The Whalan City Council gained knowledge of the Rural Health Innovation Study during the February 9 council meeting, courtesy of Alicia Pearson of Lanesboro, Minn., including how it could improve the lives of many area residents by strengthening access to healthcare on a more consistent basis.
Present at the February 9, 2026, regularly scheduled council meeting were Mayor David Hallum along with council members Thore E. Johnson, Sheila Higbe, Owen Lewis (via Zoom) and Kim Berekvam. City Clerk/Treasurer Teresa Grossell was also in attendance.
The council approved the Agenda, the Minutes from the January 12, 2026, council meeting and the Treasurer’s Report as presented by Grossell.
Continued Business
The city council discussed the Liquor License Ordinance as well as other related ordinance updates including liquor regulations, Title 9 General Regulations: Sidewalk and Street Café Ordinance, Whalan Fee Schedule and Special Residential District materials. Council members will review the information for discussion and possible approvals of these items at the March 2026 council meeting.
Alicia Pearson attended the council meeting to speak to the city council about the Rural Health Innovation Study. Pearson was speaking as a concerned and problem-solving area resident. She is also the mayor of Lanesboro.
Pearson listed the many benefits of the study, including “more access to care that you are already paying for or have paid for,” explaining that if you meet the qualifications, you may soon be able to participate in the study. Qualifications include being 65 or older, taking five or more medications daily, and are covered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Medicare Advantage Insurance.
The city council continued its discussion on the “Schedule of Covered Property” associated with the Liability Insurance Coverage Renewal. A shed and a non-functioning pump were removed from coverage. The council will continue to look into getting a non-functioning siren removed from coverage as well.
New Business
Councilors approved having a 2025 Financial Audit performed by CohnReznick (formerly Smith Schafer) at a cost of $2,600.
The city council approved Resolution 2026-05, adopting a Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Miscellaneous
Grossell informed the city council of two grant opportunities available, the first being the Paint the Town Grant Program through Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF). Applications are due by March 3. The second grant opportunity is the T-Mobile Hometown Grant Program. One hundred towns are chosen each year and awarded $50,000. Applications for this grant program are due March 31. Grossell will complete the application for the T-Mobile Hometown Grant Program. As Grossell is busy with 2025 FYE paperwork, she welcomed any council member to complete an application for the Paint the Town Grant Program, if the council pinpoints a project for the grant funds.
Grossell reported to the council that the Annual Tax Forms and City Summary Budget & Data Financial Reporting Forms have been submitted. She is currently working on 2025 FYE items, financial audit preparation and finalizing the 2026 budget.
A grant in the amount of $6,000 was received from SEMAC. The council thanked SEMAC for their generosity and also thanked Jane Lewis for her work on the grant application.
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