Leave effective 1/1/2026

The City Council unanimously adopted the assessment roll for the 2024 Street and Utilities Improvements project, assessing benefited property owners a total of $75,857.80. The council also approved several other items, including a $25,000 storefront renovation loan and a $100,000 energy renovation loan for 220 Horace Ave. N., a project development agreement for City Hall heat pump phase 2, and a $79,637 purchase of arena lighting. All votes were unanimous except the library bathroom change proposal, which passed with one opposed.

• Adopted 2024 Street & Utilities Improvements assessment roll of $75,857.80 (unanimous)
• Approved $25,000 storefront renovation loan at 3% for 60 months to Nelson & Metelak (unanimous)
• Approved $100,000 energy renovation loan at 2% for 84 months to Nelson & Metelak (unanimous)
• Authorized signing Project Development Agreement with Energy Systems Group for City Hall heat pump phase 2 (unanimous)
• Authorized grant application for Welcoming Rivers project with letter of support (unanimous)
• Approved Minnesota Paid Leave effective 1/1/2026 with employer covering at least 50% of premiums (unanimous)
• Approved $79,637 purchase of RGB lighting and Madrix control system for Ralph Engelstad Arena (unanimous)
• Approved library bathroom change proposal #3 for $2,592.76 (passed, Bolduc opposed)

City Council

The Thief River Falls City Council will hold public hearings and consider several financial and operational items, including a TIF plan modification, bond issuances for the library and liquor store, a police drone policy, and fee increases for animal pound and ATV permits. The council will also discuss the 2026 budget, including a retiring officer position, and approve routine items like licenses and bills.

• Public hearing and approval of TIF Plan for TIF District No. 1-5
• Approval of CIP bonds for library and liquor store (abatement of issuance and sale of general obligation bonds)
• Approval of TRF Police Department drone policy and increased animal pound/ATV permit rates
• Approval of addendum to SRT MOU allowing Red Lake County to join NorthStar Special Response Team
• Approve 3.2 beer license for Pizza Hut and contract with SOK Enterprises for panic alarm monitoring

City Council

The Thief River Falls City Council will hold second readings and votes on rezoning the Sanford Medical Center property from R-4 to C-2, and on amending the Comprehensive Plan for an ambulance garage. They will also consider purchasing a walk-through security detection system for the Ralph Engelstad Arena, approving a Municipal Advisory Service Agreement with Northland Securities, and setting a fee for printing and mailing utility bills. Several other items include a public hearing on property tax abatements, a land lease, and an ordinance amendment for calendar parking.

• Second reading and approval to rezone Sanford Medical Center property from R-4 to C-2
• Second reading and approval of Comprehensive Plan amendment for Ambulance Garage
• Purchase of walk-through detection system for Ralph Engelstad Arena
• Approve Municipal Advisory Service Agreement with Northland Securities
• Authorize fee for printing and mailing utility bills

City Council

The Thief River Falls City Council will consider several items, including calling a public hearing on a TIF modification, purchasing heat pumps for City Hall, entering negotiations for a Phase #2 project, allocating funds for pickleball court expansion, and approving a water treatment plant task order. The council will also hold first readings on a parking ordinance amendment, a comprehensive plan amendment, a rezoning of the Sanford Ambulance Garage, and a new fences chapter, among other items.

• Call for public hearing on TIF 1-5 modification
• Purchase of heat pumps for City Hall
• Negotiations with Automated Technologies for Phase #2
• Allocate funding for pickleball court expansion
• Rezoning of Sanford Ambulance Garage from R4 to C2 (first reading)

City Council

The Thief River Falls City Council will consider a 2026 sanitation rate increase, approve filling an Accounts Payable Clerk position, and authorize a task order for lead service line replacement. They will also discuss extending a Small Cities Development Program grant and hold a closed meeting to discuss a land sale at 517 Crocker.

