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.
Serrano told the council that he’s pleased with discussions about various aspects of the plan he’s had with representatives of the state and federal agencies that will be involved in enforcing wetland rules.
Development of the plan is being led by Arro, which is being assisted by Freeburg and Grund, and Svoboda Ecological Resources. Freeburg and Grund will assess the city’s current land use capacity and growth potential, while Svoboda will prepare the plan.
Field work needed to inventory wetlands in the city will be nearly completed by winter months, Serrano said. During those months, the data collected in the field will be analyzed to assess wetland qualities. After that, he said strategies for preservation and mitigation will be developed based on the anticipated growth in the city.
Roughly 73 wetlands have been identified within the city limits, Serrano said, noting that several public properties have yet to be assessed.
The plan is expected to be completed by next year.
City Administrator Rod Otterness said that a lot of development issues that have concerned the city this year will be more manageable because of the plan next year.
Otterness said the plan should help streamline the processes needed for development in the city.
In other business Monday, the council heard from Diane Hebner and Linda Torseth of the City Beach Committee about raising funds for playground equipment to be placed at the beach next year.
Hebner told the council that the equipment would cost about $21,000 and the committee would help raise funds to pay for it.
She also asked the council how much it would commit toward the purchase. Councilors said they would consider the city’s contribution at the next Finance and Legislation Committee and make a recommendation.
Meanwhile, Hebner reported that about 8,000 people visited City Beach this summer, and about 700 people used the Arrowhead Transit bus to get there.
The council also approved a $15,000 commercial loan to Steve Nelson Monday. The terms include a 30 year amortization, 3-percent interest, and five-year balloon payment. Collateral shall be a mortgage on the real estate to be improved by the proceeds of the loan. The city shall earn 2-percent on the loan.
The council also agreed to allow the Finance and Legislation Committee to consider a rate increase proposed by Minnesota Power and respond in a letter on behalf of the city.