To begin the January 9, 2017 regularly scheduled council meeting in Whalan, Minn., the newly elected mayor and council members were sworn in.
After being sworn in, Mayor Marlys Tuftin and Council members Wyatt Berekvam and Owen Lewis were congratulated and welcomed as council members. New council member, Kim Berekvam was absent and will be sworn in at the February 2017 council meeting.
The pledge of allegiance was recited before work on the agenda began.
Minutes
Minutes from the December 12, 2016 council meeting were read by City Clerk Melander. Motion by Johnson, second by W. Berekvam, to approve the December 12, 2016 minutes as read. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report
The Treasurer’s Report and Bills Due were read by Melander. Motion by W. Berekvam, second by Lewis, to accept the Treasurer’s Report and Bills Due as read. Motion carried.
$55,459.99 in general checkbook, CD – $2,700.79, Electric Savings – $3,273.40, Electric CD – $20,902.69.
Visitor’s comments
There were no visitor’s comments during the January 2017 council meeting.
Old Business
There were no items listed under Old Business on the January 2017 agenda.
New Business
Council member Lewis noted that there have been several “brown-outs” in Whalan lately. The power gets very low and lights get dim during the brown-outs. Melander will contact Tri-County Electric for information regarding brown-outs.
Slate of Office
Depositor – Merchants Bank of Lanesboro, Attorney – Terry Chiglo, Auditor- Pam Ristau, Acting Mayor – Everett Johnson, Local Paper – Fillmore County Journal, Monthly Council Meeting – second Monday of each month, Monthly Council Meeting Time – changed from 5:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. beginning with the February 2017 meeting.
Motion by W. Berekvam, second by Johnson, to accept the Slate of Office. Motion carried.
Resolution for city insurance coverage
Motion by Lewis, second by W. Berekvam, to accept Krage Insurance as the legal agent for League of Minnesota Cities city insurance coverage. Motion carried.
Annual Rural Fire Dept. meeting
The Annual Rural Fire Department meeting will be held on February 13, 2017 at the Lanesboro Community Center in Lanesboro, Minn. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. and includes a meal. The mayor and several council members plan to attend the annual event.
Additional discussion
Council member Lewis made a note that a new roof needs to be put on the city shed. The estimated cost of the project is $10,000. The city currently has approximately $2,500 raised for the project thus far. There was a discussion about the need for fundraising in order to raise more money for the project.
Mayor Tuftin pointed out that she would like to have discussions in the near future about many subjects, including roads, roofs and bug control, among others. It was suggested each council member make a list of items they would like to discuss at future council meetings in order of priority.
Lewis mentioned possibly starting city clean-up days that used to take place but at some point stopped occurring.
Melander suggested the council take a tour of Whalan once or twice a year to take notice of any problems that may need attention.
Motion by Johnson, second by W. Berekvam, to adjourn the January 2017 council meeting. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned.
The next regularly scheduled Whalan City Council meeting will be held February 13, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. at the Whalan City Hall.
Leave a Reply