• 2026 Sanitation Rate Increase
• Approval to fill Accounts Payable Clerk position and revise job description
• Lead Service Line Replacement Task Order
• Extension to Small Cities Development Program Grant CDAP-21-OO37-O-FY23
• Closed meeting: Land Sale - 517 Crocker

The City Council unanimously approved a one-year sanitation rate increase of approximately 6% starting January 1, 2026. They also approved filling the Accounts Payable Clerk position after a retirement, a task order for lead service line replacement engineering, a grant extension request, and the sale of city-owned property at 517 Crocker Ave S for $13,500.

• Approved 2026 sanitation rate increase of ~6% (unanimous)
• Approved filling Accounts Payable Clerk position and revised job description (unanimous)
• Approved Task Order #22 with Advanced Engineering for lead service line replacement (unanimous)
• Approved request for extension of DEED grant CDAP-21-OO37-O-FY23 to Dec 30, 2026 (unanimous)
• Approved sale of 517 Crocker Ave S to David Bray/Bray Construction for $13,500 (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including bills/disbursements of $2,144,196.08 and per diems of $1,852.50 (unanimous)

City Council

The Thief River Falls City Council will consider approving the proposed 2026 budget and tax levy, along with several other items including a Minnesota Forward Fund application related to Arctic Cat, Inc., a TZD grant, and new ordinances on public nuisances and inoperable motor vehicles. The meeting also includes a closed session to discuss a land sale. Most items are routine approvals, but the budget and levy are significant fiscal decisions.

• Approval of proposed 2026 budget
• Approval of proposed 2026 tax levy
• Minnesota Forward Fund application in connection with Arctic Cat, Inc.
• Ordinance adding Section 91.80 (Other Public Nuisances) and 91.81 (Inoperable Motor Vehicles) to City Code Chapter 91
• Sidewalk snow removal contract

The City Council unanimously adopted the preliminary 2026 budget and a proposed tax levy of $4,762,282, a 21.82% increase over last year. The council also approved a Minnesota Forward Fund application supporting Arctic Cat's expansion, adopted new nuisance ordinances for junk and inoperable vehicles, and awarded a sidewalk snow removal contract. A land sale offer from Hudson Rents was rejected, with the parcel to be listed at $12,500.

• Adopted preliminary 2026 budget (unanimous)
• Approved proposed 2026 tax levy of $4,762,282, a 21.82% increase (unanimous)
• Approved Minnesota Forward Fund application for Arctic Cat expansion (unanimous)
• Adopted ordinance on public nuisances and inoperable motor vehicles (unanimous)
• Awarded sidewalk snow removal contract to Ashton's Mowing Service, $25/parcel for 2 years (unanimous)
• Authorized listing city-owned lot at 517 Crocker Ave S for $13,500 (unanimous)
• Allowed up to 2 food trucks at municipal lot on Sept 18 (6-1, Narverud against)
• Rejected Hudson Rents' $3,000 offer for city parcel; will list at $12,500 (unanimous)

City Council

The Thief River Falls City Council will consider a broad set of ordinance amendments covering electric cost sharing, water restrictions, traffic and bicycle rules, alcohol licensing, and public nuisances. They will also vote on placing unpaid sidewalk snow removal charges onto 2026 property taxes. The agenda includes routine consent items like approving prior meeting minutes and disbursements.

• Unpaid sidewalk snow removal charges to be added to 2026 property tax
• First reading and adoption of ordinance updates (multiple sections)
• Approval of ordinance update package (multiple sections)
• First reading and adoption of Careless Operation Ordinance Section 73.03
• Approval of School District #564 Homecoming Parade

The City Council unanimously approved a large package of ordinance updates covering traffic, bicycles, nuisances, alcohol licensing, and flood plains, and waived the second reading. It also adopted a new ordinance making careless operation of any personal wheeled vehicle (bicycles, scooters, skateboards, etc.) a violation. Separately, the council approved certifying unpaid sidewalk snow removal charges to 2026 property taxes and authorized a $182,125.50 lease for a new dump truck.

