Photo by Barb Jeffers
During the September 9 regularly scheduled Whalan City Council meeting a date was set for a public hearing for the Short-term Rental Ordinance as well as a discussion of an upcoming ballot item.
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 Agenda was approved, with the addition of DNR Reimbursement under New Business. Also approved were the Minutes from the August 13 council meeting and the Treasurer’s Report.
New Business
A public hearing was set for October 14 at 6 p.m. The hearing will open for a discussion on the final draft of the Short-Term Rental Ordinance and will then be closed, at which time the hearing will be reopened for a discussion about the upcoming ballot item regarding a possible transfer of ownership of the entire municipal electric utility system, including infrastructure and service to MiEnergy Cooperative which would be effective January 1, 2025.
The draft of the 2025 budge was approved. The council will be working on lowering the budget prior to the final draft.
A Block 12 well meeting will be held on Saturday, September 28 at 8:30 a.m. at the Town Hall.
Continued Business
Reviewed Fact Sheet for community members will be available to review at the public hearing on October 14, regarding ownership and possible transfer of ownership of the city of Whalan’s municipal electric utility system.
Grossell will contact the DNR to inquire about reimbursement for cleanup that was necessary on the trail.
Grossell gave an update on the Lanesboro Area Community Foundation grant. Of the $2,500 grant, $770 is remaining. There is additional work that will be done at the softball field, including concrete work.
An update was given on the Music in the Bluffs series. Over 200 people attended the final event on August 17 featuring the Rutabaga Brothers.
The gravel on Deep River Road has been put down.
Grossell worked with City Attorney O’Koren on a dog that had been reported as running at large. A letter was sent to the dog owner. The owner contacted O’Koren and has since made upgrades to fencing and purchased a new shock collar, which seems to have alleviated the situation.
A meeting date for the Fillmore County Hazard Mitigation Plan has not been set yet. Grossell will keep the council updated once a date has been set. Documented participation is required.
Miscellaneous
City Maintenance worker Randy Berekvam reported that there are approximately 65-70 gallons of gas remaining in the city gas tank.
A representative from Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) will be attending the November 12 council meeting with an annual update and presentation.
After attending the League of Minnesota Cities New Clerk’s Conference, Grossell reported to the council that she learned a lot and that it was “well worth the time” to attend.
The Diane Knight Poetry Project will take place September 17 at 7 p.m. at St. Mane Theatre. The public is welcome to attend. The city of Whalan acted as the fiduciary on the project. The event coincides with Knight’s birthday, which will also be celebrated.
The Root River Trail Towns Annual 60-Mile Garage Sale will take place September 13 and 14.
For more information visit the City of Whalan website at cityofwhalan@goacentek.net.
The city will sponsor an ad as part of the Oktoberfest/Fall Craft Beer & Wine Festival. Cost of the ad is $39.
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