After viewing revisions by the City of Lanesboro to the contract between the City of Lanesboro and the City of Whalan for administrative and city clerk services, the Whalan City Council approved the contract.
The virtual council meeting on May 11, held via Zoom due to the COVID-19 pandemic, included Mayor Marlys Tuftin, Council members Kim Berekvam, Owen Lewis, Everett Johnson and Tanya Cook as well as Administrator Michele Peterson. There were several guests who also attended virtually.
There were no visitor comments.
Continued business
The Cost of Service Study was discussed. The only recommended changes that were suggested were to the usage rate. The topic was tabled until a future meeting.
The Whalan City Council received a response to the proposed contract between the City of Lanesboro, Michele Peterson and the City of Whalan for city clerk duties. The City of Lanesboro suggested that Whalan pay Peterson directly for payroll rather than it going through Lanesboro. Additionally, the charge for the use of the office space in Lanesboro will be $225 per month, which includes all postage, office supplies, etc. The only additional charge would be a phone line dedicated to the City of Whalan. The approved contract will be reviewed on an annual basis.
After a discussion on whether or not the City of Whalan needs to obtain a credit card for purchase of supplies, etc., it was decided to table the issue at this time.
Although there have been many people using the bike trail, there are no porta pottys in place, due to the pandemic. The DNR does not know at this time when the porta pottys may be delivered.
New Business
The 2020 Whalan City Council Meeting Schedule was approved. The October 2020 meeting will be held on October 13 instead of October 12, due to Columbus Day.
Licenses for all Whalan businesses were approved.
The City of Whalan has a safety deposit box at the Lanesboro bank. No current council members have a key for the box or know where one is located. The safety deposit box has not been accessed since Merchant’s Bank took over the building and it is unknown when last it was accessed or what the contents are.
In order to get into the safety deposit box, a $200 fee is required for drilling it. Peterson and one council member, along with a bank official must be present when the box is opened. The City of Whalan has been paying for the safety deposit box, with the current rate being $45 per year.
The council approved paying the fee to have the safety deposit box opened.
Peterson spoke with AcenTek regarding the possibility of having a phone line dedicated to the City of Whalan. The calls would be forwarded to the Lanesboro City Office. There would be a one time set up fee of $18 and a monthly cost of approximately $37 for the phone line. It was decided to set up this phone line for the City of Whalan, with the fees as described.
Reminders will be sent out to four residents who are behind on their electric utility bills.
A Non-Compliant Notice will be created for use when properties are not in compliance with city ordinances such as keeping grass mowed, noxious weeds, etc.
Peterson suggested the City of Whalan having an online presence. She will look for an option with no fee, but where the minutes of meetings and other city information could be posted.
The next Whalan City Council meeting will be held on June 8 at 5 p.m., via Zoom. For further information contact Peterson at the Lanesboro City Office, (507) 467-3547.
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