• Approved first reading of 40+ ordinance sections and waived second reading (unanimous)
• Approved sending omitted ordinance sections to codifier for 4th quarter update (unanimous)
• Approved summary publication of ordinance update (unanimous)
• Adopted new ordinance 73.03 'Careless Operation' for personal wheeled vehicles (unanimous)
• Approved certifying unpaid sidewalk snow removal charges to 2026 property taxes (unanimous)
• Approved $182,125.50 lease for 2026 Western Star 47X dump truck (unanimous)
• Approved $1,837,515.00 in bills and disbursements plus $357.50 per diems (unanimous)
• Approved Lincoln High School Homecoming Parade permit for Sept 26 (unanimous)

City Council

The Thief River Falls City Council will consider a three-year storm water utility rate increase for 2026-2028, along with several other items including switchgear testing at the power plant, MDNR-requested studies, and sidewalk replacement in front of the fire hall and liquor store. The consent agenda includes approval of previous meeting minutes and city bills and disbursements. A presentation on 2026 budget changes from Visit TRF is also scheduled.

• Three-year storm water utility rate increase (2026-2028)
• Switchgear testing at the power plant
• MDNR requested studies
• Remove and replace sidewalk in front of fire hall and liquor store
• Approval of city bills and disbursements

City Council

The Thief River Falls City Council is meeting to approve routine consent items and several new business items, including a lead service line bid, a loan for the curling club ice plant project, a lease-purchase for a commercial mower, brick repair, and a used K9 squad vehicle purchase. The public forum allows residents to address items not on the agenda, and the council will not take official action on those topics.

• Lead Service Line Bid Approval
• Thief River Falls Curling Club Ice Plant Project Loan
• Lease-Purchase Agreement for Toro Groundsmaster 4000-D Commercial Mower
• Brick Repair in Room 101
• TRF Police Department purchase of used 2020 Chevy Tahoe K9 squad with upfitting

The City Council approved several resolutions, including a $3.93 million bill payment, a lead service line replacement contract with Jeff Olson Construction, a $120,000 loan to the TRF Curling Club for a new ice plant, a lease-purchase agreement for a commercial mower, a brick repair, and a used K9 squad vehicle purchase. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved $3,931,358.26 in bills and disbursements (unanimous)
• Approved lead service line bid from Jeff Olson Construction (unanimous)
• Approved $120,000 loan to TRF Curling Club at 2% interest (unanimous)
• Approved lease-purchase for Toro Groundsmaster 4000-D mower (unanimous)
• Approved $575 brick repair by Bill Kaushagen Masonry (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of 2020 Chevy Tahoe K9 vehicle (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will consider establishing Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District 1-16 and approving its development agreement, along with a contract extension with MnDOT. The council will also vote on hiring a building official, purchasing Microsoft CoPilot software, and authorizing office improvements at City Hall. A public forum and consent agenda for routine approvals are also scheduled.

• Establishment of TIF District 1-16 (pages 44-90)
• TIF 1-16 Development Agreement (pages 91-94)
• MnDOT Contract Agreement Extension (page 43)
• Building Official/BO-Limited/Inspector Position (pages 95-101)
• Microsoft CoPilot purchase (pages 102-103)

The City Council unanimously approved the establishment of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District 1-16 and a development agreement with Edge Housing LLC to support a 65-unit apartment complex on 5.07 acres purchased from Sanford Health Network North. The TIF will assist with site improvements and preparation, with a maximum term of nine years. The council also approved several other items, including a contract extension for a corridor study on Trunk Highway #59, job descriptions for building inspector positions, and the purchase of three Microsoft Copilot licenses.

• Approved TIF District 1-16 for 65-unit workforce housing (unanimous)
• Approved TIF 1-16 Development Agreement with Edge Housing LLC (unanimous)
• Approved MNDOT/HDR contract extension for Highway #59 corridor study (unanimous)
• Approved job descriptions for Building Inspector and Building Official-Limited (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of three Microsoft Copilot licenses (unanimous)
• Approved voluntary passwordless login app installation form (unanimous)
• Authorized cancellation of Remloh & Associates lobbying contract (unanimous)
• Approved $1,129,747.28 in bills and disbursements (unanimous)

City Council

The Thief River Falls City Council will consider two agreements: a renewal of the School Resource Officer Services Agreement with ISD #564 and a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ralph Engelstad Arena and Pennington & Red Lake County Public Health and Home Care. The consent agenda includes approval of the June 17 meeting minutes and city bills and disbursements. The meeting also includes a public forum, a proclamation for the Art & Wine Walk, and informational items about upcoming events and the July 4 holiday closure.

