The Whalan City Council had a full agenda for the September 10 council meeting, which included two applications for building permits that were both approved.
Present at the regularly scheduled council meeting were Mayor Marlys Tuftin, council members Johnny Halvorson, Kim Berekvam, Everett Johnson and Owen Lewis. City Clerk/Treasurer Lolly Melander was absent.
Minutes from the August 13 council meeting and the Treasurer’s Report & Bills Due were read by Tuftin. No additions or corrections were requested, and these were approved.
Tuftin reported that a check for $400.61 had been received from the softball tournament. The council appreciates the donation.
Visitor’s comments
City Maintenance worker Lanny Landsverk inquired about taking down a fence at the ball field, as it makes it difficult to mow and maintain the property. The council gave Landsverk permission to remove the fence.
Landsverk commented that a city resident’s lawn has not been mowed and “looks terrible.” Johnson will attempt to contact the resident to have the lawn mowed. If the city does not receive a response in a timely manner a notice will be sent out to the resident.
Old Business
Tuftin reported on progress to the council work list. The drainage issue on First Avenue has been addressed. Additional work on the streets has been completed. Tuftin noted that the streets are in pretty good shape.
Tuftin reported on plans for tree removal and tree trimming around power lines. Dave Norby looked over the situation in town and according to Tuftin, there is a lot of work to be done to trim up and remove trees where necessary.
With a crew of five or six, two bucket trucks, one chip truck, one chipper and other equipment, Norby quoted the city $3,000 a day with an estimated project time of two to two-and-a-half days, totaling between $6,000-7,500 for project completion. If the project takes less than two days, the city will be charged accordingly. The council voted to accept the bid from Dave Norby.
Tuftin reported that MiEnergy has straightened two electric poles for a total cost of $1,000.
The council discussed the 2019 projected budget. An increase of 10% is proposed but can be adjusted. The budget was accepted by the council.
Berekvam reported on city snow plowing. Randy Berekvam will be available for snow plowing this coming winter. Johnson will be a backup.
Tuftin discussed the AED units within city limits. She would like to have a sticker on the units stating when they were last checked. The units must be checked yearly. The council will have stickers placed on the units. Melander has filed the units with the State of Minnesota.
James and Brigitte Rath turned in an application for a building permit to build a home in the new addition at 404 Saint James Drive. The council approved the building permit.
Larry and Sheryl Johnson and John and Brittany Smith, owners of Cedar Valley Resort, applied for, and was granted, a building permit to build a gathering building.
The next regularly scheduled Whalan City Council meeting will be held October 8 in the city hall at 5 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend.
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