The Whalan City Council completed their annual walking tour of the town on Tuesday, May 2. The purpose of the walking tour is to take notice of any issues that need to be addressed to make improvements to the functionality and the appearance of the city.
Present at the May 8 regularly scheduled Whalan City Council meeting were Mayor David Hallum along with council members Owen Lewis, Thore E. Johnson, Kim Berekvam and Sheila Higbe. City Clerk/Treasurer Michele Peterson was also in attendance.
One item, applying Weed and Feed at the ballpark, was added to the agenda under Misc.
Minutes of the regularly scheduled April 10 council meeting and the Treasurers Report were approved as presented.
New business
The proposed 2023 agreement between the City of Whalan and the DNR was discussed and accepted.
Walking tour
The council members discussed the annual walking tour of the city and the items they had noticed that need to be addressed.
• There is tree trimming that needs to be done in town. Mayor Hallum brought up an option to the city that it has not taken advantage of in the past. Hallum wondered about using the Fillmore County Sentence to Serve Program to have some needed work done. He commented that there are a few towns in the area that use the program. Higbe questioned whether the workers in the program would be covered by insurance or if it would be the responsibility of the city. Additional information about the Sentence to Serve program will be gathered. The council will discuss the matter further at the June council meeting.
• There is a need for new signs at the canoe launch. The council will contact the DNR to see who is responsible for the signs. Additional discussion will take place at the next council meeting.
• There are potholes at two intersections that need a temporary fix until a more permanent solution is arranged.
• Something needs to be done on the roadsides of the church hill. The council will look into possible solutions and report back at the next council meeting.
• MiEnergy needs to be contacted about restoration behind the city hall.
Resolution 2023-08 Appointing Members of the Zoning Committee was approved.
The Zoning Committee requested guidance from the council on what council members would like to see in a short-term rental ordinance. The councilors recommended the ordinance be plain and simple with basic guidelines for parking, noise ordinances, etc. so visitors know what is expected from the city. The council will submit recommendations for a short-term lodging ordinance to the Zoning Committee.
Peterson discussed whether the City of Whalan would like to consider donating to the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation which many other towns in the area support. No action was taken.
Continued business
The council discussed upgrading the landscaping at the playground and around the gazebo. Discussion was tabled until quotes for materials are received.
Miscellaneous
Weed and Feed will be purchased to use around the ballpark.
The next regularly scheduled Whalan City Council meeting will take place on Monday, June 12, at 5 p.m. at the Whalan City Hall. The public is encouraged to attend.
For more information visit the City of Whalan website at cityofwhalan.weebly.com or phone city hall at (507) 467-2212.