• Approve renewal of School Resource Officer Services Agreement with ISD #564
• Approve Memorandum of Understanding with Ralph Engelstad Arena and Pennington & Red Lake County Public Health and Home Care
• Approval of June 17, 2025 Council Proceedings
• City of Thief River Falls Bills & Disbursements and Council Per Diem
• Proclamation: Zahlien's Art & Wine Walk on 7/10/25

The City Council unanimously approved the consent agenda, including $2,363,112.59 in bills and disbursements and $585 in council per diem. They also approved a Memorandum of Understanding with Ralph Engelstad Arena and Pennington & Red Lake County Public Health, renewed the School Resource Officer agreement with ISD #564 for three years, and approved a professional services agreement with Dave Berg Consulting for an electric rate study at a fixed cost of $18,000.

• Approved agenda with addendum item 8.3 (unanimous)
• Approved June 17, 2025 Council Proceedings (unanimous)
• Authorized payment of bills and disbursements totaling $2,363,112.59 and council per diem of $585 (unanimous)
• Approved MOU with Ralph Engelstad Arena and Pennington & Red Lake County Public Health (unanimous)
• Approved renewal of School Resource Officer Agreement with ISD #564 for 3-year term (unanimous)
• Approved professional services agreement with Dave Berg Consulting for electric rate study at $18,000 (unanimous)

City Council

The Thief River Falls City Council will hold its regular meeting, addressing routine consent items and several new business items. Key actions include establishing a new Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district, approving a variance for Nexus Church, and hiring a patrol officer. The public forum will include comments on the drone program.

• Establishment of TIF District 1-16
• Variance request for Nexus Church
• Employment of Sadie Anderson as Patrol Officer
• Approval of River Fest 2025 and American Legion parking lot band
• Approval of bills and disbursements

City Council

The Thief River Falls City Council will consider reclassifying four administrative positions, approve a premises permit for Goodridge Area Development, and approve a liquor store roof change request. The consent agenda includes approval of May 20 proceedings, bills and disbursements, and a temporary on-sale liquor license for a VFW parking lot band event. The meeting also includes a public forum and committee reports.

• Reclassifying 4 administrative positions
• Premises permit application for Goodridge Area Development
• Liquor store roof change request
• Temp on-sale liquor license for VFW Parking Lot Band July 26-27, 2025
• Approval of bills, disbursements and council per diems

City Council

The Thief River Falls City Council will meet to discuss various administrative and operational items, including new social media policies and the creation of an Assistant Fire Chief position. The council will also consider rezoning an Edge parcel from agricultural to residential use and approving multiple liquor licenses for upcoming community events.

• Second reading and approval to rezone Edge parcel from AG to R-4
• Creation of Assistant Fire Chief position
• Approval of HDR On-Call Service Contract
• Social media policies for employees and elected officials
• Temporary intoxicating liquor licenses for VFW Post 2793 and the Fair Board

City Council

The Thief River Falls City Council will meet on May 6, 2025, to hold a public hearing regarding a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district presented by Rebecca Kurtz. The council will also consider a first reading to amend the comprehensive plan, rezone an edge parcel from AG to R-4, and vote on an interfund loan resolution. Additionally, proclamations will be made for Child Care Provider Appreciation Day and Nordic Fest 2025.

