Mayor David Hallum called the meeting to order at 5 p.m. on February 13 at the Whalan Town Hall. Mayor Hallum led the Pledge of Allegiance. Others present included City Clerk/Treasurer Michele Peterson and Council members Thore Johnson, Sheila Higbe, and Kim Berekvam. Guest Owen Lewis attended via Zoom.
Mayor Hallum read the minutes of the January 9 meeting. There were no corrections or additions and the minutes were approved by the council. The February Treasurer’s Report was also read and approved by the council. Account payments made in January were: Minnesota Dept. of Revenue – 4th Quarter Sales Tax, Thore Everett Johnson – snow plowing, February internet, Whalan Museum, City of Lanesboro, Bolton & Menk, Inc., O’Koren Law Office LLC, SEMLM annual dues, AcenTek, Plunkett’s Pest Control, MiEnergy.
New business
The council discussed the Public Utilities Fee Schedule (Ordinance 54.06) review and recommended increasing the rate to cover increased costs. The council then discussed the city’s Fee Schedule (Ordinance 30.111) and adjusting on-sale, business, and short-term lodging permit fees. There will be further discussion and action at the council’s March meeting.
Kim Berekvam moved and Sheila Higbe seconded to approve the Smith Schafer law firm engagement letter. This was pproved unanimously.
Discussion of the city’s snow plowing policy – Council member Thore Johnson recommended changing wording of the policy to indicate that the city will plow in the event of icy conditions and/or two inches of snow, as conditions warrant. This will be voted on at the March meeting.
The council discussed the Short Term Lodging Ordinance.They requested calling for a hearing for the March 13 meeting. Discussion is to be continued.
Zoning Board – City Clerk Peterson indicated that currently only one council member may be on the Zoning Board. The Zoning Board will discuss the option to amend the current ordinance at their next regular meeting.
Street light – The street light on Bench Street will have a shade installed to help direct the light.
Thore Johnson reported that plans are proceeding for this year’s July 4th weekend youth baseball tournament. He indicated that practice will commence in June.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:35 p.m. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Whalan City Council will be Monday, March 13, at 5 p.m. at the Whalan Town Hall.
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