Social events were highlighted at the the city of Whalan’s August 11 council meeting. With the music in the Bluffs concert series winding down, the city is looking ahead to the October Fall Finale event. Present at the meeting were Mayor David Hallum along with council members Owen Lewis, Thore E. Johnson, Sheila Higbe and Kim Berekvam. City Clerk/Treasurer Teresa Grossell was also present.
The council approved the Agenda as presented, the Minutes from the July 14 council meeting and the Treasurer’s Report as presented by Grossell.
Continued Business
The Zoning Committee continues to work on ordinance updates. Grossell expects more information on any proposed ordinance changes in the next two months.
New Business
The city was informed about State Disaster Aid that is available for cities to apply for. After a lengthy discussion it was decided that the requirements to apply for disaster aid did not pertain to Whalan.
The city council approved a bid of $394 from Bridge Creek Stump Grinding to have two stumps ground. The bid does not include cleanup. Hallum noted that the mulch left from grinding the stumps can be used to put around two new trees that will be planted.
Grossell informed the council that there is an update available for the Minnesota Basic Code of Ordinances. The council currently uses the 2019 version of the code of ordinances while the updated version is from 2023. The cost of the update would be $400. Grossell also informed the council that a new updated version may be available as soon as next year. The council did not approve the purchase of the updated version of the code of ordinances.
The council approved the city of Whalan becoming a member of the Minnesota Association of Small Cities (MAOSC) at a cost of $155 for one year.
The city council discussed a Solar on Public Buildings grant opportunity which has funds available. The council would like to investigate the matter in more detail before making any decision. The discussion was tabled until the September council meeting.
The council reviewed the Mitigation Action Chart and made several corrections and omissions, tailoring the chart to fit into Whalan’s infrastructure and mitigation plans.
Miscellaneous
Grossell updated the council on several subjects including active grant funds. The 33’x28’ building at the ballfield is complete. A family previously pledged funds for the construction of the building.
The final Music in the Bluffs event for 2025 took place on Saturday, August 16. Attendees relaxed and listened to the music of the Arnold Bradley Band, Matt & Brenda Stier and LP & the 45’s.
Whalan’s Fall Finale will take place Saturday, October 4 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the gazebo.
The Fall Finale will include live music by local musicians, yard games and food. This event is free to attend. A soup meal and drinks will be available for purchase.
The city truck has been dropped off for sandblasting work. The estimated cost is $600-$700. The work should be completed in approximately one week, according to city maintenance worker Randy Berekvam.
Lean-tos are complete at the ballfield and shelving units need to be put up.
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