• Public hearing on a TIF District presented by Rebecca Kurtz
• First Reading to Amend Comprehensive Plan
• First Reading to Rezone Edge Parcel from AG to R-4
• Interfund Loan Resolution
• Proclamations for Child Care Provider Appreciation Day and Nordic Fest 2025

The City Council held a public hearing and then approved first readings to amend the Comprehensive Plan and rezone a 5.07-acre parcel at 1926 Sanford Parkway from AG to R-4 for a proposed 65-unit apartment building by Edge Housing LLC. Both resolutions passed 5-3, with Councilmembers Bolduc, Arlt, and Pream voting no. The council also authorized an interfund loan of up to $100,000 for TIF District No. 1-16 (The Edge) and approved a liquor license for VFW Post 2793 for a June 7 event.

• Approved first reading to amend Comprehensive Plan for Edge parcel to High Density Residential (5-3)
• Approved first reading to rezone Edge parcel from AG to R-4 for 65-unit apartment (5-3)
• Authorized interfund loan up to $100,000 for TIF District No. 1-16 (5-3)
• Approved on-sale liquor license for VFW Post 2793 for June 7 event (unanimous)
• Approved agenda with addendum item 9.4 (unanimous)
• Approved April 15, 2025 council proceedings (unanimous)
• Approved bills and disbursements totaling $2,670,699.14 and per diems of $1,212.50 (unanimous)

City Council

The Thief River Falls City Council will meet to approve routine items, hear public comments, and vote on new business including commercial loans, ordinance amendments, and city facility upgrades. The agenda includes consent items like bill approvals and council proceedings, as well as significant decisions on infrastructure, public safety equipment, and administrative appointments.

• Approve $2 commercial storefront renovation loan to PHT Properties
• Approve $1 commercial energy renovation loan to PHT Properties
• Amend City Ordinance 150.06 to regulate towers
• Purchase 20 new Glock duty pistols for TRF Police Department ($2,500)
• Resurface four tennis courts and one basketball court at Englestad Park ($150,000)

The City Council amended Ordinance 150.06.15.b to increase the maximum tower height from 200 to 365 feet, passing 6-2 with Lorenson, Langness, Bolduc, Arlt, McCraw, and Aarestad in favor and Narverud and Pream against. The council also approved a conditional use permit for Wikstrom Telephone Company to replace its existing 200-foot tower with a new 200-foot lattice tower, noting the new height limit. Additionally, the council approved two loans to PHT Properties for renovations at 303 Main Ave. N., a variance for solar panels, and numerous other resolutions.

• Amended City Ordinance 150.06.15.b to set maximum tower height at 365 feet (6-2)
• Approved conditional use permit for Wikstrom Telephone to replace 200-ft tower with new 200-ft lattice tower (unanimous)
• Approved $35,000 storefront renovation loan to PHT Properties at 3% for 60 months (unanimous)
• Approved $100,000 energy renovation loan to PHT Properties at 2% for 84 months (unanimous)
• Approved variance for solar panels at 904 Alice Drive (unanimous)
• Approved $911,290.31 in bills and disbursements (unanimous)
• Approved $62,086.00 court resurfacing at Engelstad Park (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of 20 Glock pistols for $18,000 (unanimous)

City Council

The Thief River Falls City Council will meet on April 1, 2025, to discuss routine approvals, new business items including employment decisions and agreements, and upcoming meetings. The agenda includes procedural items, consent agenda approvals, and several new business decisions such as hiring a firefighter and joining a human trafficking task force.

• Approve employment of Anthony Horachek as Firefighter
• Approval of MN State Joint Powers Agreement with Human Trafficking Investigator’s Task Force
• Membership in Community Venture Network
• Conditional Use Permit Request by Wikstrom Telephone Company

The City Council approved several routine items, including hiring a new firefighter, renewing a joint powers agreement with the MN Human Trafficking Investigator's Task Force, and approving various construction change orders. A conditional use permit request for Wikstrom Telephone Company was postponed to the April 15 meeting.

