A primary focus of the meeting was the ongoing debate over the deer population in International Falls. The council considered drafting an ordinance to prohibit the feeding of deer within the city limits, a proposal that has generated considerable public interest. The council scheduled an open house for July 28, inviting public input on the matter. During the meeting, a council member emphasized the challenge posed by the increasing number of deer, stating, “I know there’s people that enjoy popping their popcorn and watching deer, but it’s gotten to the point that there’s too many deer in International Falls.” This comment highlighted the concern that the deer population could lead to future issues if not addressed.

The council aimed to gather comprehensive public opinion before making any final decisions on the ordinance. Discussion included potential collaboration with the Department of Natural Resources and the importance of informing residents about the rationale behind the proposed ordinance. The council stressed that the intention was not to penalize residents but to manage the deer population effectively.

The meeting also addressed a request from a local business, On the Rocks LLC, for a $1,500 prorated refund of license fees. The business, owned by Terry Wood, was severely damaged by fire, and Wood expressed uncertainty about reopening before year’s end. The council, operating consistently with past practices, approved the refund unanimously, recognizing the business’s unfortunate circumstances.

Another item was the ceremonial signing of a proclamation of friendship with Fort Frances, scheduled for July 2. Mayor Andrew Hakus of Fort Frances invited the council to participate in the event, which would feature the raising of the Minnesota flag alongside the American and International Falls city flags, followed by a community barbecue. The council expressed gratitude for the invitation and planned to acknowledge it formally.

Efforts to enhance transparency in council operations were also discussed extensively. A resident named Joe Caner advocated for televising city council meetings to promote transparency and ensure residents are informed about issues. The mayor noted that meetings are recorded and available on YouTube, although live broadcasting is not currently offered. The council deliberated on making Committee of the Whole meetings accessible online. A motion was passed to record and upload these meetings to YouTube, contingent on technical capabilities.

The council also explored improving public awareness of committee meetings by publishing details in local newspapers. While acknowledging that minutes are available, a council member suggested that larger announcements could capture more attention. Residents emphasized the importance of transparency, with one noting that online publication could suffice without incurring additional costs from newspaper announcements.

Financial transparency was another topic of public concern. A resident suggested providing detailed documentation, such as spreadsheets, to clarify financial data shared during meetings. A council member confirmed the possibility of making such information available upon request.

Additional discussions included the legality of semi-trucks traveling through downtown International Falls, with residents questioning the impact on road maintenance and safety. The council acknowledged these concerns and the need to preserve city infrastructure.

The meeting concluded with reminders of upcoming city office closures for holidays and a special city council meeting on June 23 to discuss the city’s audit update. The next regular city council meeting was scheduled for July 7 at 5:30 p.m.