After reviewing election results, including the question on the ballot regarding Whalan’s municipal electric system, the city of Whalan will be transferring ownership of its municipal electric system to MiEnergy Cooperative effective January 1, 2025.
Present at the November 12 Whalan City Council meeting were Mayor David Hallum along with council members Thore E. Johnson, Sheila Higbe and Kim Berekvam. Councilmember Owen Lewis attended the meeting via Zoom. City Clerk/Treasurer Teresa Grossell was also present.
The council approved the Agenda with no additions or corrections, the Minutes from the October 14 regular meeting and the October 14 Special Meeting, as well as the Treasurer’s Report which was presented by Grossell.
New Business
Sarah Scheffert, a representative from Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), attended the meeting to present an annual update. Scheffert noted that SMIF does a lot of work here in Fillmore County. The Return On Investment (ROI) through SMIF is very high in Fillmore County compared to most counties. “For every dollar that is invested into SMIF, we put $32 back into Fillmore County,” she stated.
Resolution 2024-09, certifying the results of the Tuesday, November 5, 2024, election was approved. Fifty people voted. Mayoral race: Hallum received 44 votes, with two write-in votes. Council positions: Owen Lewis received 40 votes and Thore E. Johnson received 41 votes, with four write-in votes. The city question on the municipal electric system: 44 voted yes, two voted no.
Funds will be moved to earn interest. $20,000 from the electric fund will be put into a three-month CD and an additional $20,000 from the electric fund will be put into a six-month CD.
Continued Business
Kent Whitcomb with MiEnergy attended the council meeting to discuss the next steps in the process of MiEnergy taking over the municipal electric system. MiEnergy has their attorney working on a purchase agreement.
Ordinance 2024-01 Summary of Chapter 120 Short-Term Rentals was approved, which limits the number of short-term rentals at a cap of seven.
The draft of the 2025 budget was reviewed. The final budget must be approved at the December city council meeting.
The Block 12 Well members reported that water will be hooked up to a resident’s home in the next week. The hose will be disconnected from a neighboring property.
Two quotes have been received for the new fence and building at the ball field. The council is waiting for a third quote before making a decision.
Miscellaneous
An update was given on the Gas Meter Usage and Measurement Reports. There is no leak in the tank and the usage amount is within normal amounts. City Maintenance worker Randy Berekvam will report to the council when the level in the tank gets low.
Grossell will be on vacation November 15-25. Phone messages will be responded to when she returns.
The Lanesboro Area Community Foundation grant summary has been completed and mailed.
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