• Approved employment of Anthony Horachek as Firefighter, effective April 14, 2025, at $31.12/hour (unanimous)
• Approved renewal of MN Human Trafficking Investigator's Task Force Joint Powers Agreement (unanimous)
• Approved membership in Community Venture Network (unanimous)
• Postponed Wikstrom Telephone Company conditional use permit to April 15, 2025 (5-3 vote)
• Approved Library Bathroom change proposals #1 and #2, total $5,275.00 (unanimous)
• Approved City Hall remodel change proposal #3, $807.00 (unanimous, Aarestad abstained)
• Approved $20,250.00 for 18 handrails for REA East Entrance Steps (unanimous)

City Council

The Thief River Falls City Council is meeting to act on routine consent items and several new business items, including a variance request, a TIF district public hearing, a hazard mitigation plan adoption, and a patrol officer vacancy. They will also consider contracts for carpet installation, grass mowing, and stump grinding, plus a conditional use permit for Wikstrom Telephone Company.

• Variance request by Eric Tjelle
• Schedule public hearing to establish TIF District 1-16
• Approve adoption of Pennington County 2024 Hazard Mitigation Plan
• Approve opening a patrol officer position to fill vacancy from Brady Meunier's resignation (effective April 10, 2025)
• Conditional use permit request by Wikstrom Telephone Company

The City Council approved scheduling a public hearing for a TIF district to support a 65-unit workforce housing development at 1926 Sanford Parkway, and waived subdivision requirements for a land transfer related to the project. Several other resolutions were passed, including a variance for a portico, carpet replacement, hazard mitigation plan adoption, a county road project, a patrol officer position, a construction contract, and mowing/stump grinding contracts. A conditional use permit request was tabled.

• Approved scheduling public hearing for TIF District 1-16 for workforce housing (unanimous)
• Approved variance for Eric Tjelle's portico at 428 Riverside Ave (unanimous)
• Approved carpet purchase/installation for $2,371.28 (Aarestad abstained)
• Approved adoption of Pennington County 2024 Hazard Mitigation Plan (unanimous)
• Approved county project within municipal limits (unanimous)
• Approved opening patrol officer position (unanimous)
• Tabled conditional use permit for Wikstrom Telephone Company
• Approved waiver of subdivision requirements for land transfer to Sanford Health (unanimous)

City Council

The Thief River Falls City Council will meet to consider routine approvals and a public safety purchase. The main action item is approval of a Public Safety Aid purchase for a 2025 Ford Police Interceptor for the police department. The consent agenda includes approval of previous meeting minutes and city bills and disbursements.

• Approval of February 18, 2025 Council Proceedings
• Approval of City bills, disbursements, and Council per diems
• Public Safety Aid Purchase (agenda item 8.1)
• Approval of TRF Police Department purchase of 2025 Ford Police Interceptor

The City Council approved a $10,481.60 lights and siren package for a 2025 Ford F350 from Code 4 Services, and approved the purchase of a 2025 Ford Police Interceptor on state bid through Nelson Auto. Mayor Lorenson also canceled calendar parking effective March 5, 2025, following a request from Councilmember Aarestad. All resolutions passed unanimously.

• Approved $10,481.60 lights and siren package for 2025 Ford F350 (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of 2025 Ford Police Interceptor on state bid (unanimous)
• Canceled calendar parking effective 3/5/2025
• Approved February 18, 2025 Council Proceedings (unanimous)
• Authorized payment of bills and disbursements totaling $1,543,404.68 and per diems of $1,465.00 (unanimous)

City Council

The Thief River Falls City Council will hold a public hearing and consider amending the tower height ordinance, adopt a cannabis retail registration form and fees, approve a TIF agreement with Sanford Health Network North, and act on several other items including police squad car purchase, firefighter hiring, and a liquor license. The meeting also includes a consent agenda with routine approvals and a public forum.

• Public hearing and amendment to City Ordinance 150.06 regulating towers
• Adopt Cannabis & Lower-Potency Hemp retail registration form and fees
• TIF Agreement with Sanford Health Network North
• Approval of TRF Police Department Squad Car Purchase
• Approval of temporary on-sale liquor licenses and fireworks display permit

Public Works Committee

The Thief River Falls Public Works Committee will meet to review city project updates, ordinance amendments, and contracts. The agenda includes discussions on tower height ordinance changes, cannabis retail fees, and a condemnation update for a property on Crocker Avenue South.

