During the December 9 city council meeting, the city of Whalan approved the transfer of ownership of the city’s municipal electric system to MiEnergy Cooperative effective January 1, 2025.
Present at the regularly scheduled Whalan meeting were Mayor David Hallum along with council members Thore E. Johnson and Sheila Higbe. Councilmember Owen Lewis attended the meeting virtually via Zoom. City Clerk/Treasurer Teresa Grossell was present. Councilmember Kim Berekvam was absent.
The council approved the Agenda with one addition of Hall Rental under New Business, the Minutes from the November 12 regularly scheduled city council meeting, and the Treasurer’s Report as presented by Grossel.
There were no visitor comments.
Continued Business
Kent Whitcomb with MiEnergy attended the council meeting, as did Whalan City Attorney Joe O’Koren, relating to the transfer of ownership of the Whalan municipal electric system. Approved were the Territory Transfer Agreement and a Joint Request to Modify Electric Service Territory Boundaries Petition, which, once submitted has a 30-day notice required for citizens to submit comments. A Purchase Agreement was approved as well.
Another matter, Approval of Resolution 2024-11 to establish a franchise fee with MiEnergy Cooperative was tabled until the January 2025 council meeting.
The 2025 Final Budget was approved.
The city received the third and final quote for the new fence at the ball field. The quote from Anthem Sports was selected. A local family has offered to pay for the fence.
New Business
Resolution 2024-10 to certify Final Tax Levy for 2025 was approved.
The Liability Coverage Waiver Form states the city of Whalan does not waive monetary limits. The waiver form is an annual form from the League of Minnesota Cities.
Whalan City Council regularly scheduled council meetings for 2025 will take place on the second Monday of each month at 5 p.m. at the Whalan Town Hall.
Jane Lewis updated the council on the 2025 Music in the Bluffs grant activity. Three concerts will take place: June 28, July 26 and August 16. The bands performing will be Niteshift, Root River Jam, and LP and the 45s. More information will be available on the city of Whalan website at www.cityofwhalan.weebly.com.
The council accepted a $5,000 grant as the fiduciary agent for Music in the Bluffs.
The town hall will be used by the River’s Edge Neighborhood Association at no cost.
Miscellaneous
City Maintenance worker Randy Berekvam reported that the gas leak on the city truck was repaired. Gas meter usage remains within normal limits.
Grossell updated the council on a number of items.
The purchase of two CDs totaling $40,000 approved at the November council meeting have been purchased.
Business License Reporting is due December 31, 2024.
The December Zoning Meeting has been canceled.
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