At the forefront of the meeting was the urgent discussion surrounding the city’s ambulance service. With a looming deadline of December 31, 2025, to secure a solution for Advanced Life Support (ALS) services, the council explored various strategies. One potential solution discussed was the formation of a taxing district, which would involve collaboration with local counties. A council member proposed re-engaging with the county through a formal letter to discuss this possibility. Additionally, North Memorial Ambulance Service expressed interest in exploring opportunities to assist the city, prompting a decision to further discuss this potential partnership in the next city council meeting.

Another focal point of the meeting was the community’s concern over the replacement of the band shell at Smoky Bear Park, which had burned down. Public comments from residents emphasized a strong desire for the band shell to be rebuilt in its original form, preserving its historical significance. Jim Lucach, a former county commissioner, and Margie Iraqi were vocal in their criticism of the council’s handling of the situation. Lucach stressed the need for community involvement, while Iraqi questioned the use of insurance funds and consulting fees, expressing dissatisfaction with the lack of visible progress. The council faced pressure to clarify whether the insurance money was earmarked specifically for the band shell’s reconstruction, as no definitive answer had been provided.

The session also addressed financial considerations regarding the city’s property and vehicle sales. Discussions highlighted the importance of reinvesting proceeds from such sales back into the respective departments. Concerns were raised about ensuring that funds from the sale of vehicles by departments like the police and fire are utilized for purchasing new equipment. Despite one dissenting vote, a motion regarding this financial reinvestment was approved.

In relation to public amenities, the council discussed a proposal from the Ring Lake Pickle Ball Association to convert an existing roller hockey rink into additional pickleball courts. This plan, which would be funded by the association, was contingent upon the roller rink’s relocation. The proposal was met with support from the council, and a motion to approve it passed unanimously, pending the establishment of a formal agreement to protect city interests.

The council also deliberated on nuisance property issues, focusing on a blighted property at 2020 11th Avenue. The city attorney presented options for addressing the situation, including pursuing a civil abatement process, which would allow the city to clean up the property directly. This approach would involve significant costs. The council ultimately decided to refer the matter back to the committee of the whole for further consideration, recognizing the potential precedent it could set for future cases.

Additional topics of discussion included the approval of an emergency medical technician (EMT) certification class to be conducted by the International Falls Ambulance Service, the implementation of a new earned sick and safe time policy mandated by state legislation, and the consideration of a min OSHA safety grant application to improve security measures at city hall.