by April Scheinoha
Reporter

The City of Thief River Falls is exploring various options to relocate the city’s water intake pipe. At the Thief River Falls City Council meeting Tuesday, April 5, council members heard an update about the city’s progress.

For years, city leaders have wanted to move the city’s water intake pipe that draws raw water from the river and eventually brings the water to the Water Treatment Plant, where it is treated to become the city’s drinking water. It is estimated that it will cost $21 million to install the new pipe upstream of the confluence of the Thief and Red Lake rivers. As part of that cost, the city would also install a new powdered activated carbon feed system to treat the water.

Currently, the intake pipe is located on the east bank of the Red Lake River. The raw water is affected by varying levels of sediment in the Thief River. The issues are further compounded by discharges from the Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge, Moose River, Mud River and a series of ditches installed for agricultural purposes.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and Red Lake Watershed District have obtained and analyzed water samples. Water Systems Superintendent Wayne Johnson said they found that the quality of water coming exclusively from the Red Lake River is about 50% greater than the water coming from the combined Red Lake and Thief rivers. As a result, city leaders would like to obtain the water exclusively from the Red Lake River.

City leaders want to sink a new line in the bottom of the river channel, Johnson said. That gravity-fed pipeline would connect with the current intake pipeline. The city would also replace the pump station.

Mayor Brian Holmer said the city has already received letters of support from Sanford Health, Northern Pride, Digi-Key, the Minnesota Department of Health and MPCA.
The city could move the water intake pipe to the original water intake site east of Bill LaFave Park. However, Johnson and Holmer said it would be too expensive to move it to that location. Johnson said the original line is buried underneath residential lots.

As part of the city’s efforts, city leaders are seeking federal funding for the full amount. Holmer has been in contact with staff from the offices of Rep. Michelle Fischbach, Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Sen. Tina Smith.

The city is also seeking assistance from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a study and grant. Holmer has sought a technical assessment of the Red Lake River Reservoir within the city and North Township. Holmer’s letter also spoke about signing a possible cost-share agreement with the Corps to address issues with silt in the river. The Red Lake River was last dredged in 1992.

Council members paid tribute to former council member Jerald Brown who died about a week earlier from complications related to a stroke. Brown served as the Ward 4 council member from 2012 until 2020, when he lost his reelection bid to Michele McCraw. For years earlier, he served as a maintenance employee for the City of Thief River Falls.

“He did it with passion,” Holmer said about Brown’s service on the council.

Fellow council member Rachel Prudhomme thanked Brown and his family for his years of service to the city. Prudhomme, who teaches law classes, said her students considered Brown to be one of their favorite speakers.

During council meetings this time of year, one could count on Brown bringing up one topic in particular: messy yards. “Bless Jerry Brown’s soul,” said Holmer. “He brought it up every year.”

Residents are encouraged to bring junk and specialty waste to Les’s Sanitation, on Saturday, May 7, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Junk will be disposed of free of charge. Regular rates apply for specialty waste, such as tires, TVs, fluorescent bulbs, and items containing freon or mercury.

City representatives have communicated with residents who own messy yards. Assistant City Attorney Nate Haase was expected to provide an update to council members in the future.

City Council approved a Commercial Energy Improvement Loan to Quality Inn. Quality Inn will receive a loan of up to $100,000 to improve heating and cooling systems for individual rooms in the hotel. The entire project is estimated to cost $160,000. The seven-year loan has a 2% interest rate. The loan will be secured with a mortgage on the property.

The council announced that the public hearing regarding the potential creation of an Economic Development Tax Increment Financing District for The Angle project has been rescheduled. The public hearing will now be held Tuesday, April 19 at 5:30 p.m.

MAK Properties LLC is requesting redevelopment TIF to construct the four-story mixed-use building near Valley Assisted Living. Three of the four floors will house a total of 93 apartment units. The remaining floor will house commercial space and a heated parking garage.

Developer Marc Kuhn plans to construct a separate 6,000 square-foot daycare on the property. Discovery Place has signed a letter of intent to offer a second daycare at that location.

Prudhomme raised concerns about splitting the cost of membership in the Minnesota Marketing Partnership. Advance Thief River paid $350, and the City of Fosston paid $350 to split the $700 membership fee. Of Advance Thief River’s payment, the city’s portion would be one-third.

Michelle Landsverk, executive director of Advance Thief River, represents both Advance Thief River and the City of Fosston. The MMP markets the state to site selectors seeking locations for their businesses. Landsverk estimated 20 entities are represented on the partnership.

Prudhomme was concerned that it was a conflict for Landsverk to represent both groups at the same time. She thought it was unfair to the city.

Landsverk replied that Thief River Falls benefits more than Fosston since Thief River Falls is larger and it also has more space available in its industrial park.

Prudhomme continued to voice concerns, including issues with per-diem and mileage rates.
Landsverk countered that she splits the costs in half in such situations and Advance Thief River has a board and a treasurer who carefully monitor Landsverk’s expenses.

Holmer eventually ended the conversation, reminding Prudhomme that the council isn’t Landsverk’s board and the city had already provided its $25,000 annual contribution for Landsverk’s work. He thanked Landsverk for bringing businesses to Thief River Falls.
However, he also referred to the need for more housing, bodies and childcare in the city.

The next council meeting is scheduled Tuesday, April 19 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.