Hallum is new mayor in Whalan

During the regularly scheduled January Whalan council meeting, a new mayor was appointed after there was no one on the ballot for mayor in the November 2022 election.

Present at the January 9 council meeting were Mayor Marlys Tuftin, council members Thore E. Johnson, Sheila Higbe and Kim Berekvam, as well as City Clerk/Treasurer Michele Peterson.  Council member Owen Lewis was absent.

The agenda was approved, with one addition under Miscellaneous.

Minutes from the December 12, 2022, council meeting were approved as presented, with corrections. The Treasurer’s Report was also approved.

Visitors Comments

New resident Jae Julianne introduced herself to those in attendance. Julianne expressed her love for the area and how happy she is to be living in Whalan. Julianne was welcomed to Whalan by the council and visitors in attendance.

New Business

Resolution 2023-05 was approved, accepting the resignation of Tuftin and declaring a vacancy of the mayoral position.

Two residents, David Hallum and Jae Julianne, showed an interest in the mayor position.  It was voted to appoint Hallum as mayor.

A resolution appointing a mayor during a vacancy was accepted, as well.

Berekvam was voted as mayor pro-tempore.  The mayor pro-tempore would serve to run meetings in the mayor’s absence.

Merchant’s Bank of Lanesboro was appointed as the official depository, and the Fillmore County Journal as the official newspaper for the City of Whalan.

A mileage reimbursement at the rate of 65.5 cents per mile was established.

Mayor Hallum and City Clerk Peterson will be the two required signatures for city accounts.

Approval was given for the MiEnergy Wholesale Power Agreement.

Continued Business

The ongoing topic of the town hall siding was discussed. The council plans to submit a grant application when one becomes available, and other options were discussed. The discussion was tabled until a future date.

Jae Julianne volunteered to be on the Zoning Board, which the board accepted.

Miscellaneous

Higbe commented that there is a street light on Bench Street that is very bright and is an annoyance. She was wondering if anything could be done about it. The council will contact MiEnergy to ask if there are any solutions.

The next regularly scheduled Whalan City Council meeting will be held on Monday, February 13, at 5 p.m. at the city hall. The public is encouraged to attend.

For further information visit the City of Whalan website at www.cityofwhalan.weebly.com or call the Whalan City Hall at (507) 467-2212.