• Public Hearing/Amendment to Tower Height Ordinance
• Cannabis Retail Registration Form and Fees
• TIF Agreement with Sanford Health Network North
• Condemnation Update: 517 Crocker Ave S.
• City Hall Renovation, Library Bathroom, REA Steps and Sidewalk, T.H. 59 Corridor update

Administrative Services Committee

The Administrative Services Committee will hold a public hearing on a proposed amendment to the Tower Height Ordinance, discuss cannabis retail registration fees, and review a TIF agreement with Sanford Health Network North. They will also discuss a lobbying contract, a retail market study, and an updated Arctic Cat EIA. The meeting is a discussion and decision-making session on these items.

• Public hearing on Tower Height Ordinance amendment
• Cannabis retail registration form and fees
• TIF agreement with Sanford Health Network North
• Professional services contract for lobbying
• Updated Arctic Cat EIA

Public Safety/Liquor Committee

The Public Safety/Liquor Committee will discuss and potentially act on several public safety items, including accepting a firefighter resignation, purchasing equipment with grant funds, and reviewing police department needs. They will also consider multiple temporary liquor license and event permit applications from the Pennington County Fair Association for July 2025.

• Resignation of Mark Bieganek effective May 3, 2025; approval to fill vacant position
• Public Safety Grant Purchase discussion
• Police Department equipment, vehicles, and fire range
• Temporary Intoxicating Liquor License applications for Pennington County Fair Association (7/16-7/19 and 7/20/2025)
• Fireworks Display Permit and Parade Application for Pennington County Fair Association (7/16/2025)

Public Utilities Committee

The Public Utilities Committee is meeting to discuss water, electric, billing, and IT matters. Key items include an employer acceptance agreement for apprentice lineman requirements with MMUA, a budget-to-actual review for the billing office, and a discussion about the Day at the Capital event on March 6, 2025. The agenda is mostly routine, with no major public hearings or large contracts listed.

• MMUA Employer Acceptance Agreement - Apprentice Lineman Requirements
• Budget-To-Actual review for Billing Office
• Day at the Capital Discussion - March 6, 2025
• Committee of the Whole discussion

City Council

The Thief River Falls City Council will meet to consider installing a sump pump in the Depot elevator shaft, along with routine approvals of prior meeting minutes and city bills. The agenda is largely procedural, with the sump pump as the only substantive new business item.

• Installation of sump pump in Depot elevator shaft
• Approval of January 21, 2025 Council Proceedings
• Approval of City bills and disbursements and Council per diems

The City Council unanimously approved a $3,800 contract with Bernier Plumbing to install a sump basin in the City Hall elevator shaft, addressing a compliance issue from an August 2023 inspection. The council also approved the consent agenda, including the January 21 meeting minutes and $2,286,847.32 in bills and disbursements plus $650 in council per diems. No other substantive decisions were made; the remainder of the meeting was procedural, including announcements of upcoming meetings and informational items.

• Approved $3,800 sump pump basin installation in City Hall elevator shaft (unanimous)
• Approved January 21, 2025 council proceedings (unanimous)
• Authorized $2,286,847.32 in bills and disbursements plus $650 in council per diems (unanimous)

City Council

The Thief River Falls City Council will hold a public hearing and consider several routine and new business items, including committee assignments, a tower ordinance amendment, a pay raise, scrap metal bids, service and lease agreements, and a server approval. Most items are routine approvals, with the tower ordinance amendment scheduled for a public hearing.

