International Falls city councilors tonight are expected to consider legal action regarding a state board’s decision last week about action needed for Koochiching County to move forward with rerouting the northern entrance to Minnesota Highway 332.
The International Falls City Council is scheduled to meet in closed session during tonight’s regular council meeting to discuss the issue.
The council meeting is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. in the council chambers at the Municipal Building.
The closed meeting was prompted by a state dispute resolution board ruling against the city regarding its inaction to approve county state aid mileage changes needed for the county to move forward with the Highway 332 project.
Councilors have said it wants the reroute of Highway 332 to lead to a foreign trade zone east of International Falls. The road, they say, is crucial to spurring development at the FTZ.
In a letter to the council, Administrator Rod Otterness urged the council to consider legal action. “The location of roads has critical economic and social consequences for a community,” he wrote. “The city of International Falls wants to build a road to the foreign trade zone that will meet the economic development needs of this important asset. The future of this community must be considered when roads are being planned.”
In other business tonight, the council is scheduled to hear an update from officials at the Falls Good Samaritan Center about a proposed new skilled care facility. In addition, the council is expected to hear a recommendation from report of its Finance and Legislation committee to fund a request by the Koochiching County-International Falls Airport Commission for capital improvements.
The council is also scheduled to hear a proposal from the Falls Recreation Commission to establish subordinate taxing districts to help fund youth activities.
Also on tonight’s agenda are discussions about wetlands consulting fees for a Rainy Lake Marine project, summer city employees, appointments to the Falls Memorial Hospital Board and to the area Convention and Visitor Center.
A public comment period is offered at each council meeting.
Prior to the regular meeting, the council is scheduled to meet as a committee to discuss its strategic plan.