Prior to the Whalan City Council meeting on January 13, 2025, Mayor David Hallum was once again sworn in along with returning councilmembers Thore E. Johnson and Owen Lewis. Following the swearing in, the meeting began and the council got down to business.
Present at the regularly scheduled council meeting were Mayor Hallum along with councilmembers Lewis (via Zoom), Kim Berekvam and Johnson. City Clerk/Treasurer Teresa Grossell was also present. Councilmember Sheila Higbe was absent.
The council approved the Agenda with four additions under New Business which included Smith Schafer 2024 Audit, Cell Tower Solicitation Request, Pollution Control Board, and HAZMAT Training.
The Minutes from the December 9, 2024, meeting and the Treasurer’s Report were approved as presented by Grossell.
There were no visitor comments.
Continued Business
The Joint Request to Modify Electric Service Territory Boundaries Petition was received and approved by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MNPUC) on January 7. It was determined that a 30-day notice to customers is not necessary due to this being on the general election ballot with public hearings held ahead of time. “The transfer is moving along swiftly,” noted Grossell.
The council approved Resolution 2025-05 to Establish a Franchise Fee with MiEnergy Cooperative effective January 1, 2025. Every resident will pay a franchise fee, excluding shared wells and city meters.
The council discussed what to do with the old meters the city has and the possibility of selling them. The matter was tabled until the next council meeting.
Grossell informed the council that there is no new information on the ballfield projects.
New Business
The council appointed Berekvam as mayor pro-tempore if for any reason Hallum is unable to attend a council meeting.
Several resolutions were approved, including Resolution 2025-01 Designating Merchant’s Bank as Official Depository, Resolution 2025-02 Designating the Fillmore County Journal as Official Newspaper, Resolution 2025-03 Establishing a Mileage Reimbursement Rate and Resolution 2025-04 Authorizing Signature for City Accounts.
In another matter, the council approved the 2025 Fire Contract with the city of Lanesboro.
Grossell informed council members of the fire department’s annual meeting on February 10. Councilors Johnson and Berekvam plan to attend.
After a lengthy discussion, the council approved removing 14 streetlights and keeping 14.
Also approved was an intended contribution of $150 to Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF).
With the new minimum wage law taking effect, the council discussed pay rates for the clerk/treasurer, council and mayor stipends, maintenance worker, snow shoveler and snowplow driver and what adjustments would be necessary.
The council approved a 5% pay increase for the clerk/treasurer, maintenance worker and snowplow driver. The council also approved increasing Grossell’s hours from 32 hours to 35 hours per month.
In addition, the council approved a pay rate for snow shoveling and part-time workers of $11.13 per hour. The pay rate for the mayor and council members will remain the same as approved by the council.
In other business, the council approved a motion to hire Smith Schafer to complete the 2024 audit.
Grossell informed the council about a letter the city received from a company about the potential of placing a cell tower in Whalan. Grossell will request additional information and report back to the council.
The city of Whalan was contacted by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the inactivation of the city’s EPA number/I.D. as MiEnergy has taken control of the municipal electric system. Grossell will complete the necessary form.
Hallum informed the council that he and Councilmember Higbe attended the Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) training session via Zoom. The city must have a mitigation plan for natural disasters in order to qualify for FEMA grant funds in the event a natural disaster occurs. Another Zoom meeting will be taking place soon.
Grossell provided the council with information on items she has been working on and what work she will be doing this month, which includes various reports that are due, the worker’s compensation audit, annual tax forms as well as continuing to work on the fiscal year end reports and the 2025 budget finalization.
For more information on the city, visit cityofwhalan.weebly.com or phone 507-467-2212.
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