A moment of silence was held for Councilor Thore “Everett” Johnson during the September 14, 2026, Whalan City Council meeting.
Photo by Barb Jeffers
Johnson passed away on September 12, and was a longtime city council member, friend, neighbor, volunteer, local sports supporter and so much more.
Present at the regularly scheduled meeting were Mayor David Hallum along with council members Sheila Higbe, Owen Lewis and Kim Berekvam. City Clerk/Treasurer Teresa Grossell was in attendance, along with Zach Tincher, who will be taking over the role of city clerk in October, while Grossell will remain as city treasurer.
The Agenda was approved with three additions under New Business. Minutes from the August 10, 2026, regular council meeting were approved by the city council, and the Treasurer’s Report was approved by the council, as presented by Grossell.
Visitor Comments
Whalan residents Loren and Karolina Stream attended the meeting to inquire about applying for a business permit and to approach the city council with a road issue causing flooding near their home. Council members will inspect the area in question and discuss options with the homeowners.
Continued Business
The city council discussed updates on the walking tour and what has been completed on the list of highlighted items to be addressed. City maintenance worker Randy Berekvam has completed all the patching on roads that was needed at this time.
Hallum gave an update on the underground wiring in Whalan. The city is waiting for further information from Frank Electric and will provide more information when possible.
Park renovations and playground equipment at the softball field were discussed. Steps need to be completed, bleachers need to be painted and ground cover needs to be installed. As fall approaches, these tasks may be done in the spring.
The agreement between the city of Whalan and the MN DNR has been received with some changes. The DNR would like it to be a two-year contract. Per the contract, the DNR will pay the city $500 per fiscal year for trail maintenance. The council approved Resolution 2026-09, approving the contract with the MN DNR.
The council completed its review of the MN Basic Code Ordinances which has been tailored for the needs of the city.
New Business
The city council reviewed the proposed budget for 2027 presented by Grossell. The council approved Resolution 2026-08 – Proposed Tax Levy for 2027, which includes an 8% increase. Grossell reiterated that the increase may be lowered before the final budget is approved as the council continues to review the budget.
The council was informed that Fillmore County may have used AEDs available if the City of Whalan is interested. The council declined requesting used AEDs.
The 2025 Agreed Upon Procedures (AUP) Audit has been approved and the State of Minnesota has accepted it. The city council approved a motion to accept the findings of the audit.
The city council approved a motion to decline entering into a prepaid propane contract with CHS.
Grossell has been notified that there will be no further action regarding PCB compliance inspections.
With an empty seat on the city council, the city of Whalan will be looking for someone to fill the position. Interested parties can contact any council member by October 9 to be considered at the October city council meeting.
Miscellaneous
Grossell provided an update to the city council on what she has been working on. She has spent some time training Tincher and has purchased a new laptop. Grossell will attend the October city council meeting remotely and will give the Treasurer’s Report as Tincher takes over the duties of city clerk.
The porta potty at the ballfield will be removed September 28 and the one on the bike trail will be removed on October 31.
Two members of the Zoning Committee, Jared Kellogg and Diane Snyder, have terms expiring at the end of the year. Grossell will inquire if they are interested in staying on the committee.
In maintenance updates, Berekvam commented that the city does not have a ladder and he or someone else must provide a ladder when one is needed. He requested an eight-foot fiberglass ladder be purchased. The council approved the purchase of an eight-foot fiberglass ladder at a cost not to exceed $150.
Leave a Reply