• Public hearing to amend City Ordinance 150.06 regulating towers
• Progression step raise for apprentice lineman McLain Stennes
• 2025 scrap metal bids
• 2025 MMUA service agreement
• Bobcat UW56 Powerlease and MTI equipment lease agreements

The City Council unanimously approved scheduling a public hearing for February 18, 2025, to consider amending City Ordinance 150.06 to increase the maximum tower height from 200 to 365 feet, following a request from Wikstrom Telephone Company. The council also approved several routine items, including bills, committee assignments, a pay raise, and equipment leases. All resolutions passed unanimously.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved Jan 7 and Jan 9 council proceedings (unanimous)
• Authorized payment of bills totaling $803,131.98 (unanimous)
• Approved 2025 Boards and Commissions Committee Assignments (unanimous)
• Scheduled public hearing for Feb 18 to consider amending tower height ordinance (unanimous)
• Approved progression step raise for McLain Stennes to $39.80/hr (unanimous)
• Approved Phillips Iron and Metal Inc. scrap metal services contract (unanimous)
• Authorized 2025 MMUA service agreement (unanimous)

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee will discuss economic and community development items including cannabis retail business registration fees, the economic impact of a power sports manufacturing plant closing, and a variance and conditional use permit for Wikstrom Telephone Co. Public works items include designating CSAH #11 as a state aid route, an encroachment permit for Challenger Mobile Home Park, and grant applications for a multi-use trail and local climate action planning. The committee will also receive updates on city projects and sanitation fees.

• Cannabis retail business registration fees
• Economic impact of power sports manufacturing plant closing (University of Minnesota via Zoom)
• Wikstrom Telephone Co. variance and conditional use permit
• Designate CSAH #11 as a state aid route
• Sanitation tipping fee increase from $86/ton to $94.94/ton effective January 1, 2025

Administrative Services Committee

The Administrative Services Committee will discuss cannabis retail registration fees, a variance and conditional use permit for Wikstrom Telephone Co., and housing rehab programs. They will also hear updates on development, arena and IT projects, and an economic impact report on a plant closing.

• Cannabis retail business registration fees
• Wikstrom Telephone Co. variance and conditional use permit
• NW MN Multi-County HRA residential and commercial rehab programs
• 2024 Planning Commission summary of actions
• Economic impact of powersports manufacturing plant closing (University of Minnesota)

Public Safety/Liquor Committee

The Thief River Falls Public Safety/Liquor Committee will conduct procedural business including nominating a chair, approving prior meeting minutes, and receiving project updates from police, fire, and liquor store divisions. No formal decisions are listed on this agenda.

• Approval of December 9, 2024 Public Safety Minutes
• Police division updates including K&K Towing, Brooks Ave House, and garage door opener installation
• Police division report summary for December 2024 and training updates for officers

Public Utilities Committee

The Public Utilities Committee is meeting to discuss routine updates on water and electric projects, billing office budget-to-actual figures for December 2024, and IT project updates. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major decisions or public hearings listed.

• Approval of December 9, 2024 meeting minutes
• Water project updates
• Electric project updates
• Billing office budget-to-actual for December 2024
• IT project updates

City Council

The City Council will interview six applicants for the vacant Ward 3 Council position and then vote to approve a candidate. This is the main substantive action on the agenda; the rest is routine procedural items.

• Interviews for Ward 3 Council: Dale Narlock, Key Teeters, Gary Hintz, Kelly Langness, Derek Demers, Mary Sjaaheim
• Approval of Ward 3 candidate

The City Council interviewed six applicants for the Ward 3 Council position and selected Kelly Langness. A resolution to appoint Langness to finish the term ending December 31, 2026, was passed unanimously.

• Interviewed six applicants for Ward 3 Council position
• Selected Kelly Langness as Ward 3 representative
• Approved appointment of Kelly Langness to Ward 3 Council (unanimous)

City Council

The Thief River Falls City Council will conduct a regular meeting on January 7, 2025, primarily focused on administrative actions including swearing in Councilmember Steve Narverud as Acting Mayor, approving official designations, and ratifying routine financial and procedural items. The meeting also includes a public forum and committee reports.

• Approval of Councilmember Steve Narverud as Acting Mayor for 2025
• Designation of The Times Newspaper as the Official Newspaper
• Purchase of 2025 Wildland Skid Unit
• Approval of City Hall remodel change order request #2
• Citizen Portal Services Agreement with Nuvei for credit card processing ($94 items listed)